Apple Picking in San Diego – 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 San Diego 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 near San Diego 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 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 check out our post on farms in San Diego as well as the best places for apple picking near me.