Apple Hill with Kids: A Fun Fall Family Road Trip from Marin

For a fun fall getaway with the kids, why not pay a visit to Apple Hill? Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills just east of Placerville, Apple Hill,  is one of our favorite family-friendly fall destinations in Northern California. With more than 50 local farms and businesses to visit, this charming area offers everything from apple picking and pumpkin patches to tractor rides, friendly farm animals, and delicious homemade apple treats.

Apple Hill makes a wonderful day trip or weekend getaway from Marin County and the Bay Area. Whether you're picking apples straight from the tree, savoring a warm apple cider donut, or looking for that perfect gourd in a pumpkin patch, there's something for the whole family to enjoy.

What Is Apple Hill?

Located along Highway 50 in rural  El Dorado County just east of Placerville, Apple Hill is a consortium of small family-owned farms, orchards, bakeries, wineries, and other businesses. While many Apple Hill destinations are open year round, fall is an especially popular time to visit, when the apples are ripe and farms offer seasonal activities for families. Kids can pick apples, meet farm animals, go on a hayride, explore nature trails, and visit pumpkin patches, while parents can browse farm stands and enjoy fresh apple cider, homemade pies, local wine, and other treats. If you haven't visited Apple Hill yet, it's definitely a must-visit fall destination to add to your fall itinerary!

Our Favorite Places to Visit with Kids in Apple Hill

There are so many wonderful farms and other destinations to explore in Apple Hill — over 50 in all (which you can see here) — and here are our five favorite must-visit stops for a family fall adventure. We recommend spending at least two days in the area so you have plenty of time to explore the farms, activities, and enjoy delicious apple treats without feeling rushed. It's perfect for a weekend getaway!

High Hill Ranch

One of Apple Hill's most popular destinations, High Hill Ranch offers plenty of fun for families. Enjoy fresh apple donuts, homemade pies, and apple fritters, then explore the farm's seasonal attractions, including tractor-pulled hayrides, pony rides, fishing, and a pumpkin patch. There's also a large arts and crafts fair where you can browse handmade gifts.

Address: 2901 High Hill Road, Placerville, CA 95667
Website: highhillranch.com

Pine-O-Mine Ranch

Pine-O-Mine Ranch is another favorite for families, especially during apple-picking season. Kids can pick apples right from the trees when available, visit the seasonal petting zoo, explore the pumpkin patch, and enjoy tractor rides. The farm also has outdoor seating, plenty of space for kids to play, and delicious seasonal treats.

Address: 2640 Carson Road, Placerville, CA 95667
Website: pineomine.com

Apple Ridge Farms

Apple Ridge Farms is a fun stop for families with younger children. Explore the Apple Barn, wander along the nature trail, and enjoy activities like the kids' maze, gemstone panning, and seasonal face painting. Don't forget to stop by the bakery for apple pastries, cider, and other homemade treats.

Address: 1800 Larsen Drive, Camino, CA 95709
Website: appleridgefarms.com

Grandpa's Cellar

For delicious apple treats and a relaxing place to take a break, Grandpa's Cellar is worth a stop. This charming farm is known for its homemade pies, apple dumplings, and other baked goods. Enjoy a coffee flight, grab a treat, and relax in the picnic area under 100-year-old apple trees before heading to your next Apple Hill destination.

Address: 2360 Cable Road, Camino, CA 95709
Website: www.grandpacellar.com

Boa Vista Orchards

Boa Vista Orchards is a great place to stock up on fresh apples, produce, cider, baked goods and other Apple Hill treats. Browse the farm market, pick up a homemade apple pie, and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere. Unlike many Apple Hill farms, Boa Vista is open year-round.

Address: 2952 Carson Road, Placerville, CA 95667
Website: boavista.com

Favorite Things to Do at Apple Hill

There's much more to Apple Hill than picking apples. Depending on the farm and time of year, families can enjoy:

• Apple picking straight from the orchard
• Pumpkin patches and fall photo opportunities
• Tractor rides and hayrides
• Petting zoos and farm animals
• Pony rides and outdoor games
• Nature trails, mazes, and gemstone panning
• Freshly-pressed apple cider, apple cider donuts, apple fritters, and homemade apple pies
• Farm markets, craft fairs, and seasonal shopping
• Locally made wine, coffee, hard cider, and craft beer for the grownups

Activities vary by location and season, so check with individual farms before visiting.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Apple Hill?

September, October, and November are especially popular months to visit Apple Hill, when apple picking, pumpkin patches, and fall activities are in full swing. We visited Apple Hill in late August, and it was a great time to explore the farms before the big fall crowds arrive. October is especially popular, so if you're looking for a more relaxed experience with the family, we highly recommend visiting in September.

Many farms begin opening in August and remain open into November or December. Some, like Boa Vista Orchards and Delfino Farms, welcome visitors year-round.

Weekends in October can be especially busy, so consider visiting on a weekday or arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds and traffic.

Planning a Day Trip or Weekend Getaway from Marin

Apple Hill is about a two-hour drive from Marin County, depending on traffic, making it possible to visit in a day, although weekend traffic on I-80 and Highway 50 through the Sacramento area can add time to your drive. Additionally, traffic in the area can get really busty during peak fall times, so be prepared for delays as you leave Placerville.

We highly recommend making a visit to Apple Hill an overnight or weekend getaway so there's more time to explore the farms without rushing.

Where We Stayed: Holiday Inn Express & Suites in El Dorado Hills, about 20 minutes west of Apple Hill. The hotel was super clean, comfortable, and included a full continental breakfast in the morning, which was perfect before heading out to explore the farms. It's a great option for families planning an overnight stay or weekend getaway. We highly recommend it!

Tips for Visiting Apple Hill with Kids

• Plan ahead: With so many farms to choose from, Apple Hill can feel a little overwhelming! I recommend researching the farms before you go and choosing a few favorites. You can download and print a map from Apple Hill's official website to help plan your stops. Most farms are close to one another, making it easy to visit several in one day.
• Start early: Popular farms and parking areas can get crowded on fall weekends, so arrive early to make the most of your day.
• Check before you go: Farm hours, activities, and apple-picking availability vary by season. U-pick apples can sell out before the season ends.
• Bring layers: Fall mornings can be chilly, even when afternoons are warm.
• Save room for treats: Apple cider donuts, fritters, pies, and fresh cider are part of the fun!

Looking for More Fall Family Fun?

Discover more pumpkin patches, apple picking, fall festivals, and seasonal activities in our Marin Mommies Fall Family Fun Guide for Marin County and the Bay Area!