Are you like me and curious where the best apple picking orchards are if you live in San Diego? Let me help in your search, from the world’s biggest apple fan!
If you have already Googled the best apple to pick in San Diego then you have probably seen many sites sharing their list. Still having trouble deciding which to go to? Then read further as I bring all the information for you.
The closest Apple Orchards to San Diego
When it comes to apple picking in San Diego unfortunately there is a bit of a drive regardless of where you go. Most of the Apple Orchards are location in Julian which is a 1 hour 10 minute (53 miles) drive with no traffic from central San Diego
The closest apple orchard is Corcoran Ranch Apple Orchard which is a 40 minute (30 miles) drive with no traffic from central San Diego
Address: 16790 Highland Valley Rd, Ramona, CA 92065
Phone: (760) 500-1214
Price: $10 per person
Hours: CLOSED FOR 2022
If you want to cut down on trip time I definitely recommend checking this place!
Best Apple picking Orchards in Julian
Like anything when it comes to deciding the best place to go it is best to get opinions from as many people as possible. If you were like me and saw tons of options on multiple websites all with different pros and cons.
Then this section will help you decide! I looked at all the different sites with lists of apple orchards in San Diego from Google Search and compiled a list of the best based on popular opinion.
From the screenshot above the following apple orchards are on multiple sites. In order of ones on the most lists and my personal favorites.
Volcan Valley Apple Farm (4)
Address: 1284 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 302-4574
Price: $5 per person, Apple Bag $15 (6-7 lbs of apples)
Hours: Open Friday-Monday 9am – 4:30pm until the apples are gone. Grand opening September 9th
Check Facebook and Instagram for updated dates and info.
Great for Family and Kids.
Julian Farm and Orchard (4)
Address: 4381 Julian Hwy, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Phone: (760) 765-5494
Price: $5 Per Person, $20 for about 5lbs
Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm
Apples will be available for picking beginning in September. Check the website for updated dates and info.
Requires to schedule an apple picking tour – link
Apples and Art Orchards (3)
Address: 1052 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 310-6368
Price: $15 for about 5lbs, reservations can be placed requires $75 deposit
Hours: 2pm apple picking lasts for 2 hours.
Apples: Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Gala, Arkansan Black, Fuji, Jonagold, Fiesta, Greensleeves, Queen Cox, and Liberty
All natural, pesticide free, non-GMO. Apples will be available for picking beginning in September. Check the website for updated dates and info.
Apples and Art Orchards is for groups that pick 20 or more bags only. Best for groups.
Apple Starr Orchard (3)
Address: 1020 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 305-2169
Price: $25 for about 12lbs of apples, $15 for extra bag / family member (CASH only)
Hours: 10am-4pm
Apples: Granny Smith, Jonagold, Roma, Arkansas Black, Red Delicious, Wealthy, Fuji, and Gala
Please note that dogs are not allowed at this orchard. Apples will be available for picking beginning in September.
Old Peacefield Orchard (2)
Address: 3803 Wynola Rd, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (310) 902-6321
Price: $16 for about 5lbs
Hours: 9apm – 2pm Saturday and Sundays
Apples: Granny Smith, Jonagold, Gravenstein and Red Delicious
Apples will be available for picking beginning in September. Check the website for updated dates and info.
Crosscut Farm and Orchard (2)
Address: 1209 Farmer RoadJulian, CA 92036
Phone: (605) 430-9791
Price: $5 per person, $20 for about 7-8lbs
Hours: Reservation Only see site for details
Apples: Golden Delicious, Jonathon and Liberty
All natural, pesticide free, non-GMO. Apples will be available for picking beginning in September. Check the website for updated dates and info.
Conclusion
If a shorter distance is your goal then Corcoran Ranch Apple Orchard is the way to go. If you are looking for the cheapest, then go with Old Peacefield Orchard. If you have a big group either Crosscut Farm and Orchard or Apples and Art Orchards. If you are going with the family with kids then Volcan Valley Apple Farm or Julian Farm and Orchard
Thanks for reading and let me know about your apple picking experiences!