13 Best Bay Area Strawberry Picking Farms in California 2024
There are several strawberry-picking farms in the Bay Area, and the season starts from April last week to May first week. Strawberry farming depends on the weather, so the price of strawberries varies yearly.
Summer is known for little red gems called strawberries. These vibrant red berries are full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. In today’s urban life, we buy them mostly from supermarkets. Whereas picking fresh strawberries directly from fields is a fun activity. Numerous organic farms allow fruit picking, berries, and veggies.
Things to know before visiting any farm to pick strawberries.
- Most of them don’t allow pets.
- Carry a container and water bottles; it’s more sustainable.
- Always try to wear closed-toe shoes.
- Keep enough cash, as most of them don’t accept cards.
- Almost all the farms work on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Smoking is not allowed inside the farms.
- Early morning is the best time for picking.
13 Top U-Pick Strawberry Picking Farms in Bay Area CA
1. Berry Island Farms – Gilroy, California
Berry Island Farms is a certified organic farm. They believe in producing while maintaining harmony with nature. Their berries are the sweetest and best-tasting berries in the Bay Area. Many Michelin-star restaurants in California purchase their products. You can buy their fresh, organic products online.
The farm grows different berries like – strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, boysenberries, and olallieberries. It also grows summer vegetables like – tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and other kinds of summer and winter squash.
You can buy products online from the farm’s website but must pick them up from their farm stand on Saturday morning. At that time, they also sold honey, salsas, artisan jams, and fresh farm eggs at the farm stand. They host field trips and birthday parties during weekdays. Picnic areas are available too.
- Hours: Picking hours are only 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays from April to November.
- Address: 10385 Watsonville Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States.
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2. Tru2earth Farm – Gilroy, California
Tru2earth Farm is an excellent choice for strawberry picking near the Bay Area. The farm produces fresh and organic berries, vegetables, and flowers and is especially known for flavourful strawberries.
Guests should visit early to pick the best quality berries. Their sweet strawberries are $5/pound. Apart from strawberries, visitors can also pick raspberries and blackberries. This place only accepts cash.
They also have Ollaliberries and blueberries and sell homemade jam and pickles from berries and vegetables. Kids can feed the chicken here.
The farm has a pleasant atmosphere with all the flowers. You can have custom-made bouquets. There are picnic tables available outside the farm. Their purple and green cabbages and lettuce are also well known.
- Hours: The farm is open on Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm and on Saturday & Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm.
- Address: 10505 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States.
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3. R & R Fresh Farms – Pescadero, CA
R & R Fresh Farms is located in the Pescadero village, which has a beautiful rural vibe. This farm can be a great destination on weekends for families and kids. It grows organic strawberries, which you can handpick in Summer.
There are various berries, like – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and olallieberries. Other than berries, it also grows herbs and has fresh eggs.
The farm has a clean environment and fresh berries. Kids will enjoy picking berries here, along with a cute store with varieties of goodies. It includes pasture-raised chickens and ducks.
Call the farm before paying a visit to know the availability of products.
- Hours: Picking hours are Monday from 12 pm to 6 pm and Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Address: 2310 Pescadero Creek Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, United States.
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4. Blue House Farm – San Gregorio, California
Blue House Farm is an organic farm spread over 50 acres of land, 40 miles from San Francisco. The farm has a variety of strawberries like Albion, San Andres, etc., and also grows high-quality vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
The farm grows vegetables and fruits for restaurants, the Bay Area farmers market, and their Farmstand in San Gregorio.
The location of this little farm is beautiful near the coast. Always a cool breeze blowing. The farm is an excellent place for an outing with kids. Portable toilets and parking spaces are there. Don’t miss their refreshing popsicles, which have real berries in them. You will find them near the exit area.
- Hours: The place is open only on Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.
- Address: 950 La Honda Rd, San Gregorio, CA 94074, United States.
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5. Three Nunns Farm – Brentwood, California
Three Nunns Farm is known for its fresh produce. The farm offers a variety of fruits and vegetables. Both pre-picked and u-pick are available for purchase. They also grow cherries, blackberries, cucumbers, watermelons, pomegranates, bell peppers, garlic, pumpkins, etc. Three siblings run the Three Nunns Farm: Jake, Sam, and Hailey.
The place is only 5 minutes away from Farmland Sunrise by car. Visitors are requested to contact them through email for group reservations or field trips.
Three Nunns Farm is available for picnics during the fall season. They have plenty of picnic tables and shaded areas. During the fall season, many events also get hosted here.
- Hours: The farm is open from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
- Address: 550 Walnut Blvd, Brentwood, CA 94513, United States.
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6. Swanton Berry Farm – Davenport, California
Swanton Berry Farm was the first certified organic farm in California. They started growing organic strawberries in 1983. The weather here is always cold and windy, so wear proper clothing before arriving here. This farm is specifically known for its delicious jams. The jams here are low in sugar and made only with certified organic berries of their own grown.
For you-pick strawberries, you will be provided boxes from the farmstand. $8/LB is needed for picking strawberries. Reservations are not necessary. Follow the dirt road with the sign of a U-pick. It will lead you to the strawberry fields. Please follow the “NO PICKING SIGNS .” Try to pick the red and fully ripped berries.
- Hours: The farm is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm. The picking hours are 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays & Sundays.
- Address: 25 Swanton Rd, Davenport, CA 95017, United States.
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7. Gilroy U-pick – Gilroy, California
Gilroy U-Pick is a fantastic place to pick your own strawberries and other berries. This farm is beyond an organic one. They don’t use organic sprays, and no chemical fertilizers are used. To provide nutritional values, they use the technique of covering crops.
The farm grows cherries, strawberries, blackberries, plums, watermelons, cantaloupes, corn, and string beans. It also has Pluerries ( palm and cherry hybrid ) unavailable at every farm. The owners also tour their guests and guide them while picking. The toilet facility is limited, and the parking space is small here.
Address: 10541 Korn Ln, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States.
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8. Gizdich Ranch – Watsonville, California
Gizdich Ranch is a great farm to pick and learn about berries. Their fields are full of delicious strawberries and other berries. They have strawberries, Olallieberries, boysenberries, and apples in the U-pick section. Enjoy the fresh apple juice, apple & ollie popsicles, and great jams.
The farm has a great atmosphere: fresh air, sunshine, and growing fruits. Visitors can learn about growing plants here. The countryside atmosphere and hills make it an excellent place for family picnics. They have a pie shop and deli with a delicious seasonal menu. Apple dumplings and puff pastries are famous here.
- Hours: The farm is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. It remains closed on New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday. Thanksgiving & Day After, Christmas & Day After.
- Address: 55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076, United States.
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9. Cloverfield Organic Farm LLC – El Sobrante, CA
Cloverfield is the first organic farm in El Sobrante that produces fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, raw honey, and potted plants. Visitors can experience a healthy bio-intensive farm. Visitors are welcome to have a complete tour of the farm.
They offer organic edibles which can be planted and grown in your house. Call farmer Michael to alternate your picking time if needed. This farm has a free parking space.
They don’t allow pets inside the farm. When you bring pets, keep them out of the garden areas, preferably in cars. The farm accepts various payments, including cash, cards, Venmo, PayPal, and SNAP (EBT). They have minimal strawberries to u-pick but also offer many other items.
People can enjoy private tours, group events, picnics, and horse sessions. Remember to wear sturdy shoes.
- Hours: The picking hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.
- Address: 501 La Paloma Rd, El Sobrante, CA 94803, United States.
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10. Berry Best Family Farm – Brentwood, California
Berry Best Family Farm is renowned for delicious strawberries. Guests can enjoy picking strawberries at this clean and organized farm. Besides strawberries, they grow the sweetest olallieberries, boysenberries, and two different kinds of blueberries.
It’s one of the best places for strawberry picking near the Bay area. They claim to have the sweetest strawberries. The farm also grows peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, plums, sweet corn, figs, local honey, etc.
Berry Best Family Farm comes under the non-profit organization Harvest Time Brentwood. This organization aims to improve Agri-tourism education in Brentwood. This place charges a small amount as an entrance fee.
- Hours: The farm is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Sunday.
- Address: 7450 Balfour Rd, Brentwood, CA 94513, United States.
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11. JSM Organic Farms – Royal Oaks, California
JSM is a small organic farm run by the family. They are growing a variety of strawberries, cane berries, vegetables, and flowers in an organic way. They don’t use any synthetic products or pesticides. The farm aims to provide sustainable and natural organic fruits for the community.
To pick strawberries here, make a reservation first. You can easily do it through their official website. There are specific times for picking strawberries during the season. Do check the website and their social media pages for updated information. It’s located near the beautiful hills of Royal Oaks in California.
Put on a mask, maintain a social distance, and properly sanitize before picking. Guests can have a picnic in their community park.
Address: 135 Maher Rd, Royal Oaks, CA 95076, United States.
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12. Live Earth Farm: U-Picks and Farm Stand – Watsonville, CA
Get organic and fresh veggies and fruits from Live Earth Farm. They are available in Farmstand & U-pick, Farmer’s Market, and Wholesale programs. It believes in farming that protects nature and wildlife and is fair to the farmers.
In the season of strawberries, people can avail the facility of picking their own. Guests can buy online U-pick tickets, which will assure them of a parking space. The strawberries will be charged separately.
Picking facilities are arranged seasonally. Visitors must check the website to get the latest updates and schedules. Remember to wear hats and apply sunscreen before visiting. The place is great for a fun picnic with family and friends.
- Hours: Picking hours are on Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.
- Address: 1275 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076, United States.
13. Dwelley Family Farms – Oakley, CA
Dwelley Family Farms has an astounding collection of premium fresh fruits and vegetables and offers delicious strawberries. Guests can rest on the shaded picnic tables and enjoy frozen and baked strawberry pies.
The farm is located in a small place, and it takes 2 minutes to reach Smith Family Farm by car. This family-owned farm will offer great organic strawberries. Before arriving here during the strawberry season, call for availability.
They have many fruits and vegetables besides strawberries, like – apples, blackberries, cherries, apricots, plums, zucchini, cantaloupe, watermelon, and many more. Sweet & white corn and berries are specifically the best here among the others.
- Hours: It’s open every day from 8 am to 6 pm.
- Address: 515 Delta Rd, Oakley, CA 94561, United States.
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Find Strawberry Farms Near You
Strawberries picking Tips
- Pinch the stem between the thumb and forefinger while picking the berries. It will protect the berries.
- Choose red and fully ripe berries. They are sweet.
- Keep the caps on. It will make them last longer.
- Overripe strawberries are dull and dark.
- Green and white-tipped strawberries have fewer flavors.
So, which is the best Strawberry Picking Farm in the Bay Area, California, you like the most? Let me know in the comments.
