Where can I pick apples in SLO County? Here are 4 local spots for fall fun
Summer heat may still be sticking around, but fall activities are already underway in San Luis Obispo County.
Halloween decorations are filling stores, pumpkins are appearing on porches and apples are in season.
Now is the perfect time to wander through local orchards harvesting ripe apples for baking pies, crisps and cakes — or eating fruit straight off the tree.
SLO County has several places you can visit for an apple picking outing.
Here’s where to go across the county:
SLO Creek Farms
- Location: 6455 Monte Road, San Luis Obispo
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday
- Info: 702-245-3135 or slocreekfarms.com
Just off Highway 101 in southern San Luis Obispo, SLO Creek Farms is a 14-acre certified organic apple orchard where folks can grab fruit right off the trees.
The farm has several varieties of apples to choose from, including Empire, Early Fuji, September Wonders, Sundancers and Braeburn, according to its website.
The family-owned farm also has U-pick flowers and pumpkins, as well as locally made hard cider and apple brandy.
Visitors of all ages are welcome at the orchard for apple picking season, SLO Creek Farms said.
Visitors can harvest apples anytime during open hours, and the farm provides baskets to borrow.
Jack Creek Farms
- Location: 5000 West Highway 46, Templeton
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday
- Info: 805-239-1915 or jackcreekfarms.com
Jack Creek Farms is a small farm near Paso Robles that’s been run by the Barlogio family for six generations.
The farm’s first apples of the season started ripening in early-August, according to its Facebook page.
“Gravenstein apples are ready! This is an old fashioned, heirloom variety that’s great for baking with its tart flavor and crisp texture,” Jack Creek Farms said in an Aug. 8 social media post. “We harvested our entire crop yesterday before they all dropped off due to the hot weather.”
The crisp, bright red apples are available for purchase in the farm store, Jack Creek Farms said.
You can also pick your own pesticide-free apples directly from trees through November, the farm told The Tribune.
Gordon and Granny Smith apples were available as of mid-September, though Gala and Fuji varieties will be ready to harvest soon.
Visitors to the farm will also find pumpkins, stone fruit, berries and vegetables available to pick and buy.
Avila Valley Barn
- Location: 560 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Info: 805-595-2816 or avilavalleybarn.com
Avila Valley Barn offers a variety of autumnal activities for visitors looking for their fall fix.
The farm features pumpkin patches, tractor rides, sunflower fields, and of course, apple picking.
Apple season started in late August and runs through mid-October, a Avila Valley Barn representative told The Tribune.
Visitors can take a $5 tractor ride or walk 10 minutes down a dirt road to get to the farm’s apple orchards.
Once there, you can pick up to six varieties of apples, including Gala, Jonalicious, Musu and Fuji. You pay for what you pick with all produce priced per pound.
Craving apple-based treats? Avila Valley Barn has you covered.
At the farm stand, you can snack on caramel apples, sample apple streudel ice cream, try an apple cider ice cream float or take home a fresh-baked apple pie. You can also stop by the hard cider bar for a drink.
Gopher Glen Apple Farm
- Location: 2899 See Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: 805-595-2646 or gopherglen.com
Gopher Glen Apple Farm in See Canyon is also overflowing with ripe apples.
Gopher Glen was founded more than 40 years ago by John DeVincenzo, who also launched Avila Valley Barn.
What began as a tiny roadside apple stand has expanded to a destination filled with fresh produce and baked goods.
According to the farm’s website, DeVincenzo had a special interest in apples. He even created his own unique varieties, such as the Heaven Sent apple, which was inspired by his late wife Bobby.
While visitors can’t hand-pick their own fruit at Gopher Glen, they can choose from dozens of apple varieties freshly harvested from local orchards each season.
As of Tuesday, Sept. 9, the roadside stand had Caville Blanc, Jonathan, Cheiftan, Spitzenburg and Newtown Pippin apple varieties available for purchase, the Gopher Glen website said.
This story was originally published September 13, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
