Los Angeles may sparkle with red carpets and studio lights, but just beyond the Hollywood sign lies a quieter, earthier kind of magic. Within 30 to 90 minutes of the city, you’ll find a surprising abundance of farms, groves, and gardens—perfect for day trips from L.A. into the heart of Southern California agriculture.
From lush, green strawberry fields in Oxnard to the intoxicating perfume of citrus orchards in Ojai, or the purple sea of lavender farms in bloom to the hands-on farm tours in San Fernando Valley, these agritourism escapes offer a refreshing way to reconnect with nature, food, and local growers.
Here’s a curated guide to the best farm visits, u-pick adventures, and rural experiences just outside LA’s city limits.
Oxnard: Strawberry Fields & Coastal Bounty Make This a Perfect Day Trip from L.A.
With its mild coastal climate and fertile alluvial soils, Oxnard is one of California’s top strawberry-producing regions. Come spring and early summer, u-pick fields burst with sweet red berries—and many offer family-friendly extras.
McGrath Family Farm
A fifth-generation organic farm just off the 101, McGrath offers strawberry picking (seasonally), a charming farm stand, and educational farm tours. Their regenerative practices and heirloom crops make this more than just a photo-op.
Underwood Family Farms – Somis
In addition to strawberries, Underwood’s Somis location features u-pick blueberries, blackberries, and citrus. You’ll also find farm animals, tractor rides, and seasonal events, making it a great stop for families and one of the best day trips from L.A.
Ojai: Citrus Groves, Avocados, and Lavender Fields
Tucked into a scenic valley backed by the Topatopa Mountains, Ojai is famous for its sweet Pixie tangerines, Mission olives, and artsy farm community. It’s also one of the best places in Southern California for farm-fresh citrus and lavender experiences.
Friend’s Ranch Packing House
Specializing in Ojai Pixie tangerines, this family farm has been operating since the 1870s. Seasonal tours and fruit sales are offered by reservation. Their citrus tasting experience is pure sunshine in edible form.
Ojai Lavender Farm
Open during the blooming season (typically June–July), this hillside farm offers walking paths through fragrant lavender rows, essential oil distillation demos, and a shop stocked with small-batch skincare and culinary products.
Leona Valley & Santa Clarita: Orchards, Lavender, and Country Roads
Just an hour from central L.A., the Leona Valley is a peaceful enclave of ranches and orchards best known for cherries, lavender, and laid-back charm. Nearby Santa Clarita Valley adds u-pick farms, local honey producers, and farm stands to the mix, offering year-round agritourism appeal.
Bloom Ranch of Acton
A true hidden gem, Bloom Ranch is a multi-generational family farm known for sweet cherries, peaches, apples, and fragrant lavender. Visit during the spring bloom or summer cherry season for u-pick experiences surrounded by rustic barn charm and desert hills. Homemade jams and honey are often available at the on-site farm stand.
Leona Valley Cherry Farms (Seasonal – June)
Leona Valley is famous for its u-pick cherry orchards, with several family-run farms opening to the public each June. The drive itself is scenic and peaceful. Visit early in the season for the best selection of Bing, Rainier, and sour cherries.
Gilchrist Farm
A working homestead offering farm tours, goat milking, soap-making classes, horseback riding, and seasonal events like the Pumpkin Patch and Spring Farm Festival. A wonderful destination for families and aspiring homesteaders.
More Agritourism Gems within 90 Minutes of L.A.
Carlsbad: The Flower Fields in Full Bloom
While most agritourism experiences focus on food and harvest, spring in Southern California brings a floral spectacle that’s just as breathtaking. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch turn 50 rolling acres into a riot of color each year—making this a must-visit day trip for anyone who appreciates nature’s artistry.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Open Seasonally: March through early May
Description: Located about 90 minutes south of Los Angeles, The Flower Fields are best known for their spectacular rows of vibrant ranunculus blooms, stretching as far as the eye can see. Visitors can stroll the fields, take tractor-pulled wagon rides, explore the sweet pea maze, and enjoy garden-themed activities and workshops. The on-site Armstrong Garden Center also offers plants and gifts to take a bit of the bloom home.
Why It’s Worth the Drive: Combine a visit here with a stop at a local coastal farm stand, or pair it with lunch in nearby Encinitas or Oceanside for a full sensory day trip. It’s a beautiful seasonal escape that captures Southern California’s agricultural charm in a field of petals.
Plan Your Day Trips from L.A.: When to Go and What to Bring
Timing is key for the best agritourism experiences:
- Strawberry Season: April through June
- Citrus Harvest: Winter to early spring (Ojai Pixies peak in March/April)
- Lavender Bloom: June through mid-July
- Farm Tours & Events: Spring through fall
What to bring: Sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, reusable bags or coolers for produce, and an appetite for discovery. Many farms are cash-friendly, and reservations are often required for tours.
A Taste of the Country, Minutes from the City
Just outside the hum of LA’s highways are fields, orchards, and farm stands inviting you to slow down and reconnect with where your food comes from. Whether you’re picking strawberries by the sea, walking among citrus blossoms in Ojai, or meeting farmers in the Valley, these day trips are as nourishing as they are memorable.
Beyond the Hollywood Sign, a different kind of star awaits: the growers of California.
This article was written by Alison Needham, @agirl_defloured, photos by James Collier of Paprika Studios.