Autumn is drawing nearer, and some of our favorite seasonal foods will soon be ripe for the pickin’! 2025 apple season peaks in the Bay Area in September and October, so many local orchards will soon open their doors for “U Pick,” when people can visit and pick their own apples. Before heading out the door, consider calling ahead for the latest info about current restrictions, wildfire risks, hours, and more. Much like our local pumpkin patches, these are all working farms which may be subject to changing schedules.
Chileno Valley Ranch
This Petaluma ranch grows varieties including Orin, Pinova, Candy Crisp, and Jonagold, but over 20 varieties are growing throughout the season. You can also join a farm tour or take home some organic grass-fed beef and other products including honey, jam, cheese, free-range eggs, and more.
2026 U-Pick opens Sept. 13, on Sundays from 9am-1pm in September and October. New slots open for reservations about two weeks in advance. Admission is $10 per family and apples cost $2 per pound.
🌐 Learn more: Chileno Valley Ranch website
Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch
Apple-A-Day has Roman Beauties and Golden Delicious available in addition to popcorn, apple bread, cider, and more treats.
U-Pick typically lasts from September to early December. Apples are $2.50 per pound with no reservations required, and picnic tables are first come, first served.
🌐 Learn more: Apple-A-Day Ranch website
EarthSeed Farm
This Black-owned and solar-powered organic farm has several apple varieties to choose from, including Golden Delicious, Gala, Braeburn, Fuji, and Rome.
U-Pick is open on Saturdays from August to November by appointment, slots open up to reserve on the Monday beforehand. There is a non-refundable entry fee of $40 per group of up to 4 people.
🌐 Learn more: Earthseed Farm website
Gizdich Ranch
This charming ranch south of Santa Cruz offers a variety of U Pick opportunities throughout the year, including strawberries, olallie berries, and boysenberries. Apple selection includes Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Pippin, and Fuji. Their pie shop is also a must – you can enjoy pie by the slice or take one home freshly baked.
U Pick opens in September, daily from 9am-5pm. Call in advance for details as weather conditions frequently change U-Pick availability.
🌐 Learn more: Gizdich Ranch website
Clearview Orchards
Clearview Orchards grows organic Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Mutsu apples. They also sell fresh apple juice, local honey, lavender goods, apple butter, and their famous “apple popsicles.”
U-Pick is open on weekends from September 12 to October 18, 2026, with a reservation on their website. A $7 ticket covers 1 vehicle and apple picking for up to 7 people.
🌐 Learn more: Clearview Orchards website
Live Earth Farm
Live Earth Farm has a variety of produce available for U-Pick, including apples, strawberries, blackberries, and tomatoes. The more produce you pick, the more of a discount you’ll get.
U-Pick is generally open on weekends from 10am to 3pm.
🌐 Learn more: Live Earth website
Cloverfield Organic Farm
Cloverfield is a USDA-certified, regenerative organic farm across the bay with a ton of U-Pick variety that goes far beyond apples. Most of their apple varieties will be ripe in September and October, but you’ll also find a nice range of seasonal produce including figs, pomegranates, passionfruit, pears, and persimmons.
U-Pick is now open by appointment from Friday to Sunday.
🌐 Learn more: Cloverfield Farm website
Swanton Pacific Ranch
Cal Poly runs this ranch down in Davenport just a bit off of Highway 1. You can visit their two-acre organic apple orchard for U Pick and enjoy a little day trip down the coast while you’re at it. With sixteen varieties of apples to choose from, the U Pick season lasts all the way through the fall, and always has something new to offer.
2026 U-Pick opens in mid-September with availability from Friday to Sunday.
🌐 Learn more: Swanton Pacific Ranch website
Lucky You Orchards
[NOTE: Lucky You Orchards shared on their website that U-Pick will not go forward in 2026 due to an unusually light apple crop. They plan to be back for U-Pick in 2027.]
Get a real-life apple harvest experience at this organic Ripon farm run by the Chinchiolo family. Guests can enjoy a free tractor ride on their way to pick crisp Fuji apples, and Lucky You Orchards will even pass along some recipe recommendations.
🌐 Learn more: Lucky You Orchards website