Oak Glen Apple Orchards
Experience Southern California's autumn charm with apple picking, fresh cider donuts, and scenic mountain air at Oak Glen's vibrant orchards.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Oak Glen Apple Orchards
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Southern California's autumn charm with apple picking, fresh cider donuts, and scenic mountain air at Oak Glen's vibrant orchards.
"It's a great lil spot to relax at during the weekdays. Delicious food and apple cinder . Super friendly area"
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Get there at opening to secure a spot and enjoy the best experience. :car:
🍎 Pick Your Own Apples
Many orchards offer U-pick. Check which varieties are ripe and enjoy the farm-fresh experience. :apple:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
U-Pick Apples
Various Orchards
Experience the quintessential fall activity by picking your own fresh apples. Discover different varieties and enjoy the scenic orchards.
Apple Cider Donuts & Pies
Snow-Line Orchard, Apple Annie's
Indulge in warm, cinnamon-sugar coated apple cider donuts and famous apple pies. A must-try treat!
+1
Freshly Pressed Apple Cider
Riley's Farm
Make your own apple cider or enjoy freshly pressed batches. A taste of authentic fall flavor.
Apple Butter Festival
Various Orchards (seasonal)
Celebrate fall with live music, crafts, and delicious apple butter. A vibrant community event.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Arrive Early!
Apple Picking Season & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Get there at opening to secure a spot and enjoy the best experience. :car:
🍎 Pick Your Own Apples
Many orchards offer U-pick. Check which varieties are ripe and enjoy the farm-fresh experience.
🍩 Don't Miss Cider Donuts
These are a legendary treat! Grab them fresh and warm from Snow-Line Orchard or Apple Annie's.
💰 Be Prepared to Spend
Apple picking is priced per pound, and treats can add up. Budget accordingly for a fun day out. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Get there at opening to secure a spot and enjoy the best experience. :car:
🍎 Pick Your Own Apples
Many orchards offer U-pick. Check which varieties are ripe and enjoy the farm-fresh experience.
🍩 Don't Miss Cider Donuts
These are a legendary treat! Grab them fresh and warm from Snow-Line Orchard or Apple Annie's.
💰 Be Prepared to Spend
Apple picking is priced per pound, and treats can add up. Budget accordingly for a fun day out. :moneywithwings:
🚶♀️ Explore Multiple Orchards
Each orchard has its own charm and offerings. Consider visiting a few to experience the variety.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Oak Glen's quintessential fall experience, with apple picking, delicious cider donuts, and famous pies being major draws. The charming mountain atmosphere and family-friendly activities create lasting memories, though it can get extremely crowded on weekends, and costs can add up quickly.
"I've never visited the the Apple Orchard but heard a lot about it. We went on a Saturday morning right when they opened and thank goodness we did because it gets crazy busy!
It's a very large farm and you have a lot of stuff to see and a lot of money to spend, picking 7 apples cost me close to $30, they charge per pound.
We stopped at the shops and purchased some Caramel Apples of course. They BBQ and have a handful of food options on the property. Parking can be crazy so again arrive early.
They have an area where you can picnic as well. It was a fun experience and I'll go back again most definitely."
Justin
"This bakery has the best carmel apples around and apple pastries, the vibe of this great little town is the best. We travel 60 miles every year just to enjoy the village."
Al Mariscal
"It's a great lil spot to relax at during the weekdays. Delicious food and apple cinder . Super friendly area"
Michelle Rodriguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oak Glen is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Los Angeles, depending on traffic and your starting point. It's a popular day trip destination for Southern Californians looking for fall vibes.
Public transportation options to Oak Glen are very limited. It is best to drive your own vehicle or rent a car for the most convenient access.
From Orange County, Oak Glen is about a 1-hour drive. Take the CA-91 East and then the CA-210 East, exiting onto Oak Glen Road.
Parking is generally free at most Oak Glen orchards, including Riley's Farm. However, it can get very crowded, so arriving early is crucial.
Yes, Oak Glen is a charming destination year-round. While apple picking is seasonal, you can still enjoy the crisp mountain air, cozy shops, and baked goods during winter months.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to most Oak Glen orchards, like Riley's Farm, is free. You only pay for what you pick or purchase, such as apples, cider, or food.
Operating hours vary by orchard and season. It's best to check the specific orchard's website or social media for current hours, especially during peak fall season. Many open early on weekends.
Apple picking season in Oak Glen typically runs from September through November. Outside of this period, you can still visit for other attractions and treats.
The Apple Butter Festival usually has free entry, but specific activities or vendors might have associated costs. It's a great way to experience the local culture and seasonal offerings.
Yes, many orchards, like the one mentioned in reviews, have picnic areas where you can enjoy your own food. This can be a great way to save money.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond apple picking, you can enjoy making apple cider, visiting pumpkin patches, trying axe throwing, archery, and exploring charming shops. Many places offer BBQ and snacks. +1
Absolutely! Oak Glen is very family-friendly with petting zoos, U-pick opportunities, and various farm activities that children love.
Popular choices include Riley's at Los Rios Rancho for U-pick and cider pressing, and Snow-Line Orchard for donuts and cider. Apple Annie's is known for its pies.
Yes, Riley's Apple Farm offers the unique experience of pressing your own apple cider, typically available on weekends from September through November.
You can find a variety of apples, including delicious Arkansas Black apples, which are known for their flavor. It's worth asking orchard staff for recommendations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Apple Annie's Bakery & Restaurant is highly recommended for its famous apple pies. Snow-Line Orchard also offers delicious apple pastries.
Don't miss the apple cider donuts, fresh apple pies, caramel apples, and warm apple cider. Many places also offer BBQ and other hearty meals.
Yes, Apple Annie's has a restaurant, and Riley's Farm offers a colonial-style tavern with food options. These provide a nice sit-down experience.
Apple butter is a specialty, especially during the Apple Butter Festival. You can often find it for sale at various orchard shops and bakeries.
While the focus is on apple-based treats and BBQ, some establishments may offer simpler options. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant about specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The rolling hills of apple orchards, colorful fall foliage, rustic farm buildings, and scenic mountain views offer numerous picturesque photo opportunities.
Oak Glen is exceptionally beautiful in the fall, with vibrant autumn colors blanketing the orchards and mountains, making it a prime location for fall photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with individual orchard management and local authorities regarding drone operation policies before flying.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most flattering light for photography, enhancing the natural beauty of the orchards and landscape.
The rows of apple trees, especially when laden with fruit, and the charming farm structures provide excellent backdrops. Look for scenic overlooks for wider landscape shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss out on the apple cider donuts and freshly pressed cider, which are always a hit with younger visitors. Riley's Farm, with its historical reenactments and hands-on activities like pressing cider, offers an especially engaging experience for families looking for educational fun.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on the free activities like exploring the grounds and enjoying the scenery. If you do want to pick apples, be mindful of the per-pound cost and perhaps pick just a small bag to share. Sharing treats like a single apple pie or a dozen donuts can also be more economical than individual purchases.
couples
+1Share a warm apple pie or a box of cider donuts from a local bakery, or even try pressing your own apple cider together at Riley's Farm for a unique shared experience. The picturesque setting also provides ample opportunities for beautiful couple photos.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Apple Picking
When you visit, remember that orchards are often priced per pound, so be mindful of how many apples you gather. The experience isn't just about the fruit; it's about the atmosphere – the crisp mountain air, the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, and the joy of discovery as you search for the perfect apple. Many orchards also offer educational insights into apple cultivation, making it a fun learning opportunity.
Pro-Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends, to get the best selection of apples and the most picturesque spots for picking before the crowds arrive. Some orchards also offer U-pick for other seasonal fruits, so check their schedules.
A Taste of Oak Glen: Beyond the Apple
+1Beyond donuts, the famous apple pies, particularly from Apple Annie's, are a significant draw, often debated against other Southern California favorites. Freshly pressed apple cider, whether you make your own at Riley's Farm or purchase it, offers a pure, crisp taste of the season. Don't forget to sample caramel apples and other apple-infused baked goods that fill the air with sweet aromas.
For a more substantial meal, consider the colonial-style tavern at Riley's Farm or the restaurant at Apple Annie's. These offer a chance to relax and savor hearty meals amidst the charming, rustic ambiance of Oak Glen. Many visitors also appreciate the option to picnic, making it a versatile destination for various dining preferences.
Experiencing Oak Glen's Charm
+2Beyond the orchards, Oak Glen provides a range of activities that cater to different interests. From the thrill of axe throwing and archery at places like Riley's Farm to the simple pleasure of strolling through the colorful foliage, there's something for everyone. The community spirit is palpable, especially during seasonal events like the Apple Butter Festival, which adds a vibrant cultural layer to the visit.
For photographers, Oak Glen is a dream, particularly in the fall. The rolling hills, rows of apple trees, and rustic farm structures provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. The golden hour light enhances the natural beauty, making it a popular spot for capturing the essence of a Southern California autumn.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit