Oak Glen: The Ultimate Day Trip Destination for Apple Lovers

Oak Glen in San Bernardino County, California, is a great destination for a weekend getaway or a weekday day trip for families. It’s conveniently located close to the city but has a charming small-town atmosphere. The area has a rich history, with Native Americans originally harvesting acorns from the land and later settlers growing potatoes in the fertile soil. In 1876, Enoch Parrish opened the first apple orchard, and by the 1940s, several farms began selling apples, pies, apple cider, and apple butter to visitors at roadside stands. Today, visiting the Oak Glen apple orchards is a must-do family activity.

Oak Glen Apple Orchards & Farms

Apple season starts Labor Day weekend and continues through November. Oak Glen is renowned for its apple orchards; some orchards allow visitors to pick their apples.

• Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho Apple Farm: Riley’s Farm is a functional apple orchard and living history farm. The main U-Pick crop is apples; other crops, such as raspberries and peaches, might be available during the year. The farm has a gift shop that sells jams and jellies, a bakery and BBQ offering deli sandwiches, and various bakery items such as pies, handheld pies, turnovers, and cookies. https://losriosrancho.com/
• Snow-Line Orchard: There are no U-pick apples here, but U-pick raspberries are available. The roadside stand sells fresh apples, apple cider, and gifts. There is also a Tasting room with hard cider and wines. 39400 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, California. https://oakglenorchard.com/
• Willowbrook Apple Farm: Willowbrook is a small family-run orchard where “U-Pick” the Apples. Fall treats include freshly dipped caramel apples, apple chips, jams, and butter. They have a farm with animals, so it’s a great stop for kids. 12099 S. Oak Glen Rd. Yucaipa, California. https://willowbrookapplefarm.com/
• Parrish Pioneer Ranch: Farm fresh apples (free samples), wine tasting area, Restaurant and bakery, gift shop. No U-pick is available. https://www.facebook.com/parrishpioneer.ranch/
  Mom’s Country Orchard Store: Mom’s is packed with jams, jellies, honey, pesticide-free apples, and fresh fruit. 38695 Oak Glen Rd. Oak Glen, California. http://momsoakglen.com/

Oak Tree Village: Oak Tree is a 14-acre orchard of family fun in the heart of Oak Glen. They have a petting zoo and a mountain tubing slide, restaurants, shops, a play tree train, and pony rides. Music, entertainment, and special events are scheduled throughout the season, offering various activities for all ages. 38480 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, California.
https://oaktreemountain.com/

Oak Glen Wildlands Conservancy: This outdoor nature area offers trails to walk off some of the apple pie you enjoyed at the orchards. It’s open on weekends and most holidays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm but closed Monday through Friday. Monthly guided night walks take place on the third Saturday from April through December, weather permitting. The trail is free, but donations to the education programs are encouraged. Groups can be accommodated with a prior reservation. https://wildlandsconservancy.org/preserves/oakglen

Oak Glen School House Museum and Park: The Schoolhouse Museum is open Sat-Sun from noon to 4 pm. The Park is open every day during daylight hours. The museum offers a historical overview and provides free maps of the area. Tours are complimentary, but donations are appreciated. https://www.facebook.com/oakglenschool/

Oak Glen Directions:

• Give yourself enough time for the drive to have time for apple picking.
• Take the I-10 / San Bernardino Freeway from Los Angeles east to San Bernardino (approximately 50-60 miles).
• Turn right towards Cherry Valley (0.2 miles), then turn left (east) onto Cherry Valley Blvd. (3.4 miles).
• Turn left (north) onto Beaumont Ave. (0.8 miles).
• Road name changes to Oak Glen Road. You’ll reach Oak Glen in about five miles.

The best time to visit Oak Glen is in the autumn, the peak season due to the apple-related festivities. However, Oak Glen has its charm year-round, with different fruits coming into season at various times, not to mention the area’s natural beauty. While there are plenty of apples to purchase, U-Pick apples are scarce, and the apple orchards are picked out quickly.

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