Looking for a local, pick-your-own farm in Orange County, California? Scroll down this page and you will see the U-Pick farms in Orange County, 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 If you find anything outdated or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!
Orange County, California U-Pick Farms and Orchards in 2024, by county
Click on the resources drop-down above, if you need a county map
Orange County
-
Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center - Uses natural growing practices, lemons, oranges, other citrus, restrooms,
ziplines, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
2 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869. Phone: (714) 923-3191. Email:
outdoor@ocbsa.org. Open: U - Pick by reservation
only.
Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Picking updates:
Click here for picking updates. Directions: Take Jamboree Road north and enter Irvine Regional Park. Follow the direction to the Irvine Ranch Outdoor
Education Center. U-Pick open December through April or while supplies last; Navel Oranges start to ripen in late November - so check back for details.
Recreation and educational programs open year-round by reservation only;. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Debit cards,
Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
Click here for our Facebook page. (UPDATED: March 05, 2021) There is an interesting story with photos about
Picking Oranges and Lemons at Irvine Ranch here.
-
South Coast Farms - Uses natural growing practices, strawberries, U-pick and already picked, farm market,
porta-potties
33201 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Phone:
(949) 661-9381. Email:
ibpelon@hotmail.com. Open: from mid May (in 2020, May 18th)
on Monday to Friday from 9 am to 2 pm, Saturday 9 am to 3 pm; Closed
Sundays; picking continues until strawberry season ends sometime in
July. Directions: East on Ortega highway 7 miles. Left at Tree of Life
Nursery. Follow U pick signs to fields.
Click here for a map and directions. We use natural practices, but are
not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards,
Visa, MasterCard.
South Coast Farms
Facebook page.(UPDATED: May 18, 2020)
Comments from a visitor on July 16, 2011: "The ONLY pyo crops offered are: Strawberries, and
only at the end of the season, for one day. This year (2011), it was Sunday,
July 11th. They also have a pumpkin patch, fresh apple cider and crafts for
Hallowe'en. Primarily, this is a farmstand and CSA. "
Comments from a visitor on July 02, 2010: "Apparently they
grow everything organic. They also have a CSA program. I have only been
there once, but I am going back to pick strawberries this weekend! $1.25 a
pound for organic strawberries! That's a great deal in this neck o'the
woods!"
- Tanaka Farms - strawberries,
vegetables, pumpkins,
5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612. Phone: 949-653-2100.
Fax: 949-653-9050. Email:
info@tanakafarms.com. Open: There are strawberry U-pick tours in the
Spring and vegetable u-pick tours in the summer; Sign up for a U-Pick Wagon Ride! U- Pick Tour times will be
posted on our website when available; see their website or call about
pumpkins in October (Saturdays & Sundays (now until July) every half hour
from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. No reservations needed. In 2018, STRAWBERRY
FESTIVAL DAYS: 5/5 & 5/6, 5/12 & 5/13, 5/19 & 5/20, 5/26 & 5/27 with Food,
games, vendors, crafts, and more). Directions: 2 miles north of I-5 and I-405
interchange, take I-405 to University Dr - South to Strawberry Farms Rd on
corner.
Click here for a map to our farm.
and
another map is here. Strawberry tours: This is a guided tour around the
farm that takes approximately one hour on a tractor- pulled wagon. You will
see how fruits & vegetables grow and sample many of those that are in
season. The last stop on this tour is in the strawberry patch will you be
able to pick and eat strawberries! Each person will take home a one (1)
pound basket of strawberries! How Does It Work? Weekday school tours and
group tours are available by reservation only. No reservations are needed
for our weekend tours unless the group is large. Please arrive 25 minutes
before to check in and receive instructions. Make Strawberry Tour
reservations by calling (949) 653-2100 ext. 204 with the name, phone number,
date, the time you wish to attend, the number of adults, children, and
children ages 2 years old and under who will be attending. A confirmation
will be sent to you by email. Harvest items TBD. (Will not include
strawberries.) Vegetable U-pick harvest tours: What Is a Harvest Tour? This
is a FREE, guided wagon ride around the farm, where you will be able to pick
your own fresh fruits and vegetables in the fields! This tour takes 45 min
to 1 1/4 hours. Remember to wear closed-toed shoes as you will be walking
through the fields! How Does It Work? This tour is seasonal and generally
runs during the off-season. No reservations are necessary; simply arrive
15-20 min previous to the start of the tour so you don't miss the tractor.
Vegetable picking is seasonal and based on availability, but U-Pick produce
may include: carrots, tomatoes, beets, baby bok choy, lettuce, kale, butternut squash and more. It's a surprise every day! Pay for what you've picked at the
end of your tour. Group rates are available call for details. We also have CSA fundraiser available. ( (UPDATED: September 22, 2023, JBS)
Comments from a visitor on April 15, 2011:
"Further clarification on the "U-Pic" part of the farm. For $15, you get to
ride on the tractor, get a tour of the many fruits and vegetables on the
farm, and a ONE POUND basket for you to fill up with strawberries."
Comments from a visitor on March 27, 2011:
"Tanaka Farms has a CSA program through Farm2Table Connect. There is no
membership fee, you only pay for the box of fruits/vegetables. The large box
is $30 and the small is $20. They will also donate a portion from each box
to participating schools. Visit
this website for more info. "
Comments from a visitor on August 8,
2008: "I took my husband & son to Tanaka Farms for their "Pick-your-own-
strawberries" we went on a guided wagon tour that included several stops to
taste fresh picked produce from their farm, we then had 15 minutes to pick
and eat as many strawberries as we could. Our 1 1/2 year old son LOVED it.
Sure they were the most expensive basket of strawberries ($13 per basket) my
husband or I had ever purchased, but those pictures were priceless !! They
also offer a Watermelon tour which we intend to go do as well."
-
The Ecology Center - Certified Organic, pumpkins, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, gift shop,
concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours
32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan
Capistrano, CA 92675. Phone: (949) 443-4223. Email:
info@theecologycenter.org. Open: Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm from spring through summer and from 9 am to 5 pm from autumn through winter. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Picking updates:
Click here for picking updates. Directions: From the 5 freeway exit Camino Capistrano and take Camino Capistrano north. Take a left on Del Obispo
followed by another left on Alipaz. Continue on Alipaz and The Ecology Center will be on your right. TASTE Strawberry Festival U-pick will be from April 24
on Saturdays and Sundays to May 23;. We are certified organic for all crops! Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC
Vouchers, SNAP Vouchers.
Click here for our Facebook page. (ADDED: April 26, 2021)
-
University of California Ag & Natural Resources- South Coast -
Uses integrated pest management practices, persimmons, beans, beets, carrots, herbs or
spices, onions, Sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, beets, celery, onions, butterleaf lettuce, redleaf lettuce,
sage, parsley,
7601 Irvine Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618. Phone: (949) 653-1802. Email:
jrsuppes@ucanr.edu.
Open: This is a one day event; Saturday, November 23rd; Two picking sessions, 9am and 11am. Directions:
Click here for a map and
directions. We use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
Click here for our Facebook page. Thanksgiving Veggie U-Pick Sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, beets,
celery, onions, butterleaf lettuce, redleaf lettuce, sage, parsley. Pre-registration only at:
http://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=28323. (UPDATED: October 29, 2019) (ADDED: May 22, 2019)
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