Fruit picking in Southern California has become very popular in recent decades. Now, Californians consider fruit picking the best thing to do in Southern California.
Two major cities in Southern California, San Diego and Los Angeles, both have several top fruit-picking farms that you should check out.
I myself am also a big fan of fruit picking, and if it is in California, then I’m in. Because of suitable weather in California, the number of fruit picking farms is increasing.
Finding the best fruit picking in SoCal can confuse you because not all fruit picking farms stay open for a year. Only some of them open their door all the time.
But, here I’m going to give you the list of the best fruit-picking farms in Southern California with addresses and hours of operation.
Fruit Picking In Southern California
Tanaka Farms, Los Rios Rancho, Villa del Sol, Julian Farm and Orchard, South Coast Farms, and Kenny’s Strawberry Farm are the best Fruit Picking in Southern California by considering all facilities.
The 13 best fruit picking farms in Southern California:
- Tanaka Farms
- Underwood Family Farms
- South Coast Farms
- Los Rios Rancho
- Carlsbad Strawberry Company
- Kenny’s Strawberry Farm
- Temecula Berry Co
- Guldseth Cherry Orchards
- Villa del Sol
- Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch
- Stehly Farms Organics
- Julian Farm and Orchard
- Berumen Farms
1. Tanaka Farms
Tanaka Farms is one of the best fruit-picking farm in Southern California. Tanaka Farms started its journey in the early 1900s from Japan.
Since 2003, Tanaka Farms has become famous as a U-picking farm because of hosting several families and school education programs.
Now, Tanaka Farms is not only a famous fruit picking farm in Southern California, but people from all over California state come here to enjoy fruit picking.
Tanaka Farms grows over sixty different fruits and vegetables throughout the year. In every season, you find different colorful fruits to eat.
For strawberry picking, Tanaka Farms is well known all over the city of Irvine, California. Tanaka Farms is a family-oriented and also kid-friendly farm.
Varieties of activities are currently hosted by Tanaka Farms, such as Melon Tours, CSA Program, Market Stand, U-Pick Wagon Rides, Chicks & Sprouts, Hilltop Luncheons, and many more.
U-Pick Wagon Rides is my favorite because you can go all over the farms on a wagon and all the vegetables and fruits.
Pets are not permitted in Tanaka Farms, so don’t bring your dog. Public drinking water is not available, you should bring your water, or you can buy a water bottle for $2.
Tanaka Farms opens its gate at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. every day. On some public holidays, the farm stays closed, so contact them before coming on any holiday.
- Admission Cost: $10 per person
- Address: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, California – 92612, United States
- Contact: Phone Number – +1 949-653-2100, Email – [email protected]
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2. Underwood Family Farms
Underwood Family Farms is a prominent fruit picking farm in both Los Angeles and Moorpark cities of Southern California.
For over forty years, Underwood Family Farms has been farming fresh fruits and vegetables. Now, Underwood Family Farms has two different farm locations in California.
Underwood Family Farms grows strawberries, pears, berries, bananas, citrus, mangos, papayas, pineapple, grapes, cherimoyas, apples, and more fruits and vegetables.
Currently, Underwood Family Farms also hosts several events, including kid’s special events.
Here, your kids can learn and attend educational farm tours and farm camp tours which might give enjoyment and also proper education about farming.
In almost every season, Underwood Family Farms hosts farm tours where you can join.
Some popular events are Tomatomania, Springtime on the Farm, PYO Romas, Christmas on the Farm, and Fall Harvest on the Farm.
But, I strongly recommend you to join the Christmas on the Farm event because it’s more fun and also you can learn so much about farming.
Buy fruit and vegetables from Underwood Family Farms farmer market at a low cost.
Underwood Family Farms attend fifty farmer’s markets every week in Southern California.
No dogs and any animals are allowed in Underwood Family Farms and its farmer market area.
If you want to join any event or tour, then make sure to make a reservation by calling them. On Underwood Family Farm’s official website, you also find the farm’s events schedule.
Underwood Family Farms opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. daily. But, both Underwood Family Farms’ locations stay crowded on weekends.
- Admission Cost: $7 on weekdays, $10 on weekends
- Address: Moorpark Farm Market, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021 And Somis Farm Market, 5696 Los Angeles Ave, Somis, CA 93066
- Contact: Phone Number – 529-3690, Email – [email protected]
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3. South Coast Farms
South Coast Farms is the only family-owned farm located in the city of San Juan Capistrano, California.
Since 1996, South Coast Farms has been growing fruits and vegetables and giving u-pick facilities to visitors.
South Coast Farms claim that they do not use any pesticides and fungicides to grow fruits and vegetables.
South Coast Farms offer a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that was established in 2000 by the owners.
South Coast Farms (CSA) members receive a box of seasonal products once a week or bi-weekly, and every box contains over 15 different types of fruits.
Many locals of San Juan Capistrano are members of the South Coast Farms (CSA) program.
South Coast Farms fruit and vegetable farmland and U-Pick farm are different locations, but both locations are situated in Orange County.
South Coast Farm’s vegetable and fruit Farmstand in Dana Point and South Coast Farm’s fruit picking in San Juan Capistrano.
South Coast Farm’s locations stay open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Admission Cost: $5 per car
- Address: 24040 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point, California 92629, United States
- Contact: Phone Number – 1 949 661 9381, Email – [email protected]
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4. Los Rios Rancho
Los Rios Rancho is one of the oldest fruit picking farm in Southern California. This farm was first established in 1906.
Now Los Rios Rancho is not only a fruit-picking place; it’s more than that. Over 300 acres of the farm is Los Rios Rancho.
Los Rios Rancho hosts private farm events, farms to the table, proposal carriage, farm festivals, and more unique events.
But, as a wedding venue, Los Rios Rancho farm is widely popular in Southern California.
Devon and Shelli Riley are the owners of the Los Rios Rancho fruit picking farm. And now, their whole family is operating this farm.
Riley Family Enterprises is the parent organization that controls Los Rios Rancho farm.
Los Rios Rancho is well-known as an apple farm. They host several event tours in apple season every year.
This farm offers U-pick 7 days a week which I love to do the most. You may like this.
You will find Farm Kitchen, Country Store, and Nature Trails & Botanical Garden in Los Rios Rancho farm, where you can visit to be close to nature.
On Farm Kitchen, you will find several items to eat. I tried a Breakfast Sandwich; the taste was really good.
I strongly recommend you to visit Los Rios Rancho farm to eat fresh apples and go sightseeing in the beautiful city of Yucaipa, California.
Los Rios Rancho farm opens its gate at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. from Thursday to Tuesday.
Los Rios Rancho farm also hosts any school tour or education tour.
- Admission Cost: Vary on events and season
- Address: 39611 s. Oak Glen Rd., Yucaipa, California – 92399
- Contact: Phone Number – (909) 797-1005, Email – [email protected]
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5. Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Carlsbad Strawberry Company is located in the city of Carlsbad, California. This U-Picking farm is also famous in San Diego because Carlsbad city is near San Diego.
For four generations, Carlsbad Strawberry Company has been growing and feeding locals fresh fruits.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company was established in 1950, and the farm is still growing.
U-Picking strawberry facility makes Carlsbad Strawberry Company a popular fruit picking farm in South California.
U-Pick Strawberry Field, Sunflower Maze, and Tractor ride are the most common activities in Carlsbad Strawberry Company.
In strawberry season, Carlsbad Strawberry Company attracts the most families and visitors who come from all over the state of California.
When you want to get an experience of u-picking strawberries, I strongly recommend this farm if you live in SoCal.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company farm also hosts large events, like birthday parties and more.
From the Carlsbad Strawberry Company market, you can buy fresh strawberries at wholesale prices. I fill my bag with strawberries every time I go to Carlsbad Strawberry Company.
One thing I think is worth sharing is that Carlsbad Strawberry Company contributes to the local community by donating over 150,000 lbs of fruit every year.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company stays open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. But due to heavy rain and bad weather, the farm can be closed, so contact them before they come.
- Admission Cost: General Admission – $6
- Address: 1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States
- Contact: Phone Number – 760-603-9608, Email – [email protected]
6. Kenny’s Strawberry Farm
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm is a family-owned fruit picking farm that is located in Rainbow census-designated place in San Diego County.
Strawberry farm is Kenny’s Strawberry Farm’s main attraction, but they also have a restaurant in the farm area.
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm is really a kids-friendly farm where your kids can do various amenities.
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm hosts different types of events in various seasons per year.
Fall at Kenny’s is the most popular event for kids on Kenny’s Strawberry Farm.
I found the staff of Kenny’s Strawberry Farm is really friendly and very helpful.
The farm area of Kenny’s Strawberry Farm is not really that big, but the whole area is organized and clean.
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm offers special events for pumpkin and strawberry season.
To give your kids a wholesome experience of farming, Kenny’s Strawberry Farm is the best fruit picking in South California.
This farm does not stay all over the season; Kenny’s Strawberry Farm is open seasonally. So, connecting with them before coming would be the best idea.
- Admission Cost: N/A
- Address: 953 Rainbow Valley Blvd, Fallbrook, California 92028, United States
- Contact: Phone Number – +1 951-212-5805
7. Temecula Berry Co
Temecula Berry Co, also known as Temecula Berry Company, is a family-owned u-pick farm that was founded in the late ’90s.
Temecula Berry Co fruit picking farm is in Temecula city in Southern California.
As a blueberry farm, Temecula Berry Company is well-known in the city of Temecula, California.
Temecula Berry Company is growing fruits and blueberries on over 10 acres of land.
The interesting fact about Temecula Berry Co farm is that they sell food items made with their own blueberries.
You can buy blueberry jam, boysenberry jam, blueberry syrup, blueberry pound cake, local honey, blueberry chutney, and many more.
My friends and I visited Temecula Berry Co farm to taste its blueberries. I must say the taste of blueberry didn’t disappoint us.
This farm is perfect for u-picking because of less gathering and huge farm area.
In early spring, Temecula Berry Co farm stays a little busier than other seasons of the year.
I also suggest you bring your camera to take family photos and blueberry images.
Unlike other fruit picking farms in Southern California, Temecula Berry Co does not always open in a year. This farm stays open seasonally.
Avoid bringing your dog or any other pets to Temecula Berry Co farm because pets are not allowed.
- Admission Cost: Enter is free
- Address: 39700 Cantrell Rd, Temecula, California 92591, United States
- Contact: Phone Number – +1 951-225-5552
8. Guldseth Cherry Orchards
Guldseth Cherry Orchard & Vegetable Garden shortly only Guldseth Cherry Orchard is an old U-Pick fruit farm founded over 30 years ago.
Founder John & Sue Guldseth started Guldseth Cherry Orchard as a family business.
Guldseth Cherry Orchard is located in census-designated place Cherry Valley, Southern California.
Vegetables and fruits are completely pesticides and chemicals free, that’s why you can get the authentic and pure taste of fruits.
Guldseth Cherry Orchard harvests various fruits and vegetables in every season.
Such as, they harvest apricots in July, walnuts in the fall season, peaches in August, and a variety of colored vegetables from August through November.
Guldseth Cherry Orchard grows peppers, corn, squash, chives, beets, carrots, cucumbers, spinach, tomatoes, onions, peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, berries, and more.
This fruit farm also has u-picking facilities; hence you can pick fruits as you wish.
Additionally, Guldseth Cherry Orchard can let you eat fruits from the tree while you pick, which is a really unique approach.
But Guldseth Cherry Orchard & Vegetable Garden fruit farm is famous for cherry-picking all over Southern California.
You can take fresh and chemical-free cherries home only for $4 per pound.
From Monday to Sunday, Guldseth Cherry Orchard & Vegetable Garden farm is open at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.
- Entry Fees: Adults – $22, Seniors – $20, Children – $15, And kids under 3’ tall are free.
- Address: 9150 Whispering Pines Rd, Cherry Valley, California 92223, United States
- Contact: Phone Number – +1 951-845-2490
9. Villa del Sol
Villa del Sol Sweet Cherry Farm, also known as Villa del Sol, is a popular fruit-picking farm in Los Angeles, California.
The Shafer family started Villa del Sol Sweet Cherry Farms in 1999 in Leona Valley, California.
With over 25 acre area of cherry trees and 3,600 trees, Villa del Sol has become the largest you-pick cherry orchard in Southern California.
Villa del Sol farm is only open seasonally; that’s why connecting with them before coming would be a great idea.
Their contact number is always open to let you know when they are going to open.
You can buy cherries from Villa del Sol, but they do not allow you to eat cherries while you are picking them.
Villa del Sol Sweet Cherry Farms also has a minimum $6 purchase requirement.
Dogs or any other pet are not allowed in Villa del Sol Sweet Cherry Farms. So, you need to leave your dog in the car before entering.
I suggest you subscribe to the Villa del Sol email newsletter so that you will get an email when they open their gate for the season.
- Entry Fees: No Entry Fees
- Address: 6989 Elizabeth Lake Rd, Leona Valley, California 93551, United States
- Contact: Phone Number – +1 661-270-1356
10. Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch
Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch is a family-owned fruit-picking farm near Los Angeles.
Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch farm is also located in Leona Valley, California.
As a cherry orchard, Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch is very popular in Southern California.
But Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch also grows apples, peaches, pears, and other varieties of delicious fruits.
I must mention the well-organized management and great facilities of Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch.
Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch offers horse riding, tractor tours, and other kid-friendly activities.
Every cherry tree is 7 feet trimmed from each other, so you can pick cherries from one tree at a different angle.
Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch also has picking tables where you can take a seat to see the surrounding beauty and eat lunches or food.
Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch farm welcomes friends and family or large groups of people on their orchards.
Cherries and other fruits are totally pesticides and harmful chemicals free in Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch. So, you can take cherries to your home without any doubt about freshness.
Restrooms and parking facilities are also available at Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch farm. And you can park your car free of cost here.
I recommend you to visit Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch’s official website or call them before coming because they are only open seasonally.
- Admission Fees: N/A
- Address: 9811 Leona Ave, Leona Valley, California 93551, United States
- Contact: Phone Number – +1 661-270-9106
11. Stehly Farms Organics
Stehly Farms Organics is a popular fruit-picking farm in Southern California.
Since 1920 Stehly Farms Organics has been growing fruits and veggies. The Stehly Family founded Stehly Farms Organics.
But, Stehly Farms Organics fruit farm started a new journey in 2002 when Jerome and Noel Stehly accrued this farm.
Stehly Farms Organics is situated in Valley Center census-designated place near San Diego County.
Currently, Stehly Farms Organics fruit farm is offering various CSA programs for Southern Californians.
Several fruit picking farms have Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs in SoCal.
But, Stehly Farms Organics CSA programs have many more fruits and vegetables than other farms.
Stehly Farms Organics is growing reed avocados, ruby grapefruit, green beans, shallots, heirloom tomatoes, limes, curly kale, carrots, sweet baby bells, yellow watermelon, and valencia oranges.
And Stehly Farms Organics farm, all of the fruits are included in the CSA programs box.
- Admission Fees: N/A
- Address: 12630 Santa Catalina Rd, Valley Center, California 92082, United States
- Contact: Phone Number – (760) 742-1186
12. Julian Farm and Orchard
Julian Farm and Orchard is another u-picking farm near San Diego. Julian Farm and Orchard is about one hour east of San Diego city.
For over 25 years, Julian Farm and Orchard farm have been growing vegetables and fruits and also hosting various events for people of all ages.
Due to differentiation, Julian Farm and Orchard has become a famous fruit picking farm in Southern California.
This farm has a shop where you can buy fruits, kitchen stuff, apparel, handmade stuff, and pet stuff.
Julian Farm and Orchard is also famous for u-picking apple tours and bag events.
Not only apple picking, Julian Farm and Orchard also offers u-pick Raspberries, Strawberries, and Blackberries.
You are also going to find a petting zoo in Julian Farm and Orchard. The petting zoo has goats, pigs, sheep, lambs, and cows in the area.
Julian Farm and Orchard fruit picking farm stays open all season, but this farm is not open every week.
Julian Farm and Orchard stays open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I went to this farm for apple u-picking. My experience was really great; especially, their staff are very friendly. The whole farm is well managed by staff, and I’m also looking forward to coming back again.
Don’t forget to bring your kids because Julian Farm and Orchard farm has various amenities and activities for kids.
- Admission Fees: $10 Per person
- Address: 4381 Julian Hwy, Santa Ysabel, California 92070, United States
- Contact: Phone Number – +1 760-765-5494, email: [email protected]
13. Berumen Farms
Berumen Farms is a fruit and vegetable farm located in the city of Anaheim, California.
Berumen Farms is a famous fruit and vegetable store in Southern California.
They grow tomatoes, mangoes, strawberries, avocados, and other fruits and veggies. Their fruits and veggies are really fresher than any superstore’s fruits.
Especially, I recommend you to buy strawberries from Berumen Farms because it’s really delicious.
All seasonal fruits and vegetables are available at the Berumen Farms store, so stop by to see their fresh fruits.
Berumen Farms sells fruits by container, a little container of fruits will cost you only $4.50, which is really cheap.
Berumen Farms store is small compared to other fruit stores. That’s why I suggest you use any map application to locate this store.
On Saturday and Sunday, Berumen Farms stays closed, but on other days of the week, they open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Admission Fees: $4.50 Small Container
- Address: 210 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, California 92806, United States
Final Words
Fruit picking in Southern California is a great thing to do with kids, family, and friends.
In the last decades, the number of fruit-picking farms is also expanding because people love to u-pick fruits and vegetables.
Near San Diego and Los Angeles, you are going to find all the famous and top fruit-picking farms in SoCal.
Tanaka Farms, Los Rios Rancho, Underwood Family Farms, and Julian Farm and Orchard are my favorite you-picking farms.
Before going to any fruit picking, you should see their hours and opening. Most fruit picking in Southern California is open seasonally.
Most fruit-picking farms host events and tours for children. That’s why you should bring your kids to make them happy.
Pets are not allowed on fruit-picking farms, so if you bring your dog, leave your dog in the car or at home.
Check out all the seasonal amenities in fruit-picking farms to learn and enjoy more.
Vanessa Martin is the founder and content head of California Moments. Vanessa has been living in San Diego, California, since her childhood. Vanessa brings everything about the Golden States California and shares it with you through Californiamoments.com.