Strawberry Picking in Los Angeles: U-pick Strawberry Farms near LA

Strawberries are now ripe for the picking! Head out to these farms for strawberry picking in Los Angeles. Some U-pick strawberry farms near LA are located in Ventura County, Orange County, and San Diego County.

Strawberry Picking Los Angeles

Apple picking in Oak Glen is done for the season, it’s now strawberry picking season! We’ve listed the best strawberry farms in Southern California and if you’ve never been, make sure to also attend the California Strawberry Festival for strawberry dishes, rides, and so much more.

If you’re a nature enthusiast, a plant lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the city, make sure to also visit the best botanical gardens in Los Angeles.

Strawberry Picking Season

In California, the strawberry picking season usually begins in late March or early April and continues through late May or early June, depending on the weather and other factors. The peak season for strawberry picking in California is typically in April, when the weather is mild and the strawberries are at their sweetest.

It is important to note that the strawberry picking season can vary from year to year and from farm to farm. Before planning a visit to a strawberry farm or orchard, it is a good idea to check with the farm for the availability of strawberries.

Know Before You Go

Don’t forget to use closed-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, slather on sunscreen, and bring a hat (preferably a wide-brimmed hat), and a water bottle.

How does Strawberry Picking work?

When you arrive at the farm or orchard, you’ll typically pay an admission fee and receive a basket or container to hold your strawberries. You’ll then be directed to the strawberry fields, where you can pick your own strawberries. If it’s a bigger strawberry farm, you will ride a wagon to the field while some may even have a tour guide.


A. STRAWBERRY FARMS IN VENTURA COUNTY

For those who live in the northern parts of LA, the U-pick strawberry farms in Ventura would be the closest to do strawberry picking near Los Angeles.

1. Underwood Family Farms in Somis and Moorpark

There are 2 Underwood Family Farms in Ventura County to enjoy strawberry picking. There are more activities you can do at the Moorpark location though.

Underwood Family Farms Moorpark

Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark is located in 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021

Underwood Farms in Moorpark is open from 9 am – 6 pm daily (5 pm outside DST) year-round. Come pick your own fruits and vegetables on a fully operational working farm. Admission is $7.00 during the week and $10 on weekends and holidays unless there is a special event.  Children UNDER 2 are Free. Tractor-drawn wagon rides to the fields are included with admission. Pull wagons available (first come/first served. Personal strollers/wagons welcomed). You can also visit their Farm Market outside for the same field-fresh produce, jarred products, snacks, and specialty items.

Note: Always check their Pick Your Own calendar before going to check for strawberry availability.

Things to do in Moorpark:

While you’re in Moorpark for strawberry picking, you may want to enjoy some baby back ribs at Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill, desserts at Carrara’s, and maybe even take the kids to America’s Teaching Zoo. Nearby, you can also visit Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks, grab a gelato from Tifa in Westlake Village, or grab brunch at The Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch. Learn more about these spots from our Conejo Valley Weekend Getaway Guide.

Underwood Family Farms Somis

Underwood Family Farms in Somis is located at 5696 Los Angeles Ave, Somis, CA 93066.

Strawberry picking at Underwood Family Farms in Somis is now available until mid-June. The pick-your-own fields are open daily from 9 AM – 6 PM. Admission is $3 per person while picking your own strawberries is $2.99 per pound. Children UNDER 2, and parking is FREE. Seniors (65+), Military, Veterans, & Emergency First Responders receive a $2 admission discount every day (with valid ID).

Use of pull wagons is included with admission on a first-come, first-serve basis but you can also bring your own wagon. The animal center is also open and you can feed the animals.

Note: Always check their Pick Your Own calendar before going to check for strawberry picking availability.

Things to do in Ventura County:

While you’re strawberry picking in Ventura County, you may also want to visit the Camarillo Premium Outlets, take the kids on a Duffy boat at Ventura Harbor Village, or stay overnight in the only all-suite beachfront resort in Southern California located in Oxnard. Check our Ventura County Coast Getaway Guide for where to stay, things to do, and restaurants to try in the area.


B. STRAWBERRY PICKING FARMS IN ORANGE COUNTY

1. Tanaka Farms Irvine

Tanaka Farms is located at 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

Strawberry Picking Tour at Tanaka Farms will take you on a wagon ride around the farm. You’ll learn about the farming methods and history of Tanaka Farms from your friendly tour guide. Make one stop to pick a seasonal vegetable like Brussels sprouts or whatever crop is available during your visit, and then the last stop is in the strawberry patch where you can pick and eat strawberries! Everyone will take home a one-pound basket of strawberries! After the tour, visit the Barnyard Educational Exhibit where you can meet and interact with Barnyard friends.

Pre-pick strawberries along with other treats are available from the produce market stand that is open daily.

Tanaka Farms strawberry picking tour is $20 per person on weekdays and $22 on weekends. Children 2 and under are FREE! Active, veteran and retired military personnel are eligible for FREE entry with ID. There are various tour times throughout the day.

Tanaka also welcomes school and groups for field trips and farm tours.

Check our previous Tanaka Farms Strawberry Picking Tour experience. We’ve also visited the Tanaka Farms Hello Kitty Pumpkin Patch.


2. The Ecology Center

The Ecology Center is located at 32701 Alipaz St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

If you want to pick strawberries free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides, visit The Ecology Center in Orange County.

The Ecology Center is a 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm that offers an immersive, interactive farm experience featuring educational programming and a hands-on strawberry U-pick.

With a field guide with you, you will stop at three stations, each touching on the theme “Somos Campesinos” (“we are farmers”) before venturing out into the U-Pick Strawberry field where you’ll find the only Regenerative Organic™ strawberries available in Southern California. If you want strawberries free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Admission is Thursday and Friday – $7 per person on Thursdays and Fridays and $9 on Saturdays and Sundays while strawberries are sold by the pound. You are welcome to bring your own basket. Tickets are required for all children and adults 2 and up.


3. Southcoast Farms San Juan Capistrano

Southcoast Farms is located in 33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

2023 Update: U-Pick is temporarily closed for Southcoast Farms as of our April 11 update.

U-pick strawberry is available at South Coast Farms, the only family farm in San Juan Capistrano. They also have a farm stand in Dana Point where fresh produce and berries are delivered daily.

Strawberry picking is available at South Coast Farms from Friday to Sunday between 9 AM to 3 PM. There is a $5 entrance fee per person, 5 years and under free. U-pick strawberries are $5/lb.

Things to do in Orange County:

While you’re doing strawberry picking in Orange County, I recommend visiting Dana Point to enjoy a whale-watching cruise, ride a Surrey bike with the family, and visit Baby Beach with the young ones. Learn more about where to stay, restaurants to try, and things to see and do in Dana Point from our Dana Point Getaway Guide.


C. STRAWBERRY PICKING FARMS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Strawberry picking in San Diego is great if you’re looking for a little weekend road trip from LA. Plan for a whole day or the whole weekend and visit U-pick strawberry farms and other San Diego attractions.

1. Kenny’s Strawberry Farm

Kenny’s Strawberry Farm is located in 953 Rainbow Valley Blvd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028.

Kenny’s Strawberry Farm had been growing a variety of strawberries for over 10 years. Their U-Pick Strawberry Farm is open depending on the berry supply and you will need a reservation to visit (cost of a reservation is free). The farm will be open from Friday to Sunday. You can pay for your strawberries at the farm, small buckets are $8 and large ones are $20.

Kenny’s Farm Kitchen is also open on all days the farm is open to serve strawberry shortcakes, strawberry lemonade, and strawberry ice cream bars by DOH Creamery.


2. Carlsbad Strawberry Company

Carlsbad Strawberry Company is located at 1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA.

Carlsbad Strawberry Company has been growing Strawberries for 4 generations. You don’t need reservations to do strawberry picking and tickets can be purchased at the stand. Since it is walk-in only, try to go early to avoid the crowd.

Once you park, you buy a container at the stand then go into the fields and fill your bucket with as many strawberries as you can fit. They also have a sunflower maze (check if it is already open) and an open air produce market. 

U-pick Strawberry at Carlsbad Strawberry Companu is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. U-pick prices are $12 per person with a bucket and $5 per person without a bucket. They do not allow outside buckets.

Things to do in San Diego:

Strawberry picking in San Diego is quite a drive. If you can, plan to stay overnight while you’re down south and visit the other San Diego attractions the next day like Legoland California and San Diego Safari Park. Kids may even enjoy a stay at either Legoland Hotel or Legoland Castle Hotel. Check our San Diego Getaway Guide and Oceanside Getaway Guide for where to stay, restaurants to try, and things to see and do while you’re in San Diego County.


Tips for Strawberry Picking:

Here are some tips to make the most out of your strawberry-picking experience:

  1. Check if advance reservations are required as some strawberry farms are really popular and may be fully booked months ahead.
  2. Call the farm before driving out to ensure the availability of strawberries that day.
  3. Arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure that you get the best strawberries.
  4. If you don’t want to walk too much, visit the strawberry farm that offers tours on board a wagon.
  5. Look for bright red and firm strawberries, as these are the sweetest and juiciest.
  6. Don’t pick the green or white strawberries, as they won’t ripen further.
  7. Be gentle when picking the strawberries to avoid damaging the plants.

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