Overlooking Monterey Bay, this lovely farm between 2 state beaches is the perfect getaway for those who don’t want to travel to far for a relaxing picnic. Entry is $2 and free for kids but it’s oh so worth it with their bountiful selection of strawberries. Not convinced? Then let their Pumpkin Patch 2016 be the deciding factor. // 40 Zils Rd, Watsonville, Wednesdays & Weekends from 10 p.m. – 5 p.m., Entrance fee is $2.00 per person children under age 3 are free.
Gizdich Ranch
Anything from strawberries to apples to olallieberries are ready to be harvested at this fun mom and pop farm. Work up a sweat getting pounds of the freshest fruits this side of the west coast. After picking, take a self guided tour of our apple orchard and berry farms. If you’re here on Saturdays (September-April only), you can watch the apples get pressed for juice! Whether you’re with friends or the entire family, this cute little ranch encourages a great photo-op so get snapping. // 55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Swanton Berry Farm
With strawberry fields as far as the eye can see, this farm on the coast doesn’t mess around. Meet the interesting folks who come to get the 4 lbs of strawberries they deserve and if you want to enjoy them without having to take them home — this ranch offers multiple picnic spots and places to unwind after a long day of picking. Dress warm however as this neck of the woods can get a tad chilly. // 25 Swanton Rd., Davenport, Open Everyday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., cash or checks preferred – no cards.
Webb Ranch
Gathering the juiciest berries together under one leaf, Webb Ranch is for the family who have the extra hands to take home their fill. If you can’t make it out to the fields, they are still selling berries at the Portola Valley Farmers’ Market along with Bianchini’s and Sigona’s. Also don’t forget that the ranch offers special events to those who want to pick all year round. // 2720 Alpine Rd, Portola Valley, Farmer’s Market hours on Thursday from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., all types of payment are accepted here.
Chan’s Strawberry U-Pick
East Bay rejoice as traveling to South Bay doesn’t have to be your only option, Chan’s U-Pick in Walnut Creek has been inviting families in all sizes for almost a decade. Open daily, this u-pick offers more than just strawberries but garlic, sugar peas, cherries, melons, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions,peaches, nectarines, green beans, apricots, plums, pluots and honey — now that’s a lot. // 2600b Walnut Blvd, Brentwood, open daily from mid-April 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., find Chan’s at the Brentwood Farmers Market & Antioch Farmers Market.
