Apple picking season is here, and you can bring your kids out for an apple picking in San Diego adventure everyone will love. San Diego County has a plethora of amazing orchards your family can stroll through to find the perfect apples to bring home and maybe snap a few fun fall photos.
These are our favorite orchards to visit in San Diego County. Most of the orchards below were affected by the hurricane that swept through San Diego in 2022, so make sure to pop over to their websites and social media for up-to-date hours and essential details before visiting for your apple-picking fun.
Crosscut Farm and orchard
- Address:1209 Farmer Rd, Julian, Ca
Crosscut Farm and Orchard sits in the mountains of Julian right before the Volcan Mountain. This small mom-and-pop orchard requires reservations before apple picking with a maximum of 50 people per group. They have limited u-pick dates, so make your reservations fast. Their apples range from about $20 per ½ peck bag, around 7-8 pounds of apples. There is also an arts and crafts shop on the farm that you can explore.
Apples and Art Orchard
- Address: 1052 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian CA
Apples and Art Orchards offers all-natural, no pesticides or GMO apples for your family’s enjoyment. Their apples cost $15 for a half peck of apples and while visiting, stop by to watch their free apple cider making and tasting experience. Reservations are required, and there is an upfront cost of $75 to hold your reservation. They also suggest not using GPS to get to the orchard; it’s usually wrong, so head to their website for directions.
Julian Farm and Orchard
- Address: 4381 Julian Hwy, Julian CA
Julian Farm and Orchard do their u-pick apples a little different. U-picking is only available with a reserved farmer-guided educational tour. The tour costs $10 per person, and the u-pick is $20 for a bag. The farm also offers activities, food, and a gift shop. Their pumpkin patch also opens in mid-September for more fall fun.
Volcan Valley Apple Farm
- Address: 1284 Julian Orcahrd Dr , Julian CA
Volcan Valley Apple Farm is a small farm in Julian that offers u-pick apples starting at the beginning of September. Their apples range in price from $15 for a bag to $50 for a bushel box. Make sure to check their social media for updates on apple picking.
Julian Mining Co
- Address: 4444 Hwy 78, Julian CA
Julian Mining Co. starts their apple picking late in the season, so plan to head out mid-October for fall fun. Their orchard is first come, first serve with a $2 per person fee, plus $18 for a 1/4 peck bag. Their hours are 10-4 on Saturday and 12 pm to 4 pm on Sunday. While there, let the kids have fun at their gem mining station or gold panning, plus they offer tomahawk throwing, dig piles and train rides.
Calico Ranch Apples and Cidery
- Address: 4228 Firefighter Steven Rucker Memorial Hwy, Julian CA
Calico Ranch Apples and Cidery are the best of both worlds. Head out for a fun day of u-pick apples but stay for a delicious glass of cider. The orchard was planted in 1930 and is one of the oldest remaining farms in Julian. They open at 9 am with u-picking happening on Saturday and Sunday. The cidery is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.
San Diego County is perfect for apple picking and visiting the orchards. The area is excellent for exploring and making a day of it, plus you get a load of treats and snacks while doing so. Have fun exploring San Diego County during the fall.