Believe it or not, it's apple picking time for families. We have the best apple picking places to go in San Diego. Apple-picking season typically starts in early/ mid-September and often ends in mid-October (or when orchards run out of apples). Now is the time to plan your family’s U-pick apple adventure!
Below are orchards in Julian (about 40 miles northeast of San Diego). Check each website or social media page for up-to-date information, including important details about visiting and when apples are no longer available. The 2024 apple crop is much smaller than previous seasons so make sure to plan ahead so your family can enjoy all the orchards have to offer!
Crosscut Farm and Orchard (CLOSED FOR THE SEASON FOR NEW RESERVATIONS)
1209 Farmer Rd. (just below Volcan Mountain)
www.crosscutfarmandorchard.com
Apple picking season starts Sept. 14. Reservations are required. Reservations are available rain or shine from 10 am-12pm, 1-3 pm and 3-5 pm. $5 admission fee for everyone age 4 and older. Admission fee includes an apple cider pressing demo, short introduction to apple farming, property access and parking. Additional fee for apples.
Julian Mining Co.
4444 Hwy. 78
www.julianminingcompany.com
951-312-9940
Update as of Sept. 19: First crop of apples are all picked. Check back here for more info about Granny Smith u-pick dates in the following weeks. No reservations, drop-in only. Admission is $2 a person and bags are $15 each. Apple picking is very limited this year due to frost in the spring that damaged a lot of the apple crop. Be sure to plan your apple picking early to beat the crowds!
Apple Starr Organic Orchard (CLOSED FOR 2024 SEASON)
1020 Julian Orchards Dr.
http://apple-starr.com
760-305-2169
Closed for 2024 season!
Open Fridays, 12-4:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9 am-4:30 pm and Labor Day, 9 am-4:30 pm. **Payment methods accepted are cash and check only. For questions and more info visit the website above, call 760-305-2169 or send an email to
Ranchita del Reo
742 1/2 Farmer Rd.
www.ranchitadelreo.org
Open for u-pick Sept. 27-Nov. 29. Friday-Monday 9:30 am-4 pm. Reservations only. Reserved apple experiences are $26 per person with 6 people to a group maximum. Children under age 1 are free. Email
Mesa Blooms - (Sister orchard to Ranchita del Reo)
1711 Highway 78 (across from Julian High School)
www.mesablooms.org
**Update as of Sept. 19: U-pick season will start Oct. 4-Nov. 10. Open Friday-Sunday, 9 am-4 pm. No reservations, walk-in only. Cost: $20 per person for a 1/4 peck bag and admission to the orchard. Kids under 1 are free. Kid bag is $10 (for kids 1-9 years old). Good to know: No admission without purchase of a bag. **CASH and VENMO only. No credit cards accepted. Closed-toe shoes are highly encouraged. Parking: Parking is available on site and across the street at Julian High School and the library.
Peacefield Orchard
3803 Wynola Rd.
www.3803wynolaroad.com
310-902-6321
Open for apple picking Saturdays and Sundays in September and October. If your party plans to bring more than one vehicle, please email
*Update as of 9/15: Email Ken to reserve u-pick times for the remaining weekends in September (Red and Gold varieties only) and October (Granny Smith variety only). Picking times are Saturday and Sundays at 10 and 11 am and 12 and 1 pm. Crop is very limited this season so make sure to plan ahead to secure your spot. *Bring cash as only cash and Zelle are accepted at the orchard.
Tips from Peacefield Orchard: Arrive early in the day (it gets hot), dress for warm weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Pricing: No entrance fee, $20 per 1/2 peck bag, (usually 8-12 apples per bag.) Directions: From Hwy. 78/79 East, halfway between Santa Ysabel and downtown Julian. Left on Wynola Rd.; second (hidden) driveway on the right.
Apples and Art Orchards (CLOSED FOR 2024 SEASON)
1052 Julian Orchards Dr.
www.applesandartorchards.com
760-310-6368
Limited crop this season. Opening Saturday, Sept. 14 until apples are gone. Varieties include Red Delicious (not many), McIntosh, Jonagold and Arkansas Black. Open for groups that pick 20 or more bags. Reservations required. The apple picking experience lasts about two hours. In addition to apple picking, your group will get a tour of the orchard and your own free apple cider making and tasting experience.
Julian Farm and Orchard (CLOSED FOR 2024 SEASON)
4381 Julian Hwy.
www.julianfarmandorchard.com/apple-tours
760-765-5494
Apple crop is very limited this season. U-pick is only available with an apple tours reservation. **Apple tours do not guarantee u-pick availability, tours will take place regardless of apple supply. Tentative ripening dates are between September and the end of October. Ripening dates are approximations due to differences in yearly weather patterns. When the apple supply allows, apple tours take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Julian Farm and Orchard staff will take tour guests on an educational walking tour of the orchard where guides will share apple facts and point out things in the orchard that often go unnoticed to non-farmers. For additional information on apple tours and to sign up to be notified when apple tour reservations go live visit www.JulianFarmAndOrchard.com/apple-tours.
Volcan Valley Apple Farm (CLOSED FOR 2024 SEASON)
4444 Hwy. 78
1284 Julian Orchards Dr.
760-302-4574
Closed for 2024 season.
Now that you have all those freshly picked apples, find tasty recipes in our Apple Recipe Round-Up! You'll find Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Pie Filling in a Jar, Apple Cider Sangria, Apple Strudel and much more.
Discover u-pick apple orchards (and other fall fun) outside of San Diego County -- Oak Glen is just two hours northeast of San Diego. We recommend visits to Riley's Farm and Los Rios Rancho. Start planning your FAMILY DAY TRIP today.
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Adrienne Sigeti is the Editorial Assistant at San Diego Family. Her favorite Fall tradition includes a day trip to Julian for a fresh slice of Apple Mountain Berry Crumb pie (a la mode of course) from Julian Pie Company.
Updated: October 2024
