Apple hill is located in Camino, CA which is about 45 minutes from Sacramento. Apple Hill offers breweries, wineries, fruit orchards and even Christmas tree farms. The best time to go to Apple Hill is during the fall months of September-November which is when the apples are harvested. Plus there are so many fall activities that you cannot resist including petting zoos, pumpkin patches and apple picking.
Usually in the month of October, there is the most traffic, crowds of people and longer lines. If you're able to go on a weekday, you can stop at more farms. Friday is the best time to visit Apple Hill because the lines are short but it also isn't entirely a ghost town.
High Hill RanchHigh Hill Ranch offers the widest selection of outdoor Apple Hill activities for kids and the whole family every fall season. From apple picking, fishing for trout, pony rides for kids, hayride tour, school field trips, wine tasting, to a pumpkin patch, or you can shop at the largest craft show of Apple Hill! This farm is an excellent choice for the entire family to visit and just have fun.
Fall is the time of year to celebrate the incredible and magical transformations that nature undergoes. Many individuals have their own traditions on how to enjoy this beautiful season, but most often they involve colorful leaves and harvested produce. In my experience , an annual trip to these farmlands is a must.
Rainbow Orchards is a third generation family farm with a history of orchard farming that dates back to the early 1900s. Rainbow Orchards has a cider mill on site at their orchard, where they make fresh apple cider daily. They also have a bakeshop on site, providing a full line of baked and canned goods, including pies, pastries, jams, jellies, and syrups.
Rainbow Orchards' fruit, cider, jams, syrups and wine are available here at Heart of the City or you can visit their apple barn in the fall for a family picnic in the orchard. Be sure to check their 2020 You-Pick Guide before heading out. Before you arrive on the beautiful scenic route, I recommend downloading the Apple hill app or downloading this map. There are so many farms on Apple Hill that you will not be able to hit them all in one day.
Each farm is beautiful and unique in their own way and offers a variety of activities, foods, etc. You can plan your day on really what you like to do. If you have children there are pumpkin patches, hay mazes, face painting and tons of family fun. However, if you don't have kids, Apple Hill is an absolute blast to go as a couple or with your friends. I recommend having a designated driver and incorporating lots of food in between.
From the bakeries, delicious food, apple wine and beer, you'll leave with a full belly and happy heart. This year, I took my little family to Apple Hill armed with a plan, a map and an app. We spent a long day enjoying all the different attractions that make up this association of over 50 local family farms. From corn mazes and pony rides to Bluestone Meadow's old-fashioned pumpkin trebuchet , to wineries, bakeries, and artisan craft fairs, it's impossible to take it all in during one visit. With that in mind, here are the top places to visit at Apple Hill that offer delicious bites and even breathtaking views. That is, if you're willing to resist the urge to pull over at the first farm you see and stuff your face full of pie.
HARRIS TREE FARM. This seven-generation family-owned farm is more than just a Christmas tree farm. It also produces berries, apples, pumpkins and vegetables. Situated the farthest east of any of Apple Hill's farms, Harris Tree Farm is definitely worth the extra drive.
In the barn you'll find for sale homemade pies, donuts, preserves, apple cider, blackberry salsa and even enchiladas. Just across the street from the farm you'll find a beautiful and secluded nature trail that is perfect for those looking for a leisurely walk. The serene trail follows the banks of the El Dorado Irrigation District Main Canal, which is more like a little stream tucked under the pines than a canal. Delfino Farms has been devoted to creating fresh products from fruit grown on their farm for over 50 years. They welcome families and offer tons of activities for kids including two corn mazes, u-pick pumpkins, a nature trail, farm animals, and a beautiful family-friendly picnic area.
To learn more about this kid-friendly farm on Apple Hill, visit the Delfino Farms website. Located at 2569 Larsen Drive in Camino, Rainbow Orchards has been family-owned for 40 years and is best known for their hot apple cider donuts, a favorite of kids and adults alike. In addition to their on-site cider mill, they produce made-from-scratch pies, cobblers, crisps, tarts, jams, syrups, and vinegar.
But they're not all-about-apples… they also grow heirloom pumpkins and squash! If you're looking for something savory, try their tri-tip BBQ or corndogs while tapping your toes to some live bluegrass music. Larsen Apple Barn is the longest family-owned farm on Apple Hill. They offer over 20 varieties of apples plus pears, grapes, juices, and more.
Their bakery is full of pies, turnovers, dumplings, and other delectable goodies. They also have an on-site deli perfect for picking up a quick lunch to enjoy in their grass-covered park with its picturesque waterfalls and arching bridges. While you're there, don't miss the Apple Hill Museum which gives visitors a glimpse into the history of Apple Hill. To learn more, visit the Larsen Apple Barn website.
Delfino Farms (No. 50 on the Apple Hill map) is where the Apple Hill coalition got its start back in 1964, when the farm was called Kids Incorporated (it's since taken on the family surname). On the premises, you'll have beautiful views over apple orchards and vineyards and, starting Labor Day weekend, can sample all manner of goodies at the Joan's Apple Bakery. Be sure to try the new Henrietta Stitch hard cider made entirely from apples grown on the farm. Other kid-and dog friendly favorites include El Dorado Orchards, Boa Vista Orchards, Pine O Mine, Denver Dan's Apple Patch and High Hill Ranch, to reel off just a few. Delfino Farms, formerly, Kids Inc. is also a popular ranch, it's a great choice both for kids and adults (it's one of my traditional stops). Kids Inc. also has a gorgeous Nature Trail, leading guests on a winding path through the orchard and down to a creek.
Watsonville | The perfect family-friendly orchard, this family run farm had little ones in mind when they planted dwarf trees exclusively, so tiny arms could always reach the apples. Plus the terraced orchards is in a beautiful setting, overlooking the valley of Watsonville, with nice grass between the rows of trees, allowing for easy strolling. The orchard grows organic Fuji, Gala, Honey Crisp, and Mutsu apples.
Plus, you'll find local honey, certified organic squash, fresh pressed apple juice from organic apples, dried lavender, fresh baked apple turnovers, and more. Apple Ridge Farms is a favorite in our destination guide list and is one of the many kid-friendly farms on Apple Hill. Apple Ridge Farms welcomes families to their ranch, which features farm animals, a hay maze, a tranquil pond, and a nature trail this fall season. They also have an apple barn, a bakeshop, a candy kitchen, and a gift shop, too! To learn more, visit the Apple Ridge Farms website. The ranch offers homemade baked goods as well as fudge and a barbecue stand.
So, you can make a day of it and have lunch and dessert at the ranch. There are pony rides and a maze for both kids and adults to enjoy. Don't' forget to visit The Pantry where you can take home homemade apple butter, cider sauce, and caramel, just to name a few items. Abel's Apple Acres is more than just a farm; it's really an experience for the whole family.
Autumn in Gold Country means clear blue skies, fiery red grapevines, and an invigorating snap in the air. It's apple season too, with more than 30 orchards and farms dotting the area east of Placerville, about a 2-hour drive east of San Francisco, known as Apple Hill. Visit u-pick farms and roadside stands centered around the tiny hamlet of Camino to sample tart Granny Smiths, thin-skinned Galas, and other varieties, many grown by a new generation of farmers. What's better in Fall, a cup of hot apple cider freshly pressed and a warm apple donut or slice of pie just out of the kitchen? If you're a responsible adult and insist on "real" food before dessert, there are plenty of spots in Apple Hill to pick up lunch.
Bodhaine Ranch serves comforting dishes like pot pie, tamales and tri-tip sandwiches, while Boa Vista Orchards has deli sandwiches and burgers. Abels Apple Acres specializes in smoked meats like pulled pork and tri-tip, and also has a chicken pot pie in a bread bowl. High Hill Ranch also serves lunch, with BBQ items like tri-tip, burgers and sausage, as well as grilled cheese and black bean burgers for the non-meat eaters. Or, if you prefer, you can pack your own lunch and picnic amongst the apple trees; many farms offer shaded picnic tables where you can spread out and relax, including Apple Pantry Farm. While many apple ranches close by Thanksgiving, some remain open into December, and by heading up the hill then, you can pick up holiday gifts and might even find a dusting of seasonal snow.
For instance, High Hill Ranch (highhillranch.net) hosts a daily craft fair—with everything from handcrafted birdhouses to decorative candles through Christmas Eve. In late spring and throughout the summer, several farms offer U-pick blueberries and other berries, including Harris Tree Farm, which also holds summer "high tea" events in its orchard. 24Carrot Farm boasts a summer produce farm stand, U-pick flowers, and gatherings like a sunset movie night at the ranch. For those pining for U-pick apples, consider an early September visit for the best harvest-your-own opportunities.
Smokey Ridge Ranch is a small family farm offering children the opportunity to observe the diversity of produce that can be grown on a small-scale agricultural operation. The farm produces grapes, chestnuts, 17 types of apples, olives, figs, pears, and pumpkins. They also make handmade preserves, condiments, and custom sausages with the items they grow.
Kids love the u-pick chestnut and pumpkin options offered at the location, and families often visit to enjoy the farm-to-table lunches by their beautiful pond. To learn more, visit the Smokey Ridge Ranch website. Kids will love this location, where they can pick out a pumpkin, choose fresh veggies or meet live animals during their visit to this magical farm and orchard. Sloan Winters Mountain specializes in organic produce, but they also feature honey and jams. To learn more, visit the Sloan Winters Mountain Orchard & Garden website.
For many Sacramento families, the arrival of the fall season prompts an annual visit to Apple Hill. This destination guide offers visitors the opportunity to kick-off the cooler season with a day of wholesome family fun. There are many kid-friendly farms on Apple Hill that have been drawing families to the area for more than 50 years. From apple picking to trick-or-treating, the events at Apple Hill keep families coming back year after year. Apple Hill is located just outside of El Dorado County and is less than an hour's drive from the heart of Sacramento and two hours east of San Francisco.
Those wanting to experience blue skies, autumn temperatures, and a trip to the countryside can also go to the many farms located in and around the small town of Camino, California. If your donut experience doesn't go beyond Krispy Kreme, then you're in for a treat at Rainbow Orchards, home of the hot apple cider donut. This warm, fried apple cider treat is light and oh-so-tasty. The sprawling outdoors lawn with plenty of picnic tables evokes an ambience rivaling a Vermont farm in fall, with crisp air and crisp apples. Our lavender farm is open May through November, Thursday to Saturday from 10 to 5, Sunday from 11 to 4. Lavender plants are available in the spring, fresh lavender bundles in July, fresh apple sales in the fall and pottery all season long.
Our lavender fields are at their most spectacular in July. Pack a picnic lunch and dine on one of our picnic tables under old apple trees. Here you'll find rolling hills showcasing beautiful vineyards, orchards and pines and plenty of food and drink offerings.
Stop by Joan's Apple Bakery for a piece of pie, Henrietta Stich Hard Cider or Edio Vineyards Wine for a drink. Families with kids will particularly enjoy the pumpkin patch, corn maze and nature trail surrounding the property. It doesn't get any fresher than straight from the tree.
There are lots of local farms near San Francisco where you can pick your own apples, but due to the recent wildfires and also the pandemic, many farms are closed for the season for U-Pick. Some farms have opted for drive-by pickup like Chileno Valley Ranch in Petaluma. We've found a handful of orchards that are ready to welcome you to their orchards, so you can pick your own apples.
24 Carrot Farm is perfect for kids, who will enjoy picking their own fruit or taking a tour of this certified organic farm. They grow more than just apples… their produce includes fruit, flowers, and vegetables, too! Their farm has a produce stand, a pond, and a picnic area. Visitors will love learning all about their commitment to sustainable farming techniques. Rainbow Orchards is a 3rd generation family farm based in Camino, California.
Our Apple Hill℠ farm has provided the finest mountain grown fruit since 1977 – for over 40 years! We grow the best apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, and blueberries you've ever tasted. All this delicious fruit, as well as fresh pressed apple cider, is available at our famous Bake Shop and Apple Barn or at a farmers market near you.
I recommend the best way to navigate Apple Hill and experience all that it has to offer is to grab a map at the first ranch you pass by once there or download and print this PDF Map. Most of the farms and orchards follow a looped route, making for easy access along the way. Some visitors enjoy just driving along and stopping at each ranch that they see, while others prefer picking specific ones of the map. Any method you decide upon will showcase the wonderful and unique discoveries at Apple Hill.
