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Where to Go Berry Picking in the Bay Area in Summer 2023

Want fresh juicy berries? It doesn’t get any fresher than straight from a Bay Area farm
By - posted 6/18/2023 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, a lot of the farms grow veggies too, so you can pick up your produce for the week.

As of 6/1/23, we’ve confirmed that these farms have U-Pick available. Due to the cooler weather, farms are expecting the berry season to be opening a little later than usual this year.

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.

  • Strawberries are available as of May 21, 2023
  • Olallie Berries – Mid June (check back on Gizdich Ranch’s website for opening day)
  • Boysenberries – July (opening date TBA)
  • Blackberries – July (opening date TBA)
  • Apples –  September (opening date TBA)
  • Open Sundays only | 9am – 5pm
  • Free entry; pay for what you pick

Updated 6/1/23

 

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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 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 May 2023 (however, production is low this season, so please check directly with the farm for availability. U-pick subject to close if there’s no/low ripe strawberries)
  • Open Sundays ​| 10am – 2pm; ​May-October 2023
  • $2 entrance fee; $6 per pound for your pickings

Updated 6/1/23

Berry Island Farms

Gilroy | Berry Island is a small organic family farm that grows strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. In addition to U-pick berries, they also have U-pick organic vegetables, plus you can take home local honey from their bees or homemade salsa. Their U-pick season opens in April and lasts through November.

  • Strawberries (plus artichokes, fava beans, snap peas and spring onions) are available as of 6/1/23
  • Open Saturdays, 9am – 1 pm. Opening days vary. Check their Facebook for the most up-to-date info. Arrive early to avoid disappoinment; subject to close when the ripe produce has been picked.
  • $2-5 entrance fee; $5 per pound for your pickings* (Please note, pricing accurate as of 2020. Pricing subject to change).
  • Please note, closed toe shoes are required. No reservations; first-come, first-serve. Cash only

Updated 6/2/23

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 6/1/23
  • Weekends, April – October | 12pm – 6pm
  • Free entry; strawberries are $7/lb

 

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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. 

  • Berries are available expected to be ripe and ready for U-pick season by mid to late June (Cooler weather is delaying ripening)
  • Tues. – Sat. (By Appointment Only) | 8am – 1pm – UPDATE: Final Day: Saturday, July 25 
  • $4 for entry (2 and under free); $6 per pound of berries
  • No reservations; walk-ins only

Updated 6/1/23

 

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Swanton Berry Farm

Davenport | Pick you 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 6/1/23
  • Open Saturdays & Sundays typically, but call to confirm before you go (subject to close based on ripeness)
  • Strawberry U-Pick is $8/lb
  • No reservations

JSM Organics Not Open for U-Pick Currently (As of 6/1/23)

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 on July 18 by appointment only. Additional dates may be scheduled.

  • Strawberries are available as of 7/17
  • Saturday, July 18 |10am – 3 pm (by reservation only) Check their Facebook for additional dates as they are added. 
  • Free entry; pay by box (boxes are provided)
  • Remember: You must bring a face covering and keep a distance of minimum ten feet from others, otherwise no entrance is granted. Reservation is required.

     

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