2026 Bay Area Spring Picking Guide: Strawberry Patches, Cherry Orchards, and Farm Experiences

As the warm spring sun shines across the land, farms around the San Francisco Bay Area are entering their most vibrant picking season. For Bay Area families seeking health and a love for nature, taking children to experience the "farm-to-table" process firsthand—picking fresh strawberries, cherries, or other seasonal produce—is the ultimate spring outdoor activity.

We have selected the Top 10 spring picking farms and pastoral experiences in the Bay Area for 2026. This guide details the most popular spring picking projects (especially strawberries and cherries), along with opening times, locations, and features to help you plan a spring journey filled with laughter and education.

Top 10 Bay Area Spring Picking Farm

🍓 Theme 1: South Bay & Peninsula - The Home of Strawberries and Berries

Due to its climate advantages, the South Bay is one of the first areas in the region to begin strawberry picking.

1. Swanton Berry Farm (Davenport, near Santa Cruz)

• Picking Features: Famous for organically grown strawberries, Olallieberries, and raspberries. This historic farm emphasizes sustainable agriculture.

• Picking Time (Estimated): Strawberry picking usually begins in late March or early April and can last through the summer.

• Experience Highlights: The farm features a cozy farm shop where you can taste their homemade strawberry pies and jams.

2. Andreotti Family Farms (Half Moon Bay)

• Picking Features: One of the most well-known family farms in Half Moon Bay, offering U-Pick services for seasonal vegetables and strawberries.

• Picking Time (Estimated): Spring focus is primarily on strawberries and seasonal flowers.

• Family Advantage: The farm is relatively flat, making it easy for young children to navigate the strawberry patches for their first picking experience.

3. Uvas Valley Farm (Near Gilroy)

• Picking Features: Located near Gilroy, it is known for its strawberries, apricots, and vegetables.

• Picking Time (Estimated): The strawberry season starts early, making it a great destination for short spring weekend trips.

• Travel Tip: This area is very sunny; be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and hats.

🍒 Theme 2: East Bay - Cherry and Fruit Paradise

The East Bay, particularly the Brentwood area, is the Bay Area's famous hub for cherry production.

4. G&S Farms (Brentwood, East Bay)

• Picking Features: A historic farm in the Brentwood area. Spring is the peak time for cherry and peach picking.

• Picking Time (Estimated): Cherry season usually runs from mid-May to June, but some early varieties may be ready by late April. Earlier spring focus is on apricots and plums.

• Farm Features: The farm is vast and usually divided into specific areas based on fruit varieties.

5. Farmer Fred's U-Pick (Brentwood, East Bay)

• Picking Features: Offers a wide variety of seasonal U-Pick produce, from spring strawberries and peas to early summer cherries and corn.

• Family Advantage: The farm places high importance on the family experience, often setting up simple play structures and photo-op areas.

• Travel Tip: Brentwood is quite far from the Bay Area core; planning a half-day or full-day trip is recommended.

6. Peter's U-Pick Cherries (Brentwood, East Bay)

• Picking Features: Specializes in cherries, providing multiple varieties such as Bing and Rainier.

• Picking Time (Estimated): You must monitor the farm's announcements closely, as the cherry season is short and highly dependent on weather.

• Experience Suggestion: Cherry trees can be tall; ladders or high-reach tools provided by the farm may be needed, making it more suitable for older children.

🌻 Theme 3: Integrated Farm Experiences & Education

These farms offer more than just picking; they provide educational and entertainment programs to enhance family interaction.

7. Ardenwood Historic Farm (Fremont, East Bay)

• Feature Highlights: This is a Victorian-era historic farm where staff dress in period clothing to provide an immersive farm life experience.

• Experience Content: Beyond seasonal picking (usually peas or strawberries), children can visit the barn, take horse-drawn carriage rides, and learn about 19th-century agricultural life.

• Educational Significance: One of the best family spots in the Bay Area for combining history education with agricultural experience.

8. Hidden Villa (Los Altos Hills, Silicon Valley)

• Feature Highlights: A non-profit educational farm and retreat center known for its focus on environmental education and animal welfare.

• Experience Content: Offers farm tours, animal feeding (pigs, goats, cows), and seasonal vegetable picking (check availability in advance).

• Family Advantage: Excellent for younger children to get close to animals and learn about sustainable living and food sources.

9. Vasona Lake County Park (Los Gatos, South Bay)

• Feature Highlights: While not a picking farm itself, the Farmers Market near the park is very active in spring, offering early-spring fruits and vegetables from local farms.

• Travel Suggestion: Purchase fresh ingredients at the market for a picnic, then enjoy the lakeside playground and mini-train.

10. Apple Hill Ranches (Placerville, near Sacramento)

• Feature Highlights: Though a longer drive from the Bay Area (about 2 hours), Apple Hill is rich with flowers and produce in the spring.

• Experience Content: Spring features flowers, baked goods, and early produce. Ideal for a planned weekend farm road trip.

💡 Bay Area Spring Picking Strategy (2026 Practical Tips)

• Confirm Opening Times: U-Pick seasons are highly weather-dependent. Always check the farm's official website or social media the day before you leave to confirm hours, available crops, and supply levels.

• Dress Preparation: Wear comfortable, stain-resistant shoes (sneakers or rain boots), and bring sunscreen and hats.

• Bring Containers: While many farms provide boxes for picking, it is a good idea to bring your own for transport, along with extra water and snacks.

• Note Pesticide Use: If you are concerned about organic standards, ask the farm beforehand. Farms like Swanton Berry Farm specifically promote organic certification.

🏁 Embrace the Fragrance of the Earth

In the spring of 2026, don't miss the chance to take your children into nature. This Top 10 picking guide will lead your family through the fragrance of strawberries and cherries to create beautiful pastoral memories and truly experience the vibrant spring charm of the San Francisco Bay Area!