Updated for 2024
Who wants to go strawberry picking? Have you ever wanted to pick your own fruit, fresh from the farm? Is there any other family activity that’s as fun — and delicious? Not to mention educational, since you can help your kids learn about where their food comes from.
These hard-working family farms, near Los Angeles, and all over Southern California, offer the chance to go strawberry picking (or any other fruit in season), and enjoy seeing your food in its natural state. Sometimes called “U-Pick,” the idea is you and your family will do a bit of work and get to eat all the fresh fruit you gather.
In Los Angeles, we are lucky to be able to pick fruit all year long, nearby, within just a couple hours’ drive. The time to pick strawberries is in the spring. You pick cherries in the early summer, and apple picking happens in the fall. But there are also blueberries, apricots, plums, and pumpkins, too — just to name a few others. Plus there are all the vegetables!
Have you been searching for “Strawberry Picking Near Me in SoCal?” Or wondered about a “Strawberry Farm near me?” We’ve got you covered! You’ll find a U-Pick Farm Near Me on this awesome Google Map.
You’ll Find:
- Child-Friendly Farms in Los Angeles County
- Strawberry Picking in San Diego
- Ventura County Family Farms
- U-Pick Farms in San Bernardino County
- Berry Picking Farms in Orange County
- Riverside County Child-Friendly Farms
- Berry Picking in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties
Related: Cherry Picking Los Angeles
Pick Your Own Fruit: Locally Grown and Farm Fresh
We’ve got a great big list of farms to take kids where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables. You can find U-Pick Farms in LA County, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and even San Diego County.
And if you’d rather not pick your own, most of these farms have terrific farm stands, some with drive-through, so you can get fresh fruit and veggies direct from the farm, whether you get your hands dirty or not.
Things to Know Before You Go
Wherever you go to pick, and whatever fruit you choose, we hope you and your family have a great time!
Looking for U-Pick farms all over California? Check out this great website.
Fruit in Season
When is strawberry season, and when can we pick cherries or oranges? Here’s a list of all the fruit seasons in SoCal:
- Strawberries are grown year-round, but many people think the peak season is from April-July.
- Citruses, like lemons and tangerines, are usually in season from February to October.
- Cherries can usually be picked in May and June.
- The blueberry season usually starts in May and lasts into August.
- Apple picking season usually begins in late September and lasts into November.
U-Pick Farms — Ventura County
The Store at McGrath Family Farm
1012 W. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010
(805) 983-0333
Fruits they grow: Strawberries, as well as other fruits and vegetables.
Farm Market Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (Closed Mondays)
U-Pick Information: $10 Admission. Picking season generally starts about April 15th each year. Be sure to check their Instagram and Facebook pages for the most up-to-date information.
Underwood Family Farms
2 Locations
Underwood: Moorpark Farm Center
3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, CA 93021
(805)529-3690
[email protected]
Fruits they grow: Strawberries, as well as many other fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, cauliflower, carrots, lettuce, and much more. Underwood is well-known for their seasonal festivals (Springtime Festival, Fall Harvest, and Christmas on the Farm).
Moorpark Farm Center Hours: Daily 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on certain holidays, closing early on the days before certain holidays. Check their website for details.
Underwood: Somis Farm Center
5696 E. Los Angeles Ave, Somis, CA 93066
(805) 386-4660
[email protected]
Fruits they grow: The Somis location has been open since 1980 and offers a variety of fruits, vegetables, and specialty food items (jarred products, pickled vegetables, dried beans, honey, farm fresh eggs, flowers, and more).
Pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, tangerines, and figs are offered by the season. Strawberries are usually available March through mid-June.
When you go, be sure to visit the Animal Center where you can see pygmy goats, alpacas, sheep, and chickens.
Somis Farm Market & Animal Center Hours: Daily 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on certain holidays, closing early on the days before certain holidays. Check their website for details.
In the fall, try our list of Farms for Apple Picking, many of which are located in San Bernardino County.
Pick Your Own Fruit — San Bernardino County
Los Rios Rancho
39611 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399
(909) 797-1005
[email protected]
Fruits they grow: Los Rios Rancho was established in 1906 and is known as the “largest and oldest Apple Farm in Southern California.” While they are known as an Apple Farm, Los Rios Rancho includes more than 150 acres and offers a variety of organically-grown berries, pumpkins, corn, and more. More than three acres are dedicated to strawberries, and picking season usually starts in mid-May. They also host a number of special events and festivals throughout the year.
Current Hours: Thursday – Tuesday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Family Farms
13406 Cypress Ave., Chino, CA
(909) 717-5871
Fruits they grow: Family Farms in Chino welcomes families to pick their own strawberries on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. No reservation is needed. $10 per person which includes entry and a basket of strawberries. For the most up-to-date information be sure to check their Instagram and/or Facebook pages.
Berry Picking Farms — Orange County
Tanaka Farms
5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
(949)653-2100
[email protected]
Fruits they grow: Tanaka Farms is a thirty-acre, family-owned and operated farm, established in 1940. Families can opt to take a Strawberry Picking Tour, which includes a guided wagon ride with multiple stops, allowing families the opportunity to pick fruit right where they’re growing. Strawberry Picking Tours are offered daily, beginning March 11th, 2024. Reservations may be made online. You can also opt to visit and pick strawberries without the tour. Tanaka Farms is also well-known for their seasonal festivals and many family-friendly events offered throughout the year.
Produce Market Stand & Gift Shop Hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
(Keep in mind – all tours and activities require a reservation.)
South Coast Farms
33201 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949)661-9381
[email protected]
Fruits they grow: South Coast Farms was established in 1996 and is San Juan Capistrano’s only Family Farm. However, South Coast Farms is currently struggling financially, and their U-Pick options remain temporarily closed. Be sure to check their Instagram and Facebook pages for the latest updates. (As of March 22nd, strawberries are available at the farmstand. Pop-ups are planned and more regular hours are coming soon.)
The Ecology Center
32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 661-6063
Fruits they grow: The Ecology Center provides an “immersive, interactive farm experience featuring educational programming and a hands-on strawberry U-pick.” Using a field guide, families will first tour the farm and then go into the fields to “experience the bounty of the only Regenerative Organic strawberries available in Southern California.” Many special events are offered throughout the year including seasonal festivals, farm dinners, special children’s offerings, and more.
Hours: Farm Stand is open daily 9 am to 6 pm.
U-Pick Strawberries is available Thursday and Friday ($7 per person) and Saturday and Sunday ($9 per person) Thursday through Sunday 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance (free for children under 2)
Manassero Farms
33 Irvine Valley, Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 554-5103
Fruits they grow: Strawberry picking season at Manassero Farms has just begun. $12.50 Strawberry Picking Experience which includes access to the field and a single 1-pound container. For those who do not wish to pick berries and would just like access to the fields, a $5 ticket is required. Children under 2 are free. Reservations are required.
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Open on Sundays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Strawberry Picking — San Diego County
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760)603-9608
[email protected]
Fruits they grow: Carlsbad Strawberry Company has been growing strawberries for generations! U-Pick is predicted to open late March or early April. Check the website for the latest information. And while you’re there, be sure to visit with the sheep, goats, and rabbits on the farm. Once the season begins, U-Pick is available daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Tickets may only be purchased on-site. (Visit in the fall, and you’ll find an epic Pumpkin Patch and corn maze.)
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm
953 Rainbow Valley Blvd., Fallbrook, CA 92028
(888) 236-0101
[email protected]
Fruits they grow: Kenny’s Strawberry Farm has been growing delicious strawberries for over a decade. U-Pick opportunities usually opens sometime in February or March each year. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information and hours. (As of March 21st, 2024 the U-Pick Farm remains closed.)
Bonus listings:
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
Village Green Park
12732 Main St., Garden Grove, CA 92840
The 64th Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival is scheduled for Friday, May 24th (1 pm to 10 pm), Saturday, May 25th and Sunday, May 26th (10 am to 10 pm both days), and Monday, May 27th (10 am to 9 pm). This popular yearly event features carnival rides, live musical performances, vendor booths, games, and of course, strawberries (and other non-strawberry food). Details, including parking information, are available online.
California Strawberry Festival
Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA
The California Strawberry Festival takes place on Saturday, May 18th (10:00 am to 7:30 pm), and Sunday, May 19th (10:00 am to 6:30 pm). The Festival features over 40 food vendors, a Ninja Nation Obstacle Course, live musical performances, arts and crafts booths, and a Strawberryland for Kids (featuring rides, face painting, and more). Ticket information is available online.
Related: Where to Pick Blueberries
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Picking
Q: Is Strawberry Picking a good family activity?
A: Yes, you can pick strawberries with your kids and you’ll all have fun.
Q: When is strawberry picking season?
A: Strawberry picking season varies by location and climate, but generally it occurs in the late spring and early summer months. In North America, strawberry picking season typically runs from late May to early July, although this can vary by region.
Q: What should I wear for strawberry picking?
A: It’s best to wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, as well as closed-toe shoes. You may also want to wear a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Q: What should I bring when picking strawberries?
A: You’ll want to bring a container to hold your strawberries, such as a basket or a plastic container with a lid. You may also want to bring water and snacks, as well as cash to pay for the strawberries.
Q: How do I know which strawberries to pick?
A: Look for strawberries that are fully red and plump. Avoid strawberries that are unripe or overripe. You can also gently squeeze the strawberry to see if it’s ripe – it should be slightly soft to the touch.
Q: Can I eat the strawberries while picking?
A: It’s generally okay to eat a few strawberries while picking, but be sure to ask the farmer or staff at the farm if it’s allowed. They may have specific rules about eating while picking.
Q: Can I bring my pet with me to pick strawberries?
A: It’s best to check with the farm beforehand, as some may not allow pets due to health and safety concerns.
Q: Can I bring my own containers to pick strawberries?
A: It’s best to check with the farm beforehand, as some may have specific rules about the types of containers that are allowed. They may also provide containers for you to use.
Q: How much do strawberries cost when picking your own?
A: The cost of strawberries can vary depending on the location and the farm. You can expect to pay by weight or by the container. Prices may also vary depending on the ripeness and quality of the strawberries.
Q: How long do picked strawberries last?
A: Picked strawberries will typically last for a few days in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat them as soon as possible for the freshest flavor. You can also freeze strawberries for longer storage.
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