Southern California Apple Picking Guide

Written By Kelly S

It’s the fall 2022 apple-picking season! (This post is up-to-date as of September 2022).


Southern California features two charming places for apple picking… I like them both! My husband took me to Julian on one of our first dates when we lived in San Diego, but these days we live closer to Oak Glen… we love to head there for the day to enjoy time in nature, pick apples, and eat apple cider donuts.


Unfortunately, U-pick is pretty much done in Julian, but should be available through the end of October (or even beyond) in Oak Glen. Both places are fun and popular places to visit all autumn long (even without apples to pick, Julian is still charming and often a bit cooler than lower elevations.)


General Tips for Apple-Picking in Southern California

•Bring a picnic blanket, hats, water, and jackets (though it may be hot, even in the mountains). Food is available, but there may be long lines, so bring snacks/lunch too if you can. Bring cash if possible.

•Weekends will likely get very crowded in both places (especially parking!) Go on a weekday or go early on weekend mornings if possible.

•If you can go on a weekday, there will be much smaller crowds, but some places will be closed. Try Los Rios Rancho or Snowline Orchard in Oak Glen, or just walking around town in Julian.

•Driving to both places can still be a little tricky at times. Nothing too crazy, but you may find yourself driving on narrow and/or dirt roads for a bit. The road to Julian is windier than the road to Oak Glen, especially if you’re coming from the south (San Diego).

•I’ve tried to be thorough, but info may change. Sometimes these areas are affected by wildfires or storms, so it’s a good idea to call ahead to be sure places are open or if you want to be sure U pick apples are available.

•You can go to Oak Glen or Julian for free if you pack a picnic and just walk around the orchards, or you can spend lots of money on U-pick, wagon rides, food, and other activities. There’s something for every budget!

•Apple picking is fun, but not a necessity. There is usually plenty to do even if we don’t do U pick.


Not sponsored or gifted - just my honest information.


Where to Go to Pick Apples in Southern California

Oak Glen is closest for families in LA, OC, and the Inland Empire. The “town” itself is small (check out the Oak Tree Mountain area for restaurants + activities) but has many apple orchards, and it tends to stay open with apple available for several months.



Julian is closest to families in San Diego. Julian’s town is bigger, but the U-pick apple season doesn’t seem to stay open for very long. It’s charming to visit even if U-pick is over… their pie is famous!



In Santa Barbara or further north? Consider going to San Luis Obispo - try SLO Creek Farms.



Where to Go for Apples in Oak Glen, California

Los Rios Rancho

Instagram: @rileysatlosrios

39611 Oak Glen Road



My family’s favorite place to visit in Oak Glen (but it may get crowded on weekends!)



beautiful nature trails next door at Oak Glen Preserve (free)

We like to head down the hill and park by the children’s forest for a picnic.

No parking or admission fee.

U-Pick apples

Lots of weekend activities (extra cost) corn maze, carriage rides, kid crafts, petting zoo, cider pressing - check out losriosrancho.com for details





Stone Soup Farm + Heritage Orchard

Instagram: @stonesoupfarm_oakglen

12131 S. Oak Glen Road



U Pick Apples - 1st two weekends October (2022)

Beautiful gardens

Probably not as many crowds

Focus on local, organic farming



Weekends 10am - 4pm

$5 to walk around gardens (ages 4+)

Price includes tomahawk practice, children’s area



Friday, September 30 + October 7, 2022

Special Family Farm Day

$15/person (age 5+)

Includes cider pressing + sampling, garden tour, candle dipping, games, tomahawks, gemstones



Willowbrook Apple Farm

Instagram: @willowbrookapplefarm

12099 Oak Glen Rd



Opens October 1

Weekends 10am - 4pm



U-Pick apples start in October

Animals

Wine and s’more nights available too!





Snowline Orchard

Instagram: @snowlineorchard

39400 Oak Glen Road



Open 7 days a week (9am-5pm) for famous mini apple cider donuts + other treats

U-pick raspberries (no U-pick apples)

Winery + apple cider available too



Parrish Pioneer Ranch

Instagram: @parrishranch

Friday - Monday 9am - 5pm

Apples + treats to buy (no U pick apples)





Stone Pantry Orchard

Instagram: @stonepantryorchard

Not much info online, but they do U-pick

(Could be a less-crowded option)



Where to Go for Apples in Julian, California

Unfortunately, most of Julian’s apple crop is already gone, partly due to recent storms.

There are still some places to try! If you REALLY want to apple-pick in Julian, try:



If you want a fun family adventures + some yummy pie (but not necessarily U-pick), walk around town and consider visiting:

    • Julian Farm and Orchard ( 4381 Highway 78 Santa Ysabel CA 92070, US

      • Instagram: @julianfarmandorchard

      • Many activities open - $10/person (petting zoo, axe throwing, children’s crafts, face painting, tractor rides, etc.

        • U-pick only available through private tours - check their web site for reservations

        • Friday - Sunday 10am - 4pm





Closed for 2022 Season - try again next year:



Looking for more info about Julian?

FamDiego.com and MountainMadeMe.com both have great posts with more info!



Kelly S
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