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Blueberry Season in California 2026: U-Pick Farms & When to Go

June 10, 2026 · 8 min read

California blueberry season peaks in June and July — and with nearly 30 u-pick farms scattered from the Sierra Foothills to San Diego, there's likely one closer than you think. Here's when the season runs by region, which varieties to look for, and where to go pick your own.

When is blueberry season in California?

Blueberry season runs from May through August, peaking in June and July. Timing shifts by elevation and region:

  • Central Valley (Stockton, Lodi, Modesto, Bakersfield) — Among the earliest to open, usually late May. Lower elevation means a faster, hotter season that often wraps by mid-July.
  • Sierra Foothills (Nevada City, Penn Valley, Garden Valley, Forest Ranch) — The densest cluster of blueberry u-pick farms in the state. Higher elevation means cooler nights and a longer season — most run June through early August, with some stretching further.
  • Bay Area / North Coast (Gilroy, Sebastopol) — Coastal influence moderates temperatures; the season typically runs June through July.
  • Central Coast (Watsonville, Carmel Valley, Buellton) — Marine layer keeps conditions mild; some farms run longer seasons into August or even September.
  • Southern California (Bonsall, Temecula, Somis) — Season varies widely; southern highbush varieties used here can produce from spring through fall, with peak u-pick windows typically June through August.

Blueberry u-pick windows close quickly when crops peak. Follow farms on Instagram or sign up for their email list before season starts — many open for just a few weeks and announce dates with only a few days' notice.

Blueberry varieties to know

Most California u-pick farms grow northern highbush varieties — the large, classic blueberry you'd recognize from the grocery store. A few notes worth knowing:

  • Northern highbush — Standard u-pick variety. Large berries, firm, sweet-tart balance. Most Sierra Foothills and Central Valley farms grow these.
  • Southern highbush — Adapted to warmer climates; used more on the Central and Southern California coast. Can have a longer or earlier season than northern highbush.
  • Rabbiteye — Drought-tolerant, used on some inland farms. Smaller berries, thicker skin, slightly more tart.

Ask the farm what they grow — variety affects flavor and ripening window significantly.

U-pick blueberry farms by region

Sierra Foothills — California's blueberry belt

The Sierra Foothills has the highest concentration of dedicated blueberry u-pick farms in the state. Elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 feet produce cooler nights that help berries develop fuller flavor — and extend the season into August.

Central Valley — early season, easy access

Valley farms tend to open first and have some of the most accessible locations for Sacramento-area visitors and Central Valley residents.

Bay Area

North Coast

Central Coast

Southern California

Tips for u-pick blueberry visits

  • Check the farm before you go. U-pick days aren't always posted far in advance — follow on Instagram or join the email list to catch announcements. Some farms require reservations.
  • Go in the morning. Berry farms can sell out by midday on weekends. Earlier also means cooler temperatures, which matters in the Central Valley in July.
  • Look for full color all the way around. A ripe blueberry is uniformly deep blue with no red or green tinge. Give it a gentle tug — ripe berries fall off easily.
  • Bring a container with a lid. Farms provide picking buckets, but a lidded container makes the drive home cleaner. A quart-size container fills up faster than you expect.
  • Don't wash before storing. Rinse right before eating — the natural bloom on a blueberry helps it last longer in the fridge.

Frequently asked questions

When is blueberry season in California?

Blueberry season runs May through August, peaking in June and July. Central Valley farms open earliest — late May — while Sierra Foothills farms at higher elevation often run through early August. Central and Southern Coast farms can stretch even longer depending on variety.

Where can I pick blueberries near the Bay Area?

The closest options from the Bay Area are Lazy K Ranch and Tru2Earth Farm in Gilroy (about an hour south) or the Sierra Foothills cluster around Nevada City and Penn Valley (about two hours northeast). Duckworth Family Farm in Sebastopol is roughly an hour north.

Where can I pick blueberries near Los Angeles?

Bonsall Berry Farm in San Diego County, Temecula Berry Company, and Underwood Family Farms in Somis (Ventura County) are the closest u-pick blueberry options to Los Angeles, all within 60–90 miles.

How much do u-pick blueberries cost in California?

Most farms charge by the pound — typically $3–6 per pound for u-pick, which is competitive with grocery store pricing for the quality and freshness. Some farms have minimum purchase requirements or charge a flat rate for a pre-sized container. Check each farm's page for current pricing.

Are there blueberry festivals in California?

California doesn't have a major dedicated blueberry festival the way it does for cherries or strawberries — but several farms host blueberry weekends or open-farm days during peak season. Check individual farm pages for events.

What blueberry varieties are grown in California?

Most Sierra Foothills and Central Valley u-pick farms grow northern highbush varieties — the standard large, sweet blueberry. Farms on the Central and Southern Coast more often use southern highbush or rabbiteye varieties, which are better adapted to warmer coastal climates and may have different ripening windows.

Ready to pick?

Learn the bloom test, twist-off method, and why blueberries don't ripen after picking.

How to pick blueberries →