When the temperatures drop and the sweaters come out, many families start thinking of going apple picking and enjoying some fun fall activities. As apple picking season can be somewhat unpredictable in Southern California, your best bet for apple picking near LA is to visit the Oak Glen/Yucaipa area.
For starters, here’s what you need to know about apple-picking season outside Los Angeles:
Apple Picking Near LA: Know Your Season
Apple picking season varies from year to year and from site to site in Southern California. The season can range anywhere from mid-July to November. In some years the season can last a couple of weeks and in others a couple of months.
MomTip #1 The most reliable way to track the season is to visit the social media pages of the sites you’d like to visit as not all farms are as diligent in updating their websites.
Now that you know when apple picking season is, it’s time to narrow down your search:
Tips for Planning Your Next Apple Picking
Between Oak Glen, Yucaipa, and Julien (in San Diego County) there are over a dozen recommended U-pick apple farms. Narrow your search and increase your chances of actually picking some apples with these helpful tips:
- Get to the apple orchards early and call/check their social media page ahead of time. Some orchards cap the number of people for the day or simply run out for the season.
- Many activities at these sites happen only on the weekend or have limited availability on weekdays. The trade-off is that you can avoid most crowds by visiting during the week. Make sure the activities that are important to you are offered on the day of your visit.
- Support the farms that share your values. While doing your search look for operations that treat people, animals, and the environment with respect. It’s worth reading the Yelp reviews of specific farms before heading out.
Now that you know when to pick apples and how to increase the chances of picking them yourselves, it’s time to learn more about specific sites in the Oak Glen and Yucaipa area.
List of Sites for Apple Picking Near LA: Oak Glen and Yucaipa Area
Oak Glen and Yucipa are both located in San Bernardino County, about a 15-minute drive from each other. Combined, they provide the most accessible option for apple picking near LA with a drive averaging about two hours.
Better yet, the proximity of many farms to each other makes it possible to visit more than one site in a single day. As apple season may come late or not at all, this area will also provide a multitude of apple and fall-inspired activities as an alternative for an actual U-pick event.
Use the Apple Farms Near LA Map or the image below for a full list of sites offering apple picking or apple-inspired activities and food:
Want more information about each site? Keep reading.
Apple and Fall Activities in Oak Glen/Yucaipa
1. Stone Fruit Farms and Heritage Orchard
Best for families looking for Unique Fall Events
This site offers U-pick days as part of special family farm days, private picnics, and apple fairs in October with seasonal activities for kids, adult workshops, and tastings.
This orchard also has many events during the month of October and on specific days during the fall so it’s worth spending some time going through their website.
Website, Reviews, Address, Social, Hours
MomTip#2: This site is very close to the next farm on the list and it’s possible to combine a visit to both in a single day.
2. Willowbrook Apple Farm
Best for families looking for a variety of activities
Willowbrook Apple Farm is another farm that offers more than just the occasional U-pick experience. Visitors to this farm can enjoy U-pick and U-press cider activities, apple fairs (during weekends in October), tractor rides, animal encounters, and wine tastings. It is a good site for groups traveling with mixed-aged groups as there will be something for everyone to do.
Website, Reviews, Address, Social, Hours
MomTip#3: There is no designated parking in the area. Expect some walking from street parking to the site itself.
3. Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho
Best for larger groups and mid-week U-pick opportunities
Unlike other sites in the area that might only offer apple picking on specific days, Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho offers U-Pick opportunities seven days a week (10am-5pm on weekdays and 9am-6pm on weekends), in addition to other activities such as nature trails, a botanical garden, and an Apple Butter Festival on Thanksgiving weekend.
Before heading out make sure not to confuse this site with Riley’s Farm. Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho owner clarified the Riley family history of both farms in a Facebook post from a few years back.
MomTip#4: This is a larger orchard with different U-pick zones and very limited reception, if any. Try to finalize your meeting logistics with family and friends before arriving at the site.
Website, Reviews, Address, Hours & Social
4. Stone Pantry Orchard
Best for families looking for a small and calm alternative
If you’re looking for a more intimate and less crowded site that stays open later, Stone Pantry Orchard is a good option. In addition to U-pick apples the site also offers pear, blackberry, and pumpkin picking, U-press cider, and even farm tours.
Website, Reviews, Address, Open 9-5 on weekends, or call to visit during the week.
5. Snow-Line Orchard & Winery
Best for Doughnut lovers
While this site offers no apple picking, a stop here is a great addition to any fall visit to Oak Glen. In addition to their famous cider mini donuts they also sell fresh apples, U-pick raspberries, local honey, and farm-made wine and hard cider.
It is easy to stop by Snow-Line Orchard on the way in or out of Oak Glen and combine it with a visit to a nearby U-pick apple farm.
Website, Reviews, Address, Social, Open every day 9-5
6. Apple Annie’s Restaurant & Bakery
Best for families who have time for a leisurely breakfast or lunch
Last but not least is Apple Annie’s. This restaurant is centrally located near local shops, small child-friendly activities (such as a petting zoo), and provides easy parking options. While there are no apple-inspired activities here, you will be able to find traditional American food and fresh-baked apple pie to bring in some fall flavor.
MomTip#5: As the wait time for getting in and out of the restaurant can be long, plan to come when you have time to spare.
Website, Reviews, Address, Social, hours
Looking for more fall activities? Be sure to visit MakeTimeForMom’s Resources Page.