When the spring season blossoms in San Diego, it signals the commencement of the harvest season for an array of fruits and vegetables. One of the city’s most cherished produce, however, is the vibrant, red strawberry. For those yearning to ditch the typical supermarket shopping and embrace the hands-on experience of gathering their fruit, San Diego provides several ‘u-pick’ strawberry farms that cater to this unique desire.
These self-serving strawberry picking farms instill a sense of connection with nature and the food that nourishes us, as you get to experience firsthand the thrill of harvesting the lush strawberries. Some of these farms have a rich legacy of growing these irresistible red berries for half a century or more.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Hailed as one of the most seasoned family-owned U-pick facilities in San Diego, the Carlsbad Strawberry Company takes pride in their over half a century of experience in strawberry cultivation on their expansive 40-acre farmland. Carlsbad’s moderate climate, complemented by the nearby Pacific Ocean, has cemented its reputation as the perfect environment for strawberry growth.
Providing options to suit different needs, the company offers a small basket for a mere $10 and a larger one for $20, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy of strawberry picking. An added bonus is the provision of water to clean the freshly picked berries, allowing you to savor the taste of fresh strawberries right there in the farm. Their doors are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, at 1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, 92008.
Key Points to Note about the Carlsbad Strawberry Company:
- Known for their experience and family-run operations;
- Their farmlands span a massive 40-acre area;
- The location offers perfect strawberry growing conditions, owing to the moderate climate and proximity to the Pacific Ocean;
- They accommodate different needs with their small basket ($10) and larger basket ($20);
- They provide water for cleaning the berries immediately after picking;
- The farm is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily.
Visiting the Carlsbad Strawberry Company is an experience in itself – it’s not just about the fresh, succulent strawberries but also about understanding and appreciating the dedication and hard work that goes into nurturing these delicious fruits. It’s a journey that connects you to nature and the farm-to-table concept that is often forgotten in our fast-paced, supermarket-dependent lifestyle.
Suzie’s Farm
Suzie’s Farm boasts a colorful extravaganza named ‘Strawberry Jam’ that operates every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. This lively occasion praises strawberries and offers customers the opportunity to harvest their strawberries, as long as supplies last. The farm implements a unique container-only purchasing policy for U-Pick crops, which it supplies. The cost of strawberries is pegged at $4 per pint, with each guest restricted to one pint. The vegetable section offers beets, kale, chard, and carrots at $4 per twist tie, enforcing a similar restriction of one pint per person.
Suzie’s Farm enhances its visitor experience with the ‘Harvest Kitchen & Suzie’s Hot Eats,’ featuring delectable wood-fired pizzas to savor while picking. Visitors can also enjoy the rhythmic tunes provided by live music performances from Tinkersmith.
The culmination of Strawberry Jam’s season falls on Saturday, April 30, but if you miss it, don’t lose heart! Suzie’s Farm conducts Public Farm tours every week. These tours, which involve a 90-minute walk through the bountiful fields with opportunities to handpick vegetables, offer a unique farm-to-table experience. The farm charges $10 per person for the tours and an additional $10 for each bag of harvested vegetables. They advise attendees to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to ensure comfort during the tour. Suzie’s Farm can be found at 2570 Sunset Avenue, San Diego 92154.
Highlights of Suzie’s Farm:
- The farm hosts “Strawberry Jam” every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm;
- It provides a family-friendly atmosphere with u-pick strawberries at $4 per pint (limit of one pint per person);
- Additional farm-fresh produce like beets, carrots, kale, and chard are available for $4 per twist tie;
- The farm offers delicious food at the ‘Harvest Kitchen & Suzie’s Hot Eats’ and hosts live music performances;
- Public Farm tours are available weekly, offering a 90-minute exploration of the farm fields at $10 per person;
- They recommend appropriate dress code and essentials for visitors.
Kenny’s Strawberry Farms
Tucked away in the charming town of Rainbow, just on the outskirts of Fallbrook, you will discover Kenny’s Strawberry Farms – a family-owned U-Pick farm that offers a delightful assortment of fresh crops throughout the year. The farm prides itself on being a destination where families can escape the hustle and bustle of city life, pick their produce, enjoy a leisurely picnic, and immerse themselves in the rural charm for a day.
With the dazzling array of produce available, including strawberries, watermelons, pumpkins, and even Christmas trees, Kenny’s Strawberry Farms ensures that visitors have an enticing experience all year round. Additionally, they are also known for their fascinating hydroponic vegetables.
The highlight, however, is undoubtedly their strawberries. Plucked straight from the vine, these strawberries promise an unmatched freshness that is sure to elevate your culinary escapades. Although strawberries are currently the sole crop available for picking, the equally exciting hydroponic vegetables will be up for grabs come May.
Kenny’s Strawberry Farms welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, between the hours of 10 am to 6 pm. You can find this wholesome farm life experience at 953 Rainbow Valley Blvd., Fallbrook 92028.
Spotlight on Kenny’s Strawberry Farms:
- It is a family-owned U-Pick farm located in the serene town of Rainbow, near Fallbrook;
- The farm boasts an array of fresh crops, including strawberries, watermelons, pumpkins, hydroponic vegetables, and Christmas trees;
- It provides the opportunity for a wholesome family outing with options to pick your produce, enjoy a picnic, and experience farm life firsthand;
- Their strawberries, fresh off the vine, promise superior freshness;
- Hydroponic veggies are anticipated for harvesting in May;
- The farm’s operational hours are 10 am to 6 pm, from Wednesday to Sunday.
La Jolla Caves: A Natural Wonder
While San Diego’s strawberry farms offer a delectable experience, another captivating wonder lies beneath the surface of the city – the La Jolla Caves. These magnificent sea caves, sculpted by the relentless force of the Pacific Ocean, are a testament to the Earth’s geological artistry. Located in the La Jolla area, these caves can be explored via kayak or by visiting the Sunny Jim Cave Store, where a man-made tunnel leads to one of the caves.
Combining a visit to the La Jolla Caves with strawberry picking offers a well-rounded experience that connects you with both the terrestrial and aquatic wonders of San Diego. It’s an opportunity to savor the bounties of nature in multiple dimensions, making your trip to this coastal city even more enriching and unforgettable.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a local, a chef, or a tourist seeking a memorable experience, San Diego’s strawberry picking farms, like the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, Suzie’s Farm, and Kenny’s Strawberry Farms, offer much more than just fresh produce. They present a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, learn about sustainable farming practices, and appreciate the hard work that goes into growing food. Not only do you leave with baskets of fresh, flavorful strawberries or other produce, but also with a new-found appreciation for farm-to-table freshness and memories of a fulfilling day spent in the heart of nature. Enjoy the strawberry season, and happy picking!