Orchards Near Me
Cherry Picking Near Sacramento: What You Need to Know
Sacramento is positioned at the edge of some exceptional cherry country, with the orchards in the Brentwood area of Contra Costa County—about an hour's drive southwest—producing some of California's finest Bing and Rainier cherries. The San Joaquin Valley cherry season typically runs from late April through late June, making it an early-season destination that surprises visitors with its quality and the variety of what's available.
California Cherry Season
California grows excellent sweet cherries in the San Joaquin Valley foothills and the areas around Stockton and Brentwood, with the harvest running from late April through late June depending on location and variety. The Brentwood cherry region in Contra Costa County is particularly well-developed for pick-your-own visitors, with a concentration of family orchards that have operated for generations and maintain a strong local following. California's cherry season is the earliest in the country, and the quality of the Bing and Rainier cherries produced here—fat, sweet, and deeply flavored from the California sun—draws visitors who time their spring trips specifically around the harvest window.
Best Time to Go Cherry Picking Near Sacramento
Late April through late June depending on location, with the Brentwood and San Joaquin Valley orchards starting earliest and the Sierra Nevada foothill farms running the season into late June.
Tips for Your Sacramento Cherry Picking Trip
The Brentwood cherry orchards southwest of Sacramento are a June tradition for many Bay Area and Central Valley families, and rightfully so—the quality of Brentwood Bing and Rainier cherries is exceptional. Arrive early on weekdays to avoid crowds and bring a large cooler; you'll want to bring home more than you plan for.