U-Pick Nuts in California
4 farms where you can pick your own nut.
Nut harvest season in California runs September through November, depending on the variety. Walnuts and almonds come in first (August–September), followed by pecans and chestnuts in October and November. The Central Valley — Sacramento Valley for walnuts, San Joaquin Valley for almonds — produces the majority of the world's supply of both. Chestnut farms in the Sierra Nevada foothills (El Dorado and Amador counties) offer u-pick in October. Pistachio harvest peaks in September in the San Joaquin Valley. These 4 pick-your-own nut farmslet you harvest straight from the source — check the map for one near you, and a farm's own site for current hours before you go.
Alpine Blue Farms
U-pick · May–Jul
Stockton · Daily 8 AM–6 PM (May–July season)
Family-owned Stockton U-pick farm bursting with blueberries, cherries, and summer stone fruit.
Double Dutch Farms
U-pick · May–Oct
Ripon · Monday–Friday 8 AM–7 PM
A family-friendly Central Valley farm where you hand-pick fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, and nuts.
Hangtown Kid U-Pick Apple Orchard
U-pick · Aug–Dec
Camino · Fri–Sat 10 AM–4:30 PM, Sun Noon–4:30 PM; Mon–Thu by phone appointment
U-pick apples, pears, persimmons, and chestnuts in the heart of Apple Hill above Placerville.
Riverdance Farms
U-pick · May–Nov
Livingston · Organic · Reservation required · By appointment and select weekends; call/text (209) 761-0081 to confirm
Certified-organic U-pick farm along the Merced River with blueberries, cherries, nuts and more.
Frequently asked
- When is nut season in California?
- Nut harvest season in California runs September through November, depending on the variety. Walnuts and almonds come in first (August–September), followed by pecans and chestnuts in October and November. The Central Valley — Sacramento Valley for walnuts, San Joaquin Valley for almonds — produces the majority of the world's supply of both. Chestnut farms in the Sierra Nevada foothills (El Dorado and Amador counties) offer u-pick in October. Pistachio harvest peaks in September in the San Joaquin Valley. Harvest events and U-pick windows follow the same window — check each listing for exact 2026 dates.
- Where can you pick your own nut near you in California?
- Gather Grove lists pick-your-own nut farms across California with their crops, season, and location. Use the map and filters to find one near you.
- Do U-pick nut farms require a reservation?
- Some do and some don't — each farm's page notes whether a reservation is required. Seasons and hours shift with the weather, so it's always worth checking the farm's own site before you go.
Looking for nut festivals in California?
Nut festivals in California →