Cherries, strawberries, mulberries and peaches taste so much better when you get to pick them yourself. Here’s a list of u-Pick farms for you to explore this summer. (Liliya Krueger for Getty)
Few summer activities feel as wholesome — and satisfying — as picking your own fruit straight from the tree.
Across the wider Bay Area, “u-pick” farms offer a chance to connect with California’s agricultural roots, support local growers and head home with a basketful of strawberries, cherries, peaches and more.
Eating fresh-picked fruits can offer nutritional benefits — and extra tastiness. Dr. Zubaida Qamar, associate professor of nutrition at San Francisco State University and lead of the campus farm, said produce picked at peak ripeness tends to have higher nutrient content and better flavor.
Sponsored
“The flavor is going to be much more enhanced if we are buying seasonally and locally — and you’re also supporting your local farmers,” she said.
Exploring farms and buying produce at the local farmers’ markets is a great way to build food literacy and community connection, Qamar said. Programs like Market Match, which doubles CalFresh (SNAP) benefits at participating farmers’ markets, also help make fresh fruit more accessible to low-income families. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes and home gardening offer additional local options.
Strawberry cutout on pick up along the California coast at Highway 1 near Half Moon Bay, California on March 23, 2010. (Thomas Winz for Getty)
“We are very privileged to have access to different farms around us. And access to farmers markets, which run pretty much all year round,” she said.
Planning ahead: Tips before you go fruit picking
Fruit picking seasons are short and can vary depending on the weather. Always check the farm’s website or social media before heading out — many update their availability daily.
Some farms charge by the pound, while others charge by the bucket. Some require reservations and others allow walk-ins.
Bring sun protection, water, and cash just in case cards are not accepted. If you’re planning to be out at the farm for the whole day, consider bringing an icebox or a container to store your fruits, which will help keep them fresher for even longer.
Picking ladder in front of ripening cherry trees at U-pick farm in Brentwood California. Many small fruit orchards and vegetable farmers in the area have helped establish Brentwood as a #1 spot for u-pick farms in the rich agricultural land. (Barbara Rich for Getty)
The effects of climate change on fruit seasons
California’s diverse microclimates — and increasingly erratic weather — play a significant role in determining which fruits can grow where, said Pamela Peirce, a Bay Area gardening expert and author of Golden Gate Gardening.
“Only things that can take very mild winters can grow,” Peirce said, so while apples, plums, lemons, and hardy citrus varieties do well, peaches, nectarines, and sweeter citrus need the longer heat spells of inland areas.
But climate change is blurring these boundaries. Warmer winters followed by sudden cold snaps can confuse fruit trees, causing early blooms and weaker yields. Inland, extreme heat can shut down photosynthesis, harming crops and even contributing to carbon emissions, Peirce said. In her own backyard, “our apple tree in 2017 bloomed in August. That’s not supposed to happen,” she said. “It’s supposed to bloom in April.”
Shifts in temperature are also altering pest activity, allowing some to linger year-round while reducing the population of pollinators.
Ultimately, climate change “is very confusing to the plants,” she said.
lower waypoint
Stay in touch. Sign up for our daily newsletter.
To learn more about how we use your information, please read our privacy policy.
