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Raspberry Picking in California 2026: U-Pick Farms & When to Go

June 10, 2026 · 7 min read

Raspberry season in California runs June through September, with coastal farms often producing into fall. The Sierra Foothills has the densest cluster of raspberry u-pick farms in the state — and the Central Coast grows some of the finest fruit anywhere, with cool marine air slowing ripening and intensifying flavor. Here's where to go and when.

When is raspberry season in California?

Raspberry season runs from June through September, with timing varying by region and elevation:

  • Sierra Foothills (Auburn, Nevada City, Garden Valley, Camino) — The biggest concentration of raspberry u-pick in the state. Higher elevations push the season later — most farms run late June through August, with some into September.
  • North Coast (Sebastopol, Lakeport) — Coastal conditions and lake influence keep temperatures mild. Sebastopol farms typically run June through August; Lakeport later into fall.
  • Central Coast(Watsonville, Carmel Valley, Buellton) — Marine air produces some of California's best raspberries. Longer season here — June through October is possible on the coolest farms.
  • Central Valley (Stockton, Galt) — Hotter conditions mean an earlier start (June) and a shorter peak before summer heat sets in.
  • Southern California (Oak Glen, Somis) — Mountain farms at Oak Glen run July through September; the Ventura County coast near Somis has a longer window due to mild temperatures.

Raspberries are among the most perishable fruits at a u-pick farm — what's ripe one weekend may be over the next. Check with the farm before you go; most update Instagram or their website with weekly availability.

How to pick raspberries

Raspberries give you clear signals when they're ready:

  • Color and separation. A ripe raspberry is fully red (or golden, for yellow varieties) with no white or pink patches. It should slide off the core with almost no resistance — if you have to pull, it's not ready.
  • Feel. Ripe raspberries are slightly firm but give gently to pressure. Soft and mushy means overripe; hard means underripe.
  • Look under leaves. The best berries are often shaded — sun-exposed ones ripen first and get picked first. Lift the canes and check underneath.
  • Handle gently. Raspberries bruise on contact. Fill your container in a single loose layer rather than piling them deep.

U-pick raspberry farms by region

Sierra Foothills — California's raspberry hub

The foothill farms between Auburn and Camino offer the most concentrated raspberry u-pick experience in the state, often alongside blackberries, blueberries, and other summer fruit.

North Coast

Central Coast

Central Valley

Bay Area

Southern California

Frequently asked questions

When is raspberry season in California?

Raspberry season runs June through September across most of California. Sierra Foothills and Central Valley farms start in June; coastal farms (Central and North Coast) often run longer, into October on the mildest sites. Check each farm before you go — raspberry availability can shift week to week.

Where can I pick raspberries near the Bay Area?

The Sierra Foothills around Auburn, Nevada City, and Camino are the closest substantial u-pick raspberry area — about 2 hours northeast. Tru2Earth Farm in Gilroy is closer (about an hour south). Boring Farm and Kokopelli Farm in Sebastopol are about an hour north.

Where can I pick raspberries near Los Angeles?

Riley's Farm and Snow-Line Orchard in Oak Glen (San Bernardino Mountains) are the closest u-pick raspberry options to LA — about 75 miles east. Season typically runs July through September. Underwood Family Farms in Somis (Ventura County) is about 50 miles northwest of central LA.

Are there raspberry festivals in California?

California doesn't have a dedicated raspberry festival — but many Sierra Foothills farms host berry-picking weekends or open-farm days during peak season. Check individual farm pages for events.

How long do u-pick raspberries last after picking?

Raspberries are extremely perishable — plan to eat or refrigerate within one to two days of picking. Spread them in a single layer in the fridge (don't wash until ready to eat) and they'll last two to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a sheet pan, then transfer to a bag.

Ready to pick?

The hollow-center test, why gentleness matters, and why you should freeze raspberries the same day you pick them.

How to pick raspberries →