Shocking for some, but Southern California has two large apple growing areas. One in Riverside County in the area of Oak Glen and the second in San Diego County in Alpine.
Last weekend I made my yearly fall pilgrimage to Oak Glen, CA. It has not changed since the first time I visited when I was in single digits. Oak Glen has about 2 dozen independent family apple farms which grown about 60 varieties of apples over the season. Oak Glen also has a number of restaurants and gift stores selling “everything apple”. The season tends to start around Labor Day and ends close to Thanksgiving with the annual Apple Butter Festival. I strongly suggest going on a weekday. If you must go on a weekend, get to the area about 10am and have lunch at 11:30am so you beat the crowds.
If you are traveling to the area, get off of Beaumont Rd, off the 10 freeway, travel north towards Oak Glen, it turns into Oak Glen and continue to drive into the hillside, you will pass all of the orchards, making the loop (about 15 miles) you end up at the 10 freeway.
Here are a few of my favorite orchards. All are family owned and if you go during the week, the owners are normally very happy to talk with you regarding apples. Some of the orchards have other items for sale, which I mention below. I suggest that you call (not email) the orchards in case you have a certain variety of apple or need. Keep in mind the apples are higher than at your local market, but you get to sample all of the apples and also keeping a local farm in business.
The Oak Glen Apple Growers:
You can take a look at all of the growers on this site
Snow-Line Orchards
39400 Oak Glen Rd
909-256-0405
Since 1898
Over 44 varieties of apples, Apple-cider Mill, Apple Spice Mini-Donuts, Apple butter.
3 flavors of cider, Original, Raspberry and cherry. Wines also.
Riley’s Farm
12281 Oak Glen Rd.
909-797-7534
Many varieties of apples, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, pumpkins and sunflowers. A restaurant and bakery are onsite. Specializing in heirloom apples. Living History Tours are on the weekdays. They also have overnight accommodations. Closed on Sundays.
Mom’s Country Orchards
38695 Oak Glen Rd.
909-797-4249
Since 2002
When you drive in you can see the signs as to the varieties of apples they have on hand. Take a look at their antique equipment still in use. Besides the apples, the back room has dozens of flavors or butters, jams and jellies and the like. They have samples galore of everything. I know you will be leaving with a few jars of the jams and apples!
Of course, I purchased too many apples. Tonight, I made a Double Crust Apple Fall Leaf Pie.
Enjoy!
George