Apple Picking Spots in the Bay Area: 2025 Guide

Exploring Fall Fun in the Bay Area: Apple Orchards and More

As the days begin to shorten and the air cools, the spirit of fall is alive in the Bay Area. While the autumnal equinox on September 22 marks the official start of the season, many apple orchards and fall attractions are already buzzing with activity. These spots offer a variety of family-friendly experiences, from picking apples to navigating corn mazes.

Top Apple Orchards in the Bay Area

Chileno Valley Ranch

Located in Petaluma, this ranch offers a unique experience for families. Visitors can pick apples by appointment, and there’s also a selection of honey, lavender, and baked goods available for purchase. The hours are limited, only open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. A family entry fee of $10 grants access, while apples are priced at $2 per pound.

EARTHseed Farm

In Sebastopol, EARTHseed Farm welcomes fruit and berry pickers on select Saturdays. The farm operates from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on those days, with an entry fee of $25. Fruit and berries are sold by the pound, making it a great spot for those looking to enjoy fresh produce.

Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch

This orchard in Sebastopol features a range of apple varieties, including Gravenstein, Golden Delicious, and Rome. It also offers homemade apple cider. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Thursdays and Saturdays, the ranch provides a delightful setting for a day out.

Hale’s Apple Farm

Hale’s Apple Farm in Sebastopol boasts over 30 heirloom apple varieties, along with pumpkins and other vegetables come October. While apple picking isn’t allowed, visitors can purchase fresh apples at the farmstand. The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Casari Ranch & Wool Mill

Situated near Bodega Bay, this biodynamic farm and ranch offers a farmstand for those looking to pick up apples on their way to the coast. The hours are from Wednesday through Sunday, making it a convenient stop for travelers.

Gizdich Ranch

In Watsonville, Gizdich Ranch opens on September 13 and offers pick-your-own apples. Varieties include Fuji, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious. The ranch is also known for its homemade pies, apple dumplings, and apple slush. Only credit cards are accepted, and the hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Lucky You Orchards

Located in Ripon, Lucky You Orchards offers free tractor rides, cold hard cider, and fresh-pressed juice. Apples are priced at $2.99 per pound, and there’s no entry fee. The hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

Cloverfield Organic Farm

This El Sobrante farm is open year-round but has a specific apple season from June through November. The farm features a meadow that doubles as a picnic area and pasture for a free-range horse named Magic Ben. Prices vary depending on the basket size, with options ranging from $6 to $36.

Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Attractions

Fall in the Bay Area also brings exciting opportunities for fun with corn mazes and pumpkin patches. Here are some highlights:

Petaluma Pumpkin Patch and A'Mazing Corn Maze

Open from September 19, this attraction features a 4-acre corn maze with a second-story viewing platform. It also includes a kids' maze and acres of pumpkins. The hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission to the corn maze is $8, with free entry for children under 6.

Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch

This pumpkin patch, opening on September 27, offers a massive 8-acre corn maze and various other mazes. It also has 8 acres of pumpkins. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The cost ranges from $5 to $30, with more details available on the website.

G&M Farms

Known for its giant 6-acre corn maze, G&M Farms in Livermore is open from October 3 to 31. Hours are from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission costs $10 for adults and $9 for children, with free entry for those under 5.

Three Nunns Farm

This Brentwood farm offers two corn mazes, including a challenging 5-acre maze and a more leisurely "Corn Trail." Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the cost is $15.

Del’Osso Family Farm

Located in Lathrop, this farm features a famous giant corn maze. General admission includes entry to the maze, with prices varying from $23.95 to $32.95 depending on the day. Children under 2 are free.

Apple Harvest Forecast for 2025

According to the U.S. Apple Association, the 2025 harvest is expected to be 6 percent higher than in 2024, reaching a total of 273 million bushels. This forecast is based on data from the top seven apple-producing states—Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon, and Virginia. Including other states, the total could reach up to 290 million bushels.