Eric's Valencia Orchard
Contact & location
Valley Center, CA 92082
Where Eric's Valencia Orchard is located
Eric's Valencia Orchard sits in Valley Center, California, one of the classic apple-growing pockets of California. The farm's street address is Cole Grade Road & Tyler Road, Valley Center, CA 92082, Valley Center, CA 92082.
Most visitors reach Eric's Valencia Orchard by car; the drive winds past rolling farmland that's especially pretty during peak fall color. From the nearest highway exit, follow signs toward Valley Center and continue on local county roads to Cole Grade Road & Tyler Road, Valley Center, CA 92082. GPS is reliable to the farm entrance, and there is on-site parking once you arrive.
Landmarks in the area include downtown Valley Center, nearby farm stands, and small-town diners that make a great pre or post-picking stop. Cell service can get spotty on back roads, so it's smart to download the map to your phone before you leave the highway.
Looking for the best apple picking near Valley Center, California? Eric's Valencia Orchard is a working apple orchard located in Valley Center, California, welcoming families, couples, and photographers each fall for a classic American harvest experience.
Eric's Valencia Orchard sits inside one of California's most beloved apple-growing regions. Between the smell of fresh cider, warm apple donuts, and rows of Honeycrisp and McIntosh trees heavy with fruit, it's the kind of place that turns a simple Saturday into a memory your kids will still talk about years later.
Pick-Your-Own Apples at Eric's Valencia Orchard
Pick-your-own apples at Eric's Valencia Orchard is exactly what it sounds like, you walk the orchard, pick apples directly off the tree, and pay by the bag or pound when you're done. Staff will point you toward the rows that are ripe that week, hand you a picking bag or bucket, and give you a quick tip on how to twist (not pull) the apple.
On-Farm Activities
Best Time to Visit
Apple season at Eric's Valencia Orchard runs from late August through late October, like most orchards in California. The sweet spot for a first-time visit is the last two weeks of September through the first two weeks of October.
Weekends between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. are the friendliest time to arrive. Weekdays are the most peaceful, a Tuesday or Wednesday morning may have entire rows to yourself.
What to Bring
- • Cash (backup for the farm stand)
- • Closed-toe walking shoes
- • A light jacket or flannel
- • Sunscreen and a hat
- • Water bottles for the walk
- • Reusable bags for the ride home
- • A camera or phone charged for photos
- • Small bills for cider and donuts
Where Eric's Valencia Orchard is located
Eric's Valencia Orchard sits in Valley Center, California, one of the classic apple-growing pockets of California. The farm's street address is Cole Grade Road & Tyler Road, Valley Center, CA 92082, Valley Center, CA 92082.
Most visitors reach Eric's Valencia Orchard by car; the drive winds past rolling farmland that's especially pretty during peak fall color. From the nearest highway exit, follow signs toward Valley Center and continue on local county roads to Cole Grade Road & Tyler Road, Valley Center, CA 92082. GPS is reliable to the farm entrance, and there is on-site parking once you arrive.
Landmarks in the area include downtown Valley Center, nearby farm stands, and small-town diners that make a great pre or post-picking stop. Cell service can get spotty on back roads, so it's smart to download the map to your phone before you leave the highway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Eric's Valencia Orchard offer pick-your-own apples?+
Yes, Eric's Valencia Orchard offers pick-your-own apples during the harvest season. Guests walk the rows, pick apples straight from the tree, and pay by the bag, bucket, or pound at the farm stand.
When is apple picking season at Eric's Valencia Orchard?+
Apple season at most U.S. orchards runs from late August through late October. Call ahead or check Eric's Valencia Orchard's website before your visit to confirm which varieties are ripe.
What are Eric's Valencia Orchard's hours?+
Hours at Eric's Valencia Orchard vary by season. We recommend calling ahead at 949-903-9305 or checking their website the morning of your visit.
How much does apple picking cost at Eric's Valencia Orchard?+
Pick-your-own apple prices in the U.S. typically run $1.50–$3.00 per pound, or $20–$40 for a half-bushel bag. Eric's Valencia Orchard sets prices at the entrance each season based on the current crop.
What apple varieties can I pick at Eric's Valencia Orchard?+
Eric's Valencia Orchard grows several classic apple varieties. Popular picks include Honeycrisp for eating, Cortland for baking, and Granny Smith for pies and cider.
Is Eric's Valencia Orchard good for kids and families?+
Absolutely, Eric's Valencia Orchard welcomes families and offers pick-your-own.
Can I bring my dog to Eric's Valencia Orchard?+
Most working orchards ask that pets stay home for food-safety reasons. Call Eric's Valencia Orchard to confirm their current pet policy before bringing your dog.
Is there parking at Eric's Valencia Orchard?+
Eric's Valencia Orchard has on-site parking that's free for guests. Fall weekends are the busiest, mornings are the calmest time to visit.
What should I bring to Eric's Valencia Orchard?+
Bring cash, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Eric's Valencia Orchard usually provides picking bags or buckets.
Data source: USDA Local Food Portal · Confidence: High
Visitor reviews
Be the first to review Eric's Valencia Orchard.
More apple orchards in California
See all →
Beaumont, CA
B&R Organic Cherry Orchard
Camino, CA
Apple Hill Growers Association
Julian, CA
Apple Starr Orchard
Placerville, CA
Abel's Apple Acres
Aptos, CA
Silva's Apple Barn
Solvang, CA
Ballard Apple Farm and Seein' Spots Miniature Donkeys
Plan the rest of your apple day
What's ripening these days →
See which varieties are ready to pick right now across California.
Apple varieties guide →
Compare 50+ apples by taste, texture, and best use before you visit.
Recipes for your haul →
Pies, crisps, cider, butter, and more, tested with fresh-picked apples.
U-Pick day checklist →
What to bring, what to ask, and how to pick apples that store well.
More orchards near you →
Find the closest U-Pick farms sorted by distance from your location.
Read the orchard blog →
Seasonal guides, apple news, and tips from growers across the US.