Oak Glen Apple Picking: Day Trip Guide

Southern California may not get the best fall foliage, but we can still get in the spirit of the season with apple picking! If you’re looking for apple picking near Los Angeles, I highly recommend making your way to Oak Glen, which is about an hour and a half drive away.

My go-to spot for apple picking is Stone Soup Farm and Heritage Orchard. That said, there are plenty of other orchards in the area, including Riley’s Farm, Los Rios Ranchos, and Willowbrook Apple Farm. 

Ready to enjoy one of the most festive fall activities in Los Angeles? In this Oak Glen apple picking guide, I’ll first dive into some general tips for apple picking at any of the orchards in the area. After that, I’ll talk specifically about Stone Soup.

When is Oak Glen’s Apple Season?

The orchards in Oak Glen typically open for apple picking by early October, and close by the end of November. Keep in mind that each orchard opens for the season at different times – some may be ready to go in September! Of course, this can change from season to season depending on the crop. Be sure to check the website of the orchard you’re visiting for the most up-to-date info. 

Tips for Apple Picking in Oak Glen

Regardless of where you choose to go apple picking, these are a few tips and tricks for making the most out of your visit. 

Go Early & Note Reservation Requirements

All of the apple orchards in Oak Glen open for apple picking at the same time. The last time I visited, we got there about 10 minutes before opening, and it was already insanely crowded in the area. That said, it was still manageable, and we were able to get a parking spot along the road fairly easily – just had to walk maybe about a third of a mile to the orchard. 

Be ready to walk from your car to the farm, since the orchards have little (if any) parking on site!

When we left around noon, the crowds were ten times worse. There was a line of cars along Oak Glen Road that went at least a mile out from the main hub of the orchards, and traffic was moving very slowly. 

I’d highly recommend getting there early to avoid sitting in traffic. You may also have better luck going later in the day, but I’d definitely avoid going in the middle of the day – there’s a chance you might not even be able to get in!

Some orchards in the area now require reservations, which means you’re guaranteed to get in regardless of what time in the day you visit (although you’ll still have to deal with traffic and the hassle of parking, so give yourself extra time before your reservation slot!). Once you pick the orchard you want to visit, refer to their website to see if they require reservations.

Check Social Media Pages for the Most Up-to-Date Information

The Oak Glen orchards all seem to be fairly active on social media, and will post info about what apple varieties are ready to pick and what activities are happening. 

Once you’ve chosen the orchard you want to go to, look at their social media pages to get a bit of up-to-date information before your visit. Stone Soup has a strong Facebook and Instagram presence. 

Go with an Apple Recipe in Mind

Might as well make a whole experience out of apple picking, right? Before heading out, I’d definitely find an apple recipe so that you can use your freshly picked apples. Basically, it’ll give you an excuse to pick more apples! I recommend this Vegan Apple Crisp from Minimalist Baker. 

Apple Picking at Stone Soup Farm and Heritage Orchard: Tips for Your Visit

As mentioned, Stone Soup is my favorite Oak Glen apple farm. In addition to apple picking, they have cider pressing, archery, ax throwing, candle making, and other seasonal activities. 

Important note: Stone Soup requires advanced reservations. Head to the apple picking page to make your reservation. 

General admission is $5 (kids 3 and under are free) and includes all of the activities on-site. The u-pick price for the apples is $3.75 per pound, so it is a decently low-cost fall activity. Of course, double check on the website for the most up-to-date pricing!

If you end up going to Stone Soup, here are a few suggestions to make the most of your visit: 

Make a Cider Press Appointment Immediately

If you have any interest in doing the cider press, you’ll want to make your reservation as soon as you buy your admission ticket. Unsurprisingly, lots of people want to make their own cider, so the slots fill up quickly.

We didn’t end up attempting to make a reservation until around 11am, and by then the earliest slot was 2pm. Ask an employee to direct you towards the stand to make your appointment.

Get the Blackberry Apple Cider

If you don’t end up getting a cider press reservation, don’t worry – you can always get a cup of apple cider at the food stand or the tent near the entrance of the orchard. They have classic apple cider, but we ended up getting their blackberry apple cider, which was insanely good! 

Look for “Hidden” Trees

There are apple trees all around the property, even in areas that aren’t the main “orchard” spots. So don’t limit yourself to the orchards! Look for trees behind buildings and in different areas of the property to make sure you’re getting the full experience (and the widest variety of apples).