San Diego County apple orchards open for apple picking in 2023. Apple-picking season typically starts in late August/ early 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.
Crosscut Farm and Orchard (U-Pick now CLOSED for 2023 season)
1209 Farmer Rd. (just below Volcan Mountain)
www.crosscutfarmandorchard.com
**Apple picking has been extended through Oct. 8 from 1-5 pm for drop-in u-pick! No tours or demonstrations and no reservations are required.
Julian Mining Co.
4444 Hwy. 78
www.julianminingcompany.com
951-312-9940
U-pick apples will be available on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 (sweeter varieties) and again in mid-October (Granny Smith). Admission is $2 per person; apples are $15 per bag. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Ranchita del Reo
1711 Highway 78 - across from Julian High School
www.facebook.com/peapickinheart
Open Sept. 23-Nov. 11 for U-pick. Friday-Monday 9:30 am-4 pm. Walk-ins and reservations are available. Reserved apple experiences are $25 per person with 6 people to a group maximum. Children under age 1 are free. Email
Peacefield Orchard
3803 Wynola Rd.
www.3803wynolaroad.com
310-902-6321
Open for apple picking every Saturday and Sunday in September from 9 am-2 pm beginning Sept. 2 until apples run out. If your party plans to bring more than one vehicle, please email
Apples and Art Orchards
1052 Julian Orchards Dr.
www.applesandartorchards.com
760-310-6368
**Update from the orchard: The orchard will be closed for a private event until Oct. 28. Apple picking may resume after Oct. 28 depending on the harvest. Check the website for updates.
Julian Farm and Orchard (SOLD OUT for the Season)
4381 Julian Hwy.
www.julianfarmandorchard.com/apple-tours
760-765-5494
U-pick apples are available with a reserved 45-60-minute farmer-guided educational tour only. Apple picking reservations are now open for dates beginning Fri. Aug. 25! Tours are open for booking every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Sept. 10 with more dates going live soon. Tours are free for kids ages 5 and younger.
Volcan Valley Apple Farm (SOLD OUT for the Season)
4444 Hwy. 78
1284 Julian Orchards Dr.
760-302-4574
Apples will be available for U-pick on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting Sept. 8 from 9 am-4:30 pm until apples run out. Entry is $5 per person and apples are $15 per bag. Reservations are not required for admission. Enter at the North Gate (across from Volcan Mountain Winery). Keep an eye on Facebook and Instagram @volcanvalleyapplefarm for updates and more information.
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 2023
