Back to top
Home | U-Pick Apples at Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch in Sebastopol

U-Pick Apples at Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch in Sebastopol

Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch apple u-pick Sebastopol

It's apple season, and there's nothing quite like picking your own fruit right off the tree! Families who want to experience an authentic apple u-pick this fall should head to Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch, a sprawling apple farm west of Sebastopol in Sonoma County, the Bay Area's undisputed apple capital. It's a popular spot where you can pick apples and pears and even get some of the farm's fresh-pressed apple cider!

This family-owned farm has been in operation for nearly a century, and grows Gravensein, Golden Delicious, and Rome Beauty apples. Right now the Golden Delicious and Rome Beauty apples are in season; the former are great for snacking and the latter are a fantastic cooking apple.

Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch apple u-pick Sebastopol

Check in when you get to the farm and you'll be given a picking bag, an quick orientation of the farm and what it has to offer, and a pole-mounted fruit picker to help grab the high-up apples. Apples cost $2.50 per pound, so sling your bag over your shoulder, head out into the fields and get picking! Many of the branches are close to the ground so small children can pick the low hanging fruit. You can use your fruit picker to snag any especially delicious looking apples that might be higher up.

There are literally tons of apples growing here so you shouldn't have a problem picking as many as you need. We managed to pick close to 10 pounds without even really trying!

The fields at this sprawling farm seem to go on and on and on our visit there were plenty of other families enjoying the autumn sunshine and apple picking. You'll find picnic tables in various locations around the orchard so you can bring your lunch and relax in the shade while you take a break from picking apples.

Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch apple u-pick Sebastopol

When you're done, head back to the farmstand where the friendly staff will weigh your apples and check you out. You can also buy some of their delicious cold-pressed apple cider while you're paying for your apples. It's really delicious (and you can buy it at grocery stores like Whole Foods).

Everyone working here was super nice and helpful. It's really a fun outing that the whole family will enjoy. There are no frills here — it's just an honest, old-fashioned, fall farm experience that everyone will remember for a long time. Who knows — you might make it a fall family tradition!

For more information on u-pick at Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch, visit appleadayranch.com or call (707) 825-0538.

Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch apple u-pick Sebastopol

If You Go

Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch is located just east of Sebastopol at 13128 Occidental Road. U-pick season takes place in September and October, and they're open Sunday–Wednesday and Fridays from 9 am to 4 pm; the farm is closed on Thursdays and Saturdays. No reservations are required. To get there, take Highway 101 to the West 116/Sebastopol exit (exit 481B). Head west on Highway 116 and follow it through and past downtown Sebastopol. Keep going north on 116 until you get to Occidental Road and turn right. Follow Occidental Road west for approximately 5 miles. Turn right when you see the sign for Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch.

Apples cost $2.50 per pound and cider, bottled water, and food like apple bread, popcorn, cookies are available for purchase at the farm stand. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted. Restroom facilities are available and there's a big sink at the farmstand where you can wash your hands and your apples and fill water bottles.

This is a real farm and it's dusty so make sure you and your family wear sturdy shoes and something you don't mind getting a bit dirty. Sunscreen and hats are probably good ideas, too.

Keep in mind that u-pick season is dependent on the weather and the trees and it may start and end at different times every year. Check their website or call them at (707) 825-0538 to make sure they're open before you head out.