Who can say no to strawberries?
They’re delicious and so versatile!
You can eat them raw (after some washing, of course), bake them, whip them up in a smoothie, and even cook them up!
It’s no wonder that when strawberry season rolls around, which is usually around March to July, many Southern Californians, Los Angelenos, and tourists head to nearby farms for a fun day of strawberry picking.
These U-pick farms allows everyone in to pick their own organic strawberries for a small fee.
Most, if not all, of these nearby farms offer organic strawberries picking as well as other family fun activities for everyone!
You can also find more U-Pick Farms all over California at this website: California U-Pick Farms
1. Blueberries Ole’!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/upickblueberries
Address: 3665 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Other Activities: Blueberries picking, laser tag, pumpkin patch, family friendly arts & crafts
Don’t let the name of this U-Pick farm fool you, they offer both blueberries and strawberries for the picking.
Depending on the season, they may have blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, apricots, plums, etc. for sale.
They not only have fruit picking, but also have other food for purchase as you explore the many other arts & craft activities for the whole family.
2. McGrath Family Farm
Website: https://www.storeatmcgrath.com/
Address: 1012 W Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010, USA
Other Activities: private and group farm tours available
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Passed down for 5 generations, the McGarth Family Farm have been around since 1868.
They focus on growing organic, regenerative and sustainable farm techniques for seasonal organic fruits and vegetables to sell to the Southern California community, all year round.
They take pride on their high standards.
The Store which sell seasonal fruit and vegetables at the McGrath Family Farm is just minutes from The Camarillo Outlet Malls and The Oxnard Beaches.
Its location is great for anyone who wants to make a day outing!
3. Underwood Family Farms (2 locations)
Website: https://underwoodfamilyfarms.com/
Moorpark Address: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021
Somis Address: 5696 E Los Angeles Ave, Somis, CA 93066
Other Activities:
- An array of animals to see including: donkeys, goats, sheeps, chickens, ducks, birds, emus, alpacas, etc.
- Tractor and hay rides
- Bounce house
- Pony rides
- Small playground with slides, bikes, and climbing equipment
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4. Family Farms Chino
Website: https://www.facebook.com/familyfarmschino/
Address: 13406 Cypress Ave, Chino, CA, United States, California
Other Activities: Flower picking
A newcomer to the Southern California U-Pick scene, the Family Farms in Chino is providing another great option for strawberry picking.
They don’t require any reservations and welcome all walk-ins.
5. Tanaka Farms
Website: https://www.tanakafarms.com/
Address: 5380 3/4 University Dr., Irvine, CA 92612
Other Activities: U-Pick Wagon rides, barnyard educational exhibit, harvest festivals, sunflower field tours, pumpkin patch, baby goat yoga, Hikari (a festival of lights) events.
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Located in Orange County, Tanaka Farms, is one of the only family-owned farm open to the public in the area.
A very popular destination, they also offer different seasonal events fun for the whole family.
Tanaka farm strive themselves on educating and entertaining families all year long.
They also offer guided tours to show children where their food actually comes.
6. Los Rios Rancho
Website: https://losriosrancho.com/
Address: 39611 s. Oak Glen Rd., Yucaipa CA, 92399
Other Activities: Wedding venue, farm to table dinners, apple butter festival, farm school tours, proposal carriage, and old American west festivals.
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Los Rios first began in 1906 with one of the largest apple orchard in Southern California.
Since then, they have established themselves as a one stop shop for U-pick opportunities, petting farms, delicious food, and seasonal festivals throughout the year.
Follow them on social media to hear about upcoming events.
7. The Ecology Center
Website: https://theecologycenter.org/strawberry-u-pick/
Address: 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675
Other Activities: Rad Traditions (an after school educational programs for kids to think like a farmer chef), Eco Tots (a family friendly sensory and hands-on garden for all ages), Grow-Eat-Make Summer Camp, farm to table dining experiences, a farming apprenticeship program, produce & fruit market, and volunteering & mentorship opportunities.
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More than just a farm, the Ecology Center strive to be an active community learning center to teach others about holistic ways to farm, eat, and cook food.
They are open from Thursday through Sunday for strawberries picking.
You have to pay for admission and pay per pound for the strawberries you pick.
8. South Coast Farms
Website: http://southcoastfarms.com/
Address: 33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Other Activities: Participating in the South Coast Farms Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) to pick up a basket of seasonal produce weekly or biweekly at South San Clemente, Capistrano Beach or Dana Point.
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Founded by farmer George in 1996, South Coast Farms is dedicated to growing fresh and organic seasonal fruits and vegetables.
They also welcome the public into their U-Pick Strawberry picking in San Juan Capistrano.
They only charge for parking and the strawberries are charged by how much they weight, in pound(s).
South Coast Farms is great for those seeking a quiet day fill with delicious, sweet, and juicy strawberries.
9. Kenny’s Strawberry Farm
Website: https://kennysstrawberryfarm.com/
Address: 953 Rainbow Valley Blvd, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Other Activities: Classes about farming techniques coming soon.
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Well known for their plump and sweet strawberries, Kenny’s strawberry farm, offers a reservation system for guest to reserve a time to go strawberry picking.
Don’t worry, they don’t charge for admission!
By RSVPing, you’re giving them a head count of how many visitors will come on that day.
They offer two sizes (small or large) at different prices for strawberry picking.
10. Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Website: https://www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/
Address: 1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Other Activities: Petting farm, sunflower maze, tractor ride, and lavender field.
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The Carlsbad Strawberry Company have been growing strawberries for 4 generations and it shows!
They pride themselves on growing some of the tastiest strawberries in San Diego.
There is a cost for an admission ticket for those over 5 years old.
Be prepare to pay additional fees for strawberry picking and if you would like to experience other attractions.
11. Julian Farm and Orchard
Website: https://www.julianfarmandorchard.com/
Address: 4381 Julian Hwy, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Other Activities: U- pick Daffodils, raspberries, blackberries, and sunflowers.
They also offer tractor-pulled hayrides, rock climbing wall, axe throwing, picnic area, hammocks, a gift shop, wedding venue, and various food and drink options year around.
They are also known for their seasonal pumpkin patch and Christmas festivities.
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Located near Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Julian Farm and Orchard, is actually famous for their apple orchards, but they have now expanded to growing various fruits, produce, and flowers.
They charge admissions for those 4 years and older.
Strawberries are charged by container so just come dressed in comfortable clothes and get ready for a fun filled day at Julian Farm and Orchard where there are many attractions to entertain everyone in the family.