Nothing defines California’s summer quite like the smell of freshly picked cherries. Brentwood, located in the easternmost region of Contra Costa County, is home to a beautiful sea of cherry orchards. Visitors have the opportunity to experience the seasonal ritual of cherry picking and indulge in delicious, sun-ripened fruits directly from the trees. If you live in or near Brentwood or plan to travel there, you can’t miss this opportunity. So, let’s plan your cherry-picking adventure with our ultimate guide on where to go, what to bring, and what to expect.
Where to Go
Brentwood is the hub of cherry orchards, and you can find various U-Pick farms at different locations. All these places allow you to take advantage of cherries directly from trees with the scenery of lush green orchards to make this experience pleasant. Ensure you have read or called the farm beforehand to understand which type of cherries the farm has before you visit, this is important for you to plan your trip accordingly.
What to Bring
As your cherry-picking trip would be a few hours long, make sure you keep the following things handy to make your less hectic:
– Water bottle
– Sunscreen and hat to protect your head and skin as cherry orchards usually expose you directly to sun rays.
– Comfortable and supportive footwear as the orchards while providing a beautiful scenic view could be rocky and uneven
– A basket or carrier box to take your cherries with you
– Lastly but not least, don’t forget your sunniest smile for an Instagram-worthy picture to remember this memorable experience by.
What to Expect
Cherry picking should be a fun activity that also involves some physical activity, so prepare to get a little bit of a workout while exploring the orchards. During the peak season in May, June, and July, the orchards can get busy with visitors, so expect some lines, especially on weekends. But with little patience, the trip is worth it as you will get sun-ripened cherries that you get to enjoy immediately. Also, cherries ripen very fast once they are separated from the trees so to maximize your cherry freshness, get to pick at the farm as early as possible in the day.
In summary, U-Pick cherry picking in Brentwood is a memorable experience that everyone should try at least once. The combination of gorgeous nature, fresh air, and ripe cherries makes this activity perfect for families or solo individuals. Remember to pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, and a basket or carrier box. Be sure to plan your trip well ahead of time, read or call the cherry orchard to understand what type of cherries they have, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the magical moments. Happy cherry picking!
Visit these places
Nunn Better Farms
2777 Sellers Ave Brentwood, CA 94513
Marsh Creek Cherries
1751 Orchard Ln Brentwood, CA 94513
G&S Farms U-Picks
2490 Sellers Ave Brentwood, CA 94513
Mike’s U-pick Cherries
611 Payne Ave Brentwood, CA 94513
Chavez U-Pick Cherries
23800 Marsh Creek Rd Brentwood, CA 94513