Orchards Near Me
Cherry Picking in California: What You Need to Know
Looking for cherry picking in California? Below is every location mapped across the state, filterable by city or ZIP code so you can find the one closest to you.
California Cherry Season
California grows excellent sweet cherries in the San Joaquin Valley foothills and the areas around Stockton and Brentwood, with the harvest running from late April through late June depending on location and variety. The Brentwood cherry region in Contra Costa County is particularly well-developed for pick-your-own visitors, with a concentration of family orchards that have operated for generations and maintain a strong local following. California's cherry season is the earliest in the country, and the quality of the Bing and Rainier cherries produced here—fat, sweet, and deeply flavored from the California sun—draws visitors who time their spring trips specifically around the harvest window.
Best Time for Cherry Picking in California
Late April through late June depending on location, with the Brentwood and San Joaquin Valley orchards starting earliest and the Sierra Nevada foothill farms running the season into late June.
Tips for Cherry Picking in California
Conditions for cherry picking in California can shift quickly with the weather, so it's worth checking a location's current status before making the drive. Bring cash, since smaller family-run spots aren't always set up to take cards.