If you thought L.A.’s farmers’ markets were bountiful, just wait until you check out the best U-pick farms in and around Los Angeles. From strawberry picking in the summer months to apple picking in autumn (we can already smell the homemade pies), these local farms have all the makings of a great day trip for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, if you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin patch in October, you can’t go wrong with a trip to one of these spots (the corn mazes always add to the fun, too).
At any one of these U-pick farms, guests of all ages can grab a basket, learn how to find the ripest produce and get picking—perhaps, even tasting along the way. Other than berries and traditional apples, the seasonal produce spans heirloom tomatoes, corn, eggplant and many, many more. Be sure to check each farm’s website for an updated list of what crops are ripe and ready for picking; differences in seasonal temperatures and precipitation levels from year to year can have a major impact on what’s available to harvest.
While you’re there, look out for the many kid-friendly activities often offered at the properties, including a tractor-drawn wagon ride through the orchards, horseback riding around the farm, educational farm tours, a petting zoo and haystacks for climbing. The activities are just as bountiful as the baskets you leave with.