8 Agritourism Destinations for Your California Bucket List
Agritourism destinations are springing up left and right, but California offers some of the most fascinating experiences in the entire country. From working cattle ranches and farm-to-fork restaurants to educational retreats and world-class wineries, there’s something for everyone on this list of can’t-miss California agritourism destinations.
View this post on Instagram
V6 Ranch
There’s no better way to launch a list of agritourism destinations than with a real working cattle ranch. If you find yourself in Parksfield and have a hankering for some good old-fashioned Western work, V6 Ranch is the place to be. You can fill your summer days with bluegrass festivals and rodeos, enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway in one of their classic log cabins, or saddle up and participate in a traditional cattle drive across the property’s 20,000-plus acres. At the end of the day, don’t forget to pop into the Parkfield Café for a satisfying meal of grass-fed beef and local baked goods.
See more: 7 California Farms to Visit for Fall Fun
Honey Love
Any guesses as to what this hidden gem could bee about? If your mind sprung to honeybees, you guessed correctly. Honey Love is a conservation nonprofit in Los Angeles on a mission to protect honeybees through education and inspiration. One of the ways they do that is through their yearlong membership, which include education symposiums and monthly workshops on subjects like organic beekeeping practices. They even host a natural beekeeping conference, bringing in a variety of notable speakers and leaders in the field.
View this post on Instagram
Hidden Villa
You can find Hidden Villa nestled away in Los Altos Hills. This Spanish-style estate covers an impressive 1,600 acres of trust land in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to take a break from the demands of everyday life – especially since it boasts next to no cell service or internet access. But don’t worry, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied. You can sign up for classes on milking cows or try your hand at making sausage or cheese. Your options at Hidden Villa are endless.
See more: California Gift Guide: 8 Local Products From the Golden State
View this post on Instagram
Cover’s Apple Ranch
Just a hop, skip and a jump away from breathtaking Yosemite National Park is Cover’s Apple Ranch in Tuolumne. This family-friendly venue offers everything from sprawling apple orchards and barnyard animals to homemade baked goods and miniature train rides. You can even sip on a fresh-pressed, 100% natural cider as you stroll through the property, peruse the gift shop or learn how to make a classic (and scrumptious) apple pie with fruit that has been freshly picked from the apple ranch trees.
Davis Farmers Market
California has no lack of farmers markets, but the Davis Farmers Market is one to put on your bucket list. This packed and popular destination comes to life on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, enticing visitors with a medley of unique produce, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment. If you happen to be in the neighborhood on a Wednesday evening between mid-March and October, you could even treat yourself to the “Picnic in the Park” market, which features kids’ activities, live music, and a beer and wine garden for the parents.
View this post on Instagram
Cedar View Winery
Whether you want to spend some downtime tasting meticulously crafted wines in a beautiful destination or purchase some of the most unique and eclectic wines in the Central Valley, Cedar View Winery is your place. This family-owned and -operated vineyard has a reputation for crafting wonderful varietals while providing a warm and welcoming space for you to make memories with friends and family. If you want to keep the party going after you head home, you can even join their wine club and receive three of their hand-crafted wines every quarter.
See more: 10 Craft Beverages to Try in California
View this post on Instagram
Amador Flower Farm
Amador Flower Farm is more than your average nursery. In addition to crafting more than 4 acres of demonstration gardens to help inspire ideas for your own backyard creations, these green thumbs offer over 1,200 varieties of daylilies – and they host events throughout the year for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. From Easter egg hunts and fine art festivals to pumpkin patches and corn mazes, garden aficionados can always find something to fall in love with at Amador Flower Farm.
View this post on Instagram
Angeles Crest Creamery
One of the beauties of agritourism is the diversity of activities and destinations available at your fingertips. Take Angeles Crest Creamery, for instance. This thriving goat ranch tucked away in the San Gabriel Mountains offers everything from ranch stays to educational events on how to better produce food for the local community. While they aren’t open for drop-by visitors, you can easily schedule an overnight visit or purchase tickets to one of their many events, including the popular goat hike where you can accompany the herd through the mountains while learning about goats and local food production.