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Peach Season in California 2026: U-Pick Farms & Varieties

June 10, 2026 · 8 min read

California peach season runs June through September, with the sweetest u-pick window landing in July and August. Brentwood leads for Bay Area visitors, but farms across the Central Valley, Sierra Foothills, and even the coast offer pick-your-own access during peak summer. Here's when to go and where to find them.

When is peach season in California?

Peach season runs from June through September, peaking in July and August. Earlier varieties ripen in June; late-season varieties extend the window into fall. Region matters:

  • Brentwood (Contra Costa County)— The Bay Area's peach hub. Season typically opens in late June and runs through August, with Suncrest, O'Henry, and Elegant Lady among the common varieties. Multiple farms clustered close together make it easy to shop around.
  • San Joaquin Valley(Stockton, Modesto, Ripon, Hanford) — June through August for most farms. The valley produces the majority of California's commercial peach crop; u-pick access here is real farm experience.
  • Sierra Foothills (Grass Valley) — Higher elevation delays the season slightly. Late June through August is typical, with cooler nights helping develop flavor.
  • Central Coast (San Luis Obispo) — Cooler conditions near the coast push the season later — July and August are the reliable window.
  • Southern California (Oak Glen) — Oak Glen near Yucaipa has several farms with peach u-pick; the season typically runs July through September.

Peach varieties ripen in succession on most farms — early, mid, and late-season varieties mean a single farm's u-pick window can shift week to week. Check with the farm before you go; what's available one weekend may be sold out the next.

Peach varieties in California u-pick

California grows dozens of peach varieties, with u-pick farms typically offering a rotation through the season:

  • Suncrest — A beloved heirloom variety, aromatic and intensely flavored. Ripens mid-July; many Brentwood farms are known for it. Too fragile for commercial shipping, which is why you can only really get it at a farm stand or u-pick.
  • O'Henry — Late-season, large, firm, and sweet. One of the most commonly grown commercial varieties; ripens August–September.
  • Elegant Lady— Mid-season, red-blushed, sweet-tart. A common grocery store variety that's much better picked at peak.
  • Saturn / Donut — Flat-shaped, white-fleshed, low-acid and very sweet. A novelty worth trying if a farm carries them.
  • White peaches — Lower acidity than yellow varieties, floral and honey-like. Some farms grow Arctic Star, Snow Giant, or similar.

U-pick peach farms by region

Brentwood — Bay Area's closest peach cluster

Brentwood has the densest cluster of peach u-pick farms accessible from the Bay Area — about 60 miles east of San Francisco, with farms just minutes from each other.

Central Valley

Bay Area

Sierra Foothills

Central Coast

Southern California

Tips for u-pick peach visits

  • Call or check before you go. Peach ripeness is peak-and-drop — a farm that had perfect fruit last weekend may be picked out this weekend. Most farms update their websites or Instagram with weekly availability.
  • Pick slightly firm, eat at home. Peaches continue ripening off the tree. If you're driving more than 30 minutes, pick fruit that yields gently to pressure but isn't fully soft — it'll be perfect in a day or two.
  • Don't refrigerate until ripe. Cold storage stops ripening and kills flavor. Leave peaches on the counter until they're fragrant and soft at the stem end, then refrigerate to slow down.
  • Bring a shallow box or bag. Ripe peaches bruise easily. A flat box or a wide bag where the fruit sits in a single layer beats a deep bucket for the drive home.
  • Ask about the variety. Different varieties ripen weeks apart. If you loved last year's peaches from a farm, ask which variety that was and plan your visit around that window.

Frequently asked questions

When is peach season in California?

California peach season runs June through September. Early varieties start in June; peak season for most u-pick farms is July and August. Late-season varieties like O'Henry can be picked into September, especially at higher-elevation Sierra Foothills farms.

Where can I pick peaches near the Bay Area?

Brentwood in Contra Costa County has the highest concentration of peach u-pick farms close to the Bay Area — six farms within a few miles of each other, about 60 miles east of San Francisco. Laguna Gold Fruit Co. in Santa Rosa and Larry's Produce in Fairfield are closer North Bay options.

Where can I pick peaches near Los Angeles?

Riley's Farm in Oak Glen (San Bernardino County) is the closest u-pick peach farm to LA — about 75 miles east in the San Bernardino Mountains. Season typically runs July through September.

What is the best peach variety for u-pick in California?

Suncrest is the sentimental favorite — an heirloom variety grown primarily in Brentwood that's too fragile to ship commercially. Its peak is mid-July and it's worth timing a trip around. O'Henry is the most common late-season variety, large and reliably sweet.

Are there peach festivals in California?

California doesn't currently have a large dedicated peach festival the way it does for cherries, garlic, or strawberries — though several farms host peach harvest weekends during July and August. Check individual farm pages for events.

Can I pick peaches and nectarines at the same farm?

Yes — many u-pick farms grow both. Nectarines are essentially a smooth-skinned peach (same species, different gene). At Brentwood farms in particular, it's common to find multiple stone fruit varieties ripening in the same orchard across the season.

Ready to pick?

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