By Kate Cohen
Spring is the sweetest season of all in Central Florida.
That’s because with warmer, more moderate temperatures come an abundance of produce and berries, ripe for picking.
Picking your own berries is the perfect screen-free activity to enjoy with family, or a charming day date with someone special.
Central Florida used to be covered in orange groves and farmland, but a deep freeze pushed many citrus farmers further south. Combined with the quickly growing city of Orlando, many family farms were sold or moved elsewhere.
Today, you can still find farms opening their fields to guests interested in a U-Pick experience.
Though many are a bit of a drive from the city of Orlando (think half an hour to an hour away), it’s well worth the journey to enjoy beautiful Florida weather and some of the tastiest fruit the state has to offer.
Here are the 6 best places for berry picking near Orlando.
Southern Hill Farms
Clermont, FL
Southern Hill Farms is one of the most popular destinations for U-pick produce and agrotourism in Orlando.
Their Fall Festival is a must when autumn comes around, transforming the farm into a wonderland of pumpkins and cidery goodness.
In the spring, Southern Hill Farms is the perfect spot for picking strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and other seasonal goodies.
Their strawberry U-Pick season begins as early as December. Harvest your own ripe ruby-colored berries for as long as the season lasts.
Starting in March, you can pick your own blueberries – five different varieties of them, to be exact. Three varieties of peaches are also available for picking around the same time of year.
Additionally, you can pick your own towering sunflower stems in the spring, fall, and winter.
Come hungry to enjoy food and drinks from the Southern Hill Eatery, Southern Hill Cafe, and guest food trucks.
The Kid Zone is full of carnival rides and attractions to keep younger pickers entertained on weekends. Entry to this area of the farm is $24 for guests 42” and taller, and $20 for anyone under 42”.
Amber Brooke Farms
Eustis, FL
U-Pick adventures at Amber Brooke Farms have become a favorite tradition for many Orlando-area families.
With over 155 acres of produce and an array of activities for guests of all ages to enjoy, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a day of fresh Florida sunshine and take time to reconnect with nature.
Throughout the spring, you’ll find a variety of rotating U-Pick crops, including strawberries, blueberries, sunflowers, zinnias, sweet corn, and fresh vegetables.
While you’re picking berries, flowers, and sweet corn, you can also treat your party to a Farm Fun Pass for $10, giving you access to attractions like the giant slide hill, jump pads, a ball zone, and playgrounds.
Concessions are also available for purchase so you can stay refreshed, hydrated, and satiated throughout your visit to Amber Brooke Farms.
Pappy’s Patch U-Pick Strawberries
Oviedo, FL
Pappy’s Patch U-Pick Strawberries is a popular spot for straightforward strawberry picking with heart.
Their U-Pick season typically begins in December and lasts through April, depending on the weather.
Keep your eye on their Facebook page for updates about when they’ll be open and the status of their crops. This popular farm sells out of berries quickly, and you don’t want to be locked outside the gate when the farm is picked over for the day!
Far Reach Ranch Blueberries
Tavares, FL
Blueberry lovers can adventure to Tavares for some good ol’ fashioned blueberry picking.
Once an orange grove and cattle ranch, Far Reach Ranch has become a sprawling berry farm and beloved hidden gem of the Central Florida agricultural community.
Pick your own blueberries from March through May. They even host Sunset U-Pick events where you can enjoy berry picking, free sunset hayrides, tasty food, live music, and more.
When you visit the Ranch, prepare to be tempted by a selection of homemade blueberry baked goods, jams, and other sweet treats.
Head to Tavares for fresh farm-picked vibes and plenty of delicious Florida blueberries.
Oak Haven Farms & Winery U-Pick Strawberries and Sunflowers
Sorrento, FL
Oak Haven Farms & Winery is tucked into the gentle hills of the northern stretches of Central Florida. It’s the perfect quiet retreat for a berry picking experience the whole family will love.
Once a U-Cut Christmas tree farm, Oak Haven Farms now offers pick-your-own strawberries from early December through mid-March.
It’s also home to a vineyard and onsite winery, producing popular strawberry wine, blueberry wine, and their signature Muscadine wines.
If you’re in the neighborhood to pick fruit (and over the age of 21), you can sample Oak Haven Winery’s selection of wines and take a bottle or two home alongside your bounty of fresh berries.
Mick Farms U-Pick Strawberries
St. Cloud, FL
Mick Farms is a first-generation family-owned farm that has opened their beautiful property to others for a down-to-earth U-Pick experience.
From November through May, you can find juicy ripe strawberries growing in their fields.
The Mick family also grows and sells produce like sweet corn, zucchini, limes, green beans, sweet potatoes, and so much more.
While you’re picking, pick up homemade preserves, farm-raised beef, and fresh eggs.
Check their Instagram page for last-minute info about availability, picking hours, and policies.
Enjoy a Berry Sweet Stay at Rosen Shingle Creek
At Rosen Shingle Creek, we know a thing or two about farming.
Our onsite garden, Emma’s Creekside Farm, is full of bountiful produce that is harvested and used in our in-house restaurants, Cala Bella and A Land Remembered.
We encourage you to spend time exploring Florida’s farms, connecting with the earth and enjoying the literal fruits of your labors.
When you’re ready to rest, we’ll be waiting for you with a hot shower or a refreshing dip in the pool, comfortable and spacious guestrooms, and other luxurious amenities.
We can’t wait for you to pick Rosen Shingle Creek.
