Discover the best orchards in California to visit this fall for apple picking and all the seasonal fun!
Although it’s still scorching hot in many places across the state, fall is right around the corner, and it’s time to start planning seasonal outings. A great way to celebrate is by visiting one of the many orchards California has to offer.
Our state’s agricultural history dates back to the native tribes who cultivated beautiful land and crops. Among others, the Cahuilla, Chumash, and Tongva tribes maintained vast groves, creating sustainable agriculture long before row farming took over California land.
Crops changed over time with both the Spanish conquest and the Gold Rush, but some California orchards still have apple and pear varieties that date back centuries. So while an Instagram-worthy fall day is in the cards, it’s also a wonderful time to learn about California’s rich history and the people who helped create it.
Northern California
Apple Hill
2952 Carson Road #1, Placerville, CA 95667
Nowhere else in California feels more like fall than Apple Hill. Located in Placerville, just 45 minutes east of Sacramento, this year-round apple orchard attracts tourists and locals alike. When it was founded in 1964, Apple Hill had just sixteen groves. Over time, it expanded to include multiple fruit and vegetable orchards, bakeshops, wineries, and even a bed-and-breakfast.
Here, visitors can pick their own apples, but that’s not the only activity on site. Locals recommend grabbing a famous apple cider donut and a cider (Alcoholic or not!). It’s also the perfect spot to take fall photos among the trees and decorations.
Plan a trip to enjoy one of the farm’s long list of monthly events, or stop by to take in the fall atmosphere. Whether you want to pick your own apples or enjoy other people’s efforts, this is the perfect spot.
Chileno Valley Ranch
5105 Chileno Valley Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952
Nestled in California’s wine country, Chileno Valley Ranch starts apple-picking season in early September. They offer a variety of apple types, including Orin, Pinova, Candy Crisp, and Jonagold.
The ranch has an expansive history dating back to 1862, when the land was purchased and turned into a farm and orchard. It stayed within the same family for decades, but by the 90s, it had fallen into disrepair. Sally Gale, a great-great-granddaughter of the farm’s original owner, moved from Hawaii to California to save the farm. She and her husband have created a special staple in their Marin County community.
Now, the ranch is a go-to spot to celebrate fall. Unlike Apple Hill, apple picking season isn’t year-round. From early September through October, you can visit to pick your own apples. Entry is $10 per family, and you must bring your own bags or baskets.
With a limited number of cold days this year, apple season may not run as long as it has in the past. You can visit on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and you must make reservations online in advance. Before visiting Chileno Valley Ranch, check out their website to ensure apple picking is happening that Sunday.
Central California
SLO Creek Farms
6455 Monte Rd, SLO, CA 93401
Who says fall vibes exclude the beach? One of California’s beloved coastal cities, San Luis Obispo, combines salty air with fresh-baked apple pie at SLO Creek Farms. This is the perfect fall outing for beach bums who aren’t ready to give up their sunny days on the sand. Pick some apples, then hop over to the beach.
The farm boasts fourteen acres with a wide variety of organic apples. Jonalicious, Empire, Early Fuji, Gala, September Wonders, Sundancers, Granny Smith, and Braeburn are all available for picking. To see when your favorite apple type is ready, check out their online calendar and plan accordingly.
This orchard recommends calling ahead to check picking conditions, weather, and available times. They have baskets available on-site, but be sure to bring your own containers to transfer your hard-earned apples. Visiting the farm is the perfect family event, as all ages are welcome.
The Orchard at Meadow Lakes
41270 Auberry Rd, Auberry, CA 93602
California’s Central Valley is the heartbeat of the agricultural industry. It’s home to approximately 75% of all irrigated agricultural land in the state, along with 17% of the total farmland in the country. When searching for the best apple-picking in California, we’d be remiss not to share The Orchard at Meadow Lakes.
Located in Fresno County, the orchard has 40 acres of apple groves. They offer unique apples, like Arkansas Black, which has a more tart flavor profile. Picking apples isn’t the only option at Meadow Lakes. The country store, filled with delicious apple treats, is a favorite among visitors.
From baristas on-site making delicious coffee to a wide variety of apple baked goods and one-of-a-kind gifts that will transport you to a fall day, even if the weather says otherwise. Of course, they offer house-made apple pie, the perfect way to end a day of picking.
Not ready to leave? No problem. Several homes on the property are available to rent for the night. Apple picking runs from September each year and continues through the fall. If you’re hoping to stay the night, the orchard recommends making reservations in advance.
Southern California
Los Rios Rancho
39611 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Located between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, Yucaipa is home to Southern California’s largest apple farm. Operated since 1906, Los Rios Rancho continues to serve the area with the freshest apples and a strong sense of community.
This orchard is so big that it has different locations on the property with various activities. The south side offers a farm store with delicious treats, barbecue for lunch, hard cider tastings, and a petting zoo for the kids. The north side houses the u-pick area, along with tractor rides, pumpkin patches, and a corn maze.
No reservation is necessary, and there is no parking or entry fee. Other activities do cost money, including the petting zoo and corn maze. Apples range from $3 to $6, depending on size and variety. The season runs September through November. Before you go, check the weather and prepare for the perfect day.
Volcan Valley Apple Farm
1284 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Julian is the perfect place to soak in fall. The adorable town is just 60 miles from San Diego and is a favorite day trip for locals. The small-town feeling and slower pace of life feel like a warm hug, which makes picking apples here even more special.
The vibes aren’t the only reason to pick apples in Julian. The town is best known for its apple pie and cider. Visiting Volcan Valley Apple Farm should be on everyone’s fall bucket list. This farm is the largest u-pick apple orchard in the town, with over 7,000 trees featuring seven varieties.
The picking season begins in September and wraps up in mid-October. Admission to the farm is $5, and the u-pick bags are $20 and hold up to seven pounds of apples. You can visit on select weekends from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check the website before heading to the farm to make sure it’s open that day.
Get ready to enjoy apple pie and the fall ambiance; few activities feel more festive than spending the day at an orchard.
