San Diego and Imperial Counties in California U-Pick Farms - 2024 PickYourOwn.ORG

Looking for a local, pick-your-own farm in San Diego and Imperial Counties in California? Scroll down this page and you will see the U-Pick farms in San Diego and Imperial Counties in California, sorted by county. Those that offer organic or sustainably grown produce are identified by the words "organic" and/or "sustainable" in Green, next to their name  (see "What does Organic mean?"). The U-pick crops they offer follow the name of the farm. To search the page for a specific crop, use Ctrl-F (or on an ipad or Mac, use their "search on this page" function) If they have a website, the name will be in blue and underlined; click on it and it will open their website. If you find anything outdated or inaccurate, see the customer and farmer menus (as appropriate) at the top menu bar to submit updates and corrections and help me keep each current!

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Note: Beware the copycat websites like the one that stole our name and uses .farm extension: they copied my work and do NOT even update the info! I make updates EVERY day. They use tech tricks to get higher rankings, but have many more inaccuracies and out-dated info. Obviously, I cannot check every farm every day, but I do check as many as I can every day, and respond to all requests.  They don't. Don't support the scammers!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! And if you know of any farms I missed and want to add a farm, please let me know!   I'm making updates for this year as fast as I can - if you find anything out-of-date, wrong or not working - please let me know! This website is supported by purchases you make through the links to products on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This allows me to continue to maintain the website and make improvements!

What's in season in December 2024, and other timely information:

Notes for December 2024: Crop growth is slowing down, except for Christmas tree farms and if you live in southern California, southern Texas, Florida or along the Gulf coast where citrus are starting, and believe it or not, the blueberry and strawberry season in those areas is about to begin. See your state harvest calendar . This year, much of the country is still seeing mild weather, so lettuce, peas, broccoli, cabbage  and other greens are thriving.  And this is a good time to get a canner and  learn how to preserve foods for the winter, like canning some applesauce, apple butter or jam, which make great gifts. As do your own homemade specialty liqueurs! How about homemade cranberry sauce or a pumpkin pie made from a real pumpkin for the holidays? See our comprehensive list of easy home canning, jam and jelly making, preserving, drying and freezing directions. You can access recipes and other resources from the drop down menus at the top of the page or the site search. A fun winter activity is to make your own ice cream, even gelato, or low fat or low sugar ice cream - see this page. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to write me!

Valentine's Day - February 14 - See this website for Valentines Day history, facts and Amazon's top picks for fast, easy, inexpensive gifts for the man, woman or children in your life!

Easter will be April 4, 2021 - if you want to take your children to a free Easter egg hunt - see our companion website to find a local Easter Egg hunt!

 

Children's Consignment Sales occur in both the Spring and Fall  See our companion website to find a local community or church kid's consignment sale!

San Diego and Imperial Counties in California U-Pick Farms and Orchards in 2024, by county

Click on the resources drop-down above, if you need a county map

Imperial County

San Diego County

• Apple Starr Orchards - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, apples
  1287 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036. Phone: (760) 305-2169. Email: julian.applestarr@gmail.com. Open: U-Pick starts in late August; 11 am to 4 pm weekends and by appointment on weekdays. Directions: We are in Julian located at the very end of Julian Orchards Drive (see map). We are approximately 1 hour from San Diego and 2 hours from Orange County. From the center of town in Julian, travel 3 miles East on Main Street (which turns into Farmer Rd.) At the stop sign, continue straight onto Julian Orchards Dr. GO TO THE END OF THE ROAD, past the wineries. We are Certified Organic Orchard (CCOF) since 2000 growing Apples ( Jonagold, Granny, Fuji, Gala, Red Delicious) and Pears (bartlett, bosc, anjou). We are open for u-pick on weekends through October. Groups should email to schedule appointments. Our fruit ripens on the trees and is available for picking in beginning at the end of August and lasts though early October. Picking poles are available to reach high branches. Several red wagons are available for small children; families may enjoy bringing strollers and wagons Space available for picnicking; DO bring chairs and blankets, just in case. NO RESERVATIONS NEEDED (UPDATED: April 14, 2018, JBS)

• Apples and Art Orchards - apples
  1052 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036. Phone: (760) 310-6368. Email: applesandart@sbcglobal.net. Open: Daily by appointment only, for groups only, 10 bag minimum purchase; September 1 to October 15, or whenever the apples run out. Gastil Orchards is typically open to the public for U Pick for individuals on one Saturday in September h ONLY from 10:30 until the apples are gone. Directions: DO NOT USE GPS (it is usually wrong) Take highway 8 past Alpine to the highway 79, Julian, Descanso turnoff, turn left, north. Go about 2 or 3 miles and go left at the sign for highway 79 and Cuyamaca. Follow signs through Cuyamaca to Julian and turn left into town. Go north (straight) out of Julian on Farmer Road (Main Street) for just over 2 miles, across Wynola Road (straight at stop sign) to Julian Orchards Drive. Go past Volcan View Orchards, past Menghini Winery to the second to last building on the left - green and white. or Take highway 67 or 78 east to Julian, turn left, north. Go north out of Julian on Farmer Road (Main Street) for just over 2 miles, across Wynola Road to Julian Orchards Drive. Go past Volcan View Orchards, past Menghini Winery to the second to last building on the left - green and white. We have Red & Golden Delicious, Gala, McIntosh, Fuji, Granny Smith, Lady Apples and Heirloom apples. Free apple cider making with tour. Also called Gastil Mountain Farms.
  IMPORTANT NOTES: Apples and Art Orchards- for groups only is a U-Pick apple orchard where for only $10 you can pick a "half peck of apples" which is about 5 pounds and spend a fabulous afternoon in our beautiful mountain orchard and charming gold-rush era town. Our apples are pesticide free and all natural - they have never been sprayed. Our soil has not been contaminated with pesticides or weed killers either. In addition to taking home your apples, you get apple facts, a tour of the orchard, and your own free apple cider making and tasting experience. A deposit of $50 is required up front to hold the group reservation two weeks before the date. (UPDATED: April 14, 2018, JBS)
• Bar 2 Ranch - persimmons and pomegranates, zapotes, avocados, oranges, grapefruit, mangos
  14797 Highway 76, Pauma Valley, CA. Phone: (760) 742-3614.
  Open: 7 days a week from 8 to 6 for picking both persimmons and pomegranates.
  Directions: click here for a map and directions.
  We also all have zapotes avocados oranges grapefruit mangos...
  (UPDATED: April 14, 2018, JBS) (ADDED: May 16, 2017, JBS)
  
• Calico Ranch - Fruit stand and U-pick apples and pears
  4200 Highway 78, Julian, CA 92036. Phone: 760-765-3620. Alternate phone: 858-586-0392. Email: cmybliss@aol.com.
  Open: Saturdays and Sundays during the season from 10am to 4pm, September to October.
  More than 100 types of apples and pears on 30 acres.
  Directions: Located on Hwy 78 at Calico Ranch Road between San Ysabel and Julian. Located in Spencer Valley, 3 miles from Julian.
  (UPDATED: May 28, 2018, JBS)
  
  
  
  
  
• Carlsbad Strawberry Company - Camarosa Strawberries. school tours
  1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Phone: (760) 603-9608. Email: info@carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com. Open: U-Pick Fields from mid-April through June, perhaps as late as July 4th weekend; 7 days a week, 9 am to 5 pm. Due to increased demand we may have to shut down the U-pick without advance notice for an afternoon. All other actors it's will be open. We apologize for any inconveniences. Directions: Located on Hwy 5 at Cannon Road in Carlsbad; We are located at the corner of Cannon Road and Paseo del Norte, just east of Interstate 5 at the Cannon Road exit in Carlsbad. We're located right around the corner from the Carlsbad Flower Fields, the Carlsbad Company Stores, Legoland and Car Country Carlsbad. No admission charge for accompanying adults who do not wish to pick strawberries. To schedule a U-Pick Strawberry Field Trip for schools or organizations of 15 or more, Click Here.. We have new attractions this season along with the strawberry season: Sunflower maze. open air year round produce market . $5 general admission gets you into sunflower maze and photo opportunities.
  In 2021, pricing is:
  Walk-in Only - No Reservations
  $5 general admission | Children 5 and Under are Free, Gets you into the sunflower maze, games, and photo opportunities
  Additional fee for strawberry picking
  $5 field admission per person (gets you into strawberry picking area without the bucket)
  $10 per person / bucket (about 2lbs of strawberries)
  Children 5 and under are free
  (UPDATED: April 14, 2018, JBS) (UPDATED: May 28, 2018, JBS)
  A visitor writes on May 26, 2014: "The prices have increased drastically. Two years ago our whole family filled a bucket & paid $10. It was a wonderful day out with the family. Took some great candids with the kids. Went back several times to buy from the stand. Today we went to the stand and for the whole family 3 kids and 2 parents to enjoy the same experience would be $50. The price is now $10 per person. Absolutely ridiculous!"
  Comments from a visitor on April 11, 2011: "Prices have changed. Big bucket $17 - small $8.50. ",
• Crosscut Farm and Orchard - apples
  1209 Farmer Road, Julian, CA 92036. Phone: 605-430-9791. Open: Typically just a week in mid-September, Reservations are required, call Sue for a reservation, there is a 10 person group minimum and a 50 person group maximum. Nestled in the beautiful mountain town of Julian, California. 2022 is their 4th season. Reservations are required for U pick and the cider making demonstration.
  The following is from 2021 and may have changed since: ​Group u-pick details:
  $5 per person entrance fee
  $2 per person entry fee for kids age 3-12)
  no entrance fee for kids under 3 years old
  Fee includes an apple cider pressing demonstration, a short introduction to Apple Farming, parking, and picnic site!
  ​$15 Per 1/2 peck bag (approximately 7-8 lbs)
  They have Golden Delicious, Jonathon and Liberty apple varieties.
  Directions: Please note that there are two Farmer Roads, You want to take the easternmost Farmer Road that leads to the Volcan Mountain Trailhead, NOT the Farmer Road that leads to Volcan Mountain Winery and Menghini Winery. Parking is on site. Travel down the lane that is designated as a trail for Volcan Mountain. Come through the metal gate near the farmhouse on the right, and follow signs to the parking area. (ADDED: June 29, 2022, JBS)
• Eric's Valencia Orchard - oranges,
  Cole Grade Road & Tyler Road, Valley Center, CA 92082. Phone: 949-903-9305. Email: Sjcorrea@gmail.com. Open: 7 days a week by appointment; Pick by the box or bin; 20 box /1 bin min. Directions: For a map to our farm, click here. Payment: Cash, only. (ADDED: November 15, 2016)
• Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures Autumn Jubilee The  Julian Autumn Jubilee Fall Festival -  U-pick veggies, herbs and berries,pumpkins, squash,  pumpkin patch, hayrides, cider pressing demonstration, hoedown and jug band show, petting zoo, reptile interactions, candle dipping and painting craft
  4425 Hwy 78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070. Phone: 951-847-1904. Email: fortcrossfun@gmail.com. Open: will be each weekend from September 23 through October 29. Enjoy Julian’s famous apple season with admission that includes both Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures. During The Fall Festival, come for the U-Pick pumpkins and squash in our pumpkin patch. Fairy Garden and Dino Garden Making, offered year round. Free entry to the grounds for all of our events, with hands-on seasonal activities available as well! Agritourism education offered year round for field trips as well as individuals. Click here for a link to the Facebook page. Hayrides, Hoedowns, Cider Pressing, Fall Crafts, Candle Dipping, Petting Zoo, Reptile Show, Archery, Tomahawk Throwing, Slingshot Gallery, Pumpkin Patch, Lilac Maze, Walking Trails, and more!  (UPDATED: September 3, 2023, JBS) (ADDED: May 01, 2018, JBS)
• Golden Hop Farm - Certified Naturally Grown, hops
  467 Solana Real, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Phone: 805-680-9132. Email johndro@sdgoldenhopfarm.com. Open: by appointment. Directions off Sleeping Indian and Morro Hills Rd. We grow hops sustainably and naturally for the beer industry and culture. We offer tours and explanations of how hops are grown and used by both home and commercial brewers to vary the tastes of their beers. During the harvest season we offer u-pick opportunities, by appointment, and sales of our "wet" hops. We also sell "dried" hops all year long. Golden Hop Farm, which grows hops for the beer industry using organic and sustainable methods is located in North San Diego County and is the culmination of a family dream to encourage the making and drinking of healthy beer. Gary and Corie Johndro aspire to live a healthy lifestyle, and encourage the craft beer culture to do the same, by offering for sale to both home brewers and breweries unique and healthy varieties that are locally grown, personally nurtured and hand picked for optimum flavor. Whole hops for sale are offered both "wet" and "dried" and include Cascade, Chinook, Crystal, Galena, Glacier, Horizon, and Nugget (every year there are also a few experimental varieties added). We have a picnic area that overlooks both our hop field and avocado grove where visitors are encouraged to relax and enjoy our quiet surroundings while watching the abundant wildlife and birds that coexist on our farm. For those who want a greater hands on farm experience, please inquire about staying overnight in our guest suite. We are a Certified Naturally Grown producer of seven different varieties of hops that we sell either "wet" or "dried". Click here for a link to our Facebook page. We also have Educational Experience classes or workshops, farm tours, lecture/presentation, participatory experience. (UPDATED: April 14, 2018, JBS) (ADDED: May 19, 2017, JBS)
• Julian Farm and Orchard - Uses natural growing practices, apples, blackberries, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, other vegetables, gift shop, porta-potties, picnic area you may bring your own food, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info)
  4381 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070. Phone: (760) 765-5494 .Email: info@julianfarmandorchard.com. Open: Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm through May 1st.. Directions: 4381 Highway 78 Santa Ysabel, ca 92070. Click here for a map and directions. Strawberries are June bearing and so we begin opening weekends in June, then raspberries and blackberries begin by July, pumpkin patch opens late September. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, ApplePay, AndroidPay. Apple Season varies each year, based on the weather. Generally it can run anywhere from Aug/Sept. all the way through October. It is best to check back during this exciting time of year in Julian. Click here for our Facebook page. Julian Farm and Orchard is a 25 acre sustainable U-Pick Farm. Flowers, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Petting Zoo, Axe Throwing and more. Available for private groups. (UPDATED: March 29, 2022)
• Kenny's Strawberry Farm - Uses Integrated Pest Management , strawberries, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, porta-potties, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours
  953 Rainbow Valley Blvd, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Phone: (951) 212-5805. Email: info@kennysstrawberryfarm.com. Open: U PICK HOURS ARE WEDNESDAY to SUNDAY 10 am to 6PM; Already-picked Strawberry Stands are open daily 10am to 6pm (All hours are weather and supply permitting). Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. 15 Freeway South Exit Rainbow Valley Blvd, Turn Left Right on Old highway 395 Left 5th Street Destination is on the left at the end of the paved road (past the fire station) 15 Freeway North Exit Rainbow Valley Blvd, turn right Right on Old highway 395 Left 5th Street Destination is on the left at the end of the paved road (past the fire station). Click here for a map and directions. U-Pick Strawberry Season February-July; Check website for opening date. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Click here for our Facebook page. U Pick Crops; We 'grow-em and you pick-em'. We offer a variety of crops for you to pick at Kenny's Strawberry Farm, also known as "Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms". The crops will vary by the time of year and what season we are in. We use a method called integrated pest management which means we start by using all organic methods first to combat various pests and diseases. (UPDATED: September 8, 2020 JBS) (UPDATED: January 31, 2018) (UPDATED: May 28, 2018, JBS)
• Kevin's Strawberry Farm - Strawberry, concessions or refreshment stand
  5452 5th Street, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Phone: (951) 212-5805. Open: Fridays and Saturdays. Directions: Call for directions. Payment: Cash, only..
  A visitor writes on May 28, 2014: "Had a great time with the kids cutting berries. "
• O'Dell's Organic U-Pick Pear Orchard - Pears
  1095 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036. Phone (760) 765-1174. Email: odell.camille@yahoo.com. Open: U-Pick on Weekends, from 11 am to 4 pm; Weekdays by appointment only. We have been CCOF (Certified Organic) since 2004 to there are approximately 400 Pear trees Bartlett, Anjou, Bosc. We are a family oriented farm always keeping children in mind. In addition to Pears, there are Chickens, Goats & Horses. Bartlett and Comice are usually ripe around the second weekend in September.
  
• Peacefield Orchard - apples UPDATE for 2019: They are permanently closed
  3803 Wynola Road, Julian, CA 92036.
• Sentenac Ranch - Uses natural growing practices, apples, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food
  3515 Highway 78, Julian, CA. Phone: (858) 342-1667. Email: mjellis1@gmail.com. Open: Saturday and Sunday , September 14, 2019 and September 15, 2019, from 10 am to 5 pm. Directions: We are between Wynola and Julian. From San Diego : take the 8 East to 67 North whcich becomes the 78. From Escondido:Head East on 78 . Make left when you enter Ramonaonto main street which becomes the 78. Turn right into the driveway at 3515 Highway 78. we have a big sign that says " Sentenac Ranch" . Follow driveway all the way , about 1.2 miles in. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, only. We do not use pesticides on the crops. We only use nothing but water. We have 100 heirloom Apple Trees with different varieties. we pride ourselves on providing you with an experience you will not soon forget. (UPDATED: August 16, 2019)
• Shadow Creek Ranch - Uses natural growing practices, apples, apricots, cherries, figs, lemons, nectarines, oranges, other citrus, pears, peaches, plums, Other fruit or veg,
  14781 Mussey Grade, Ramona, CA 92065. Phone: (858) 922-2950. Email: Greennramoma@gmail.com. Open: UPDATE for 2021, Yelp says "Due to covid, we will be closed until further notice" In normal years, you call an for appointment. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, only. Pluot, tangelo, lemon/lime hybrid. . Oranges and lemons are typically available January through April. (UPDATED: February 11, 2020) (ADDED: July 27, 2015)
• Stehly Farms Organics Annual U-Pick Strawberry Fest - strawberries
  12630 Santa Catalina Road, Valley Center, CA 92082. Phone: (760) 742-1186. Email: Info@StehlyFarmsOrganics.com. Open: One Saturday each year, typically in late April. Admission Includes: 1 -1 lb container to Pick Strawberries, Guided Farm Tractor Tour, Petting Zoo, Little Kids Train Ride, All Access to the Playground. Our Farmers Market Stand will be Open 10 am to 4 pm offering Fruits, Vegetables, Eggs, Honey, Jam, Juice and More! Also Available for Purchase: Tacos, Pizza, Salads, Smoothies and Gelato. Kids 4 and Under are Free. Stehly Farms Facebook page.
• Summer's Past Farm - herbs, flowers, pumpkin patch, corn maze, herbal soapmaking
  15602 Old Hwy 80, Flinn Springs, CA 92021. Phone: (619) 390-1523.
  Comments from a visitor on July 02, 2016: "There is a lot to do for children like making a fairy garden, corn mazes, sweet pea mazes. There is also herb paper making, herb soap making, herbal oil, vinegar, and more in there class schedule, Very child friendly, coffee bar with pastries, fun, touristy, and wonderful animals everywhere. A shop for those who want to buy the harvested goodies.. "
• Volcan Valley Apple Farm - apples
  1284 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036. Phone: 760-807-1816. Email: volcanvalleyapplefarm@gmail.com. Open from Late August, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm; Appointment only on Monday through Friday. Directions: call or email. Family Fun 7000 trellis grown apple trees, 7 varieties easy hand picking by all ages. Contact for "Group" and "Special" needs' arrangements. (UPDATED: May 28, 2018, JBS)
• Wholesome Heritage Farms Pumpkin Patch - U-pick strawberries, Uses natural growing practices,
  21345 San Pasqual Road, Escondido, CA. Phone: 760-746-8822. Open year-round. Fresh organic produce, U-pick strawberries, corn stock maze (in the Fall), petting corral, tortoise races, picnic area. School and group tours welcome. $5 per person and includes a pumpkin. Open through October 31, noon-6 pm.
• Weidners' Gardens - U-pick operation for flowers, plants, bulbs
  695 Normandy Road, Encinitas, CA 92024. Phone: 760-436-2194 or 760-436-3681. Email: contact@weidners.com. Open: Monday to Sunday 9:30 - 5. Closed Tuesday. Winter . 9:30-4:30. Workshops, farm tour, garden/nursery tour, ag gifts/crafts. Directions: I-5 to Leucadia Blvd. Exit, then east to Notmandy Rd at Piraeus St.(UPDATED: April 30, 2018, JBS)

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

Recently closed farms

• MJ Ranch - Closed after 2016
  1111 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036.

Farm markets and roadside stands

Local Honey Finder

Local Meat, Milk and Eggs

Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party

Easter egg hunts

Children's consignment sales

Fruit and vegetable festivals

Winery tours and wine tastings

Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails

Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks

Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards

Pumpkin patches

Corn mazes

Zombie Paintball venues

Christmas Tree Farms & lots

Environmental resources

Consumer fraud information

Wholesale food sources

Resources for Farmers