When it comes to celebrating fall weather, apple picking is an ideal experience. Aside from being Instagram-worthy, this nature-focused activity bodes all the most loved elements of fall. Southern California offers several excellent apple farms to choose from. Read on for our favorite picks of where to go apple picking in SoCal this fall.
Snow-Line Orchard
Dating back to 1898, Snow-Line Orchard has been a staple of Southern California apple farming. Founded by Issac Ford and operated for the past 36 years by Mert and Shirley Hudson, Snow-Line offers a wide variety of apples for snacking and cooking. Likewise, the farm also has a winery and cider, raspberry picking, and delicious mini-cider donuts. Snow-line is open for u-picking on the weekends only. From July to the end of August, the farm is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 to 4:00 pm, and September through December, seven days a week, 9:00 to 5:00 pm.
Willowbrook Apple Farm
The Willowbrook Apple Farm features a Stayman-Winesap apple orchard that is over 100 years old, with original trees planted in 1910. Certainly, after picking your apples, you can enjoy apple cider, a petting zoo, a caramel apple, and clean-crafted wine by a bonfire. Beginning Labor day, Willowbrook will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Los Rios Ranchos
Los Rios Ranchos is one of the premier apple-picking farms in the area. They have 32 varieties of apples, including Gala, Spartan, and MacIntosh, but check online before you go for a listing of what’s ready to pick. Likewise, Los Rios Ranchos also has a petting zoo, store tent, apple cider, and country cooking with picnic tables. They are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Riley’s Apple Farm
Make your way to Riley’s Apple Farm. Riley’s Apple Farm features Glen Seedling, Gravenstein, Red Delicious, Early Fujis, McIntosh, Jonathan, Spartan, Rome apples, and more. Of course, weekends are particularly fun here, where visitors are treated to apple cider pressing, tomahawk tossing, and archery. Contact Riley’s for available u-pick times.
Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard
Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard is a family-owned farm that features 130-year-old heirloom apple orchards. The farm uses organic growing methods and has made a dedication to sustainability and seasonality. Visitors are given a 10-minute tour where they will learn of the farm’s history and unique approach to farming. Likewise, events and workshops on various topics are offered as well as a gift shop, wine tastings, and wonderful local delicacies. Contact Stone Soup for available u-pick times.
Apple picking time is here, get out and enjoy.