Best U-Pick Farms & Orchards in Southern California
Southern California has U-pick farms and orchards where visitors can harvest strawberries, apples, berries, vegetables, flowers and other seasonal crops. This guide covers pick-your-own farms from Orange County to Ventura County, Julian and Oak Glen, along with farm activities, seasonal highlights and practical information for planning a visit.
Typical U-pick seasons: strawberries and berries are most common in spring and summer; apples generally peak from late summer into fall; pumpkins are a fall crop; and vegetables vary by farm and harvest conditions. Crop timing changes with weather and availability.
Before you go: Check the farm's official website or social channels on the day of your visit. U-pick crops can sell out, and hours, reservations, admission, weather closures and available varieties can change quickly.
Southern California U-Pick Farms & Orchards
Ventura County U-Pick Farms
Underwood Family Farms
Moorpark Farm Center
3770 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark
Hours: Check the official farm website for current hours and U-pick availability.
Located in Ventura County, the Moorpark Farm Center is a multi-generational farm that grows a variety of citrus, berries, and seasonal vegetables. Visitors can self-pick from the season’s best fruits and freshest vegetables right off the vine or visit the Market Store for already picked favorites.
The Moorpark Farm has 50 acres filled with activities and entertainment for every age and energy level. Take an old-fashioned hayride tour through the farm fields, spend some time feeding the farm animals at the animal center, or relax in the shade admiring the rainbow of red tomatoes just picked. Parking is free and children under two are also free. Seasonal vegetables at Moorpark vary and can include eggplants, tomatoes, broccoli, and beets.
Children can also enjoy picking their own flowers, Farmer Fred’s Chicken Show, and a train ride. Moorpark Farm offers seasonal events like Springtime at the Farm, Fall Harvest on the Farm and Christmas at the Farm that require special event tickets to be purchased online.
Somis Farm Center
5696 E. Los Angeles Ave., Somis
Hours: Check the official farm website for current hours and U-pick availability.
Somis Farm Center is Underwood Family Farms' original location and offers seasonal U-pick opportunities along with a farm-animal experience. Available crops and picking schedules change throughout the year, so confirm what is currently open for picking and any admission charges before making the trip.
Orange County U-Pick Farms
Tanaka Farms
5380 ¾ University Drive, Irvine
(949) 653-2100
Tanaka Farms is where OC residents go for an authentic farm atmosphere and U-Pick fruits and vegetables activities. Tanaka Farms also features barnyard story time, fun and educational tours, and cool workshops for children. U-Pick Farm Tours are a guided and tractor drawn adventure. All guests will be able to stop in the fields and pick what's caught the eye and appetite!
Tanaka Farms offers seasonal tours and farm experiences throughout the year. Programs, crops and reservation requirements change by season, so use the farm's current event calendar when planning a visit. See our Tanaka Farms guide for more details.
Depending on the season, U-pick experiences may feature strawberries, melons or vegetables. Reservations are commonly required for tours; confirm the current crop, tour format and ticket requirements directly with Tanaka Farms.
Hana Field by Tanaka Farms
427 Anton Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Hana Field is Tanaka Farms' seasonal Costa Mesa location, known for flower fields and seasonal events. Offerings vary during the year, so check Tanaka Farms for current opening dates, tickets and activities before visiting.
San Diego County U-Pick Farms
Julian Farm & Orchard
4444 State Hwy 78 Julian/Wynola CA 92036
(760) 765-5494
https://www.julianfarmandorchard.com/
Hours: Seasonal. Check the official farm website for current hours, tickets and U-pick availability.
Julian Farm and Orchard is home to everything country just as its website states. Prime apple picking season starts in September and runs through October. Julian Farms & Orchard is operated by The Julian Mining Company. You will be amazed at rows and rows of ripe Honeycrisp and Liberty apple trees. Raspberries, blackberries and strawberries are also available during the year for u pick farm fun.
Beyond U-pick crops, the farm offers seasonal activities that may include hayrides, cider pressing, farm animals, archery and other attractions. Check the current activity schedule before visiting.
Mid-September is when the much-awaited pumpkin patch adventure begins. Book a Farm Field Trip or Fall Pumpkin Patch Field Trip for special activities with a pioneer guide that include candle dipping, pioneer chores, and animal husbandry.
Volcan Valley Apple Farm
1284 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian
(760) 302-4574
Hours: Seasonal. Check current opening dates, hours and apple availability before visiting.
Volcan Valley Apple Farm is a seasonal Julian orchard with multiple apple varieties available during the fall harvest. Varieties and picking conditions change as the season progresses, so check the farm's current harvest update before visiting.
This u pick farm is very organized, has easy parking, and new shaded seating to sample your picks and have a piece of perfect pie. The Volcan Valley U Pick Season begins around the beginning of September and runs until mid-October.
Apple varieties and picking conditions vary during the season. Check the farm's current updates for opening dates, admission, bag pricing, pet policies and available varieties before visiting.
Oak Glen U-Pick Orchards
Snow-Line Orchard
39400 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen
(909) 256-0405
https://www.oakglenorchard.com/
Hours: Seasonal. Check the official orchard website for current hours and picking availability.
Did someone say doughnuts? Welcome to Snow-Line Orchard, home of the world-famous mini apple cider doughnut! Of course there are apple orchards to pick from and other exciting activities, too. This orchard has a huge following thanks to its mini doughnuts! Spend time watching the minis float along the “doughnut coaster” until they turn golden brown. These irresistible gems are made from a secret apple cider recipe, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and served warm.
This family-owned orchard is also a winery with home blends for tasting or spend some quality time by purchasing a tasting card to find your favorite. You can enjoy the afternoon in the picnic area with friends and family while sharing snacks and your new bottle of wine. The Orchard is flush with the sweetest raspberries for picking.
Visitors will enjoy beautiful mountain views, historic buildings, and fall foliage in every hue. Apple varieties are the most varied in the area with McIntosh, Braeburn, and the rare Mutsu. Guests can sample the apples and are delighted to see them quickly peeled and cored by the old fashioned apple peeler. Visit the original packing shed and tour the historic cedar mill. Visitors can purchase fine fares of artesian balsamic, local honey varieties, and crafted hard ciders. Snow-Line Orchard has been delivering “Sky High Quality“ for over 36 years.
Willowbrook Apple Farm
12099 S. Oak Glen Rd., Oak Glen
(909) 797-9484
Hours: Seasonal. Check the farm's current schedule and picking availability before visiting.
Willow Brook Apple Farm is the home of the exotic apple. Come pick rare apple varieties like the Stayman Winesaps, Sweet Sixteen, and you can’t miss the Double Delicious. Guests can participate in organic blackberry and raspberry picking right off the vine.
Come discover the most cherished part of the farm: cider pressing. Willow Brook takes cider seriously and uses 13 pounds of apples to press a half gallon of premium cider. It’s the perfect way to welcome the Fall season.
Visit the country store for autumn gourmet favorites like raspberry jalapeño jam, black berry syrup and clean crafted farm made wines. Wine tasting events are accompanied by a crackling bonfire, soft country music and the option to purchase an artfully curated charcuterie box.
Children can attend the amazing summer camp filled with arts and crafts, planting, tending to animals and much more. The fall u pick season kicks off with berries on Labor Day weekend.
South Orange County U-Pick Farms
South Coast Farms
33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano
(949) 661-9281
Dana Point Farm Stand
24040 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point
Hours: Seasonal. Check South Coast Farms for current farm-stand hours and U-pick dates.
Because reservations are not required, South Coast Farms is a great option when a family is spontaneous and wants an escape from electronics and screen time. South Coast Farms is located inside the Tree of Life Nursey and surrounded by lush mountains free from traffic and town noise.
Strawberries are the primary u pick fruit, and you can discover varieties like the Frontera and the San Andreas. Parking here is only $5. South Coast Farms is proud to grow environmentally friendly produce free of pesticides or harmful chemicals. Every week has different u pick options like hot peppers, bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers. Emily at the farm says South Coast is a classic farm and when the strawberry season ends, the farm kicks into full swing preparing for its Fall Pumpkin U Pick in October.
Be sure to check the website for upcoming dates at South Coast Farms. Founder Farmer George makes it easy in between u pick seasons by selling his crops of sweet watermelons, honeydews, cantaloupes and squash at the Dana Point Farm Stand.
