Los Angeles Apple Picking: 6 Great Apple Orchards Near LA

Los Angeles Apple Picking—Yes, it’s a thing! While there aren’t any apple orchards in LA County, you don’t have to go far to enjoy this classic fall activity.

As September and October approach, it’s time to think about crisp air, comfort foods, and, of course, apple picking. A visit to a nearby U-pick orchard offers more than just apples—there are family-friendly activities and delicious seasonal treats like cider and apple pie.

Apple picking always takes me back to my uncle’s farm, where I’d pick apples straight from the trees. Just remember to wait until you’ve paid before taking that first bite!

If you thought Los Angeles apple picking wasn’t possible, a short trip outside the city will lead you to several orchards ready for your visit. Check out this guide to find the best spots for apple picking near Los Angeles, with options for U-pick experiences and farm stores offering fresh apples and fall treats.

Spots for U-Pick Apples Near Los Angeles

If you’re looking for a fun day out, there are several apple orchards near Los Angeles where you can pick your own apples.

Willowbrook Apple Farm offers u-pick apples and u-press apple cider. This 100-year-old family farm is delightful and charming, offering more than just apple picking. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting, a small petting zoo, delicious homemade jams, caramel apples, meatballs, and more.

Apple picking season starts at the beginning of September and lasts until the apples run out.

During the fall season, Willowbrook Apple Farm also offers wine tasting and s’mores by a bonfire—reservations are required.

If there’s one place that captures the essence of apple season in Oak Glen, it’s Los Rios Rancho. With apple trees that are over 80 years old, this 300-acre farm offers a classic U-pick experience during apple season, along with a variety of fall festivities.

U-pick apples are available from Friday to Sunday. There’s no entrance or parking fee, but you’ll need to pay for the apples you pick and any activities you choose to enjoy.

For a unique experience, you can book an exclusive guided apple-picking tour with a tractor ride around the historic farm. When we visited, we purchased a book of tickets to explore the corn maze, take a tractor ride, and participate in other activities like candle-making and sunflower picking.

A few tips for your visit: Los Rios Rancho can get busy, especially on weekends, so we suggest starting early in the morning or visiting a couple of hours before closing when the crowds begin to thin out.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, we recommend the corn-on-the-cob, apple pie, and cider. Skip the tri-tip sandwich—it’s not worth the price.

Baskets and bags are provided for U-pick, and there are four parking locations to choose from

Riley’s Farm is another large farm in Oak Glen, with over 760 acres, though only 55 acres are open to the public. You could easily spend the whole day here and still not experience everything, so plan to go early and make the most of their activities.

They have over 30 varieties of heirloom apples, and the scenery is beautiful, with plenty of grass for the kids to run around. Pictured above is the Hawks Head, their restaurant where you can enjoy dishes like chicken pot pie and slices of their homemade pies.

Riley’s Farm stands out because of its dedication to American History, which is reflected in the farm’s activities and events. It reminds me of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia.

A reader shared that the Riley’s Farm Theatre Company’s Sleepy Hollow dinner event is a must-do this time of year. The tickets sell out weeks in advance, so if you’re interested, start planning early. You can check out their events here.

U-pick apples are available at $3.50 per pound starting in September.

On weekends starting from Labor Day, Stone Pantry Orchard in Oak Glen offers U-pick apples and U-press cider. This small, rustic orchard is the perfect destination for a peaceful, authentic apple-picking experience.

Coming here is straight and to the point—you pick your apples and press your cider. If you prefer a quieter experience, you can make an appointment for weekday apple picking.

5. Stone Soup Farm and Heritage Orchard

You’ll find Stone Soup Farm and Heritage Orchard between Stone Pantry and Riley’s Apple Farm. This 3-acre family micro-farm features 130-year-old heirloom apple orchards, berry patches, and flower fields.

U-pick apple season starts in October, but now it’s by reservation only. On weekends, apples can be purchased in their shop. Admission to their Apple Fair is $5 per person, and apples are $3.75 per pound. The Apple Fair also includes a few family games and activities.

6. SLO Creek Farms

SLO Creek Farms is a 14-acre organic apple farm in San Luis Obispo, about a 3-hour drive from Los Angeles, depending on your starting point. While it’s a bit farther than the other options for Los Angeles apple picking, it’s worth the trip.

U-pick apples are available from Friday to Saturday from September to November, and during apple season, you can also enjoy hard apple cider and apple brandy tastings. Bottles are available for purchase at their farm’s market stand.

Other Places to Buy Fresh Picked Apples and Fall Treats

You can also stop by a few spots in the Oak Glen area to purchase apples and other delicious treats. While these locations don’t offer U-pick apples, they come directly from their orchards.

• Snow-Line Orchards
  Worth a visit for their mini apple cider donuts and pie.
• Mom’s Country Store
  Known for the best homemade treats like apple cider ice pops and jam.
• Wilshire’s Apple Shed
  A great lunch spot offering wood-fired oven pizza, hard cider, and specialty coffee.
• Parrish Pioneer Ranch

Apple Picking Tips

• Plan your trip early in the season to avoid disappointment when the apples may have already been picked.
• Start your day early to beat the weekend rush. If possible, visit the apple farm on a weekday.
• Closed-toe shoes are a must for apple picking. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear.
• Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before heading out to the orchard. Trust me, your skin will thank you later.
• Wear a hat to shield your face from the sun. Even in the fall, the sun can be intense.
• Stay hydrated during your apple-picking adventure by bringing water or checking if the farm sells drinks.
• While most farms provide bags or boxes for picking apples, bring a reusable bag just in case.
• Don’t let your freshly picked apples go to waste! Try baking a delicious apple pie with our favorite recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.