We’re blessed to live in a state where we can find some of the freshest fruit year-round, and right now strawberry picking season is approaching this April through July. There’s nothing quite like picking your own fruit straight from the source and once you bite into that juicy red berry, you won’t have it any other way. Luckily, the Los Angeles area is absolutely spoiled with some of the best strawberry farms out there so you can experience this sweetness for yourself.
As Strawberry season approaches, be sure to scroll through and make those plans below. 🍓⬇️ Happy picking!
1. Tanaka Farms
For decades Tanaka Farms has been the go-to place for picking the freshest of fruits and veggies since 1940. They are especially busy during strawberry season when families flock to join their strawberry picking tour where they can get their hands on some fresh produce. On this tour, you’ll learn more about the farming process, history of the farm, and a chance to pick and eat their beloved strawberries on site. Everyone will be able to take home a one-pound basket of strawberries! (Depending on crop availability, of course.) After the tour, folks can visit the Barnyard Educational Exhibit where they can meet and interact with their adorable farm animals. More info here!
🍓🎟️Cost & admission: Starts March 11, 2024 — Reservations range from $20-22.00 depending on the day.
⏰Hours: Times vary on day, you must make a reservation here!
📍Location: 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
2. Underwood Farms
It’s in the name: Underwood Family Farms is the perfect place for fresh strawberry picking and pure family fun. Fresh red strawberries are not all they have in store though! Their farm is full of all kinds of visitor attractions — from wagon rides to mini tractors to hanging out with ponies and donkeys to a full playground, there’s so much to see and experience. Get all the details here.
🍓Cost: $2.99 per pound
🎟️Admission: Prices vary, visit their site for more info. Children under 2 are free.
⏰Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
📍Locations:
- Moorpark Family Center: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd., Moorpark CA 93021 (Visit their site for what’s in season)
- Somis Farm Center: 5696 E. Los Angeles Ave, Somis, CA (Strawberry Picking is March through mid-June)
3. McGrath Family Farm
The McGraths have been growing and farming along the coast of Southern California for generations, so it’s safe to say that they know what they’re doing. They understand the importance of providing fresh food to the community and take pride in it—making McGrath Family Farm the perfect place for strawberry picking! Find more info here.
🍓🎟️Cost & admission: U-pick for $10.00. They also offer a curated hour tour for $20.00. 1.5 hour private group tour (up to 20 people) for $600.
⏰Hours: Tuesday– Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
📍Location: 1012 W. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010
4. The Ecology Center
This spacious and educational farm offers families the joy of picking their own strawberries along with the incredible experience of community, culture, and art. As you and your loved ones tour the grounds of The Ecology Center, you’ll find a new appreciation for agriculture and farming. Find more info here!
🍓🎟️Cost & admission: Dates to be announced. Pay by the pound for your strawberry abundance.
⏰Hours: Thursday through Sunday – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
📍Location: 32701 Alipaz St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
5. Kenny’s Strawberry Farm
If you’re up for taking a drive, you can head to the San Diego area to get your hands on some of the freshest strawberries in every form at Kenny’s Strawberry Farm. They specialize in everything strawberries so you know it’s going to be the real deal! They’re stocked up with jam, strawberry lemonade, strawberry shortcake, strawberry ice cream bars, and of course, fresh strawberries that you can pick on your own. More info here!
🍓🎟️⏰Admission, cost, and hours: Open Friday through Sunday by reservation only. There is no cost for the reservation. You pay for what you pick at the farm that day. Small buckets are $8.00 and large ones are $20.00. Get your reservation here!
📍Location: 953 Rainbow Valley Blvd, Fallbrook, CA 92028
6. Thacker Berry Farm *Bonus*
If you’re not into picking them yourself and just simply want some sweet juicy berries, then Thacker Berry Farm is for you. You can find their stands across Southern California, and they are vine-ripened and delivered to their stands on the daily. More info here!
📍Locations: Find the full list of locations here!
There you have it, Los Angeles! These are our favorite strawberry-picking farms around SoCal. Be sure to double-check with the farms for updated hours, admission details, and for the status of their crops. Did we miss a farm? Feel free to DM us on Instagram with your recommendation! Until then, check out more incredible things you can do this spring season.