Where To Pick The Best Strawberries Near LA - Tinybeans

Strawberry-picking season has officially begun in Los Angeles (the season usually runs from Mar. through Jun.) so it’s time to don your sun hat and make delicious plans for all the juicy fruit you and the kids will be hauling home. Read below to find the best places in LA to pick strawberries near LA, or if you aren’t into doing the picking yourself and just want to pick-up the freshest berries, we’ve got you covered too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Justyna Kaszyk (@naturalnessprinces)

Underwood Family Farms

Underwood Family Farms is the place to go if you are looking for more than strawberry-picking fun. Wagon rides, an animal center, a retail shop filled with goodies like honey and fresh cut flowers, seasonal events, plus the ability to pick some seasonal vegetables along with the sweet stuff makes this destination a fun, full-day outing for most families. Pull wagons (first come, first served) are available to transport your haul from the fields.

Pro Tip: Check their Instagram page for strawberry picking updates (the opening of the fields were slightly delayed due to cooler temperatures and to allow more fruit to ripen).

Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m.—6 p.m. Cost: Weekdays, $7 per person; Weekends, $10; Special pricing on certain weekends. Kids under 2 are free.

Moorpark & Somis Locations Online: underwoodfamilyfarms.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tanaka Farms (@tanakafarms)

Advertisement

Tanaka Farms

Since 1940, Tanaka Farms has been a real working farm and has produced some of the sweetest strawberries in SoCal. This year, they are offering strawberry picking as part of their u-pick wagon rides that includes: a ride around the farm, family fun in the designated play area, the chance to pick strawberries plus one veggie or, if strawberries aren’t available at the time of your arrival, they’ll substitute for three vegetables depending on crop availability, plus a walk through their education exhibition. If your heart is set on strawberries, know that you can always pick up some pre-harvested strawberries (along with other yummy treats like jams and nuts) from the fresh market stand that is open daily.

Pro Tip: Reservations for strawberry picking tours are required. If strawberries are plentiful this season, they will open up berry picking without requiring a tour. Check their Instagram page for the latest updates on crop availability.

Hours: Wagon rides are available 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; The Fresh Produce Market Stand is open daily from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Cost: $20 per person; kids under 2 are free.

5380 3/4 University Dr. Irvine Online: tanakafarms.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kenny's Strawberry Farm (@kennysstrawberryfarm)

Advertisement

Kenny’s Strawberry Farm For the past 10 years, Kenny’s has been delivering glorious strawberries to SoCal. Open by reservation this year, don’t forget to save time and space in your belly for a visit to Kenny’s Farm Kitchen for ice cream bars made by DOH Creamery. Check their Instagram page for the latest updates.

Hours: Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Cost: $17 for a large bucket; $7 for a small bucket

953 Rainbow Valley Blvd. Fallbrook Online: kennysstrawberryfarm.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carlsbad Strawberry Company (@carlsbadstrawberrycompany)

Carlsbad Strawberry Company

If you’re up for a drive, Carlsbad has the perfect climate for growing some of the juiciest strawberries around. The Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s u-pick fields are now open and offer a fun way to get out of the house with your family for the day. In addition to picking your own, they also have a sunflower maze, free games, and hay pyramids.

Advertisement

Hours: Fields and strawberry stands are open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Cost: $5 general admission. $12 for a bucket admits 1 person. Kids under 5 are free.

1050 Cannon Rd. Carlsbad Online: carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thacker Berry Farms (@thackerberryfarmsofficial)

Terry Berries: Everyone can agree that just-off-the-vine strawberries taste the best but if you can’t pick them yourself, swing by these locations for harvested-for-you berries. Terry’s Berries, an offshoot of Terry’s Farm, is located in Ventura, CA has been doling out strawberries since 2003. To stay up-to-date with availability, join their newsletter and follow their Instagram page.

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (or until sold out); closed Wed. & Sun.

7618 Telephone Rd. Ventura Online: terrysberries.com

Thacker Berry Farms: Serving California for over 25 years, this 5-star reviewed strawberry stand has some passionate fans, claiming the juiciest strawberries around. With 10 locations in and around Los Angeles County and North Orange County, you are sure to be close to one of their stands for a quick pick-up.

Advertisement

Hours: 10 a.m–5:00 p.m.; closed Sun.

Various Locations Online: thackerberryfarms.com

–Jennifer O’Brien & Andie Huber & Carmen Garcia-Shushtari

RELATED STORIES: Your Guide to Sustainable & Eco-Friendly LA Free Things to Do in LA with Kids in May Secret Family-Friendly Vacation Gems near LA

Advertisement