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Even with the 90 degree weather, I’m still trying to get in the fall spirit. Last weekend, Joe and I spent a day at the apple orchards. The Bay Area is pretty limited when it comes to apple picking but I found some options near Santa Cruz. We visited Clearview Orchards and Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville, which made for the best Bay Area day trip. This was our second time visiting Clearview Orchards and it was a blast to stop by on their first day of u-pick for the season.
Clearview Orchards
I shared all the details on my experience at Clearview Orchards last year. I don’t want to make this post repetitive but there are a few changes this year. This year, you must make a reservation in advance. Tickets are only $5 and cover parking + entry for up to 7 people. It was pretty busy when we visited so I’m glad they were spreading out guests throughout the day. Reservations start at 10AM and are offered every half hour until 3PM. We visited at 3PM, which was nice because it wasn’t too hot.
Clearview Orchards sell Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Mutsu apples. Fuji and Gala apples were available for u-pick when we visited; the rest were sold in the farm store. They also sell fresh pressed apple juice, home baked apple turnovers, locally sourced honey, apple popsicles, apple butter, dried lavender, brussels sprouts, and pumpkins. We picked up apple juice, honey, pumpkins, and apple pops. Also, the views are beautiful from this property! Then we visited Gizdich Ranch…
Gizdich Ranch
Gizdich Ranch, established in 1937, features a pie shop and deli. They offer a killer lunch deal: $9.35 for a sandwich, chips, fruit, cookie and drink. We weren’t there around lunch so we opted for pie. They sell a handful of pies (whole and slices). Unfortunately they were out of apple pies and pumpkin doesn’t arrive until October. I chose the boysenberry and Joe went with ollalieberry. Both pies were phenomenal – warm, fresh & sweet (without being too sweet). We also tried their apple slushie, which was perfect on a sunny afternoon. You can also get your pie with a scoop of ice cream (from a local brand).
They have ample seating out by the orchard, with plenty of shade. Apple picking officially opens on Saturday, September 18th. If you’re reading this post once they’re open, I encourage you to check out their u-pick! I believe they also offer a strawberry u-pick in the summer.
After our sweet treat, we checked out their farm shop. I was surprised by how many homemade products they offer. We found fresh apple juice, jam, dehydrated fruit, baking mixes, honey and candies. They also sell produce from their farm along with various cooking and baking tools. We picked up the apple muffin mix, malted waffle mix, dried peaches, handmade caramels, honey, and apple olallieberry juice (I haven’t seen any other farms make this!). They also have an antique shop, which we did not check out. There was a sign that says they welcome pets, plenty of parking, restrooms onsite, and they accept credit cards. All in all, this family farm is a great option for the whole family.
Overall, this was the best bay area day trip for fall. If you make it to Clearview Orchards or Gizdich Ranch, please share your experience with me! I’d love to see your photos on Instagram.
