Visiting a u-pick farm in California is pretty much life goals for a food lover. Across the state, u-pick farms in California offer a unique opportunity to slow down, connect with the land, and get your hands on the freshest produce around.
I’m a born-and-raised Californian and a food expert with years of experience traveling across the state. As such, I’ve come to know our California farms not just from social media, but from exploring farmers’ markets, farm stands, and meeting the farmers.
Here at Salt & Wind Travel, I offer California travel services, including crafting custom itineraries tailored to food lovers. When it comes to food activities in California, u-pick farms are often at the top of the list.
This article was created in collaboration with California Grown as part of our ongoing work to spotlight the people and places that shape the Golden State’s food story. I recently traveled through Southern California en route to the UCANR Agritourism Summit, where farmers, educators, and agritourism experts gathered to celebrate and shape the future of California’s food tourism. I’ve also been fortunate to help launch the brand-new Visit California Grown site, a go-to resource for planning farm stays, u-pick adventures, and more.
These u-pick farms are places I’ve personally visited or enthusiastically recommend to clients for a hands-on experience. From apple orchards in the Sierra foothills to strawberry fields near the coast, this guide highlights 15 u-pick farms in California where you can harvest your own fruit, meet local farmers, and enjoy a true taste of the Golden State.
15 U-Pick Farms In California To Know
If you’ve read about what is grown in California, then you know that the state is home to more than 450 specialty crops. That means local farms are never far away when you’re on a California road trip. Organized by region, here are some of the most iconic u-pick farms in California:
5 Northern California U-Pick Farms
Northern California’s u-pick farms span from the rugged North Coast to the Sierra foothills. While this region is diverse, prunes, olives, berries, apples, pears, and winegrapes are just a few of the crops grown here.
Impossible Acres (Yolo County)
Just minutes from the town of Davis, Impossible Acres is a seasonal u-pick favorite. This family farm has been growing berries and stone fruit since 1994. Visitors can pick olallaberries, blackberries, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, and even pumpkins in the fall. The farm also features a small petting zoo, making it an ideal stop for families looking to explore a working farm as you’re traveling from San Francisco to Sacramento or Lake Tahoe.
Impossible Acres U-Pick, 37945 Co Rd 31, Davis, CA 95616
Earth Seed Farm (Sonoma County)
This Afro-Indigenous, women-led, certified organic farm stands out for its regenerative approach. The u-pick season runs from summer to fall, and they offer a wide variety of produce, including berries, stone fruit, and apples in the summer, as well as persimmons, Asian pears, and even pineapple guava during the fall. The farm invites guests to pick their own fruit and seasonal vegetables, and often hosts community events centered on food justice and education.
Earth Seed Farm, 3175 Sullivan Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Chileno Valley Ranch (Sonoma County)
Set in a valley outside Petaluma, this family-owned ranch raises grass-fed beef and has a seasonal u-pick operation. Known for its heirloom apples and picturesque setting, this family-owned farm opens to the public on fall weekends for u-pick apples and farm tours. They offer 16 apple varieties, ranging from the popular Honey Crisp and Pink Lady to lesser-known apples such as the Arkansas Black, Mutsu, Northern Spy, and Wolf River.
Chileno Valley Ranch, 5105 Chileno Valley Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952
Johnson U-Pick Farm (Butte County)
Located north of Sacramento in Butte County, this family farm has a wide variety of produce available for u-pick. They are open two days a week from spring to fall and, depending on the season, offer a variety of produce, including peppers, tomatoes, berries, stone fruit, pumpkins, and even kiwifruit. Make sure to bring your own containers for picking (and water!) and don’t miss out on their ice cream, such as Apricot Walnut Caramel or Strawberry Brownie.
Johnson U-Pick, 113 Higgins Ave, Gridley, CA 95948
Noble Orchards (Butte County)
A legacy orchard that has been part of the Paradise community for over a century, this family-fun apple orchard has deep roots. Noble Orchards was one of the few to survive the Camp Fire, and they continue to thrive, thanks to the community’s support. Seasonal u-pick apples are the main attraction, although they also operate a small fruit stand and sell their produce at local farmers’ markets.
Noble Orchards, 7050 Pentz Rd, Paradise, CA 95969
5 Central California U-Pick Farms To Know
From the fog-kissed coastlines of Watsonville to the sunny heart of the Central Valley, Central California is the state’s agricultural hub. Farms offer an abundance of fresh produce, including berries, apples, squash, sweet potatoes, honey, tomatoes, almonds, walnuts, and stone fruit.
Live Earth Farm (Monterey County)
This certified organic farm on the Central Coast offers a seasonal u-pick option, a farm stand, an extensive Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and a variety of educational programs, including farm walks and field trips. Their u-pick operation focuses on berries and tomatoes in the summer, and also includes apples and pumpkins in the fall.
Live Earth Farm, 1275 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
Jack Creek Farms (San Luis Obispo County)
This historic family farm, located near Paso Robles, offers u-pick flowers, pumpkins, and apples. Kids can enjoy the old-fashioned soda stand and antique farm equipment, while adults appreciate the farm store’s house-made jams and honeys.
Jack Creek Farms, 5000 CA-46, Templeton, CA 93465
SLO Creek Farms (San Luis Obispo County)
Located just off Highway 101, this apple orchard employs organic farming methods and invites visitors to explore its rows of apple trees during the fall harvest. Bring a picnic and enjoy the farm’s tranquil setting and sweeping views of the Edna Valley.
SLO Creek Farms, 6455 Monte Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Avila Valley Barn (San Luis Obispo County)
A Central Coast favorite, this family-owned farm is a hit with families and weekend warriors. Avila Valley Barn is a u-pick paradise with apples, peaches, berries, and cut flowers, depending on the season. With hayrides, a petting zoo, homemade pies, excellent BBQ, and an extensive farm shop, it’s an iconic family-friendly farm stop just minutes from the coast.
Avila Valley Barn, 560 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Mountain Brook Ranch (Fresno County)
Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Clovis, Mountain Brook Ranch is a beloved seasonal destination for stone fruit lovers. This family-run farm is best known for its vibrant cherry orchards, which open for u-pick in late spring, drawing families from across the Central Valley eager to fill buckets with sweet, sun-ripened fruit.
Mountain Brook Ranch, 17971 Auberry Rd, Clovis, CA 93619
5 Southern California U-Pick Farms
With warm weather nearly year-round, Southern California’s u-pick farms offer long growing seasons and a wide variety of crops. But, for most locals, they think of leafy greens, strawberries, citrus, and avocados when talking about produce from Southern California.
Santa Barbara Blueberries (Santa Barbara County)
Located just off the 101 as you travel between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, this farm is a blink-and-you’ll miss-it situation. We often recommend this u-pick stop for our California Highway 1 travelers who prefer a spontaneous road trip, as it’s a perfect stop.
In summer, visitors can pick plump blueberries while enjoying views of the ocean and nearby Santa Ynez Mountains. It’s also a nice way to break up wine tastings in the Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez Valley region.
Santa Barbara Blueberries, 1980 US-101, Gaviota, CA 93117
Willowbrook Apple Farm (San Bernardino County)
Nestled in the foothills near Yucaipa, this charming family-owned farm specializes in u-pick apples and pressing your own fresh cider during the fall season. It’s a perfect stop for experiencing a traditional harvest vibe in Southern California.
Willowbrook Apple Farm, 12099 Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen, CA 92399
Underwood Family Farms (Los Angeles County)
Ask a Los Angeles local about farms in California, and they’re sure to mention Underwood Family Farms. This farm is a staple in Los Angeles County, and you’ll find their produce on the menus of local restaurants as well as at farmers’ markets.
But, Underwood is best known for its u-pick strawberries, blackberries, pumpkins, and more. The expansive property features a farm market, petting zoo, and seasonal festivals that draw crowds to special events, such as their fall harvest celebration.
Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021
Tanaka Farms (Orange County)
An Orange County gem, Tanaka Farms is known for its strawberry and watermelon tours, which are educational and hands-on. They also host fall and winter harvest festivals, offering produce boxes, and making it a true hub for local agriculture in an urban setting.
Tanaka Farms, 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
Carlsbad Strawberry Company (San Diego County)
Along the I-5 corridor, this seasonal farm opens its fields for strawberry picking in the spring and early summer. Later in the year, it transforms into a festive pumpkin patch and corn maze, making it a year-round attraction for families and foodies alike.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company, 1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
From the apple orchards of Paradise to the strawberry fields of Carlsbad, these u-pick farms in California offer a unique opportunity to connect with family farms, savor fresh produce, and support local farmers. These farms in California go beyond roadside stands—they’re immersive experiences where you can pick your own fruit, learn about sustainable agriculture, and connect with the people who grow your food.
Frequently Asked Questions About U-Pick Farms In California
U-pick farms in California (also known as pick-your-own farms) are working farms that allow visitors to harvest their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers directly from the fields or orchards. It’s a hands-on way to connect with local agriculture and enjoy seasonal produce straight from the source.
Depending on the season and region, U-pick farms in California offer a wide variety of crops, including strawberries, blueberries, cherries, apples, peaches, pumpkins, sunflowers, and even Christmas trees. Some farms also offer U-pick herbs, tomatoes, and grapes.
Some popular U-pick farms—especially during peak harvest times—do require advance reservations or tickets. Many others welcome walk-ins but recommend checking their website or social media for updates on availability, hours, and crop status before visiting.
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Local Farmers Markets In California
If you love supporting local growers, don’t stop at the farm gates—be sure to visit one of the Golden State’s many vibrant open-air markets. Explore our guide to 15 Local Farmers Markets in California, which features must-visit markets from Sacramento to San Diego. You’ll find everything from heirloom produce and small-batch cheeses to artisan bread and handmade goods, all while meeting the people who grow and craft California’s finest foods.
California-Inspired Recipes
Want to get a taste of the Golden State at home? Cook up these recipes inspired by the Golden State:
California Road Trip Travel Guide
Thinking about taking a road trip in the Golden State? You’ll want to check out our California Road Trip Travel Guide for travel tips, itinerary ideas, and more California-inspired recipes.
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Photo Credit: Photos by James Collier and Hilary Rance for California Grown
