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The 11 Best Places to Go Apple Picking Near Los Angeles This Fall

Sure, we may not get the crisp fall mornings and changing of the leaves that are quintessential signs of the season, but us Angelenos can still feel the festivities of fall by going apple picking. Outside of Los Angeles there are two areas with unique microclimates that make those apple trees grow—Oak Glen, an area about an hour and a half east of Los Angeles, and Julian, about two and a half hours south. For the perfect day trip, hop in the car and check out one of these 11 farms (or visit a few in the same area). They’re filled with apple trees, activities for kids, fresh cider and other fall favorite treats. We’re already excited about how we’ll use our bounty—several apple dessert recipes come to mind! Here, the best apple picking near Los Angeles.

One more thing: It’s always a good idea to call in advance or check the website to make sure they still have apples, as many of these farms stay open until all of the apples are gone.

72 Fun Fall Activities to Get You Through the Season


Best Places to go Apple Picking Near Los Angeles Los Rios Ranch. Father smiling and carrying his daughter on shoulders.
Los Rios Ranch

1. Riley’s at Los Rios Ranch

  • Location: Oak Glen
  • Hours: Friday to Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When you think of apple picking, this may be the place that comes to mind. As the largest orchard in Oak Glen, you can spend all day here wandering amongst the apple trees, gardens, and natural trails taking in the picturesque scenery. Additionally, plan to picnic for lunch; you can bring your own lunch, or conveniently visit Farm Kitchen or one of the other food locations on the property. At the Farm Kitchen you can indulge in pies, cider, and hearty stews. There’s also a spot to purchase steak sandwiches, one that sells pies, and another by the U-Pick tent for light bites and snacks. Kids will love Little Seedlings Ranch (a petting zoo and mini farm). There are also horseback rides, tractor rides, wagon rides…and those sweet, sweet car rides home when the kids pass out after a day of fun! Admission is free and U-Pick is by the pound.

39611 Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen, CA, 92399; 909-797-1005

The Best Places to go Apple Picking Near Los Angeles Stone Soup. Woman picking apples in the field.
Stone Soup

2. Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard

  • Location: Oak Glen
  • Hours: Saturday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This small, intimate 3-acre farm is family owned and the pride they take in preserving this 130-year old property is evident. Upon your visit, you are given a small tour and history of the farm. Every apple is heirloom and grown organically with regenerative methods. This year they are adding four new varietals to the crop, which are late harvest varieties—for that reason, apple picking season does not begin here until October. However, come earlier to partake in several other seasonal offerings like cider pressing, apple tastings, or to tour the various gardens (this includes a children’s one). Admission is $5 and U-pick apples are sold by the pound ($3.75/lb).  If the apples are not ready to pick, Stone Soup has a relationship with Willowbrook Apple Farm and will gladly send you there, which is right next store.

12131 S. Oak Glen Rd., Oak Glen, CA 92399; 909-435-5324

The Best Places to go Apple Picking Near Los Angeles willowbrook pile of hay and signage at entrance.
Willowbrook

3. Willowbrook Apple Farm

  • Location: Oak Glen
  • Hours: Saturday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This is another small, family-run operation, and you’ll feel like family when you come to visit. The most plentiful variety is the Stayman-Winesap which has been growing here for over 100 years. We’re also fans of their Sweet Sixteen apples, which are ready-to-eat and can satisfy any sweet tooth. Once you pick your apples you can head to the hand-press cider station to make your own. This place is also revered as great for the families, because kids love to visit the many animals on site, like Delilah the mini-pig and Star the mini-donkey. FYI there is no parking on the grounds so look for it on the street out front.

12099 Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen, CA 92399

The Best Places to Go Apple Picking Near Los Angeles Riley's Farm. A group of men playing instruments in front of Colonial home.
Riley’s Farm

4. Riley’s Farm

  • Location: Oak Glen
  • Hours: Wednesday to Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Come here and you’ll find a variety of apples that you’re likely not too familiar with like Standard Delicious, The York Imperial and the Spitzenberg. Fun fact: The Spitzenberg was one of Thomas Jefferson’s favorites. And that’s just the tip of the history iceberg at this farm. The large property features “Colonial Chesterfield” and “Heritage Homestead,” both paying homage to the 17th and 18th century. Sure, it’s cheesy to see employees walking around in colonial garb, but it also feels like a fun escape from the city…and the 21st century. You can have a sit down lunch at the Hawkhead’s Restaurant (order the chicken pot pie) and visit the bakery to take home a freshly baked pie; you’ll want to order in advance to guarantee availability.

12261 Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen, CA 92399; 909-797-7534

The Best Places to go Apple Picking Near Los Angeles The Original Riley's Log Cabin. Close up of a red apple hanging on an apple tree.
The Original Riley’s Log Cabin

5. The Original Riley’s Log Cabin and Apple Farm

  • Location: Oak Glen
  • Hours: Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are lots of “Rileys” out in Oak Glen, but this farm is not to be confused with the one above. This one, currently owned by Dennis and Sharon Riley, was the first in the Glen Oak area. Enjoy their picturesque farm which is typically less crowded than the other larger farms. In addition to apple picking, they also offer cider pressing. Peep Dennis’s sawmill, where he sells impressive wooden creations and furniture.

12201 S. Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399; 909-797-3292

Best Places to go Apple Picking Near Los Angeles Snow-Line. Close-up of a stack of original donuts
Snow-Line

6. Snow-Line Orchard

  • Location: Oak Glen
  • Hours: Friday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

OK, so you can’t pick your own apples here, but we felt we had to include Snow-Line in our roundup because when you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit. Snow-Line has everyone’s favorite juice: wine! Visit their tasting room for a sample, or buy a bottle of wine or hard cider and picnic out on their grounds with your group. If you’re not a fan of the physicality of apple picking you can fake it here and buy some apples from their general store. Last but not least, do not miss their mini homemade apple cider donuts. You’re welcome.

39400 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399; 909-256-0405

The Best Places to go Apple Picking Near Los Angeles Parrish. Close-up of bags lined up in a row with honeycrisp apples inside.
Parrish Pioneer Ranch

7. Parrish Pioneer Ranch

  • Location: Oak Glen
  • Hours: Friday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

So we’re throwing in one more property to visit where apple picking is not available. There are apples though, and you can grab a bunch at their big red barn. We added this to the list because their ranch is truly a unique place to visit—it’s one of the oldest orchards in Southern California, dating back to the 1800s. In addition to the apples, the barn sells tons of homemade treats from jams to candy. The oldest all-timber home in San Bernardino County is located here (very random fact for you) and it now stands as the antique shop on property. Dine at the ranch’s restaurant, Angus McCurdy’s, for a top-notch burger with some apple pie for dessert!

38561 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399; 909-797-1753

8. Volcan Valley Apple Farm

  • Location: Julian
  • Hours: Friday to Monday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This is Julian’s largest orchard so unsurprisingly it draws in the largest crowds. Amongst the 7,000 apple trees and seven varieties, you’re likely to find apples available throughout the entire season. Unlike many other farms, they are open all week long, so if you’re thinking of playing weekday hooky, this is the place to visit! Pick up a bag for $12 and get your hands on some Jonathans, Golden Delicious and Pippins. They have semi-dwarf trees amongst the bunch as well, which make for easy picking for the kiddos.

1284 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian CA 92036; 760-302-4574

Best Places to go Apple Picking Near Los Angeles Peaceful Orchard. Family of 9 smiling for a photo on a sunny day with bags of apples in their hands.
Peacefield Orchard

9. Peacefield Orchard

  • Location: Julian
  • Hours: Saturday to Sunday 9 a.m to 2 p.m.

Owner Ken Browning has been working to renovate and reinvigorate the farm’s 220 apple trees since he took over ownership in 2019. They’ve got a variety of apples including the tart green Granny Smiths, Red & Golden Delicious, Jonathan and Jonagold. And, because of the care he puts into the trees, they are bearing even larger and more aromatic fruits this season. The bags are a ½-peck (about 5 to 6 pounds of apples) for $20.

3803 Wynola Road, Julian, CA 92036; 310-902-6321

10. Julian Mining Company

  • Location: Julian
  • Hours: Saturday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is another farm that integrates history into its atmosphere and given the name, some may overlook it as a place to go apple picking. However, that is available here… you just have to wait a bit longer. Apple picking season begins on October 15th this year, and the farm offers Granny Smith, Fuji, and Golden apples. If you have children, there are a ton of other unique activities to do here. Take a ride on the Lil’ Mine Train through the mine tunnel or step back and watch your kid chuck a Tomahawk ax. Kids or adults can partake in gold panning or sifting through ore rough to find colorful gemstones to take home with you as souvenirs.

4444 State Hwy 78 Julian, CA 92036; 951-313-0166

Best Places to go Apple Picking Near Los Angeles Ranchita del Reo. Mother holding up her daughter as she picks a red apple on a tree.
Ranchita del Reo

11. Ranchita del Reo

  • Location: Julian
  • Hours: Friday to Monday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This 5th generation family-run operation manages their apple picking experiences by accepting reservations only. Your private apple experience offers you 30 minutes in the orchard to pick as many apples as you can fill your ¼-peck bag (about 2.5 to 3 lbs of apples). Their apples are smaller due to this year’s weather conditions, but still tasty! In addition to apple picking, you can add on one of three options to enhance your experience: 1) homemade jam, cheese, & crackers, 2) a honey varietal tasting with cornbread, or 3) homemade salsa and corn chips. The experience is $25/person and is offered for up to a max of six people. Children under one years old are free. Book your visit starting the last week of this month!

1711 Hwy 78, Julian, CA 92036; Email ranchitadelreo@gmail.com for reservations



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