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

June 10, 2026 · 7 min read

California nectarine season runs June through August, overlapping almost exactly with peaches — and for good reason: nectarines are essentially smooth-skinned peaches, a natural mutation rather than a hybrid. The San Joaquin Valley and Brentwood's East Bay corridor are the two main u-pick regions. Here's when to go, which varieties stand out, and where to find pick-your-own nectarines.

When is nectarine season in California?

Nectarine season runs from June through August, with peak flavor in mid-July:

  • Brentwood / East Bay — Early-season nectarines arrive in late May and June, ahead of most inland regions. Brentwood farms typically offer nectarines alongside peaches and plums through July.
  • San Joaquin Valley (Fresno, Tulare, Stanislaus counties) — The commercial core. Multiple nectarine varieties ripen in succession from June through August. VanderHelm Farms near Modesto grows several.
  • Central Coast (San Luis Obispo) — Avila Valley Barn carries nectarines as part of its broader stone-fruit lineup in summer.
  • Sierra Foothills(Grass Valley) — Foothill nectarines arrive mid-July and run through August at Linda Grace's Place and other mixed-fruit orchards.

Nectarine varieties and what to look for

Nectarines come in freestone and clingstone types, and yellow or white flesh. For u-pick, freestone varieties are easiest — the pit separates cleanly for snacking and baking:

  • Yellow Freestone (Flavor Top, July Red, Summer Fire) — The most common commercial type. Rich, tangy-sweet flavor. Deep golden-yellow flesh. Mid-season.
  • White Freestone (Arctic series, Snow Queen) — Lower acidity, honey-sweet flavor. The flesh is pale ivory to blush. Many tasters prefer white nectarines eaten fresh. Mid to late season.
  • Clingstone — The pit clings to the flesh; common in commercial canning. Excellent flavor, just more work to cut. Early season.

A ripe nectarine is fragrant, gives slightly near the tip, and has deep color with no green near the stem. Unlike peaches, the skin is naturally smooth — you can eat it straight without peeling. Refrigerate ripe fruit and eat within 3–4 days.

U-pick nectarine farms by region

Brentwood / East Bay

Brentwood farms are the easiest Bay Area day trip for nectarines — typically available June through July, with the earliest farms opening in late May.

Central Valley

Central Coast

Sierra Foothills

Frequently asked questions

When is nectarine season in California?

California nectarine season runs June through August, peaking in mid-July. Brentwood in the East Bay is one of the earliest regions, with fruit arriving in late May and June. San Joaquin Valley farms follow through July and August.

What's the difference between a nectarine and a peach?

A nectarine is a smooth-skinned peach — a naturally occurring mutation of the peach gene. There's no fuzz on the skin, and the flesh tends to be slightly firmer and more aromatic. Both grow on the same type of tree and ripen on the same schedule. White nectarines tend to be sweeter and lower in acid than yellow.

Where can I pick nectarines near the Bay Area?

Brentwood (Contra Costa County), about an hour east of San Francisco, has the most u-pick options — including Airaya, Bacchini's, and Mike's U-Pick. All three are close together and easy to combine in a single morning trip.

Are nectarines and peaches in season at the same time?

Yes — nectarines and peaches ripen on essentially the same schedule, June through August. Most Brentwood and Central Valley u-pick farms grow both alongside plums and apricots. If one crop is past peak, the farm will usually have another stone fruit ready.

Ready to pick?

Ripeness cues for nectarines, yellow vs. white varieties, and how they differ from peaches at the farm.

How to pick nectarines →