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This fall, make the trip out to these SoCal apple picking farms for fresh apples, apple pies, cider doughnuts and other autumnal delights.
Written by Patricia Kelly Yeo
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Los Angeles
Contributor: Leila Elihu
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Southern California’s apple picking season, which generally runs from Labor Daythrough Thanksgiving, draws apple-loving Angelenos to comparatively rural counties nearby for a fresh taste of fall and a change of scenery. The closest apple pickingarea to Los Angeles is Oak Glen, a small unincorporated town in San Bernardino County where a cluster of longtimeorchards allow purists to pick apples straight offthe tree and indulge in timeless fall treats like apple cider, apple cider doughnuts and hot chocolate (even if the actual weather outside still hovers above 80 degrees).
While the trek to Oak Glen typically takes an hour to two hours’ drive from most parts of L.A., many of theseU-pick farmsoffer a day of worthwhile family-friendly activities, from fresh cider pressing topetting zoosand archery—hence why they’re part of our guide to thebest things to do in the fall.
If you’re willing to spend three or four hours in the car, the sleepy town of Julian in San Diego County is an even more charming apple picking town—albeit better suited to an overnight trip or a longer day trip for those willing to get up even earlier to make the drive. From late October (the last few weeks of prime apple picking season) to early November, the remote mountain town also transforms into one of SoCal’s true fall foliage destinations and local bakery Julian Pie Company turns the fall bounty into some of thebest piesin Southern California.
For best results and little chance for disappointment, arrive earlier in the season to ensure there are still apples on the trees (Julian’s orchards, in particular, will close whenever there aren’t enough fruits left to satisfy heavy weekend crowds.) Regardless of which SoCal apple picking towns you choose, there’s still heaps of fall fun to be had—so jump in the car and head to the best apple picking farms near Los Angeles.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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Oak Glen's best U-pick apple farms
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- Oak Glen
This multi-activity Oak Glen farm has rolled out apple picking early this year (the first crop of Gravensteins are available for picking as of August 26).Most years, apple picking runs through early November. Over the course of each season, Los Rios Rancho offers 32 apple varieties, though each one is ready for harvest at a different time—socheck online to find out which types are ripe and ready to be picked before visiting. Before or after picking, be sure to check out Los Rios's petting zoo and snag some freshly pressed cider and other goodies from the gift shop.
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In 2024, this century-old orchard withthe best mini apple cider doughnuts in Oak Glenwill offer apple picking from Labor Day weekend to November. (In August, the orchard has late summer raspberries for picking, with hopes the season this year will last through the end of September.) For those lookingforgoodies to take home, Snow-Line also offers plenty of gifts and artisan foodstuffs made right on the farm, including wines, vinegars, jams, jellies, honey and pickled vegetables. The farm's multiple picnic areas are also great for lunch or afternoon snacks.
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- Attractions
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A post shared by Willowbrook Apple Farm (@willowbrookapplefarm) on
First U-pick of the 2024 season not yet announced.
One of the oldest apple farms in Oak Glen, Willowbrook offersapple picking and a petting zoo (including Star, the farm's beloved mini-donkey). When open, apple picking is typically availableSaturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm, but keep your eye on updates regarding hourshere. As of publication, Willowbrook has started taking reservations for its first-ever season of blackberry picking—just email info@willowbrookfarmoakglen.com with time, your name and group size.
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While you can also find pick-your-own berries here in August, the grounds of this 130-year-old Oak Glen farm usually open up in October, when Stone Soup's Stayman Winesap trees generally first ripen. This year, the regenerative orchard will host an Apple Fair which will include a tour of the orchard, cider pressing workshop, chef’s tasting and of course, U-pick apples. Admission will cost $25 for adults and children over 4. During a good season, weekend apple picking continues through early November, with plenty of farm stand goodies and other kid-friendly activities offered like gemstone panning, candle dipping and outdoor games. Beyond apples, Stone Soup also offers pumpkins, flowers and herbs for picking, and caps their apple season with an Apple Butter Festival in mid to late November.
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The best apple orchards in Julian
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A post shared by Julian Farm and Orchard (@julianfarmandorchard)
This 25-acre farm and apple orchard offers year-round farm and pick-your-own activities, but Julian Farm is most famous for its apple picking season, which generally starts in September and requires an advance apple tour reservationon Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. In August, you can also reserve time slots to pick your own strawberries and raspberries. Unlike other orchards in the area, Julian Farm offers plenty of activities to keep you occupied for a full day, including a petting zoo, tractor-pulled hayrides and even axe throwing. They also have a U-pick pumpkin patch, which makes a visit here perfect for those arriving later in the season. Note: Check their websitecalendar before visiting to make sure apples are still available.
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This seasonal pick-your-own operation offers over 8,000 apple trees and seven different varieties of apples. Volcan Valley's 2024 apple picking seasonwill start on Sunday, September 8.(We recommend checking their Instagram to see what's available before going.) It'sa no-frills daytime picking experience with picnic tables and water available for purchase. Use a fruit picker basket togarner a couple of tart Granny Smiths for your next pie at home, or snag a few Empire and Golden Delicious for a delicious lunchtime snack.
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Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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