7 California Farms to Visit for Fall Fun

Looking for something fun and unique to do in California this autumn? We’ve got you covered. These can’t-miss fall agritourism destinations in The Golden State will encourage you to lace up your shoes and head out to explore the countryside.

1. Bates Nut Farm

Valley Center, California

Did you know more than two-thirds of the country’s nuts are grown in California? More than 3 billion pounds of almonds and a billion pounds of pistachios were recorded in 2020 alone. If that doesn’t inspire you to learn more about the industry, we don’t know what will. Bates Nut Farm, located just outside Escondido, is the place to go if you want to discover more about walnuts in particular. Take an educational tour, enjoy a hayride around the property, pick up a bag of corn to feed the farm animals and walk away with some delicious treasures to take home.

See more: 5 California Vineyards to Visit Beyond Wine Country

2. Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Healdsburg, California

The winemakers at Jordan Vineyard and Winery in Healdsburg, California, are determined to make the best chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon you’ve ever tasted. And they’ve been at it since the 1970s, which displays some serious dedication to their craft. Come here if you want to enjoy French-inspired wines accompanied by satisfying food and breathtaking views of one of the most beautiful areas in the state. The estate encompasses 1,200 acres, and more than three-quarters of it is reserved for wild open space, making it the perfect background to enjoy a glass.

3. Greenhorn Ranch

Established in the early 1960s, Greenhorn Ranch prides itself on being a place where families can relax, take in the scenery and enjoy a hefty dose of Western hospitality. From the more traditional activities like trail rides on horseback and fishing lessons to more outside-the-box choices like electric mountain biking and archery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this 600-acre ranch. They even offer whiskey tastings and events exclusively for children, like leather working, gold panning and horseshoe painting workshops.

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4. Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm

Wheatland, California

Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm can be summed up in three words: farm, fun and food. Who wouldn’t want to spend a weekend enjoying all those things? Pumpkins, almonds and forage crops grow on this beautiful property in Wheatland, California. But you can also enjoy train rides, a carousel, a corn maze, a sunflower labyrinth, a petting zoo and a mountain mine ride for children. But lest there be any confusion, this is, in fact, a real working farm. Be prepared for uneven terrain and all-weather conditions as you laugh through silly attractions such as a chicken show, pig Olympics and more.

5. Willowbrook Apple Farm

Oak Glen, California

The orchards at Willowbrook Apple Farm were planted in 1910, which means the lineage of the Stayman-Winesap apples found here stretch back more than 100 years. The farm was only opened to the public in 2004, and now you can spend leisurely afternoons plucking fresh fruit straight from the tree, pressing your own cider or taking an educational tour to learn all about the inner workings of an operational apple farm. Children can even meet the various animals that call Willowbrook home, such as Comet the miniature horse, Star the miniature donkey or Delilah the miniature pig.

See more: 10 Craft Beverages to Try in California

6. Hidden Villa

Los Altos Hills, California

Hidden Villa is the place to go if you want your children immersed in a rich educational experience on the value of nature and responsible agriculture. This small-scale, organic farm is committed to producing high-quality food, promoting biodiversity and passing on their knowledge to future generations. In addition to a host of available programs, Hidden Villa offers produce, flowers, meat, eggs and honey for purchase year round at their farm stand.

7. Harley Farms Goat Dairy

Pescadero, California

Harley Farms Goat Dairy in Pescadero is the prefect farm to visit this fall if you’re smitten with fields of frolicking goats. Tours of the dairy include everything from milking goats and British White cattle to peacocks and livestock dogs. If you’d rather stick to the culinary side of things, be sure to peruse their farm shop. You’ll find artisan cheeses and honey, jams and jellies, and delectable delights such as goat cheese ravioli, chocolate pudding and truffles. They even offer goat milk soaps and lotions.