Best Cherry Picking near the Bay Area 2026 — U-Pick Farms
June 11, 2026 · 7 min read
The Bay Area has two cherry belts worth knowing: Brentwood in Contra Costa County, where most u-pick farms are concentrated within an hour of Oakland and San Jose, and Morgan Hill in the South Bay, home to Mariani Orchards' dedicated harvest experience. Season runs late April through late May — short enough that timing matters.
When is cherry season near the Bay Area?
Most Bay Area-accessible cherry farms open in late April and close by late May to early June. The window at any individual farm is usually three to five weeks. Higher-elevation farms near Morgan Hill run slightly later than Brentwood.
Best move:Follow your target farm on Instagram or sign up for their email list in early April. Many open on 48 hours' notice once the fruit is ripe. The Brentwood farms, in particular, tend to fill up on opening weekends.
Brentwood — the Bay Area's cherry capital
Brentwood has the highest density of u-pick cherry farms within day-trip range of Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose. Most farms are clustered along Marsh Creek Road and the surrounding roads — you can visit two or three in a single morning.
One of Brentwood's most established cherry operations. Multiple cherry varieties across a large orchard — Bing, Rainier, and early-season options. Well-organized u-pick setup with buckets provided.
Cherries and strawberries on the same visit — a good choice if you want to make a full morning of it. Smaller farm with a more casual, family-run feel.
Dedicated cherry farm on Marsh Creek Road. Check their social media for opening dates — they announce the season as soon as the fruit is ready.
A Brentwood standby with a loyal following. The name says it all — these folks have been doing cherry u-pick long enough to have regulars who come back every year.
Cherries and pumpkins at opposite ends of the season. In spring: u-pick cherries with easy access and good signage off the main farm roads.
Peaches and cherries both available depending on timing. Early in the season, cherries lead; as May progresses, the peach overlap begins. Worth calling ahead.
Morgan Hill & South Bay
If you're coming from San Jose or the South Bay, Morgan Hill is the closer option. Mariani Orchards has run a dedicated harvest experience that draws people specifically for the picking season.
The structured harvest experience version of Mariani — guided picking, seasonal variety information, and a more organized visit than a typical walk-in u-pick. Cherries and apricots are both available depending on timing.
The parent orchard behind the harvest experience. Cherries and apricots in late spring — a South Bay institution for families making the seasonal pilgrimage.
Cherry-only operation south of Morgan Hill. A quieter option than the Brentwood cluster — worth considering if you want a more relaxed outing without the weekend crowds.
North Bay
Peaches and cherries in the Sonoma County farm belt north of San Francisco. The North Bay option for those who want to avoid the Altamont Pass on a busy spring weekend.
Tips for u-pick cherry season
- Go on a weekday if you can. Opening weekends at Brentwood farms are busy. A Tuesday or Wednesday in May is a completely different experience — shorter waits, less competition for the best fruit.
- Bring your own containers. Most farms provide buckets for picking but not for taking cherries home. A cooler with ice in the car helps on warm May days.
- Check for the stem. Cherries with their stems attached stay fresh significantly longer than stemless ones. Pick with a slight twist rather than pulling straight down.
- The season ends fast. A warm week in late May can bring the whole season to a close in days. If the farms post that they're in the final stretch, don't wait for the following weekend.
See all Bay Area u-pick cherry farms
All 10 farms listed here are on Gather Grove with hours, locations, and what to expect.