Believe it or not, it's apple picking time in San Diego and we have all the insider info you need to know. The u-pick apple season typically starts in early/ mid-September and often ends in mid-October (or when orchards run out). Read on for our complete list of u-pick orchards in Julian (about 40 miles northeast of San Diego). Check each website or social media page for up-to-date info, including important details about visiting and when apples are no longer available. Our sources in the orchards confirm the 2025 apple crop is looking healthy and ready for your enjoyment!
Crosscut Farm and Orchard
1209 Farmer Rd. (just below Volcan Mountain)
www.crosscutfarmandorchard.com
Apple picking season starts Sept. 20 through Sept. 28. Reservations are required. Reservations are available from 10 am-12 pm, 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. Call or text Frank for questions at 605-431-0136
Julian Mining Co. (Dates coming soon!)
4444 Hwy. 78
www.julianminingcompany.com
951-312-9940
No reservations, drop-in only. Admission is $2 a person and bags are $15 each. Be sure to plan your apple picking early to beat the crowds!
Ranchita del Reo
742 1/2 Farmer Rd.
www.ranchitadelreo.org
Open for u-pick starting Sept. 27-Nov. 1. Season may extend past Nov. 1 depending on apple crop. Open for u-pick Friday-Monday 9 am-3 pm. Reservations required. Reserved apple experiences available for groups of up to 8 people. Children under age 2 are free. Email
Mesa Blooms - (Sister orchard to Ranchita del Reo)
1711 Highway 78 (across from Julian High School)
www.mesablooms.org
Open for u-pick from Oct. 4-Nov. 10, Friday-Sunday. Dates subject to change depending on availability of apples. 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 Sept. and Oct. from 9 am-2 pm, starting Sept. 6. If your party plans to bring more than one vehicle, please email
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
1052 Julian Orchards Dr.
www.applesandartorchards.com
760-310-6368
Reservations available starting, Sept. 6. 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
4381 Julian Hwy.
www.julianfarmandorchard.com/apple-tours
760-765-5494
The apple crop is very limited this season. U-pick apples are only available with an "Apple Tour" 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 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
4444 Hwy. 78
1284 Julian Orchards Dr.
760-302-4574
Opening day for u-pick apples is Sunday, Sept. 7. Open Fri.-Sun. from 9 am-5 pm every weekend until apples are gone. Admission is $5 for adults and kids over age 5. Kids under age 5 are free. Check Facebook page for updated information at www.facebook.com/volcanvalleyapplefarm.
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: August 2025
