Look, there’s something magical about plucking sun-warmed berries straight from the vine.
Maybe it’s the satisfaction of finding that perfect strawberry hiding under the leaves.
Or the way your fingers turn purple from picking blackberries.
Whatever it is… Sacramento’s surrounding farmland is basically berry heaven. And I’m about to show you exactly where to find it.
I’ve personally visited every farm on this list. Multiple times.
(Yeah, I might have a slight berry addiction. Don’t judge.)
So forget those sad, store-bought berries that taste like disappointment…
Why Berry Picking’s Sacramento’s Soul
Berry picking’s more than a chore—it’s a damn time capsule. It’s the Sacramento of chasing ice cream trucks down K Street, sneaking apricots off a neighbor’s tree, or dodging sprinklers in McKinley Park, but with a haul that actually lasts. In a city where PG&E’s out here bleeding us dry—average bill’s $150 a month in summer—and gas prices flirt with $5 a gallon, pick your own is a steal.
Most farms charge $5–$15 for a basket or bucket, and half of it’s in your mouth before you hit the parking lot. It’s farm-to-fork at its most primal: you hunt, you gather, you eat like a boss. No middleman, no plastic clamshells, just you and the sun-ripened goods.
And it’s not some soul-crushing workout—squatting through rows, stretching for that perfect blackberry, dodging wasps—it’s exercise with a payoff that doesn’t involve a $60 gym membership you’ll ditch by June.
Kids turn into little berry bandits, dogs trot along sniffing the chaos (if the farm’s chill with it), and you’re left with stained hands and a story. Sacramento’s outskirts are a goldmine for this—flat, fertile, and close enough to make a Saturday morning out of it.
Let’s break down the why: it’s cheap, it’s fun, it’s local as hell, and it keeps our farm-to-fork cred legit.
Ready to see where the action’s at?
Sacramento’s Elite U-Pick Berry Farms
These five spots are the real deal—family-run, dirt-caked, and all within a 30-minute shot from downtown. Peak season’s May–July, but weather’s a wildcard—floods, heatwaves, late frosts—so always ping their sites or socials before you peel out. Here’s the rundown, mile by mile, berry by berry.
Granny May’s Strawberry Farm – Granite Bay’s Berry Dynasty
- Where: 7246 Auburn Folsom Rd, Granite Bay, CA (25 mins from Sac)
- What: Strawberries (May–June), blackberries (July)
- The Scoop: This place is a Sacramento institution—think decades of sunburned families and sticky-fingered kids. Tucked off Auburn Folsom Road, it’s a sprawling patch where strawberries kick off in May, fat and red, followed by blackberries that hit in July, dark and bursting. Entry’s $15 for adults, $9 for kids 4–16 (under 3’s free), and they toss you a bucket to fill—usually 2–3 pounds if you’re thorough. Cash only, so hit that ATM on J Street before you roll. The strawberries are sweet enough to eat on the spot, and the blackberries? Tart, juicy, perfect for jamming or just hoarding.
- Details: Rows are wide but uneven—wear sneakers, not flip-flops, or you’ll eat dirt. They’ve got a porta-potty and a hose to rinse off, but don’t expect a spa day. Peak weekends get loud—think minivans, screaming toddlers, and that one guy who brought a boombox.
- Pro Move: Book online at grannymaysstrawberryfarm—they cap pickers when berries peak, and you don’t want to be that schmuck turned away at the gate. Early mornings beat the heat and the crowds.
- Vibe: Chaotic, nostalgic, and unapologetically Sac.
Sun’s Strawberries – Elk Grove’s Roadside Legend
- Where: 5922 Point Pleasant Rd, Elk Grove, CA (20 mins south)
- What: Strawberries (May–June), occasional cherries
- The Scoop: Small, scrappy, and straight-up fresh, Sun’s is a roadside stop off Point Pleasant Road that doesn’t mess around. $11 gets you three baskets (about 3 pounds), $20 for six—cash or Venmo, no card nonsense. Open 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. daily when strawberries ripen, usually mid-May to late June. The berries are smaller than Granny May’s but pack a flavor punch—bright red, no mushy bullshit. Cherries pop up some years, but don’t bank on it.
- Details: You’re in the dirt here—low rows, no shade, just you and the plants. Bring a hat; the sun’s a beast by noon. Parking’s tight—gravel and dust—so don’t roll up in your Tesla expecting valet.
- Pro Move: Stalk their Facebook for ripe alerts—they post when it’s go-time or tapped out. Hit it midweek for elbow room.
- Vibe: Fast, friendly, and all about the haul.
Pacific Star Gardens – Woodland’s Organic Sanctuary
- Where: 20872 County Rd 99, Woodland, CA (25 mins northwest)
- What: Strawberries (April–June), blackberries (June–July)
- The Scoop: Certified organic and proud of it, this Woodland gem charges $6 a pound—bring your own bucket or buy one for a couple bucks. Open 8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily when berries are on, starting as early as April for strawberries and rolling into July for blackberries. The strawberries are medium-sized, deep red, and stupidly sweet; blackberries are plump and less tart than most. It’s sustainable vibes—compost toilets, no pesticides, the works.
- Details: Wide, flat fields with a gravel path—easy for strollers or a slow limp after leg day. Shaded picnic tables if you need a breather. Bugs are real—bring repellent.
- Pro Move: Check their Facebook—they’ll flag when strawberries dry up or blackberries boom. Early season’s less crowded.
- Vibe: Quiet, earthy, and a touch crunchy.
Davis Ranch, LLC – Sloughhouse’s Roughneck
- Where: 13211 Jackson Rd, Sloughhouse, CA (20 mins east)
- What: Strawberries (May–June), corn later
- The Scoop: Known for corn mazes and roadside stands, Davis Ranch sneaks in killer strawberries from May to June. Hours are odd—Tuesday and Saturday, sunrise to 1 p.m.—and pricing’s loose (call to confirm, usually $5–$10 a basket). The berries are big, firm, and perfect for baking or freezing. It’s a working farm—tractors, dust, no cutesy signage.
- Details: Rows are long and low—your back’ll feel it. No shade, no frills, just fruit and a scale. Their stand sells extras like zucchini if you’re greedy.
- Pro Move: Hit their site or call ahead—berries vanish fast. Bring cash; it’s old-school.
- Vibe: Raw, rural, and take-it-or-leave-it.
24 Carrot Farm – Elk Grove’s Organic Sweetheart
- Where: 6450 Point Pleasant Rd, Elk Grove, CA (20 mins south)
- What: Strawberries (May–June), blackberries (June–July)
- The Scoop: Small, organic, and oozing charm, this spot’s open Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. in summer. Prices flex—$5–$7 a pound, check 24carrotfarm.com. Strawberries are ruby-red and tender; blackberries are dark, juicy, and worth the wait. It’s more garden than factory—think raised beds and hand-painted signs.
- Details: Compact rows, some shade from nearby trees, and a chill pace. Parking’s easy; dogs might be okay—ask first.
- Pro Move: Scope their site for exact dates—they’re on top of updates. Go early for the best pickings.
- Vibe: Homey, sweet, and pure Sacramento.
Weather, Kids And Dogs
Weather screws everything—too wet, berries rot; too hot, they shrivel. Last year’s floods drowned half the crops—check farm updates before you burn gas. Kids? Bring snacks—they’ll whine by hour two. Dogs? Leash ‘em and confirm rules.
Why We’re Berry-Obsessed
It’s the whole damn deal—sun scorching your neck, dirt caking your soles, berries so fresh they mock supermarket trays. It’s a cheap thrill—$10–$20 for a family outing that doubles as dinner. You’re keeping Sac’s farm roots alive, supporting growers who’ve been at it since before the freeways choked us. Take ‘em home for that , freeze ‘em for smoothies, or scarf ‘em in the car—zero rules. It’s Sacramento at its best: unpolished, honest, and tasting like summer.
Hit the Fields, Sacramento!
These u-pick farms are your ticket to a fresher, louder summer. Granny May’s chaos, Sun’s hustle, Pacific Star’s calm—pick your poison, fill your bucket, and taste what Sac’s outskirts churn out. Season’s creeping—don’t sleep on it.
Essential Berry Picking Tips
Before you grab your buckets and head out, here’s what you need to know:
Check Before You Go
- Always call ahead or check social media for availability
- Weather can affect picking conditions
- Some farms require reservations
- Bring cash (not all farms take cards)
Timing Is Everything
Morning picking is usually best because:
- Berries are firmest in cool weather
- You’ll beat the crowds
- The sun won’t be trying to cook you
- Photos look better in morning light
What to Bring
Pack these essentials:
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Closed-toe shoes
- Cash
- Containers (if the farm doesn’t provide them)
Picking Protocol
Follow these tips for the best experience:
- Only pick ripe berries (they won’t ripen after picking)
- Be gentle – berries bruise easily
- Check under leaves for hidden treasures
- Don’t eat while picking (most farms have tasting areas)
Storage Tips
Make those berries last:
- Don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat
- Store in the fridge
- Use within 3-5 days
- Freeze extras for smoothies
When to Go
Here’s your berry picking calendar for Sacramento:
Strawberries:
- Peak Season: April-July
- Best Picking: May-June
Raspberries:
- Peak Season: June-September
- Best Picking: July-August
Blackberries:
- Peak Season: July-September
- Best Picking: August
Listen…
There’s something special about spending a morning in the fields, connecting with your food source, and coming home with berries that actually taste like berries.
It’s not just about the fruit.
It’s about the experience.
The memories.
The berry-stained fingers and sun-kissed cheeks.
So get out there and start picking.
Just remember to bring cash, wear sunscreen, and leave some berries for the rest of us.
(Seriously though, don’t be that person who picks the entire field clean. Not cool.)
Happy picking!
Prices and dates mentioned are based on the 2024 season. Always check with farms directly for current information for the 2025 season.
If you see me out there with purple fingers and an unreasonable amount of berries in my bucket… mind your business. I have a problem and I’m working on it. 😂
If you prefer to plant your own check out the full details on how to grow your own berries here!
