Sometimes it's best when your outfit matches the berries. Photo courtesy of Underwood Farms

Don't forget to check the farm's hours and pick-your-own fruit availability before heading out for strawberry picking. The projected crop calendar is subject to change each year depending on the Southern California weather. 

There's nothing worse than driving excited kids to a berry field to find the produce picked over. A phone call to the farm before hopping in the car can save a lot of tears. 

One more thing: picking berries is hot work! Don't forget to slather on sunscreen, don a wide-brimmed hat, and bring full water bottles.

Strawberry Picking in Los Angeles & Ventura County

1. Underwood Family Farms — Moorpark

Strawberry picking typically runs from March to August
A fully functioning farm, Underwood is a place where children can get a real sense of farm life and come home with a basket bursting with fresh, sustainably grown berries. 

Hop on a free tractor ride to the fields to pick strawberries and other fruits and veggies (depending on availability). After strawberry picking, you can visit the animal center, ride the train, slide down the combine or harvester slides, scale the hay pyramids, or navigate the trike trail. It's all free with the price of admission! Underwood also sells activity tickets for additional experiences like the bee train, the electric train, and gem mining. 

2. Underwood Family Farms — Somis

Strawberry picking typically runs from March to mid-June
This is the smaller of the two Underwood Family Farms locations. Unlike its big sister, which has PYO veggies and fruits all year round, this little venue only offers berries, navel oranges, and tangerines. It's an easy walk to the fields, and berries are paid for by the pound. 

On the way to the fields, there is a small play area with a wooden truck and sandpit. There is also an animal center with sheep, alpacas, chickens, and plenty of pygmy goats. The livestock pens are in the middle of a citrus grove and surrounded by picnic tables. Bring a picnic basket or pick up some yummy snacks at the farm store, and enjoy an idyllic day at this sweet little strawberry patch. 

RELATED: Apple Picking near Los Angeles: Best Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids

Picking your own means earning every juicy bite. Photo courtesy of Tanaka Farms

Go Strawberry Picking in Orange County

3. Tanaka Farms — Irvine

Strawberry picking typically runs from March to June
Strawberry picking tours are currently running, and reservations are required! Once you book a tour on their website, expect an interactive experience that includes a wagon ride, a stop to pick a seasonal veggie, and a final destination to the strawberry fields.

Each guest is encouraged to pick one pound of strawberries, included with the price of admission. After your berry adventure, visit the barnyard and meet some animals that call this Orange County farm home. 

Berry picking tours depart less frequently on weekdays and fill up on weekdays and weekends, so check the schedule and book your tour before leaving for the farm. Strawberry-picking tours last about an hour. 

4. The Ecology Center — San Juan Capistrano 

Strawberry picking typically runs in April
Strawberry picking at The Ecology Center is equal parts seasonality and agriculture education. This experience is Southern California’s Only Regenerative Organic™ Strawberry Picking Experience.

Strawberry picking at The Ecology Center is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. There are seven varieties of strawberries to choose from. Tickets are required for strawberry picking. 

RELATED: Hana Field is an Urban Secret Garden for Pick Your Own Flowers

Strawberries as big as your hand, and as sweet as candy. Photo courtesy of Kenny's Strawberry Farm

Farms for Strawberry Picking in San Diego County

5. Kenny’s Strawberry Farm — Fallbrook

Strawberry picking typically runs from April to May
Kenny’s makes strawberry picking an easy, fun activity for the entire family. First and most important, you must make your reservation online or by phone! Strawberry picking is only available by reservation.

When you arrive and check in, you can pay for your basket and get to picking. The website and phone line are updated daily, so you can check if the weather or berry supply will affect the day’s hours.

The farm is only open Thursday through Sunday. They also have a restaurant, Kenny’s Farm Kitchen. You don’t want to miss out on the strawberry lemonade, strawberry shortcake, and strawberry ice cream bars. They are quite a treat. 

RELATED: Best Farms Near Los Angeles for Family Fun

 
Berry picking can be hard work. Break time! Photo courtesy of the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, Facebook

6. Carlsbad Strawberry Company — Carlsbad

Strawberry picking typically runs from April to May
This 25-acre farm will have you singing “Strawberry Fields Forever” as you pick. An admission fee applies, which includes a bucket. However, there is an option for a smaller admission fee without a bucket. Call ahead and make sure the fields are open before visiting.

While many strawberry picking u-pick experiences require reservations, this one is walk-in only. Note that the fields close after rain. They also have a sunflower maze, tractor rides, and farm animals to pet. 

Strawberry Festivals near Los Angeles 

7. California Strawberry Festival — Ventura 

Enjoy strawberries, beachside. This famous two-day festival in May kicks off summer with so many strawberries. U-pick is not available at the festival, but there's a bounty of strawberry treats. Expect tons of entertainment from interactive events, a kids' music stage, a ninja obstacle course, and carnival games. 

8. Garden Grove Strawberry Festival — Garden Grove 

For more than six decades, Garden Grove has been celebrating the strawberry! The Garden Grove Strawberry Festival is a multi-day event full of rides, live music, contests, and even a strawberry day parade. The festival usually takes place over Memorial Day Weekend. While this is not a U-pick event, there is always an abundance of ripe strawberries available for purchase. 

9. Strawberry Street Fair — Irvine

Immerse yourself in the delightful world of strawberries at Tanaka Farms' Strawberry Street Fair—an exciting celebration of the beloved fruit. Enjoy two days of strawberry-infused treats, as well as fun activities for kids, like the bee train and arts & crafts. Note that strawberry picking tours are available during the fair, but separate fees and reservations are required. 

Originally published June 15, 2012. Article updated annually.