These Are the Farms You Need to Visit for the Best Strawberry Picking in California

As spring settles across California, strawberry season begins to arrive in bright red rows across the state’s farms. What better way to make the most of the warmer days than picking your own strawberries?

Many farms open their fields to visitors during peak season, inviting guests to wander the rows and harvest berries straight from the vine. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or simply hoping to bring home the freshest fruit possible, these U-pick farms offer a sweet way to experience the season.

Getty Images/ Xu Wu

Carlsbad Strawberry Company Farm

One of the most accessible spots for strawberry picking is the Carlsbad Strawberry Company Farm in Carlsbad. Located just off Interstate 5, the 25-acre farm offers expansive fields of strawberries for visitors to explore. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission starting at $10 and increasing to $18 if you’d like to include a bucket for picking. Beyond strawberries, the farm also offers family-friendly activities like a sunflower maze, a tricycle track, and plenty of photo opportunities among the rows.

Kenny’s Strawberry Farm

Farther north in San Diego County, Kenny’s Strawberry Farm in Fallbrook opened for the season on March 8. The family-run farm operates Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and requires visitors to make a reservation before arriving. Entry costs $5, and strawberries are then priced by the bucket. During the season, the farm grows seven different strawberry varieties throughout its fields, giving visitors the chance to try berries that vary in flavor, sweetness, and size.

Blake Bakkila

Tanaka Farms

In Irvine, Tanaka Farms offers a slightly different experience. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the farm invites guests to explore its fields through guided tours rather than unsupervised picking. During the spring strawberry tour, visitors ride a tractor across the farm’s 30 acres while learning about the harvest from knowledgeable guides. Along the way, guests can sample strawberries straight from the vine. Reservations are recommended, as the tours often fill up quickly. If you want to skip the tractor ride, strawberries are also for sale at the produce market stand.

Three Nunns Farm

Northern California also offers opportunities to join the harvest. In Brentwood, Three Nunns Farm typically begins its strawberry picking season in April. With more than 40 acres to explore, the farm offers both pre-picked berries and U-pick options, with general admission starting at $15. Visitors are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and keep a close eye on little ones while wandering through the fields.

These farms offer a simple way to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather while making the most of California’s short but sweet strawberry season. Before heading out, consider bringing comfortable shoes and checking each farm’s website for the latest picking updates and availability.