Apple Picking in the California – The notion of apple picking is one that conjures up romantic images of happy families exploring picturesque orchards and picking crisp red fruit with golden leaves. The perfect family activity has been created, with no tech in sight! As you explore California in the autumn be sure to get out into the countryside to enjoy the delights of the traditional, bucolic orchards and take some time enjoying the most classic of fall activities – pick-your-own apples!
Apple picking season in California begins in mid August and continues through to the end of October.
Please do check opening times and more details with each farm before your visit, just in case anything has changed since we published this post. Enjoy your apple picking!
Apple A Day
13128 Occidental Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Apple-A-Day at Ratzlaff Ranch is a “local, family-run business in Sebastopol, CA. We raise apples and pears and make our award winning Apple-A-Day apple juice. Our juice/cider is made using 100% pure premium apples, absolutely nothing added. Our ranch grows Gravenstein, Golden Delicious, and Rome apples. U-pick is offered September & October.”
Clearview Orchards
646 Trabing Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
Clearview Orchards produces the finest “CCOF certified organic apples. Whether you want to pick your own apples or simply pick up some organic fruit from our Apple Barn to take home, Our orchards are the place to create lifelong memories with the whole family. In addition to apples, Clearview Orchards sells fresh apple juice, delicious apple turnovers, organic squash, pumpkins, dried lavender, honey, and more. The orchards are in a beautiful terraced setting overlooking the valley of Watsonville, Only 3 miles from the ocean and La Selva beach. We hope to see you here soon!”
Gizdich Ranch
723 Lakeview Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
Gizdich Ranch offer various u-pick fruits. “Pik-Yor-Self – Strawberries, Olallie berries, Boysenberries, and Apples are available in our Pik-Yor-Self program. Experience the most fun part of growing fruits, here at the Ranch! Combined with fresh air, sunshine and a little sweat, it’s a whole lot of fun for the kids and the entire family. Don’t forget your camera.
Call for our opening dates and prepare for a fun day of picking delicious fruit. Bring your own containers or let us provide boxes for a small fee.
When everyone’s ready for lunch, picnic behind our sales barn and let the kids play. Plan to see us soon!”
Cloverfield Organic Farm
501 La Paloma Rd, El Sobrante, CA 94803
Cloverfield Organic Farm “are the first certified organic farm in El Sobrante. We grow a wide variety of small amounts of fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and potted plants. We host weekly u-picks on Fri., Sat. and Sun. We offer different sizes to meet everyone’s needs. No need to call ahead, if the open sign is out, please drive on down and we will give you a tour and tell you what is ready for ‘the pickin’. Alternate u-picking times and farm visits can be arranged by calling ahead to Farmer Michael.
In May and June – Elderflowers, green wild plums, a few strawberries, mints (chocolate, apple, and strawberry-flavored), horseradish roots and leaves, Greek oregano, lemon balm, German thyme, Greek mountain tea flower stems, nopales pads, young grape leaves, rau ram, garlics, potatoes, green onions, chives, lettuce, beets, kale, marshmallow leaves, calendula flowers and seed heads, arugula, komatsuna, rosemary, sweetheart pink roses, catnip, epazote, lavender flowers, asparagus, chamomile, wormwood, purslane, bay leaves, borage leaves and flowers, dandelion greens, and rhubarb
Things that we expect to have available for u-picking in September include the following – Autumn berries, apples, Chilean guavas, Emeryville pink grapes, tomatoes, beets, sweet peppers, mild hot peppers, fiery hot red manzano peppers, rhubarb, squashes, a few figs, cucumbers, horseradish, lemon verbena, mints, and oregano.“
Swanton Pacific Ranch
480 Swanton Road, Davenport, CA
Swanton Pacific Ranch “CCOF Certified Organic U-Pick Apple Orchard opens at the end of September.
We are excited to open our orchard gates once again. There have been many changes in the valley but we are glad to be serving the community again!
Friendly reminders: (1) payments must be cash or check; (2) no pets are allowed in the orchard; (3) park inside the orchard gates.
Enjoy the harvest!”
Chileno Valley Ranch
5105 Chileno Valley Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952
Chileno Valley Ranch is located in the rolling hills of Coastal Marin.
Tucked in a spectacular valley outside Petaluma, Ranchers Mike and Sally Gale raise grass-fed beef, offer u-pick apple picking in the fall, and host a small number of farm weddings and corporate events each year.
Enjoy a day of family apple picking in our orchard with organically grown varieties such as Orin, Pinova, Candy Crisp, and Jonagold. We are open for u-pick on Sundays only, during August, September and sometimes October.”
EARTHseed Farm
Established in March, 2021, EARTHseed Farm is a “14-acre solar-powered organic farm and orchard located on the ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Peoples in Sonoma County, California.
This list includes what is generally available according to the season.
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July: Plums, Pluots, Blackberries
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August: Pluots, Gravenstein Apples, McIntosh Apples, Blackberries, Raspberries
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September: Gilbert Golden Delicious Apples, Gala Apples, Braeburn Apples, Raspberries
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October: Fuji Apples, Rome Apples
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November: Fuji Apples, Persimmons, Pineapple Guava
August-November: We also grow a variety of Asian Pears, including Hosui, Shinseiki, 20th Century, Chojuro, Niitaka, Shinko, Ya Li. Pears are available mid August through mid November, at the farm store.”
Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho
39611 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho “are a family run operation specializing in historic events and heirloom apple growing.We work hard to create a family friendly and wholesome atmosphere that call on early American traditions. During the fall season we offer festive activities such as U-pick apples and Pumpkins, horse drawn carriage rides, u-press cider and more.
We are open all year with our cafe and country store, and continually offer specialized public and themed events such as Called dances, themed dinner parties, weddings and more.
We proudly tend more than 150 acres of dedicated farmland and offer a variety of organically grown berries, apples, pumpkins, corn and chestnuts.
U-pick Strawberries – June through September while produce lasts.
U-pick Raspberries – Late July – September while produce lasts.
U-pick Apples – Late August-Early November while produce lasts.
U-pick Pumpkins – October – November while produce lasts.
I can’t see it stated on the webpage but a sunflower field is mentioned on Instagram.”
Willowbrook Apple Farm
12099 Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen, CA 92399
Willowbrook Apple Farm orchard was “planted in 1910, making our Stayman-Winesap apples over 100 years old. Willowbrook Apple Farm is a small, family-run operation and is the best-reviewed farm in Oak Glen, CA. We hope you will visit us and allow us to welcome you to Willowbrook Apple Farm.
Our apple picking season (FALL) begins in October and runs based on the crop, so it’s always TBD how long we will be selling apples. There are many other adventures to explore and we know you will enjoy visiting Oak Glen anytime!
Organically grown blackberries and raspberries.
Fresh berries? Yes, please! Come enjoy fresh raspberries and blackberries right off the vine. Our raspberries and blackberries are TBD based on the crop for the 2022 season, we are watching them and will let you know when they are available.
We also recommend you visit our country store in the fall and try our jams and sauces. Raspberry and blackberry preserves, blackberry syrup, jalapeno raspberry jam and more. Delicious!”
Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard
12131 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard “are a working family micro-farm & seasonal gardens. We cultivate the senses through nourishing food, beauty from our regional landscape, crackling campfires, and the scent of freshly picked blooms. We savor moments in their season, supporting our community based regenerative apple orchard and agricultural learning space.
STARTING IN OCTOBER – APPLE PICKING BEGINS THE FIRST WEEKEND IN OCTOBER
Stayman Winesap – An heirloom treasure
A true autumn apple and famed to be one of the finest heirlooms around, the Stayman-Winesap is a complex variety with a robust spice, wine-like flavor and crisp texture. This delicious variety has both sweet notes with a tart finish. Stayman-Winesap’s thick skin keeps this juicy apple fresh longer than most other varieties.”
Stone Pantry Orchard
11993 South, Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
The Stone Pantry Orchard is a “rustic & fun apple orchard in Oak Glen. We have u-pick apples, pears & wild blackberries. You can also press your own cider!
U-Pick Apples, Pears, Blackberries, Pumpkins
Pick your own fruit. We give you a pickin’ pole and a bag. Sold by the pound. Apple picking is fun for the whole family!”
Snow-Line Orchard
39400 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Snow-Line grow apples but they are not upick. Snow-Line Orchard is a “family owned apple farm, winery & cidery in Oak Glen, CA and the surrounding area. We provide a variety of fun & exciting activities, including wine tasting, raspberry picking and more. We provide friendly service from a family business, a beautiful picnic area with the oldest Italian chestnut tree and mini apple cider donuts that are a huge hit.
Our original packing shed, historic cider mill, ancient chestnut tree, and beautiful picnic grounds make the perfect backdrop for your next family outing. It is always cooler in Oak Glen so come enjoy some fall weather with our mini cider donuts and Augies coffee or escape the summer heat to our picnic area while enjoying a glass of our very own hard cider or wine.
We carry a broad selection of products; fresh apples and cider, u-pick raspberries, cider mini donuts, artisan balsamics and oils, local honey, unique gifts, and farm made wine and hard cider.”
Apple Starr Orchard
1020 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
The original orchard at Apple Starr Orchard was “planted by the Farmer family after whom “Farmers Road”, the road to the town, is named. Apple Starr Orchard parcels cover approximately 28 acres of which 8 acres are planted with apples and pears. Parts of the land were earlier used as a milk dairy. The old barn was constructed in the early 1900s.
The Orchard
There are approximately 1000 trees with their numbers balanced between apples and pears. The trees range in age from 20 to 70 years and the majority have low branches that children can access. We only use certified organic products and are inspected annually to maintain our certification.
Granny
Bright green apple, flesh is bright white and crisp in texture with a tart, acidic, yet subtly sweet flavor.
Jonagold
Has a sweet-tart taste, large in size its flesh is crisp, juicy and creamy yellow in color.
Roma
Creamy yellow flesh is crisp and dense offering a mildly sweet and tangy flavor.
Arkansas Black
Highly aromatic and sweet-tart flavor mellows, with a fine-grained and crisp texture.
Red Delicious
Mildly sweet flavor, creamy white flesh is slightly crisp.
Wealthy
Crisp with a tart flavor, apple is excellent and delicious.
AND MORE Fuji, Gala, Wealthy”
Old Peacefield Orchard
3803 Wynola Rd, Julian, CA 92036
3803 Wynola Road – Old Peacefield Orchard, “under the ownership of Ken Browning, is home to 200+ thriving apple trees bearing Reds, Goldens and Granny Smiths. Situated on 2 1/2 acres, many of our apples are from the original dry-farmed planting. Reputed to be the oldest apple tree in Julian, Granny Gravenstein lives on at Peacefield.
Ken reports that due to fresh pruning and watering,
“This year the apples from Gravenstein came on like gangbusters (earliest maturing) and then Jonathans, Jonagolds, Golden and Red Delicious followed, we’re now finishing up with Granny Smith, tart and good for pies.”
The farm stand will reopen in August for the Apple Season. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. until 2 p.m.”
Volcan Valley Apple Farm
1284 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Julian Farm and Orchard
4381 Julian Hwy, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Julian Farm and Orchard is “located just an hour east of San Diego in the Wynola neighborhood of Julian.
Our 25-acre sustainable farm includes sprawling apple orchards and lush agriculture making us a truly unique destination for all visitors. The petting zoo area offers an up-close encounter with the friendly animals who call the farm their home. Our welcoming staff loves to see each guest who visits and ensures a safe and memorable experience for all.
Other experiences during the year include tractor-pulled hayrides, axe throwing, picnic areas, hammocks, a gift shop and various food and beverage options.
Our schedule includes U-Pick Daffodils during March and April; U-Pick Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries and Sunflowers during June, July and August; with U-Pick apples and our famous Pumpkin Patch during September and October of each year.”
Corcoran Ranch Apple Orchard
8385 Miramar Mall, San Diego, CA 92121
You can pick Granny Smith apples at Corcoran Ranch Apple Orchard.
“Picking Hours: 10:00 am-4:30 pm
We provide plastic bags, pickers, 6 picnic tables, and recipes.
No dogs, please.”
Also see our post on Apple Picking in other states, and fruit farms in the California.
