A Beginner’s Guide to Apple Hill: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Visit

If you’ve never been to Apple Hill before, fall is the perfect time to go — but there are a few things you’ll want to know before you head up the hill!

Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills around Placerville and Camino, California, Apple Hill is one of our favorite fall traditions in Northern California. And despite the name, Apple Hill isn’t just one place. It’s an entire area made up of more than 50 local family farms, orchards, bake shops, wineries, pumpkin patches and other growers.

Apple Hill is about an hour east of Sacramento along Highway 50, making it an easy day trip for families throughout the Sacramento region.

The official Apple Hill fall season kicks off around Labor Day weekend, although some of the larger farms begin opening in August. From September through November, you’ll find everything from apple picking and fresh cider to warm apple donuts, pumpkin patches, hayrides, kids activities and plenty of fall treats.

If this is your first visit, here’s how to do Apple Hill with kids!

When Does Apple Hill Open?

Apple Hill isn’t one single attraction with one opening date. Each farm sets its own schedule.

For 2026, several popular farms began opening in August, with more seasonal farms opening around Labor Day weekend, September 5–7.

September is a great time to visit if you want to kick off fall early. October is beautiful and brings even more fall activities and pumpkins — but it’s also typically one of the busiest times of the season.

NorCal with Kids Tip: Always check each farm’s current hours before making the drive. Hours, activities and U-pick availability can change throughout the season.

First Things First: You Don’t Have to Visit Every Farm

One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is trying to see everything in one day.

You can’t!

Apple Hill is spread out across Placerville, Camino and the surrounding foothills, and each farm has its own personality. Some are huge destinations where you can spend several hours, while others are perfect for a quick stop for pie, cider or apples.

For your first trip, I recommend choosing 3–4 farms you really want to visit and leaving some extra time to explore.

Some of Our Favorite Apple Hill Stops for Families

Apple Ridge Farms

Apple Ridge is one of my favorite recommendations for families because there’s much more than apples here. Kids can explore the maze and nature trail, try gem mining and visit the pond. There’s also a bakery, BBQ, country store, seasonal flowers and U-pick.

Apple Ridge’s 2026 season runs from August 28 through November 29.

Best for: Families who want activities + food all in one stop.

High Hill Ranch

If you want the BIG Apple Hill experience, High Hill is probably what you’re picturing.

This is one of the largest and most popular stops in Apple Hill, with apple treats, a bakery, BBQ, a huge seasonal craft fair and plenty to explore. During the season you’ll also find family activities that can include pony rides, hayrides and fishing.

The craft fair and kids activities officially open for the 2026 season on September 5.

Best for: First-time visitors who want the classic Apple Hill experience.

Know before you go: This is also one of the busiest Apple Hill destinations. Arrive early on fall weekends!

Boa Vista Orchards

Boa Vista is an easy stop to add to almost any Apple Hill trip — and unlike many seasonal farms, it’s open year-round.

You’ll find a large farm market, fresh produce, cider, baked goods, apple donuts, pies and plenty of seasonal treats. It’s a great place to stop if you want to grab goodies to bring home.

Best for: Apple treats, shopping and an easy first or last stop of the day.

Rainbow Orchards

Rainbow Orchards is another classic Apple Hill stop and one we love adding to our fall trips.

Come hungry! Apple cider donuts are one of the biggest reasons people stop here, and it has that classic orchard atmosphere that makes a trip to Apple Hill feel like fall.

Best for: A classic Apple Hill food stop and those famous cider donuts.

Grandpa’s Cellar

Grandpa’s Cellar is a fun smaller stop to mix in between some of the larger farms. It’s especially known for its baked goods and fun seasonal drinks.

If you’re trying to experience several different sides of Apple Hill instead of spending your entire day at the biggest farms, add this one to your route.

Best for: Treats, drinks and a smaller Apple Hill stop.

Hidden Star Camino

Hidden Star is a fun option when you have kids with you because it combines something for the adults with plenty of space for families.

You’ll find hard cider, a bakery, outdoor seating and a large kids play area, making this an easy place to slow down and hang out instead of just grabbing food and leaving.

Best for: Families who want a relaxed stop where the kids can play.

Delfino Farms

Delfino Farms is absolutely beautiful and worth adding to your Apple Hill list. It’s home to Joan’s Apple Bakery, where you can try their signature Walkin’ Pie, plus Edio Vineyards and hard cider.

There’s plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the foothill scenery, so this is one of those stops where you may want to stay awhile.

Best for: Beautiful views, baked goods and a more relaxed afternoon stop.

Pine-O-Mine Ranch

Pine-O-Mine has a different vibe from some of the more traditional Apple Hill farms. Depending on the season, you can find U-pick fruit, food, cider, drinks, live music and plenty of outdoor space.

It can be a fun stop toward the end of your Apple Hill day when you’re ready to sit down and hang out.

Best for: U-pick + a casual, laid-back atmosphere.

Can You Pick Your Own Apples at Apple Hill?

Yes — but not every Apple Hill farm offers U-pick apples.

This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about visiting Apple Hill. Some farms grow and sell apples but don’t allow visitors to pick directly from the trees.

If apple picking is a must for your family, look specifically for farms offering U-pick and check availability before you go. What’s available can change quickly depending on the harvest and how busy the farm has been.

What Should You Eat at Apple Hill?

Come hungry.

Part of the fun of Apple Hill is trying something different at every stop. You’ll find apple cider donuts, pies, fritters, caramel apples, fresh cider, apple dumplings, BBQ and plenty of other seasonal treats.

Instead of eating everything at one farm, we like to pick a few things to try throughout the day.

And definitely bring something home for later!

When Is the Best Time to Visit Apple Hill?

If you want fewer crowds, visit earlier in the season or go on a weekday.

September gives you the start of the fall atmosphere while generally avoiding some of the huge October crowds.

If you’re looking for pumpkins and peak fall vibes, October is hard to beat — just expect more traffic and people, especially on weekends.

For weekend visits, go early. Arriving when your first farm opens can make a huge difference.

Tips for Visiting Apple Hill With Kids

A little planning goes a long way, especially during peak fall weekends.

Pick 3–4 priority farms instead of trying to see everything.

Start early to beat some of the crowds and traffic.

Bring a stroller or wagon for younger kids, especially at larger farms.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Keep layers in the car. Foothill weather can change throughout the day.

Check U-pick availability before you leave home.

Check individual farm hours — they are not all the same.

Expect limited cell service in some areas.

Save room in your car for apples, cider and baked goods!

Download or screenshot a map before you go.

How Much Does Apple Hill Cost?

One of the reasons we love Apple Hill is that you can customize your day around your budget.

There isn’t one general admission ticket to “Apple Hill.” You drive between independently operated farms and choose where you’d like to stop.

Many farms are free to enter, and then you pay for the food, produce, shopping or activities you choose. Certain attractions and special events may have additional fees.

That means you can keep your day relatively inexpensive — or very easily come home with a car full of apple pie, cider and donuts. We usually fall into the second category!

Planning Your First Apple Hill Day

If this is your first time, don’t overthink it.

Choose one of the larger family farms as your main destination, add two or three smaller stops for treats or activities, and give yourself time to enjoy the drive and explore.

Apple Hill isn’t about checking every farm off a list. Half the fun is finding a new favorite that becomes part of your family’s fall tradition.

The Apple Hill Growers Association has an official map and current directory of farms, activities and opening dates, which I highly recommend checking before your visit.

And make sure you’re following NorCal with Kids — we’ll be sharing more of our favorite Apple Hill farms, fall activities and family-friendly things to do throughout the season.

Looking for more things to do with kids around Northern California? Visit NorCalwithKids.com for family adventures, weekend events, hidden gems and budget-friendly things to do around Sacramento and beyond.