The thermometer may be reading in the 70’s in Julian, but it’s still time to find those flannel shirts and boots for Apple Picking season in San Diego! The landscape of orchards in the area is changing a bit this year, with new orchards entering their first growing year and tried and true favorites hanging up their pickers. Let’s explore what’s available so you can find the right fit for your family!

Apples and Art Orchards 

1052 Julian Orchards Dr. Julian, CA 92036

September 14-TBD

What to expect: In addition to taking home your apples, you’ll get apple facts, a tour of the orchard, and your own free apple cider making and tasting experience. The experience is expected to last about 2 hours.

What You Need To Know:

Reservations: Required

For groups picking 20+ bags

Status: Pesticide free, non-GMO

Yield: Small this year

Types of Apples: Red Delicious, McIntosh, Jonagold, and Arkansas Black.

Book: applesandart@sbcglobal.com

Crosscut Farm and Orchard   

1209 Farmer Rd. Julian, CA 92036

September 14-28, 10am, 1pm & 3pm

What to Expect: A sweet smaller orchard run and operated by an awesome husband and wife.  Bring your picnic lunch and enjoy it under one of our many shade trees. They have snacks, bottled water and cider that you can purchase on site.  Bring some cash to support Susan and her craft items!

What You Need To Know:

Reservations: Required

Cost: $5 admission, bags of apples $20

Status: Organic practices used. We do not spray our trees!

Yield: Low

Types of Apples: Liberty, Golden Delicious,

Book: Online

Julian Mining Co

4444 Hwy. 78 Julian, CA 92036

September 14-TBD

What to Expect: Expect to spend a few hours here! While the focus of this spot is other fun like gem sluicing, gold planning and the lil’ mine traine, they do also have a small orchard for apple picking! This would be a great spot to pick if you want to make one stop!

What You Need To Know:

Reservations: Walk In

Cost: $2 admission, bags of apples $15

Yield: Low

Book: Walk in

Mesa Blooms

1711 Highway 78 Julian, CA  92036

September 27-November 10

Friday-Sunday, 9am-4pm

What to Expect: This is the only orchard in historic downtown Julian! Walking distance fro Main Street, which makes exploring the town and pie tasting even easier. Mesa Blooms is the off-shoot of orchard Rachita del Reo.

What You Need To Know:  

Reservations: Walk In

Cost: $20 bag of apples / $10 kids bag – Cash/venmo only!

Yield: Great!

Types of Apples: Heritage fruit.

Ranchita del Reo

742 1/2 Farmer Rd. Julian, CA  92036

September 28-November 29

Friday-Monday

What You Need To Know:

Reservations: Required

Cost: $30

Types of Apples: Black Twings, Arkansas Black, Stayman Winesap & Winesap

Book: Online

Volcan Valley Apple Farm 

4444 Hwy. 78 Julian, CA  92036

September 8-TBD

Friday – Sunday, 9am-4:30pm

What to Expect: Julian’s largest and most popular orchard. This is a must-visit for any first timers! No set times or experiences, just come and enjoy! They have a large variety of trees and also semi-dwarf trees which make picking easier for littles!

What You Need To Know:

Reservations: Walk In

Cost: Admission $5, bags of apples $15