Best Apple-Picking Near Los Angeles

We Angelenos are a greedy sort. We have sun, surf, and skiing. We have deserts, mountains, forests, and gorgeous coastlines. But we want more. When autumn rolls around, even if it's 112 degrees in the shade, we want our apple-picking!
 
There are two main areas to go apple-picking near town – Leona Valley and Oak Glen. (If you know of anything closer, by all means please leave a comment!) Both are far enough away that they require a day trip and picnic lunch or a stop at a local restaurant for snacks, but if you live in the Inland Empire or parts of Orange County, well lucky you, you're almost there. Adventurous day-trippers will find worthy sites in other directions, too.

Related: See our updated roundup of LA's Best Apple Picking

Parrish Pioneer Ranch
38651 Oak Glen Road
Oak Glen, CA 92399
(909) 797-1753
www.parrishranch.com

Not an orchard, but more of a general store, Parrish can be a stopping point for you when you make to Oak Glen. Much like wine tasting in Paso Robles, apple and other fruit-picking is the main draw for this 6-mile area, which as several farms whose wares are sold at Parrish. Grab the printable map of Oak Glen before you head out – it's a great resource and will give you more ideas for places to explore.

Riley's At Los Rios Ranch
39611 S Oak Glen Rd.
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 797-1005
www.losriosrancho.com

There's a lot more to do here than just pick a bunch of apples, although that task could take up your whole day. There are three size options for picking: a small bag for $10 that holds about 5 pounds of apples, a medium sized for $15 bag that holds about 10 pounds, and a $30 box that holds 15-20 pounds. Los Rios Rancho is owned by The Wildlands Conservancy, a California nonprofit that works to preserve open spaces, and offers a lovely hike through its grounds. Fun Orange County Parks blogger Michele Whiteaker profiled part of the journey on her site. Of the apple-picking, she shares some tips (quoted with permission):

• Plan to go on a weekend
• ARRIVE EARLY – as with all worthwhile trips – this place gets busy as the day progresses. The earlier you arrive, the easier time you'll have with parking and lines for food and gifts.
• Plan to get to the parking lot between 8am and 8:30am.
• LOTS of hills. Be prepared for some exercise on uneven ground. Babies would do best in backpacks, slings, or jogger strollers. We saw some families bring wagons which were good for carrying kids, apples, pumpkins, etc. – but they might be a tough trek on the hilly terrain.
• Only portable toilets out in the apple orchard. Three nice restrooms: 1) near the BBQ/Store, 2) at the start of the Nature Trail before you go uphill to the Apple Stand, and 3) at the end of the Nature Trail in Oak Knoll Park.
• You can buy food there, but just be prepared for the lines to get long after about 11:00am.

Riley's Apple Farm Orchard
12201 Oak Glen Rd
Oak Glen, CA 92399
(866) 585-6407
www.rileysapplefarm.com

Riley's Apple Farm is set on a cozy 3 acres of land and has several apple varieties and other fruits to pick yourself. The farm is a u-pick apple, berry and pumpkin farm, but only when the fruit is in season (late July to early August for Apples).

Snow-Line Orchard
39400 Oak Glen Rd
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 797-3415
www.snow-line.com

There's something about an old red barn that is irresistible to photographers and curious wanderers. This farm sells several varieties of apple, as well as freshly made mini-dounts cooked in their homemade apple cider. Warning: do not visit their website to watch the video of their donuts being made if you are hungry!

Willowbrook Apple Farm
12099 S. Oak Glen Rd
Oak Glen, CA 92399
(909) 797-9484
www.willowbrookapplefarm.com

Family owned and operated by the Swansons, you're invited to come and enjoy a day of apple picking in the country at their small family farm where many apple varieties are available. While it's not close to LA or OC (about an hour drive), it's well worth it and makes for one exciting day trip with activities once you've arrived. The 100 year old apple orchard is where you'll get to pick your own fresh, crisp Stayman Winesap apples and make your own cider using an old fashioned cider press. Make sure to browse the Apple Shed Gift Shop too for some interesting take home goods.

Brian Ranch Airport U-Pick Orchard
34810 Largo Vista Rd.
PO Box 355
Llano, CA 93544
(661) 261-3216
www.brianranch.com

Home to not only apple picking, but also a pumpkin patch in October, Brian Ranch Airport U-Pick Orchard features a wide variety of apples ready to be picked from early June until late October. Their fruit has won numerous ribbons from the Antelope Valley Fair too, so you know it must be as delicious as it can get. During the picking season, they are open Saturdays & Sundays from 8am to 2pm and by appointment. It's great for large groups too, but make sure to call ahead and schedule an appointment if your group is going to be over 10 people.

See Canyon Fruit Ranch
2345 See Canyon Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 595-2376
www.seecanyonwedding.com

Offering over 29 different varieties of apples, including Golden Delicious, Winter Banana, Pearmain and many more, See Canyon Fruit Ranch in San Luis Obispo is quite a drive from LA, but it makes for a great day trip with your friends or loved one. The ranch itself, which is perfect for weddings too, is extremely beautiful and is worth the visit just to wander the grounds. Become an expert apple taster, sip their fresh pressed cider, explore the beautiful gardens and more at this 117 year old apple ranch.