Where to Go Fruit Picking in the Bay Area This Summer | KQED

“The flavor is going to be much more enhanced if we are buying seasonally and locally — and you’re also supporting your local farmers,” she said.

Exploring farms and buying produce at the local farmers’ markets is a great way to build food literacy and community connection, Qamar said. Programs like Market Match, which doubles CalFresh (SNAP) benefits at participating farmers’ markets, also help make fresh fruit more accessible to low-income families. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes and home gardening offer additional local options.

“We are very privileged to have access to different farms around us. And access to farmers markets, which run pretty much all year round,” she said.

Planning ahead: Tips before you go fruit picking

Fruit picking seasons are short and can vary depending on the weather. Always check the farm’s website or social media before heading out — many update their availability daily.

Some farms charge by the pound, while others charge by the bucket. Some require reservations and others allow walk-ins.

Bring sun protection, water, and cash just in case cards are not accepted. If you’re planning to be out at the farm for the whole day, consider bringing an icebox or a container to store your fruits, which will help keep them fresher for even longer.

U-pick farms to visit in the Bay Area

1. Cherry Time: 1875 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood
2. 5 Star Cherries: 24782 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood
3. G&S Farms: 2490 Sellers Ave., Brentwood
4. Seko Ranch: 487 Eureka Ave., Brentwood
5. Mike’s U-Pick: 611 Payne Ave., Brentwood
6. Nunn Better U-Pick Farm: 2777 Sellers Ave., Brentwood
7. Freitas Cherry Ranch: 555 Hoffman Lane, Brentwood
8. Maggiore Cherry Ranch: 3017 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood

Where to pick strawberries, mulberries and other berries (June–July)

1. Berry Best Family Farm: 7540 Balfour Road, Brentwood
2. Very Mulberry: 501 Hoffman Lane, Brentwood
3. Live Earth Farm: 1275 Green Valley Road, Watsonville
4. Boring Farm: 4200 Canfield Road, Sebastopol
5. Duckworth Family Farm: 2950 Canfield Road, Sebastopol
6. Blue House Farm: 950 La Honda Road, San Gregorio
7. Gizdich Ranch: 55 Peckham Road, Watsonville
8. Chao’s Strawberries: 2600 B Walnut Blvd, Brentwood

Where to pick stone fruit like peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums (June–August)

1. Urban Ridge Farm: 2017 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood
2. Farmers Daughter Produce: 23151 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood
3. Pomeroy Farm: 1600 Eureka Ave., Brentwood
4. Moffatt Ranch: 1870 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood
5. McKinney Farms: 25221 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood
6. Airaya U-Pick Farm: 25221 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood
7. Cloverfield Organic Farm: 501 La Paloma Road, El Sobrante
8. Bacchini’s Farm: 2010 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood
9. Wolfe Ranch: 2111 Concord Ave. Brentwood

The effects of climate change on fruit seasons

California’s diverse microclimates — and increasingly erratic weather — play a significant role in determining which fruits can grow where, said Pamela Peirce, a Bay Area gardening expert and author of Golden Gate Gardening.

Near the coast, for example, cool summers and low “chill hours” — the amount of time fruit is exposed to cold — limit what can thrive.