Southern California Treasures - Apple Farms!
As summer draws to a close, and the gradually cooler temperatures remind us that autumn is just around the corner, one can’t help but get excited for apple orchard season! Visiting one of the following apple orchards is sure to place you in a fall state of mind, with everything from picking your own apples straight from the trees to purchasing freshly made apple butter and apple cider!
Riley’s Los Rios Rancho
Get ready for loads of fall fun at Riley’s Los Rios Rancho (not to be confused with Riley’s Apple Farm also included in this list.) They offer a petting zoo, wagon rides, live music, and nature trails. You can choose to pick Macintosh, Pearmain, Spartan or Gala apples as well as raspberries and strawberries! Visit their website to plan a day of adventure!
Address: 39611 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Parrish Pioneer Ranch
Apple season starts September 1st, so make sure to get to this farm early in the season so all the best apples won’t be picked over! Parrish Ranch produces many varieties that are unique to the area such as the Vasquez and Parkdale Beauty, as well as heritage and antique apples no longer commercially available, including Gravenstein and Pink Pearl. Don’t forget to take home a jar or two of apple butter!
Address: 38561 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Volcan Valley Apple Farm
With seven varieties of apples to choose from, you’ll be able to fill bags with a delicious melody of flavors! Each bag is $12 and will hold 6-7 pounds of apples. They have row after row of apple trees ready for picking, but make sure to get here early in the season so you get the best pick in the orchard.
Address: 1284 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036
Snow-Line Orchards
Not only is this an orchard but it's also a winery. The grownups can sample wine will the little ones sip on apple cider. And don't forget the donuts, as a trip to Snow-line orchard isn't complete without eating a fresh apple cider donut. They provide a wide variety of activities from raspberry picking to wine tasting and make sure to visit the original packing shed and cider mill!
Address: 39400 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Willowbrook Apple Farm
Due to the long winter last year, Wilowbrook has decided to protect their century-old apple trees and postpone their ‘U-pick” season to being the first week of October. Pick some fresh apples, press your own apple cider, meet the farm animals, take a tractor ride and just relax in the wonderful mountain air! Their two-month old piglet, Delilah and their mini-horse and donkey, Star and Comet, look forward to meeting you!
Address: 12099 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399
Riley’s Apple Farm
Not to be confused with Riley's Los Rios Rancho, as they are two different apple farms run by different members of the Riley family. In addition to apple picking, weekends are the best bet here to enjoy a wide range of fun activities such as cider pressing, archery and tomahawk. Meander through this charming orchard with your family and friends, delight in many varieties and heirloom trees throughout the season. Varieties ripen as early as August through October; its U-Pick at its finest!
Address: 12201 S Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Apple picking in Southern California is something that many visitors do not expect to find. However, as long as you know where to pick apples in Southern California then you’ll be able to enjoy this welcomed adventure all season long!