There is nothing like spending time with the family and picking your favorite fruits together. Spending a morning or afternoon on the farm is a simple pleasure that everyone in the family will surely enjoy. Heading out to a u-pick farm in Southern California is a great activity since the weather will be nice, and there is a ton to do out on the farms besides picking fruits and vegetables.
These are a few of our favorite u-pick farms throughout Southern California that are perfect for stopping into while traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm
- Address: 953 Rainbow Valley Blvd, Fallbrook CA
Down in San Diego County is Kenny’s Strawberry Farm, a perfect destination for picking ripe and juicy strawberries. Wednesday through Sunday, you can head down to the farm from 10 am to 6 pm and gather as many strawberries as your heart desires. The season typically runs from March until July, but they also open in late September for pumpkin picking.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
- Address: 1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad CA
Carlsbad Strawberry Company has been growing and selling strawberries for over 50 years. You can head to the farm between 9 am and 5 pm during the season to grab big, juicy strawberries for your entire family. The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid the heat, and the best part is the farm is open in mid-September for pumpkin picking as well. If you want to get your Carlsbad Strawberry fix, they still have a produce market open daily from 9 am to 4 pm for all your produce needs.
South Coast Farms
- Address: 33201 Ortega Hwy, SJC
This certified organic farm is excellent for picking high-quality fruit with various product options. The farm is located at Tree of Life Nursery, and when in season, you can head over to u-pick strawberries. If you can’t make it out but would love to produce, they send all their goods to their Dana Point Farm Stand for purchase. The farm will also host fall u-pick produce, so check their website for details.
Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch
- Address: 9811 Leona Ave, Leona Valley CA
Cherry season is a ton of fun for u-pick activities. Leona Valley is great for u-pick fun and has a beautiful backdrop for your entire day. Cherry season is usually around summertime and ends in June or July, so plan accordingly. The farm also sells a variety of fruit like pears, apples, peaches, and plums.
Valley Del Sol Sweet Cherry Farm
- Address: 6989 Elizabeth Lake Rd, Leona Valley CA
Head into the large cherry orchard at Valley del Sol for a great u-pick season with your family. Their cherry season runs from May until July, giving your family some time to enjoy the cherry season. The farm does not require an entrance fee to head to the orchard, and they have buckets on site so you can collect your harvest.
Tanaka Farms
- Address: 5380 ¾ University Dr, Irvine CA
Tanaka Farms has a little bit of everything, including u-pick wagon rides. Their farm is known for u-pick strawberries, and they hold strawberry tours during the weekend. In April, you can head out to the farm and experience the strawberry festival, and in the fall, they have a pumpkin patch. The best part is their walk-up produce market, open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Underwood Family Farms
- Address: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark CA
Underwood Family Farms has a variety of u-pick options throughout the season. The farm is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily and has an entrance fee of $7. The price includes free wagon rides, wagons you can take throughout the farm, and more. Their u-pick produce includes eggplant, carrots, flowers and herbs, squash, tomatoes, and more, depending on the season you visit. Make sure to check their website for what u-pick produce is available when you head out and if they are hosting any events.
Apple Starr Orchards
- Address: 1020 Julian Orchard Dr, Julian CA
Apple Starr Orchard is perfect for u-pick apples and pears. Starting in August, you can head to the farm for apple picking; no reservations are required. Be prepared to spend around $25 per bag, giving you 12 pounds of apples. Make sure to head out early since apple picking is popular at this location, and the trees are picked clean fast.
Heritage Park La Verne
- Address: 5001 Via De Mansion, La Verne CA
It’s rare to pick orange in California, but over in La Verne, you can make your dream a reality. January through March, The La Verne Heritage Society offers u-pick oranges. Every Saturday, for $5, you can get a bag to fill with oranges or grapefruits. The park also offers Christmas trees, a pumpkin patch, and summer concerts.
Picking your fruits and vegetables is a great way to bond with the family and share a special memory. Everyone will have a great time heading out to any of these farms and experiencing the fun of gathering their own crop together.