{"id":29467,"date":"2025-10-27T11:09:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T18:09:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/?p=29467"},"modified":"2025-10-27T11:09:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T18:09:09","slug":"agritourism-the-best-places-to-go-apple-picking-this-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/index.php\/2025\/10\/27\/agritourism-the-best-places-to-go-apple-picking-this-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"Agritourism – The Best Places to Go Apple Picking This Fall"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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This October, we\u2019re celebrating California\u2019s fall harvest season, along with California Farmer and Farmworker Month \u2013 by exploring the people, places, and flavors that make our state\u2019s agriculture special. In partnership with\u00a0CA GROWN\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0new digital hub \u2014\u00a0Experience California Agriculture<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 we\u2019re highlighting farm adventures across the Golden State. From hands-on u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to local food experiences, this new resource makes it easier to connect with California\u2019s vibrant agricultural communities across the state!<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s nothing like an afternoon spent apple picking to kick those fall feels into overdrive. Before you (incorrectly) assume that apple picking is a cutesy activity relegated to families with small children or sappy date nights, hear us out. You don\u2019t have to deck yourself out in plaid and cleanse your mind of anything but wholesome thoughts to enjoy spending the day apple picking. Do you like apple pie? Apple donuts? Hard apple cider? If you\u2019ve answered yes to any of these queries, you need to make a trip to an apple orchard, stat.\u00a0 We have it on good authority, and by that, we mean our own experience, that there\u2019s no better place to enjoy all things apple than a visit to an\u00a0actual<\/em>\u00a0apple orchard. And if you\u2019ve never experienced an apple plucked straight from the tree\u2026well, grocery store offerings can\u2019t even compare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A bonus is that California apples grow best in areas with cooler evening temperatures \u2013 specifically near the coast and in the Sierra Foothills. So, if you\u2019ve been craving a weekend in Pismo or a fall Tahoe trip, we\u2019re offering up the perfect excuse. Check out a few of our favorite u-pick apple orchards and start planning your next ag adventure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

California\u2019s u-pick apple season runs roughly from August through November.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chileno Valley Ranch<\/a>, Petaluma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nestled in the rolling hills outside Petaluma, Chileno Valley Ranch invites visitors to explore their u-pick orchard. This family-owned farm grows over 20 different apples \u2013 everything from the immensely popular Honey Crisp to heirloom varieties dating back to the 1840s! They ripen at various times throughout the fall, but on any given day, guests will be able to discover 3 or 4 unique varieties! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Noble Orchards<\/a>, Paradise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For four generations, the Noble family has grown apples in Butte County, California. Now the area\u2019s last remaining apple orchard, owners Jim and Laurie Noble have changed up the business model to survive \u2013 embracing u-pick during the fall and supplying apples to Lassen Traditional Cidery<\/a>. Outside of apple season, Noble Orchards offers u-pick peaches and nectarines from July through October, and a stunning assortment of irises in early spring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apple Ridge Farms<\/a>, Camino<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s so much to do at Apple Ridge Farms<\/a>! After collecting a basket of apples, explore the nature trail (lined with thousands of zinnias), try your hand at gem-mining, and visit the Bake Shop to sample all the apple-packed treats. We bit into the world\u2019s best caramel apple, but owner Steve Tuso says the apple cider donuts are his fave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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O\u2019Halloran Ranch<\/a>, Camino<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At O\u2019Halloran Ranch, guests can choose to partake in the traditional u-pick experience or simply mix and match from bins overflowing with already harvested apples. This quaint little farm has a quiet confidence; it offers visitors a traditional and authentic quiet, pastoral farm experience without all the crowds. So, hop on the 50 towards Tahoe and head to O\u2019Halloran Ranch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everett Family Farm<\/a>, Soquel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everett Family Farm sells organic apples, berries, stonefruit and more at their on-site farmstand and to local restaurants and grocers. During the fall, visitors can traipse through the apple orchards and pick their fill of 14 different apple varieties. Be sure to bring cash or check \u2013 this small family farm\u2019s u-pick relies on the honor system! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gizdich Ranch<\/a>, Watsonville<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Spend a fabulous fall day at Gizdich Ranch<\/a>. Collect your fill of u-pick apples, then settle in on one of the outdoor picnic tables with a slice of Nita\u2019s famous apple pie. The recipe is a family secret \u2013 but Nita offers up one tidbit of truth: she doesn\u2019t add much sugar to the apple pie filling. With apples this sweet, why would you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swanton Pacific Ranch<\/a>, San Luis Obispo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Heading to the Central Coast for a wine-tasting weekend? Add apple picking to your itinerary, too! Swanton Pacific Ranch, run by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, grows 16 different varieties of organic apples. This extends the growing season and allows guests an opportunity to experience lesser-known, heirloom varieties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SLO Creek Farms<\/a>, San Luis Obispo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

SLO Creek Farms is a 14-acre u-pick apple orchard in beautiful San Luis Obispo. You\u2019ll definitely want to pluck a basket-full of organic apples from the trees, and don\u2019t forget to grab a few bottles of freshly pressed cider and apple brandy to enjoy at home! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Avila Valley Barn<\/a>, Avila<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to spend an entire afternoon at Avila Valley Barn!<\/a> Kids love the u-pick apple orchard, ice cream shop and the friendly farm animals at the petting zoo, and adults can eat their fill of Avila Valley Barn\u2019s iconic grilled artichokes and roasted corn. If you\u2019re really into apple exploration, pop on over to their sister orchard, Gopher Glen<\/a>, to taste over 65 different types of apples! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volcan Valley Apple Farm<\/a>, Julian <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For many families, a visit to Julian is a cherished fall tradition. Volcan Valley Apple Farm\u2019s trellised apple trees allow even the youngest participants to pluck their own fruit from the tree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Julian Farm and Orchard<\/a>, Julian <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stay \u2013 and play \u2013 at Julian Family Orchard! Spend the day enjoying the petting zoo, yard games and u-pick apple orchard, and then stay the night next door at Julian Orchard Ranch<\/a>. While you\u2019re there, be sure to grab a slice of Julian Pie Company\u2019s famous apple pie!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stone Soup Farm<\/a>, Oak Glen <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stone Soup Farm is just an hour outside of Los Angeles, but what a difference an hour makes! Tucked in the quiet hills of Oak Glen, this gorgeous farm offers apple picking and farm tours, where visitors can learn more about regenerative agriculture and the proper technique for picking the perfect apple. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Los Rios Rancho<\/a>, Oak Glen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Visit Southern California\u2019s oldest apple orchard, Los Rios Rancho. Enjoy apple picking, horse-drawn wagon rides, cider pressing and more! Don\u2019t even think about leaving without enjoying a slice of their famous apple pie with a cup of gourmet coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Riley\u2019s Farm<\/a>, Oak Glen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Riley\u2019s Farm boasts all the traditional u-pick apple orchard trappings, but its wildly diverse event offerings truly set this Oak Glen farm apart. Visitors can enjoy everything from musical theater and Civil War reenactments to Adventures in the Old World, where folks can step back in time and experience what life would have looked like in the 18th century!<\/p>\n\n\n\n