8 Incredible Strawberry Picking Farms in Southern California
There is nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked berries. Even reluctant eaters will be willing to try something new when they’ve picked it themselves. Luckily, several farms near the South Bay and Los Angeles feature u-pick strawberry fields, so you can enjoy this must-try experience with your family. We’ve rounded up the best u-pick strawberry farms featuring the freshest berries, farm animals, guided educational tours, and more.
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A Guide to the Best Berry Picking Spots Near Los Angeles
Southern California berry season begins in early spring and lasts throughout the summer, depending on supply and weather conditions. Most of these local farms are open daily, but many require advanced reservations, so be sure to check before you go.
Underwood Family Farms
Beginning in May, the sprawling strawberry fields at Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark are open for berry picking. However, the fun doesn’t stop there. As the summer heat sets in, you’ll find the blackberries ready for picking by mid-June and raspberries in July, running to November, so you can enjoy freshly picked berries from the farm all summer long. They also have a very limited season of Olallieberries in May. It can get very hot in the fields, so plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon, and bring hats and sunblock.
The Somis location also features Pick-Your-Own Berries beginning in mid-March and running through early June. Both locations also feature a farm market where you can purchase fresh fruit and seasonal vegetables, including juicy strawberries. They also each have an animal center where kids can enjoy visiting with the farm animals.
Moorpark Farm Center
3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, CA
Somis Farm Center
5696 E. Los Angeles Ave, Somis, CA
Tanaka Farms Irvine
Known for its deliciously sweet strawberries, Tanaka Farms is the perfect place to visit for berry picking. Take a wagon ride around the farm on a Strawberry Picking Tour. You’ll learn all about the farm’s farming methods and history and, of course, get an opportunity to pick and take home a one-pound basket of strawberries. Advance reservations are required for the tour. The farm also features a Barnyard Educational Exhibit where you can visit with the farm animals.
5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, California 92612
South Coast Farms (TEMPORARILY CLOSED)
No reservations are required at South Coast Farms’ U-pick strawberry fields. Harvesting is usually open Thursday through Sunday, 10 – 4, throughout the berry season, which typically begins in March. Check out the farm on Instagram for more details on when the fields will reopen. The Dana Point farm stand offers already-picked produce.
33201 Ortega Hwy San Juan Capistrano 92675
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Carlsbad Strawberry Company has grown strawberries for four generations and still offers one of the best farms to visit during berry picking season. Stroll through the strawberry fields and pick your own to take home. While there, you can check out the Sunflower Maze, go on tractor rides, visit the goats and bunnies, get a taste of fresh-made honey, and enjoy games and activities for kids. Tickets are sold on-site, and no advanced reservations are needed.
1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Los Rios Rancho
If you’ve ever been apple picking, you may have stopped at this gorgeous apple farm in Oak Glen. However, you may not know it’s also a berry-picking farm throughout the summer. This organically grown annual strawberry u-pick spot is a must-visit with over three acres of foothill strawberry patches. Strawberry fields are open for picking from June through September while produce lasts. The farm also grows organic raspberries, available for picking in late July – September.
39611 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA, 92399
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm Fallbrook
This family-owned U-Pick berry farm in Fallbrook is open for picking starting in mid-March. The strawberry picking season typically lasts through July. The farm is open Friday through Sunday, but advanced reservations are required. Opening dates vary each year, so check the website for updated information.
953 Rainbow Valley Blvd., Fallbrook, CA 92028
McGrath Family Farm
Located in Camarillo, McGrath Family Farm is a sustainable farm that grows a wide range of organic fruits and vegetables year-round. Visitors can enjoy farm tours, a reserved U-Pick in the strawberry patch, a picnic area, and special events throughout the year.
1012 W Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010, USA
The Ecology Center
This interactive farm experience invites visitors to enjoy an educational farm tour followed by time in the fields picking fresh strawberries. Tickets are required and should be purchased in advance. You pay by the pound for any picked berries, and you’re welcome to bring small buckets or baskets.
32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
California Strawberry Festival
Want to skip the work of u-pick farms but still enjoy some family fun? Head to the annual California Strawberry Festival at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, where you can celebrate strawberry season and enjoy all things strawberry. From strawberry shortcake and strawberry ice cream bars to strawberry lemonade and even strawberry beer, you’ll find every imaginable food and drink with a strawberry twist. The 2024 Festival takes place May 18 and 19.
Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
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