Northern California U-Pick Farms, Orchards & Tours

Where to find the best Northern California U-Pick Farms. Many growers allow you to pick their products right from the vine. Apples, cherries, citrus fruit, strawberries, pumpkins, and vegetables will be available depending on the season. A few farms on this list only offer farm tours but are worth visiting anytime.

Apple Hill U-Pick Apples El Dorado County

Apple Hill has been the perfect traditional fall family destination for half a century. Its mix of kid-friendly activities and adult attractions includes over 50 U-pick apple ranches. U-Pick apple season is Mid-September through November, blueberry picking in Mid-June, and U-Pick Pumpkins in October. Apple Hill is about one hour east of Sacramento.

Swanton Farm Stand & U-Pic Santa Cruz

Swanton Farm is a fun place to bring the family for a day trip. Along with seasonal U-Pick Strawberries, there is a cute little farm store. Inside the store are all kinds of goodies. Strawberry shortcake, cheesecake, chocolate-covered strawberries, boxes of plump ripe fruits, collectibles, and free jam tasting. Swanton’s seasonal U-Pick farm is at 640 Highway 1, Pescadero, CA 94060. Swanton Farmstand’s open year-round farm stand is situated at 25 Swanton Rd. Davenport, CA, 95017.

EARTHseed Farm Sonoma County

EARTHseed Farm is located 60 miles north of the bay area in Sebastopol. Depending on the season, the farm features U-Pick Apples, Persimmons, Raspberries, and Blackberries. Farm tours for schools and groups are also offered. Open weekends during the harvest season, the farm also has a store. To pick at Gabriel Farm, one person in your group must become a member of the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture.) EARTHseed Farm, 3175 Sullivan Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472.

Clearview Orchards Santa Cruz County

Certified organic apples for U-Pick or pre-bagged apples. Enjoy a day outdoors at this beautiful orchard off Highway 1 in Watsonville. A small store on the property sells apples, apple juice, honey, and fresh apple turnovers. Open mid-September through the end of October. Clearview Orchards 646 Trabing Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076.

Jessop Farms U-Pick Berries San Joaquin County

Jessop Farms features organically-grown U-Pick blueberries and strawberries. Open mid-May through July for picking. Local honey and produce from nearby farms can also be purchased. Bring along a picnic and enjoy a day at the farm. They have a beautiful play area for kids, including a bounce house and sandbox area. Jessop Farms 21386 S Murphy Rd Ripon, California.

Harris Orchards San Joaquin County

You Pick Cherries by the pound, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums. This family-owned farm makes a beautiful destination for a family day trip. U-Pick and farm produce stand is cash only. Address:18600 N Ripon Rd Ripon, CA 95366.

Arya Farm Produce San Joaquin County

Arya Farm in Tracy, California, offers seasonal pick-your-pomegranates and grapes. Farm fresh produce is available seven days a week at the farm store. Also, at the store, you will find fresh farm eggs, local raw honey, domestic olive oil, plus many more items. In addition, organic pumpkins are available during October. Arya Farm Produce 21459 S Reeve Rd, Tracy, CA 95304.

Northern California Farm Tours

Harley Farms Goat Dairy

Harley Farms produces critically acclaimed cheeses, goat milk baths, farm milk paint, and beauty lotions, all of which can be purchased inside the mercantile shop housed in a historic barn. If you want a tour around the farm, you must book in advance. For an up-close look at the farm, tours are a must. Tours are given on Friday, Saturday and last about two hours. Harley Farms 205 North St, Pescadero, CA 94060

Cover’s Apple Ranch Tuolumne County

Cover’s Apple Ranch is a fun family adventure. The apples are picked for you here, and they are amazing. Cover’s Apple Ranch features a restaurant, store, miniature train, petting zoo, and a small lake. Freshly baked apple pies, apple cider, applesauce, apple nut bread, berry pies, and take-and-bake frozen cakes. Ranch tours for schools can be arranged. Cover’s Apple Ranch 19211 Cherokee Rd Tuolumne, CA 95379.

Hilmar Cheese Factory Visitor Center

Hilmar Cheese Factory visitor center opened in 1998 and is a popular tourist stop along State Highway 99. Free self-guided tours and guided tours for schools and groups are available at the visitor center. Tours include hands-on exhibits, a movie, and a peek into the cheese manufacturing facility. Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center 9001 Lander Avenue Hilmar, California 95324 USA (209) 667-6076.

Southern California U-Pick Farms