Visiting these u-pick apple farms are the perfect way to welcoming in the fall season
Apple picking season has officially arrived so get ready to have bushels of fun at these beautiful apple picking farms around the San Diego area. Lucky for us, Julian, a.k.a. the West Coast hub of apple picking, is just a short drive away. From orchards with oodles of variety to ones with certified organic crops, we’ve put together a list of places that are ripe for a festive fall day out with the fam. Apple season generally runs from early September to mid-October, so check out all the juicy details on where and when to go and if you need a reservation.
Good to Know: Be sure to check the orchard’s websites and social media before heading out since they provide the latest updates during the apple-picking season and supply availability.
Julian Farm & Orchard
This 25-acre sustainable, working farm offers fun for all ages year-round, but apple picking season is one of our favorite times to visit. Julian Farm and Orchard features sprawling apple orchards and a festive u-pick experience only available by booking a reservation for one of their staff-led apple tours. Before or after the tour, your brood can enjoy the farm’s rock-climbing wall, animal sanctuary, tractor hayrides, axe throwing, craft area, and apple cider press.
Insider’s Tip: If your kiddos have any energy left after all that apple picking, stop by the Julian Mining Company just across the road for even more fun activities like mining for gems and panning for gold. You can also pick apples here as well!
Picking Dates: This season will be in Sept. so be sure to sign up on their website to be notified as soon as apple tour reservations go live.
Julian Farm & Orchard
4444 State Hwy 78
Julian
Online: julianfarmandorchard.com
Peacefield Orchard
Pick from where the rumored oldest apple tree is in Julian: the “Granny Gravenstein.” You’ll find more than 200 other trees on 2.5 acres bearing dazzling Red, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jonathan and Jonagold apples so you’re bound to find some super sweet pickings to take home.
Picking Dates: Open to the public, Sat. – Sun., 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. during Sept. Orchard tours and u-pick appointments are also available.
Peacefield Orchard
3803 Wynola Rd.
Julian
Online: 3803wynolaroad.com
Volcan Valley Apple Farm
With 10 gorgeous acres to roam, Volcan Valley Apple Farm is Julian’s largest orchard. Every fall, this magical spot comes alive with over 8,000 trellis-grown apple trees filled with varieties of red and green apples including Empire, Jonathan, and Red Delicious. Purchase a bag that holds 6 – 7 lbs. of apples, then head into the fields to fill it up.
Insider’s Tip: Cashless payment only. Plan to visit in early Sept. rather than late fall since the season only last about 4-6 weeks while they still have apples.
Picking Dates: The Gravenstein Apple Festival is coming in Aug., but picking season is Sept. – early Oct. with exact dates TBD. Orchard hours are Fri., Sat. and Sun., 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. No reservations necessary.
Volcan Valley Apple Farm
1284 Julian Orchards Dr.
Julian
Online: volcanvalleyapplefarm.com
Ranchita del Reo
Your family will get more than just a u-pick bag of apples from this fifth-generation family farm in Julian. You’ll get an extra special experience when you book your private 30-minute slot to have the entire orchard to yourselves. Choose from three different reservation packages that include not only a bag to hold apples but also come with the bonus of homemade goodies like homemade jams to enjoy with cheese and crackers in the orchard while you relax or to take home for later.
Picking Dates: Their season usually runs Sept. – Nov., Fri. – Mon., 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. – exact dates TBD. Picking is via reservation only.
Ranchita Del Reo
1711 Highway 78
Julian
Online: visitjulian.com
Crosscut Farm and Orchard
This is a group apple-picking site that allows a minimum of 10 people per group and a maximum of 50. Make your reservations early at this family-friendly mom-and-pop operation because they’re only open for one week of apple picking. The orchard has about 700 trees to choose from including Golden Delicious, Jonathan, and Liberty apples. And while they are not certified organic, they do use “organic practices” and don’t spray their trees. An introduction to apple farming, an apple cider pressing demonstration, and parking are also included in the fee.
Picking Dates: Sept. 16 – 24, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m – 3p.m., and 3 p.m – 5 p.m. Pre-paid reservations online are required.
Crosscut Farm and Orchard
1209 Farmer Rd.
Julian
Online: crosscutfarmandorchard.com
Apples and Art Orchards
This orchard is only for large groups who are expecting to pick 20 bags of apples or more per reservation – perfect for a homeschooling group, scouts, sports teams, family gatherings, or playgroups. This all-natural, pesticide-free, non-GMO orchard is featuring many apple varieties this year, including McIntosh, Red and Golden Delicious, Williams Pride, Chehalis, Liberty, Arkansas Black, Enterprise, Hatsuke, and some heirlooms. Since they ripen at different times, not all varieties will be available during your visit. In addition to apple picking, groups receive a tour of the orchard, as well as a free apple cider-making lesson and tasting experience.
Picking Dates: Daily starting Sept. 8 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. by email reservation only.
Apple and Art Orchards
1052 Julian Orchards Dr.
Julian, CA
Online: applesandartorchards.com
Good Tips for Apple Picking
1. Go early in the season and check ahead to confirm that apples are still available for picking: Once the apples are gone, that’s it until the next year. Most orchards report updates on their socials or website.
2. Bring the right money: Some orchards only accept cash, while some only take cards. Do your research and maybe even bring both.
3. Prepare to spend more money than you would on grocery store apples: The apple-picking experience costs more than your usual trip to the produce section, but is worth the fun once a year!
4. Don’t fret about not being able to pick tons of apples: Most orchards have pre-bagged apples available for purchase if your little farmers grow weary of picking early on.
5. Don’t expect cold weather: Just because Julian is in the mountains doesn’t mean you’ll need a jacket. Check the temps before you make the trip and pack water, sun hats, sunscreen, close-toed shoes, and maybe a little bug repellant.
6. Make a day of it and experience Julian: This mining town has so many fun things to do besides apple picking. Julian is best when you allow yourself an entire day to explore.
Additional reporting by Bonnie Taylor
