Whether you’re savoring olive oil in Capay Valley or discovering a regenerative farm in San Juan Capistrano, California, farm tours offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the people and practices that shape the state’s remarkable food culture. These immersive experiences go beyond the farmers market to show you exactly how your favorite ingredients are grown and harvested.

Key Takeaways
- This guide highlights the best farm tours in California, organized by region—Northern, Central, and Southern California.
- What To Expect: Activities range from olive oil tastings and fruit picking to walking vineyard tours and learning about sustainable farming.
- Local Tips: Includes practical tips such as calling ahead, wearing farm-appropriate shoes, and supporting the farm by purchasing their goods.
As someone who grew up in California and built a career centered around food, I’ve spent decades experiencing our local farms. From farm dinners to wine tastings and prune harvests, I’ve seen firsthand how our family-owned farms form the foundation of California’s culinary identity.
Here at Salt & Wind Travel, we craft custom food-focused California travel planning, and many of the farm tours featured here are places we regularly recommend to clients who want to go deeper into the flavors and people behind their meals.
This story is published in partnership with California Grown and was inspired by a recent road trip I took with their team through Southern California, ending at the UCANR Agritourism Summit. That journey, and the conversations with growers along the way, reinforced the vital importance of agritourism in preserving California’s farming legacy.
I’m also proud to be a contributor to the new Visit California Grown website. That resource celebrates the diversity of our farms, making it easier than ever to discover farm stays, on-farm experiences, and agricultural adventures across the state.
In this guide, I’m spotlighting some of the most inspiring California farm tours, from lavender fields and pumpkin patches to olive oil mills and heritage orchards.

15 California Farm Tours And Farm Visits To Add To Your Next Trip
Whether you’re petting farm animals, tasting extra-virgin olive oil, or walking through a lavender field in full bloom, these farm tours offer an immersive way to understand the heritage and innovation behind California farms.
Depending on the time of year, many of these farms host special events, dinners, and hands-on workshops. Organized by region, this guide will help you plan your next journey to some of the most memorable farm experiences in the state.

5 Northern California Farm Tours
Northern California is home to a diverse range of farms, from dairy operations in Sonoma to wine-tasting estates in Mendocino. The cooler climate, forested terrain, and strong support for environmentally friendly farming methods make this region ideal for those seeking meaningful and delicious educational experiences.
Shakefork Community Farm (Humboldt County)
This worker-owned certified organic farm is rooted in regenerative agriculture and permaculture. Located near Fortuna, Shakefork offers a true educational experience that provides an opportunity to learn about composting, crop rotations, and the inner workings of a self-sustaining farm. It’s ideal for eco-curious travelers and families wanting a hands-on experience in Northern California.
Shakefork Community Farm, 7914 CA-36, Carlotta, CA 95528
Séka Hills Olive Mill & Tasting Room (Yolo County)
If you spend any time at farmers markets in the San Francisco Bay area, you’ll notice a lot of the produce comes from Capay Valley. There are many phenomenal farms in that part of California, but one of the most unique and best experiences is at Séka Hills.
Operated by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, this unique farm and olive oil mill offers guided tours that highlight both Native land stewardship and agricultural innovation. Their farm tours are available for groups of ten or more walking guests through olive groves, the pressing facility, and their tasting room, which features estate-grown olive oil, wine, and nuts.
Séka HIlls, 19326 Rd 78, Brooks, CA 95606
Philo Apple Farm (Mendocino County)
This Mendocino County gem is part working orchard, part culinary retreat. While you won’t find formal tours here, guests are invited to book farm stays, cooking classes, stroll the orchard, and taste the heirloom apple varieties grown using sustainable farming practices. Don’t miss the farm stand, where you’ll find homemade jams and baked goods.
Philo Apple Farm, 18501 Greenwood Rd, Philo, CA 95466
Redwood Hill Farm (Sonoma County)
This unique farm in Sonoma County specializes in humane animal husbandry and organic products, including award-winning goat milk cheeses.
On select weekends, Redwood Hill Farm opens its gates for seasonal farm tours, where visitors can meet their friendly goats, explore orchards and lavender fields, and learn about environmentally friendly farming methods.
Redwood Hill Farm, 2064 Gravenstein Hwy N, Building 1, Suite 130, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Apple Hill (El Dorado County)
One of the most beloved farm regions in the Sierra foothills, Apple Hill is an ideal place to spend the day, visiting farms, savoring wine tastings, and sampling seasonal treats. While it’s best known for fall apple picking and cider donuts, the region also offers u-pick berries, stone fruit, and even lavender.
A few favorite stops:
- High Hill Ranch: Tour the apple orchards, grab a slice of homemade pie, or browse the craft village.
- Delfino Farms: Family-run since the 1960s, they offer apple and berry u-pick, wine tasting, and farm-to-glass hard cider.
- Apple Ridge Farms: Enjoy a pumpkin patch, nature trail, and farm animals while sampling seasonal jams and baked goods.

5 Central California Farm Tours
Known as the breadbasket of the nation, the Central Valley and Central Coast are home to a diverse range of California farms that produce a wide variety of crops, including berries, apples, almonds, and lavender.
The Farm in Salinas (Monterey County)
Located in the heart of the Salinas Valley, this beloved destination serves as both a working farm and an educational center. Guided farm tours cover topics like pollinators, soil health, and seasonal planting. Families love the u-pick flower field, petting zoo, and farm store, which is packed with fresh produce and filled with local artisan goods.
The Farm In Salinas, Exit off Hwy 68, Spreckels Blvd, Salinas, CA 93908
Windrose Farm (San Luis Obispo County)
Nestled in the rolling hills east of Paso Robles, Windrose is a certified organic farm specializing in heirloom vegetables, fruit trees, and heritage breed animals. Their guided tours highlight sustainable farming practices, seed saving, and crop biodiversity. It’s a dream destination for gardeners, homesteaders, and curious food lovers alike.
Windrose Farm, 5750 El Pharo Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hambly Lavender Farm (San Luis Obispo County)
Tucked into northern San Luis Obispo County, this charming lavender farm offers summer tours that allow visitors to stroll through the rows of blooming lavender, learn about distillation, and browse for small-batch lavender products. It’s one of the most aromatic and photogenic stops on the Central Coast.
Hambly Lavender Farm, 1390 Grana Pl, San Miguel, CA 93451
Sweet Thistle Farms (Fresno County)
This newer agricultural business in Fresno County blends flower farming, seasonal produce, and agritourism events. While not always open to the public, their farm tour days and seasonal experiences (like flower cutting, pumpkin patches, or picnics in the orchard) offer a slice of the local agriculture scene in the Central Valley.
Sweet Thistle Farms, 5365 Mendocino Ave, Clovis, CA 93619
Simonian Farms (Fresno County)
This multi-generation agricultural business has been serving up stone fruits, grapes, and nuts for over 100 years. While not strictly a u-pick, the historic Western-style roadside stand and antique collection make it a charming stop in the Central Valley.
Simonian Farms, 2629 S Clovis Ave, Fresno, CA 93725

5 Southern California Farm Tours
From the lush hills of Julian to the regenerative revolution in San Juan Capistrano, Southern California farms reflect the region’s blend of progressive food systems, community education, and climate-conscious growing methods.
Apricot Lane Farms (Ventura County)
If you’re heading north from Los Angeles, consider stopping at Apricot Lane Farms. Featured in the award-winning documentary “The Biggest Little Farm,” this family-owned farm serves as a model of regenerative farming. Tours of the property are limited and book out months in advance—but if you snag a spot, you’ll see how animals, orchards, and crops coexist in a careful balance.
Apricot Lane Farms, 10700 Broadway Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021
The Ecology Center (Orange County)
A 28-acre certified organic farm and eco-campus, The Ecology Center serves as a hub for regenerative agriculture educational experiences, offering a range of programs from soil workshops to seasonal table dinners.
Activities here include hands-on demonstrations, market garden walks, and tastings of the season’s freshest produce. Their ethos? “If it’s good for the land, it’s good for the people.” A must-visit for those interested in the future of sustainable agriculture in California.
The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Temecula Olive Oil Company (Riverside County)
Established in 2001, Temecula Olive Oil Company is a proudly family-owned and operated business that produces small-batch, extra-virgin olive oils using environmentally friendly farming methods.
Visitors can choose between two locations for a tasting experience: the Old Town Temecula Tasting Room, set in the heart of the bustling historic district, or the serene ranch and olive groves just outside Temecula, where guided tours are offered regularly.
Temecula Olive Oil Company, 46780 CA-371, Aguanga, CA 92536
The Flower Fields (San Diego County)
Not your average farm, the Carlsbad Flower Fields are a seasonal spectacle of ranunculus flowers in bloom from March to May. While they don’t grow food, their role in the local economy and stewardship of land through composting and conservation make them a vital part of the Southern California agriculture scene. During the season, guests can tour the flower fields, enjoy tractor rides, and attend seasonal events, such as music nights and wine tastings.
The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Julian Farm & Orchard (San Diego County)
This family-friendly destination in the San Diego backcountry offers guided tours of its apple orchards, cider-making demonstrations, and interactive activities, including axe throwing and gold panning. In fall, it’s all about pumpkins and harvest fun—but year-round, it’s a place to connect with the agricultural history of the mountains east of San Diego.
Julian Farm & Orchard, 4381 Julian Hwy, Julian, CA 92036

Whether you’re touring a working lavender farm, sipping olive oil in Capay Valley, or walking the fields of a regenerative ranch, these farm tours in California offer something far beyond the ordinary. So the next time you’re road-tripping down the coast or planning a weekend in wine country, consider adding a farm tour to your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Farm Tours
Farm tours in California vary by region and focus, but many include walking through the fields, learning about organic farming or regenerative agriculture, sampling fresh products such as cheeses or oils, and meeting the farmers or animals. Some tours even offer hands-on workshops or seasonal harvest experiences.
Yes, many farm tours in California are perfect for families. Farms like The Farm in Salinas, Apple Ridge Farms, The Ecology Center, and Sweet Thistle Farms cater to kids with hands-on activities, educational experiences, and opportunities to interact with animals or participate in garden projects. Be sure to check the farm’s website for age guidelines and availability.
In most cases, yes. Popular farms—like Apricot Lane Farms or The Carlsbad Flower Fields during bloom season—often sell out, so it’s recommended to book your spot online in advance. Smaller farms may offer tours by appointment only.
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15 Iconic U-Pick Farms In California
This list of 15 farm tours is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unique food experiences in California. To get even more hands-on with your food, check out our list of 15 iconic u-pick farms in California, from Chileno Valley Ranch and Noble Orchards in Northern California to Underwood Family Farms and Tanaka Farms in Southern California.

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Photo Credit: Photos by James Collier and Hilary Rance for California Grown