Autumn is around the corner, and some of our favorite seasonal foods will soon be ripe for the pickin’! 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. These are all working farms which may be subject to changing schedules.
Note: For farms that have not yet released 2023 U-Pick schedules, we’ve flagged the schedule and info from last year and will update as needed.
1. Chileno Valley Ranch (Petaluma)
This Petaluma ranch grows varieties including Orin, Pinova, Candy Crisp, and Jonagold, but there are over 20 varieties 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.
- U Pick schedule: Sundays from 9am-1pm in September and October. New slots open for reservations about two weeks in advance. Admission is $10 per car and apples cost $2 per pound.
- Contact: Join the newsletter for updates about U Pick reservations, or call (707) 765-6664
2. Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch (Sebastopol)
Apple-A-Day has Roman Beauties and Golden Delicious available in addition to popcorn, apple bread, cider, and more treats.
- U Pick schedule: U Pick begins on October 1, 2023 and will be open 9am-4pm but closed Thursdays and Saturdays. Apples are $2.50 per pound with no reservations required, and picnic tables are first come, first served.
- Contact: call (707) 823-0538 or email ratzlaffranch@hotmail.com
3. EARTHseed Farm (Sebastopol)
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 schedule: Saturdays August-November from 10am-1pm (subject to change) by appointment, slots open up to reserve on the Tuesday beforehand. There is a non-refundable entry fee of $35 per group of up to 4 people.
- Contact: via this form, call (707) 829-0617 or email info@earthseedfarm.org.
4. Gizdich Ranch (Watsonville)
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 schedule: Begins Sept. 16, 2023, open every day from 9am-5pm. Call in advance for details as weather conditions frequently change U-Pick availability.
- Contact: call (831) 722-1056.
5. Clearview Orchards (Watsonville)
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 schedule: Open Sept. 9 through October. It is available on weekends with a reservation, which you can make on their website when the season opens. A $7 ticket covers 1 vehicle and an hour of apple picking for up to 8 people.
- Contact: email info@clearvieworchards.com or message them on Facebook.
6. Live Earth Farm (Watsonville)
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 schedule: Saturdays and Sundays now through the end of October. Live Earth Farm is currently open for berry picking with peak apple season expected in October. Check their website or contact the farm for updates.
- Contact: call (831) 763-2448 or email taylor@liveearthfarm.net.
7. Luz del Valle (Corralitos)
This Corralitos ranch grows over 20 varieties of apples, many of which go into Martinelli’s ciders and juices. Most U Pick varieties are Fuji and Gala. You can also admire the ranch’s beautiful Arabian horses or even take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
- U Pick schedule: Closed for 2023, Honor Farm Stand on Hames Road still open.
- Contact: call (831) 607-9832
8. Lucky You Orchards (Ripon)
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.
- U Pick schedule: Now open for apple picking on weekends from 9am-3pm, no reservation needed. Apples are $2.99 a pound and picnicking is welcome.
- Contact: Email visit@luckyyouorchards.com or call (209) 404-6078
Bonus: Apple Hill Region
This is not one apple orchard, but rather an entire region in the Sierra Nevada Foothills with dozens of farms that are part of the Apple Hill Growers Association. If you’re willing to drive a little further, it’s a great place to check out for everything from U Pick apples, to pumpkin patches, Christmas tree farms, wineries, B&Bs, and more. The area has been affected by wildfires, so call beforehand or check the respective orchard’s social media for updates.
Want to enjoy fresh apples but can’t make it to the orchard? Consider visiting a farmer’s market!
Featured image: Photo by Liana Mikah on Unsplash