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Where to Go Berry Picking in the Bay Area in Summer 2024

Want fresh juicy berries? It doesn’t get any fresher than straight from a Bay Area farm
By - posted 6/26/2024 No Comment

Want fresh, juicy berries? It doesn’t get any fresher than straight from a Bay Area farm. Escape the city and spend the day in the country. There are lots of local farms near San Francisco where you can pick your own berries. Plus, many local farms grow veggies too so that you can pick up your produce for the week.

As of 6/23/24, we’ve confirmed that these farms have U-Pick available. 

Gizdich Ranch

Watsonville | Bring the family to one of the most popular U-pick farms in the Bay Area where you can pick your favorite fruit of the season right off the tree or vine and then picnic among the apple trees and the hills. Gizdich Ranch’s “Pik-Yor-Self” program allows you to harvest your own strawberries, olallieberries, boysenberries, and apples. Check their website to find out what’s currently available for U-pick (or call in advance at (831) 722-1056). Don’t miss their pie shop and deli which has seasonal favorites including their famous homemade pies. Bring your own containers or buy one a small fee. When everyone’s ready for lunch, picnic behind the sales barn and let the kids play.

  • Strawberries are available as of May 11, 2024 – Weekends Only at this time / $3.65 lb
  • Olallie Berries – Opens June 15, 2024 – 7 Days a Week
  • Boysenberries – Closed (opening date TBA – typically July)
  • Blackberries – Closed (possibly unavailable in 2024)
  • Apples –  Closed (opening date TBA – typically September)
  • Open Everyday | 9am – 5pm
  • Free entry; pay for what you pick

Updated 6/23/24

 

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Crystal Bay Farm

Watsonville | This quaint organic family farm is located between two state beaches, overlooking the Monterey Bay. In addition to a self-serve produce stand, they typically offer U-pick veggies, flowers and berries including strawberries, raspberries, lettuce, radish, chard, kale, tomatoes, beans, beets, carrots, garlic, herbs, tomatillos, broccoli, and summer squash. Plus, you are welcome to wander the farm and visit the adorable farm animals. 

  • Strawberries are available as of June 2024
  • Open Weekends & Wednesdays ​| 10am – 2pm (Please note: They won’t be open if they sell out. Check Facebook for updates)
  • $2 entrance fee; $7 per pound for your pickings

Updated 6/23/24

Berry Island Farms

Gilroy | Berry Island is a small organic family farm that grows strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, boysenberries, and olallieberries. In addition to U-pick berries, they also have U-pick organic vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and different varieties of summer and winter squash, plus cabbages and root vegetables too. You can also take home local honey from their bees or homemade jams, salsas, and more. Their U-pick season opens in April and lasts through November.

Strawberries, blackberries, boysenberries, olallieberries and raspberries are available as of 6/13/24

Open Saturdays, 9am – 1 pm. Opening days vary. Check their Facebook for the most up-to-date info. Arrive early to avoid disappointment; subject to close when the ripe produce has been picked.

$2-5 entrance fee*; $5 per pound for strawberries (and possibly other pickings). *Please note, entry fee pricing accurate as of 2020. Admission pricing subject to change.

Please note, closed toe shoes are required. No reservations; first-come, first-serve. Cash only

Updated 6/23/24

Blue House Farm

San Gregorio | Located on 60 acres at the end of a small agricultural valley in Pescadero, this organic farm specializes in strawberries, tomatoes, leafy greens and peppers. They also grow 3 acres of organic flowers including a dozen varieties of stunning dahlias, sunflowers, and delphinium.

  • Strawberries are available as of 6/1/24. Strawberries are most abundant June through August.
  • Weekends, April – October | 12pm – 5pm
  • Free entry; strawberries are $7/lb

Updated 6/25/24

Webb Ranch

Portola Valley | In the heart of Silicon Valley lies a beautiful oasis for horses and fresh produce. Webb Ranch was established in 1922 by the Webb Family on 230+ acres located near Stanford University. Webb Ranch Farm grows a wide variety of organic berries including blackberry, olallieberry, raspberry, golden raspberry, loganberry, boysenberry, and marionberry. Call their Produce Hotline for U-Pick info and availability, (650) 854-5417. 

  • U-Pick Berry Season opens June 22, 2024 (Blackberries, Olallieberry & Marionberry)
  • Saturdays only from 8 to 11 am (U-Pick season typically runs June-July) Weekday availability to be determined each week. Early arrival suggested for best picking.
  • $4 for entry (2 and under free); $6.50 per pound of berries
  • No reservations; walk-ins only

Updated 6/22/24

 

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Swanton Berry Farm

Davenport | Pick your berries right by the coast. Swanton Berry Farm is the first unionized organic farm in America. Their farm stand is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm and features homemade vegan soup, baked goods, pies and jams, all made with produce fresh from their farm.

  • Strawberries are available as of 6/1/24
  • Open 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays & Sundays typically, but call or check the website to confirm before you go (subject to close based on ripeness)
  • Strawberry U-Pick is $8/lb
  • No reservations

Updated 6/22/24

JSM Organics 

Royal Oaks | JSM Organics is located on 40 acres in the beautiful rolling hills of Royal Oaks in Monterey County. The organic farm specializes in strawberries, heirloom tomatoes, summer squash, peppers and over 300 varieties of spectacular cut flowers. The farm is not usually a U-Pick farm, but they are opening their fields for U-pick strawberries in summer 2024 on a date to be announced, typically by appointment only. Additional dates may be scheduled.