9 Wonderful Cherry Picking Places in Bay Area
There are great places for cherry-picking in the Bay Area!
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to experience the natural beauty and agricultural bounty of this region, then cherry-picking is definitely a must-try activity during the summer months. Not only is it a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine, but cherries also happen to be a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy and delicious treat.
FUN FACT: Did you know that cherries belong to the same family as roses? They’re also members of the stone fruit family, which includes peaches, plums, and apricots.
In this post, we’ll be talking about some places to go cherry-picking in the Bay Area, as well as some tips on how to make the most of your cherry-picking adventure.
Let’s get started!
Cherry Picking Farms in Bay Area
Marsh Creek Cherries (Brentwood)
Address: 1751 Orchard Ln, Brentwood, CA 94513
Situated at the crossroads of Orchard Lane and Concord Avenue in Brentwood, California, this family-owned and operated farm ensures a welcoming environment and guarantees a fruitful U-pick cherry day.
Cherries are priced at $4 per pound for U-pick, and payment can be made in cash or via Venmo.
No reservations are needed! Just make sure you come when they are open.
While they provide small and large bucket sizes for visitors to use while picking, they also have a few ladders scattered throughout the orchard that are to be used by adults only and at visitors’ own risk. They also provide bags free of charge for visitors to transfer the cherries they’ve picked.
Unfortunately, they don’t allow pets, strainers, large bottles of water, or picnicking in the orchard.
Visitors won’t be charged an entrance fee; they only pay for the cherries they’ve picked on a per-pound basis.
Pomeroy Farm (Brentwood)
Since 1927, Pomeroy Farm has been an integral part of Brentwood’s thriving U-pick community. With three different locations, they offer a wide range of delicious fruits, including cherries, apricots, nectarines, and peaches.
At their 22501 Marsh Creek Road location, visitors can pick from a variety of cherries, including Bing cherries, Brooks cherries, and Rainier white cherries. Their 1755 Payne Avenue location offers Bing and Rainier white cherries, while their 1600 Eureka Avenue location boasts a wide selection of cherry varieties, including Bing, Rainier, Skeena “Dark Red,” and Sweetheart “Red.”
But that’s not all! Pomeroy Farm also offers a selection of juicy apricots, including the Patterson and Westley varieties, as well as nectarines such as Diamond Ray, Sparkling May, and Sparkling June. And if you’re in the mood for some delicious peaches, you won’t be disappointed by their selection of Babcock Blush “White,” Flavorcrest, Galaxy UFO “White,” Red Top Earirich, Sierra Gem, Springcrest, and Summer Flame varieties.
And if you’re a fan of walnuts, be sure to check out Pomeroy Farm’s shelled Chandler walnuts, straight from their very own orchard. With so much variety to choose from, Pomeroy Farm is a must-visit for any fruit lover in Brentwood.
Papa’s U-Pick Cherry Farm (Brentwood)
If you’re looking for a fun family activity that’s perfect for the summer months, you should definitely check out Papa’s U-Pick Cherries in Brentwood, CA. The people who work there are super friendly and welcoming, which makes for a great atmosphere.
At Papa’s U-Pick Cherries, there’s a wide variety of cherry trees to choose from, each with its own unique flavor. Some of the trees have cherries that are really sweet, while others have a mix of sour and sweet that’s just perfect.
Another cool thing about Papa’s U-Pick Cherries is that the cherry trees are low enough that even young kids can pick cherries with ease. And let me tell you, the cherries are absolutely delicious!
They’re priced at $4 a pound, which is a great deal. Just keep in mind that the farm is cash-only, so make sure you bring some with you. Also, it’s a good idea to bring your own water to stay hydrated while you’re picking cherries under the sun.
If you need a break from the sun, there are plenty of shady spots around the farm where you can relax and catch your breath. Right now, they’ve got red-dark red cherries that taste amazing. It’s truly a special experience to be surrounded by all these cherry trees and breathe in the fresh air.
Papa’s U-Pick Cherries is an ideal spot for families to spend quality time together while enjoying the great outdoors. You can pick cherries for $4 a pound and eat them right then and there, which is a lot of fun. There’s just something so satisfying about picking fruit yourself and savoring the juicy sweetness. So grab your family and head on over to Papa’s U-Pick Cherries for a memorable day out!
Cherry Time (Brentwood)
Looking for a fun way to spend a day in the Bay Area? Look no further than Cherry Time!
Located at 1875 Walnut Blvd in Brentwood, CA, they offer a wonderful cherry-picking experience that’s perfect for families and friends.
Their cherry season runs from the beginning of May until they’re sold out, which is typically the second weekend of June. Whether you prefer to pick your own or choose from their pre-picked selection, Cherry Time has you covered. And as a family-owned and operated farm, they take great pride in providing the freshest and most delicious cherries possible.
In addition to cherries, Cherry Time also produces local honey right on the farm. So, if you’re in the mood for some sweet and healthy treats, be sure to check out Cherry Time. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the taste of freshly picked fruit!
Airaya U-Pick Farm (Brentwood)
At Airaya U-Pick Farm, the orchard is bursting with new varieties of fruit. They have added white peaches, yellow peaches, white and yellow nectarines, Asian pears, cherry trees, and more apricot trees to their selection. If you’re looking for something different, stop by and sample some of their new varieties. They are excited to welcome you to their farm and share their delicious fruits with you.
Mike’s U-Pick Cherries (Brentwood)
They will reopen in Spring, as stated on their website.
Mike’s U-pick Cherries is so close to Marsh Creek Cherry farm (only about 2 miles in distance).
Mike and his family have been farming in the area for over 30 years, and they’re passionate about providing the freshest and most delicious stone fruit to their customers.
Their Payne Avenue orchard is dedicated solely to cherries, with three different varieties available: Coral Champagnes (Corals), White Rainiers, and Lapins. And as they become available, you can be sure that they’ll be picked at the peak of ripeness and bursting with flavor.
In addition to cherries, Mike’s U-Pick Cherries also offers white peaches and white nectarines at their Concord Avenue location starting at the end of May.
So, if you’re in the mood for some delicious and locally grown stone fruit, be sure to stop by Mike’s U-Pick Cherries. Not only will you get to enjoy the freshest fruit possible, but you’ll also have the chance to meet the hardworking farmers who make it all possible.
Three Nunnns Farm (Brentwood)
At Three Nunns Farm, visitors are in for an unforgettable experience! Upon arrival, guests must check in at the stand to get all the information they need for their visit. The farm offers a wide variety of fresh produce for purchase, both u-pick and pre-picked.
Depending on the time of year, visitors can look forward to picking strawberries, cherries, blueberries, and pomegranates, or even harvesting cucumbers, watermelons, bell peppers, cantaloupes, peppers, garlic, pumpkins, decorative corn stalks, and olive branches.
With over 40 acres to explore, Three Nunns Farm is the perfect place to bring the whole family. Visitors can pay with cash or a card, and the farm offers plenty of wagons and free parking.
The highlight of the farm’s activities is its 5-acre corn maze, which takes about 15-30 minutes to navigate. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, there’s the “Corn Trail” which takes only 5 minutes to navigate. Regardless of which you choose, there’s plenty of fun and excitement to be had at Three Nunns Farm!
Bacchini’s Fruit Tree (Brentwood)
Bacchini’s Fruit Tree is a small but mighty family-owned fruit stand that has been bringing premium quality fruits to Brentwood since 1945.
From sweet cherries to white peaches and everything in between, this orchard has got your fruit cravings covered.
The best part? You can pick your own produce or choose from their pre-picked selection. With fresh fruits available during the months of May and June, Bacchini’s Fruit Tree is a must-visit spot in the Bay Area. Plus, they even offer raw honey and walnuts for those looking to add a little sweetness to their life.
Gilroy U-Pick (Gilroy)
Gilroy U-Pick is a charming family-run farm located in Gilroy, California. What sets them apart from the rest is their commitment to growing their fruits and vegetables without the use of any spray – organic or inorganic.
Gilroy U-Pick kicks off the Santa Clara county cherry season with their early ripening cherry varieties. This means that their sweet cherries are available for picking around May 7, about 25 days before bing cherries. They are also open on Mother’s Day, making it the perfect opportunity to treat your mother or loved one to a day of cherry-picking.
Apart from cherries, you can also enjoy picking fresh strawberries, juicy blackberries, plums and pluots, watermelons, and cantaloupes. In addition, they also offer delicious sweet corn and string beans.
Cherry Picking FAQs
Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing, protect yourself from the sun, bring a bottle of water, bring cash, and check with the orchard. Also, please always remember to be respectful of the orchard, the trees, other pickers, and the property. Only pick the cherries that are fully ripe and avoid damaging the trees or branches.
If you’re looking to go cherry-picking in the Bay Area, the best time to go is usually in the last week of May or the first week of June. During this time, the cherry orchards are filled with delicious, ripe cherries just waiting to be picked!
The cherry picking season in California can vary depending on the location and weather patterns, but generally, the peak season for cherry picking in California is from late April to early June.
In the northern parts of California, such as the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, the cherry season typically starts in late April to early May, while in the southern parts of California, such as the San Diego area, the cherry season can begin as early as mid-April.
The exact time of peak season may also vary depending on the variety of cherries, with some varieties ripening earlier or later than others. It’s best to check with local orchards or farms for the exact dates and hours of operation as they may vary from year to year. But in general, late April to early June is a good time to plan your cherry-picking adventure!
No, cherries do not get sweeter after picking. Unlike some fruits, such as bananas or avocados, which continue to ripen and sweeten after being harvested, cherries stop ripening once they are picked from the tree.
This means that the sweetness level of a cherry is determined at the time of picking, and it will not change once it has been harvested. In fact, cherries will begin to lose moisture and quality as soon as they are picked, which is why it’s important to choose cherries that are fully ripe and sweet when you buy them.
To ensure that you get the sweetest, most delicious cherries possible, look for cherries that are plump, shiny, and firm with a deep, rich color. Additionally, cherries that have been chilled after harvesting will have a longer shelf life and maintain their sweetness and quality for a longer period of time.