The best apple orchards around LA where you can pick the freshest apples, drink the freshest cider, and even meet a farm animal (or two)
More often than not, people tend to romanticize the East Coast when it comes to the splendor of fall instead of the West Coast. But we’re here to tell you that LA in particular puts on a more stunning autumnal season than you might expect, and one of the absolute highlights is apple picking. An easy 90 min. drive from DTLA, families will find the apple-picking hub of SoCal–the adorable town of Oak Glen. Picture lush orchards and farms covered in fall foilage, festive u-pick adventures collecting apples from trees, and quaint eateries that feature incredible food and live music.
If you’re in the mood for more than just picking apples, some of the spots on our list offer everything from corn mazes, tractor rides, and cider pressing to festivals, petting zoos, and more. Apple picking season traditionally lasts from Labor Day to November, so gather up the kids and get ready to make some sweet memories!
The Best U-Pick Apple Orchards near Los Angeles
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjI6IYSvlTW/?hidecaption=true
Willowbrook Apple Farm
Over the summer, the O’Donnell family who currently runs Goodie Farm, became the proud new owners of Oak Glen’s beloved Willowbrook Apple Farm. This small, family-run operation will continue to offer u-pick apples, u-pick berries, interactive farm experiences, and educational farm tours. The couple also has exciting plans for private and semi-private events complete with B&B farm experiences, on-farm dinners and lunches, foraging workshops, and cooking classes. Goodie Farm will also supply the highest quality produce in the farm shop during events and will be an important part of all culinary affairs. At press time, the O’Donnells are still prepping for the 2023 fall season, so be sure to stay tuned to their website for further dates and details. This year’s U-pick season will only be available by RSVP.
Willowbrook Apple Farm
12099 South Oak Glen Rd.
Oak Glen
Online: willowbrookapplefarm.com
Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho
For a grander-style farm outing, Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho has more than 150 acres of land that grow berries, apples, pumpkins, and chestnuts throughout the year. But apple picking season tends to be the real star of the show every fall with good reason. There’s so much for littles to do, including exploring the corn maze, petting farm animals, dipping candles, doing frontier chores, and hopping on wagon and tractor rides to get a better view of the ranch.
In between all the adventure seeking, you can take a break and listen to live music while sipping on the cider you pressed earlier. There are also delish food offerings available on-site including tri-tip sandwiches, BBQ, roasted corn, and a wide variety of mouthwatering desserts.
Insider Tip: There are several farms in the area with the name “Riley” so check beforehand to make sure you are going to your correct destination.
Hours: Mon. – Tues., 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Wed. closed; Thurs. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sat. – Sun.,
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. No reservations are needed and there is no fee for admission or parking.
Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho
39611 S. Oak Glen Rd.
Yucaipa
Online: losriosrancho.com
Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard
This stunning micro-farm is nestled within an intimate 3-acre property containing 130-year-old heirloom apple orchards. What makes this apple farm so unique is its commitment to sustainable organic harvesting practices that foster a ripe environment for growing fruit trees, flowers, and plants. For apple picking, you’re required to participate in a 10-minute tour on the history of the farm and the proper way to pick the apples to protect the integrity of the trees. The grounds of this orchard are breathtaking and worthy of a visit to roam the Stayman-Winesap trees and treasure the flavors of these heirloom apples.
Insider Tip: Among myriad reasons to visit this orchard is that it’s still not as popular as other larger farms – meaning less crowds and a more laid-back ambience.
Hours: Regular hours are Sat. – Sun., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. However, starting in Oct., all picking is by reservation only on these dates – Oct. 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, and 15.
Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard
12131 S. Oak Glen Rd.
Oak Glen
Online: stonesoupfarmca.com
Stone Pantry Orchard
For a more low-key yet still entertaining time, Stone Pantry Orchard provides everything you and your family need to gather fruit in a peaceful, autumnal setting. Established in 1887, the beauty of this orchard is that you can pick fruit to your heart’s desire without the crush of large crowds. Beyond apple picking, you can also press your own cider and take a leisurely stroll through the charming farmland. They also offer tours that can educate your family about rustic farm life.
Insider Tip: In addition to picking apples, you can also gather pears, blackberries, and pumpkins during your visit.
Hours: Open on weekends from Labor Day – Thanksgiving. No reservations are necessary.
Stone Pantry Orchard
11993 S. Oak Glen Rd.
Yucaipa
Online: stonepantryorchard.com
Apple Orchards Where You Can Find Apple Butter, Cider Donuts & Candy Apples
If you are searching for adventures outside of apple picking, below are other Oak Glen locations providing entertaining and delicious happenings for everyone to enjoy.
Oak Tree Mountain
Skip apple picking all together and make the drive to Oak Glen to taste the mile high apple pie at Apple Annie’s Bakery. Beyond pie, Oak Tree Mountain is a fall foodie paradise with hot dogs, BBQ, shaved ice, and a whole bakery full of sweets. There’s ample seating outdoors so you can dine al fresco while enjoying live music, and there are plenty of activities for the whole family to burn off all they’ve consumed. Take a ride on America’s largest all-weather tubing slide, brush up your hatchet skills at Axe Therapy, pan for gold at the Oak Tree Mining Company, make new friends at the petting zoo, play a rousing game of corn hole, and so much more.
Insider Tip: Later in the season, plan a visit when there’s snow so littles can build a snowman and go sledding. Even though you can’t pick apples at this location, a pit stop at Pops & Drops Candy Co. is worth it for some hand-dipped caramel apples.
Oak Tree Mountain
38480 Oak Glen Rd.
Oak Glen
Online: oaktreemountain.com
Parrish Pioneer Ranch
Since its inception in 1866, this orchard has developed its 160-acre farmland into an Oak Glen destination filled with a large variety of apples and historic landmarks honoring the history of the region. Although there is no apple picking on site, they offer apples pre-bagged with more than 19 varieties which will make your taste buds party. Their restaurant, store, and bakery are worth the trip alone to taste your way through all that the ranch has to offer. From gourmet chocolates and apple butter to apple cider and wine tasting for adults, you’ll be super happy you stopped by. There’s also a great antique shop and toy store on site as well.
Insider Tip: Some of the apples grown are unique to this area including the Parkdale Beauty and the Vazquez – named after the Parrish foreman, Juan Vazquez, who developed this varietal on the ranch. And if you arrive earlier in the season, you can taste the Arkansas Black apples which frequently sell out because of their crisp and fruity flavors.
Hours: Fri. – Sun., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Parrish Pioneer Ranch
38561 Oak Glen Rd.
Yucaipa
Online: parrishpioneerappleranch.business.site
Snow-Line Orchard and Winery
Even though visitors can only pick raspberries here, this family-owned orchard and winery is one of the most charming spots on our list. Stop by to visit the farm’s original packing shed and cider mill. Or check out their store filled with a swell supply of fresh-picked apples, delicious mini cider donuts, fresh-pressed cider, Augie’s coffee, and apple pie that you can easily enjoy outside in the beautiful picnic area. Parents can pop into the orchard’s tasting room to try a sample (or a decent sized pour) of Snow-Line’s wines and hard ciders using the best California-locally sourced ingredients.
Insider’s Tip: Weekends tend to get crowded with a lines out the door for donuts, so get there early for a shorter wait time.
Hours: Thurs. – Sun., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Everything You Need to Know about Apple Picking in Oak Glen & Beyond
What to Know: Since there are acres and acres of open space, take your picnic blanket, sunscreen, sun hats, lots of water, and snacks to keep everyone from feeling dehydrated and hungry. Although you can purchase snacks at the orchards, lines can get long so it helps to have other options on hand. Bring cash – it’s especially useful when visiting the smaller farms. The weather and fruit availability can vary so check beforehand when planning your trip to visit to avoid disappointment.
What to Wear: It can be hot while picking apples but gets dramatically cooler in the afternoon so dress comfortably and bring a jacket for later. Most orchards also recommend close-toed shoes for guests.
Apple Picking Getaways near LA: Palm Springs is just 45 minutes away from Oak Glen. Pick apples in the morning then spend the latter half of your day splashing in an Airbnb pool or swing by Oak Glen on your way back from Palm Springs. Here are our favorite things to do in Palm Springs with kids.
San Luis Obispo is a little over three hours away from DTLA, so head up the coast to these farms listed below where you can sample fresh honey, pick pails of apples, and down gallons of cider.
SLO Creek Farms
6455 Monte Rd.
San Luis Obispo
Online: slocreekfarms.com
See Canyon Fruit Ranch
2345 See Canyon Rd.
San Luis Obispo
Online: seecanyonfruitranch.com
Julian: If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, head to Julian, our favorite little mountain town in San Diego County, just 150 miles south of LA. It’s filled with u-pick apple farms, apple pies, and farm tours.
You Picked it, Now Make it: Now that you have bushels of apples, check out 30 different ways to make drool-worthy apple-based desserts.
Additional reporting by Carmen Garcia-Shushtari
