Looking for apple picking near Orange County? While Orange County doesn’t currently have a traditional U-pick apple orchard, several popular apple-growing destinations are within a day trip, including Oak Glen and Julian. Here’s where to pick apples in Southern California in 2026, along with current season information, orchard activities and tips before you go.
Is There Apple Picking in Orange County?
Orange County has several U-pick farms, but they do not currently offer traditional apple picking. For a U-pick apple orchard experience, Orange County families generally head to Oak Glen in San Bernardino County or Julian in San Diego County.
Apple Picking Near Orange County: 2026 Quick Guide
| Orchard | Area | 2026 Apple Picking |
|---|---|---|
| Riley’s Farm | Oak Glen | Seasonal U-pick; check current crop report |
| Julian Farm & Orchard | Julian | Expected early to mid-October |
| Riley’s Los Rios Rancho | Oak Glen | Check current availability |
| Stone Pantry Orchard | Oak Glen | Check current availability |
Apple Picking in Julian
Julian Farm & Orchard
4381 Julian Hwy, Julian, CA 92036
2026 Harvest Fest: September 4-November 15, Friday-Sunday, 10 AM-4 PM
2026 Apple Update: The early September apple crop did not produce this year. U-pick apples are expected in early to mid-October, subject to crop availability. Apple picking requires an Apple Tour reservation.
Julian Farm & Orchard has 2,000 berry plants, 1,500 apple trees and three acres of pumpkins planted for u-pick activities. Fall at the farm includes hayrides, cider pressing, farm animals, axe throwing, berry picking, pumpkin patch, and limited apple picking. Activities are available year round but subject to seasonal availability. Visitors may also participate in butter making, apple pie making demonstrations, and candle dipping. There are also several more apple picking farms in the area such as Crosscut Farm and Orchard, Ranchita del Reo & Mesa Blooms and Volcan Valley Apple Farm.
Apple Picking in Oak Glen
Riley’s Apple Farm
12261 S Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399
2026 U-Pick: Seasonal availability changes throughout the harvest. Riley’s current crop report should be checked before visiting.
Regular Farm Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM
The Original Riley’s Apple Farm in Oak Glen is one of the most popular apple picking destinations. They offer apple picking from August through October and cider pressing. Riley’s partners with Stone Soup Farm, a 130-year-old heirloom apple orchard, to offer a variety of u-pick opportunities and additional activities for the whole family to enjoy including kids crafts, panning for gemstones, shopping at the marketplace, and more. Apple varieties include Arkansas Black, Northern Spy, Pink Lady, Ozark Gold, Red Fuji, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Granny Smith, Newton Pippen, Grimes Golden, Baldwin, Spitzenberg, Golden Russet, Red Astrachan, Standard Delicious, Senshu, King David HoneyCrisp, Jonathan, Royal Gala, Maiden’s Blush, Glen Seedling, Snow and Dixie Red Delight. There is also mystery apple tree that has been on the farm so long nobody knows what it is.
Snow-Line Orchard and Stone Pantry Orchard are additional options in the Oak Glen area.
Riley’s Los Rios Rancho
39611 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399
Open September through End of Season
Open every day except Wednesday
Established in 1906, Riley’s Los Rios Rancho offers apple picking from Labor Day through Thanksgiving. Some of the apple varieties available for u-pick include Macintosh, Pearmain, Spartan, & Gala. There are also raspberries and strawberries available. In addition to apple picking, visitors can enjoy living history field trips, delicious food, freshly baked treats, crafts, nature trails, dances, and more. Experiences include a miniature farm that includes gold panning, rabbit run, barnyard animals, hay bale maze, coloring cabin and yard games. Wagon rides and a corn maze are there to enjoy as well.
Stone Pantry Orchard
11993 South, Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Stone Pantry Orchard offers seasonal U-pick apples and other produce. Families may also be able to press their own cider or take a farm tour. Crop availability, operating days and activities can change during the season, so check directly with the orchard for current 2026 U-pick details before visiting.
More U-Pick Farms Near Orange County
Moorpark Farm Center
3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, CA
Somis Farm Center
5696 E. Los Angeles Ave, Somis, CA
Both farms are open year round
Looking for U-pick produce beyond apples? Underwood Family Farms offers seasonal Pick Your Own fruits and vegetables, while our Southern California U-pick farms guide includes additional farms for berries, vegetables, flowers and other seasonal produce.
Smith Farms is another great local option (Irvine & Fountain Valley) for PYO fruits, vegetables and greens.
Before You Go Apple Picking
Apple availability can change quickly during harvest season, and popular varieties may sell out. Some orchards require reservations or limit U-pick to certain days. Check the orchard’s crop update and hours before leaving Orange County, especially if apple picking is the main reason for your trip.
Apple Picking FAQs
Where is the closest apple picking to Orange County?
Oak Glen is one of the most popular apple-picking areas for Orange County residents. Julian is another popular Southern California apple destination and can be a good option for a fall day trip.
When is apple-picking season in Southern California?
Apple harvest typically begins in late summer or early fall and continues into autumn, but timing varies by orchard, elevation, variety and the year’s crop conditions.
Do you need reservations for apple picking?
It depends on the orchard. Julian Farm & Orchard requires an Apple Tour reservation for apple picking, while other orchards may offer U-pick on designated days without the same reservation system. Always check before visiting.