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A Guide to Fall Fun on the Farm

By Erin Hurley, publisher, Macaroni Kid Long Beach CA September 4, 2019

Is there anything more quintessentially fall than a visit to the farm?? We are here to help you find your perfect farm day, with a list of our favorite farms that have activities or crops during the fall. Many are U-Pick farms too, which are always such a fun way to spend the day!

Our list is organized by County, starting with our own LA County, and moving out, based on distance from us, here in Long Beach.

Please note, that crops in our area can start and stop very quickly, so be sure to call ahead to the farms (or visit their website) to be sure the crop is still in season, before you visit.




LA County

 Approximate drive time of 1.5 - 2 hours

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Gilchrist Farm

661-645-2517

30116 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus, CA 91390

Open 9am - 6pm daily during the month of October, for the Harvest Festival. During the weekend, you will find mule drawn wagon rides, pony rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, fall farm crafts, live entertainment, fundraiser bake sale, caramel apples, roasted corn on the cob, food trucks, petting zoo, straw slide, pig races, chicken splat bingo and free goat milking demonstrations at 9am.  During weekdays, you will find straw bale maze, straw slide & petting zoo open all day.  Pony rides and wagon rides available from 2pm - 6pm.  


Windy Ridge Ranch

(661) 270-9106

Send an email

9811 Leona Ave, Leona Valley, CA 93551

Specializes in cherries, which ripen during the summer. However, during the fall, they have a variety of other fruits, and the farm is usually open through October. Call or email ahead of time to see what is available, as crops change daily. 


Brian Ranch

(661) 261-3216 or felice@brianranch.com

Largo Vista Rd, Llano, CA 93544

Brian Ranch Airport U-Pick Orchard features a wide variety of tree fruit maturing from early June until October. Open Saturdays & Sundays from 8am - 2pm, during the picking season. Plums are typically available during the month of September, but be sure to call ahead to see what is available.



Orange County

 Approximate drive time of 45 minutes to 1 hour

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Tanaka Farms

(949) 653-2100

5380 3/4 University Dr., Irvine, CA

During the fall, this family farm offers a pumpkin patch, tractor rides, a petting zoo, U-pick produce, and corn maze. On the weekends, you will find additional activities, such as ATV rides, crafts, face painting, a snack shack, and more. Tanaka Farms is once again partnering with Sanrio, to bring Kello Kitty and Friends to the farm this fall.


San Bernardino County

 Approximate drive time of 1.5 hours

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Snow-line Orchard

(909) 256-0405

39400 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399

Specializes in a wide variety of farm-grown apples for sale. During weekends, you will find food for sale, mini cider donuts, pies, applecider, wine, hard cider and homemade apple brandy. Check their Facebook page for updates on apple availability and open dates.


Willowbrook Apple Farm

909-797-9484

12099 S. Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399

U-pick apple picking begins is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. Pick your own fresh, crisp Stayman Winesap apples and make your own cider using an old fashioned cider press. You can pick your own raspberries and blackberries in September, if they're still growing. Enjoy the orchard, visit the farm animals, and take pictures on vintage tractors. Fill your bag pay a flat rate on your way out. 


Riley’s Los Rios Rancho

(909) 797-1005

39611 Oak Glen Rd. Oak Glen Ca. 92399

Home to 32 different apple varieties (only some are available for U-pick from Labor Day weekend and go through Thanksgiving weekend). U -pick apples normally available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Limited quantities of fresh raspberries and strawberries are also available for U-pick. Farm grown pumpkins are available for picking October and November. Weekends include live music, horse back riding, cider pressing, and more. You can find a list of current U-pick options by clicking here. 

*Note that there are three farms named Riley's located in the same area, and each one is owned by different families (Riley's Farm, Riley's Los Rios, and Riley's Apple Farm). We have chosen to recommend and highlight only two of these farms, but should you wish to read about Riley's Farm, you can do so by clicking here


Parrish Pioneer Ranch

909-797-1753

38561 Oak Glen Rd Oak Glen, CA 92399

Parrish Ranch produces many varieties of apples that are unique to the area such as the Vasquez and King David, as well as heritage and antique no longer commercially available, including Parkdale Beauty, Ben Davis, Gravenstein, and Pink PearlMany products open for sampling, including apple butters, apple cider, their amazing apple butter barbecue sauce, and apple salsa. Every variety of apple is available for tasting.


Riley’s Apple Farm

(866) 585-6407 (toll free) or (909) 797-4061

2201 S. Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, CA, 92399

Riley’s Apple Farm is a  u-pick apple, berry, & pumpkin farm open on Saturdays and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. U-pick is available early July for raspberries & blackberries, late July to early August for apples, mid to late September for pumpkins. End dates for u-pick vary depending on crop size and weather variation. Weekend activities include archery, tomahawk, and knife throw, and cider pressing. Call them to check U-pick availability or for any other questions: 909-797-406.

*Note  that there are three farms named Riley's located in the same area, and  each one is owned by different families (Riley's Farm, Riley's Los Rios,  and Riley's Apple Farm). We have chosen to recommend and highlight only  two of these farms, but should you wish to read about Riley's Farm, you can do so by clicking here


Stetson Creek Ranch

(714) 315-1277

Highway 38, Angelus Oaks, CA. Find Directions here.

A picturesque and historic working farm that has a variety of apple varieties. The farm is located at a slightly higher elevation that other farms, and therefore, apples are usually not ready until mid to late September. Call or follow their Facebook page for updates.


Greenspot Farms

(909) 794-7653

10133 Ward Way Mentone Ca. 92359

This farm grows a variety of citrus, avocados, pumpkins, and Christmas Trees. They also produce and sell honey from bees that live on the farm. During the month of October, this farm also offers a haunted hay ride.


Ventura County
 Approximate drive time of 1.5 hours

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Underwood Family Farms (Moorpark Location)

805-529-3690

3370 Sunset Valley Rd., Moorpark, CA 93021

Underwood offers a wide variety of U-Pick produce, throughout the year. During the fall, you will find squash, tomatoes, peas, beans, and much more. Here, you will a pumpkin patch and Fall Harvest Festival, every day in October.


Ellie’s Persimmons

(805) 488-5508

4025 Hitch Blvd, Moorpark, California

Eat while you pick tree ripened persimmons. Open weekends only beginning in November. Please wear sneakers, and call ahead to verify season start date.




Santa Barbara County

 Approximate drive time of 2.5 hours

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Seein’ Spots Farm

805-688-2275

2599 Baseline Avenue, Solvang, CA 93463

While most of the farm is dedicated to raising miniature donkeys (which are worth a visit on their own), they also have 80 trees with 12 different varieties of apples, some of them antique varieties from Europe. Apple picking season usually runs from late August to November.


San Diego County

 Approximate drive time of 2 - 2.5 hours

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Because of it’s unique climate, San Diego County is the premier location for U-Pick apple and pear farms in our area. Although it is a bit of a drive for us, it makes a fun day trip to the farm. If you find yourself in the Julian, CA area (where many of the farms are located), you may also want to check out the Oasis Camel Farm, or the Julian Mining Company.


Apple Starr Farms

(760) 305-2169

1020 Julian Orchard Drive, Julian, CA 92036

Open every weekend from 10 AM to 5 PM

Certified organic growers, specializing in pears ( Bartletts, Comice, Anjous, Bosc) and apples (Jonagold, Granny, Fuji, Gala, Red Delicious). Picking bag (one peck/12 lbs) are $25 for the first bag, and $15 for additional bags. Cash and check (with ID) only. Families may bring strollers and wagons, or wagons are available for use at the farm. Picnicking is allowed, so bring your chairs or blankets.


Harbor Farm

619.261.9617

3326 Hwy 67, Ramona, CA 92065

This is a working farm and vineyard, that uses sustainable growing practices. Here you will find a play area, organic fruit and veggie stand, and family-based farm activities. During the fall, the farm will have u-pick produce, train rides, hay ride, picnic area, maize, pumpkin patch, adopt a vine, duck races, animals, corn box, and several play structures. You can check their Facebook to see updates.


Calico Ranch 

(858) 586-0392

4200 Highway 78 Julian, CA 92036

A certified organic apple farm, with u-pick. For 2019, they have said they may not be able to open their u-pick fields, but be sure to check their Facebook page for updated hours during apple season.


Volcan Valley Apple Farm
(760) 302-4574

1284 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, California, CA 92036

A u-pick apple farm in historic Julian, CA. For 2018, apples are expected to ripen around September 21st. Check their Facebook for updates.


Apples and Art Orchards

(760) 302-4574

1052 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036

A pesticide free U-Pick apple farm that is open to groups only. Apple tours open early in September, and continue until the apples are gone. The tour includes an informational talk about the farm and a cider pressing demonstration and tasting. Make reservations early, as the farm does get booked up during apple season. To make a reservation, send an email to applesandart@sbcglobal.net.


Bar 2 Ranch

(760) 742-3614

14797 Highway 76, Pauma Valley, California

Open daily for picking pomegranates and persimmons. Call ahead to see what is in season during the time you want to visit.


Fort Cross Old Timey Adventure

(951) 847-1904

4425 Hwy 78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070

Visiting this farm during the summer months requires a reservation. However, during the fall, this working farm hosts a Fall Festival. The farm will be open without reservations every weekend in October. This includes a u-pick pumpkin patch, and a wide variety of interesting and usual fall activities. Check their ticket page to see the activity packages available for purchase.


Want some more fall fun ideas? Click the links below:

🦉 Local Pumpkin Patches and Festivals

Local Family Friendly Oktoberfest Events

 Fall Farm Fun

 Fall Foliage

🍁 Fall Bucket List 

🎃 Hiking to Pumpkin Rock


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