Los Angeles may be known for its sprawling cityscape, but amidst the concrete and high-rises, a green revolution is thriving. L.A. farms are transforming rooftops, vacant lots, and community spaces into vibrant agricultural hubs, bringing fresh produce and sustainability to the heart of the city. From hydroponic rooftop farms to community gardens and interactive urban farms, Los Angeles offers a variety of places where residents and visitors can experience agriculture without leaving the city.
L.A. farms play a critical role in improving food security, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering community connections. Many of these spaces are open to visitors, offering farm tours, educational programs, and hands-on experiences where people can learn about growing food in an urban setting. Whether you are looking to explore innovative hydroponic systems, volunteer in a community garden, or simply buy fresh, locally grown produce, here is your guide to the best L.A. farms to visit.
Community Gardens and Educational L.A. Farms
ALMA Backyard Farms
ALMA is an organization founded in 2013 to help formerly incarcerated people with job training. They also offer various educational workshops and a summer camp program for kids so they can learn about farming and gardening. There are also volunteer days offered once a month for adults.
GrowGood Inc.
GrowGood is a nonprofit organization that operates urban agriculture projects to address food insecurity and provide job training. Volunteers can participate in farming activities, composting, and educational programs aimed at promoting wellness and healthy green spaces at their Bell or LA locations.
Our Farm at The Los Angeles Mission
A vertical aeroponic rooftop farm in the heart of Skid Row, designed to provide fresh produce and nutrition to the local community. The farm features 46 aeroponic towers growing over 4,200 plants and serves as a model for sustainable food production in urban areas. Volunteers can assist with a variety of activities.
Garden School Foundation
A nonprofit organization that integrates garden-based learning into school curricula, helping students connect with nature and nutrition. Their flagship site at 24th Street Elementary School features an edible garden and hands-on environmental education programs.
The Ron Finley Project
Founded by the “Gangsta Gardener” Ron Finley, this initiative has transformed neglected urban spaces into thriving gardens. It serves as a model for urban food sovereignty, offering workshops and education on growing fresh produce in small spaces.
Lopez Urban Farm
A community farm focusing on sustainability, wellness, and food justice, offering weekly open harvests, workshops, and a night market.
Cottonwood Urban Farm
This volunteer-driven farm focuses on sustainable urban agriculture, offering hands-on learning experiences and fresh produce for the community.
Farm Lot 59
An urban farm offering seasonal produce, fresh flowers, and community events, with a farmstand located at Crafted in San Pedro.
L.A. Farms Open for Public Visits, Volunteering or U-Pick Experiences
Thorn Family Farm
Thorne Family Farm is a family-run farm in Malibu, California, cultivating the land for over 50 years. Known for its fresh, local produce—including strawberries, blueberries, and lettuce—the farm offers a community-focused experience through its Saturday farm stand.
Tapia Brothers Farm
A family-owned and operated farm stand offering fresh produce, pumpkins, and Christmas trees. Tapia Brothers Farm is known for its seasonal events, including a pumpkin patch and corn maze, making it a popular destination for family outings.
Orcutt Ranch Horticulture Center
A historic ranch with fruit orchards, gardens, and open space for visitors to explore. Hosts seasonal fruit-picking events.
L.A. Farms and U-Pick Just Outside the City
Bloom Ranch of Acton
Bloom Ranch in Acton, California, is Los Angeles County’s largest Black-owned farm, spanning 250 acres of orchards, gardens, and historic homestead structures. Under the stewardship of Dr. Bill Releford, the ranch blends sustainable agriculture with community wellness, offering produce boxes, seasonal events and u-pick, and educational experiences rooted in health and heritage.
Debellis Ranch
A family-operated floral farm offering visitors the chance to pick their own flowers and create custom bouquets.
Villa del Sol Sweet Cherry Farms
Villa del Sol offers a U-pick experience for sweet cherries in the scenic Leona Valley. The farm provides a family-friendly environment where visitors can enjoy harvesting their own cherries during the peak season.
Rolling Thunder Cherry Ranch
A U-pick cherry orchard nestled in Leona Valley, Rolling Thunder Cherry Ranch invites visitors to pick their own cherries during the harvest season. The farm emphasizes a fun, family-oriented atmosphere.
Copeland’s Cherry Ranch
A certified organic cherry orchard, Copeland’s Cherry Ranch is undergoing replanting and business restructuring due to climate conditions. They plan to reopen in the future with an improved orchard experience.
L.A. Farms Bring Agriculture to the City (and Beyond)
The urban farming movement in Los Angeles is proving that fresh, local food can thrive in the heart of a metropolis. These L.A. farms, rooftop gardens, and community gardens not only provide nutritious produce but also serve as centers for education, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Whether you are visiting a rooftop hydroponic farm, volunteering at a community garden, or picking fresh produce at an urban farm, Los Angeles offers plenty of opportunities to experience agriculture.
This article was written by Alison Needham, @agirl_defloured, photos by James Collier and Alison Needham.