When Kevin and I lived in Boston, one of our favorite fall activities was apple picking in the New England countryside. Though, I have to admit, Saturday Night Live’s sketch riffing on the “pick your own” apple experience is pretty spot on — especially Kate McKinnon’s line, “For just $45, you can bring home $10 worth of apples.” It’s funny because it’s true!
Despite the hefty price, we still love the tradition. And continue to carry it on even here in sunny Southern California. The past few years, we’ve done weekend road trips to the tiny mountaintop town of Julian, near San Diego, best known for it’s apple picking and apple pie shops. But let’s face it, the apple pie with ice cream is the big reason we made the 3.5 hour drive from LA.
Apple pie shop in Julian, California, another great getaway closer to San Diego.
This year, I managed to convince Kevin to skip Julian, California, to try out Oak Glen apple picking. I quickly assured him there would STILL be plenty of apple pies AND apple cider donuts. Plus, it was a lot closer. He was sold. Even better yet, we paired our apple picking adventure with Idyllwild, just a 1 hour drive south. We enjoyed a true mountaintop weekend getaway by checking out Idyllwild’s hiking trails and art galleries.
Feeling the burn while hiking in Idyllwild.
Follow our journey below where we’ll give you inside tips on Oak Glen apple picking, and the best places to visit on your next trip this fall.
Where is Oak Glen?
Exit off I-10, Oak Glen Apple Picking
If you’re anything like me, you probably never heard of Oak Glen, California. Oak Glen is near Beaumont. Still lost? No problem, it’s just off the I-10 freeway, 15 miles east of San Bernardino or about 80 miles east of Los Angeles. If you leave early on a weekend, you can easily make it in just about 1.5 hours from LA. Not too shabby. If you’re staying in Palm Springs, it’s even closer — a quick 38 miles west from downtown Palm Springs, less than a 1 hour drive. If you’re spending a weekend in Palm Springs, you can hit it up on your way home to LA. Plus, it breaks up the trip. We paired our apple picking getaway with an overnight in Idyllwild, an alpine town high in the San Jacinto Mountains above Palm Springs. Idyllwild is just 40 miles South of Oak Glen.
Oak Glen Apple Picking: When is the Best Time to Go?
Success! We got some apples!
Oak Glen is open for business year round. But of course, if you’re hoping to get those fall vibes, the best (and busiest) time to visit is September through October. The apple picking season generally wraps by early November. Though it might be slim pickings by that point. We went in mid-October and had to use the very awkward picking pole to reach the higher apples. All the ‘low hanging fruit’ was gone. But hey, it made a great photo opportunity. And it’s basically all about the Instagram these days, right!?
Work for those apples Kevin. Seriously, it would be so much easier to just buy a bag.
If you’re visiting anytime from September to October, expect big crowds. We didn’t anticipate just how crazy busy it would be. Look for parking along the side of the road (you’ll see plenty of cars parked bumper to bumper). Just make sure you keep an eye out for pedestrians as you head into apple country.
Parking along the sides of the road in Oak Glen. It’s another packed fall day.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Oak Glen?
Free jam samples at the apple farm. Kevin, you don’t even like jam? Clearly, we can’t pass up any free samples!
Well, Oak Glen apple picking is the big draw. So you might as well check this off your list first. There are several “pick your own” apple farms in Oak Glen. We ended up going to the most popular spot, which is Willowbrook Apple Farm. This 100-year-old family farm has more than just apple picking. It also has a “make your own” cider press, a caramel apple station, wine and s’mores tastings (yes please) and even a little petting zoo. Kevin personally loved Delilah, the piglet.
Inside the petting zoo at Willowbrook Farm. Delilah the piglet is clearly pooped.
A small bag for your picked apples is $9 and a large bag is $14. We started out with a big bag but quickly swapped it out for a smaller one after picking about 6 apples. No joke, it was an exhausting cardio workout. And truth be told, I pretty much gave up after I got my photo with the fruit picking pole. Willowbrook Farm’s U-pick apple picking is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. Check out Willowbrook Farm’s website for the latest updates on their U-pick schedule. Insiders tip: get to the farm as soon as they open at 10 AM to avoid the big crowds later in the day.
After getting all your apples, drive 5 minutes north to Snow-Line Orchard for a must-do foodie experience. You’ll find a cute country store with free samples (you know, priorities!). But the first thing you should do upon arriving at Snow-Line Orchard is join the line for its mini apple cider donuts.
The long line for donuts. But it’s so worth it.
Undeniably delicious, these little donuts are made fresh using a blend of apple cider that is poured right into the mix. Each donut takes a ride on the “Donut Coaster” until it is golden brown. Then is served hot with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Kevin is transfixed by the donut making.
A half dozen donuts is $2.75 while a dozen is $4.25. Trust me, you’ll want to order at least a dozen donuts. They are that good. And we ended up eating the entire bag in mere minutes. They’re mini donuts so eating 6 is equivalent to 1 donut, right? That’s what we told ourselves at least. Snow-Line Orchards is open from 9 AM – 5 PM. Insider’s tip: If you arrive into Oak Glen early (or late), you can hit up this place before or after Willowbrook Apple Farm opens or closes (10 AM -4 PM). We’re all about maximizing our time.
Chowing down on the mini donuts at Snow-Line Orchards.
Our next stop was a no-brainer. Drive less than 5 minutes to Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho for their U-pick pumpkin patch and corn maze. The maze even has a little twist. In order to get out, you’ll have to collect four digits inside that will unlock the door to exit the maze. Full disclosure, the door was acting a little haywire on our visit and we could have probably just walked on through without a code. But we did actually have all the correct numbers! Most people take about 15 minutes to solve the course. We basically hit that average mark. But the kids working the stand said that someone made it through in less than 5 minutes. Clearly, they had their running shoes on (and did this course more than one time!). The corn maze is $8 per person.
Inside Oak Glen’s best corn maze at Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho.
We did it! Think we have enough time for more apple cider donuts?
There you have it. Enjoy your time exploring Oak Glen, and getting your taste of fall. Looking for other easy road trips from LA? Check out our 3 day itinerary through California’s famed Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo wine country. Looking for something to do in the Spring? Check out our 1 day road trip to California’s poppy reserve and a hike through the sets of Star Trek.
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