As we enter the bountiful season of strawberries, there’s one delightful activity that stands out for food enthusiasts and families alike: strawberry picking. Where to pick strawberries in america.

This beloved tradition not only provides a ripe, sweet bounty but also offers the chance to connect with nature and come away with a deeper appreciation for the journey from farm to table. As you plan your seasonal escapades, it’s crucial to pinpoint prime locations that promise the freshest and most luscious strawberries. Below is a detailed guide to the best strawberry picking destinations across America, ensuring that your next berry-picking adventure is as rewarding as it is enjoyable.

Best Strawberry picking locations in America

Northeast region

Farm 1: Sunny fields

Located in the rolling hills of Vermont, Sunny Fields is welcoming and picturesque. The fields here are brimming with red ruby strawberries that are both juicy and exquisitely sweet. What sets this farm apart is its commitment to organic farming practices, which ensures a quality, healthy yield.

Farm 2: The Berry patch

This Delaware farm is renowned for its vast fields and an impressive array of strawberry varieties. Visitors can expect everything from classic red to lesser-known golden berries, perfect for an adventurous palate.

Farm 3: Harvest hill farm

Over in New York, Harvest Hill offers a homely atmosphere and a variety of family-friendly activities, making it an ideal spot for a day trip. With a plethora of pick-your-own berries, including ever-bearing and even alpine varieties, there’s a berry here for every dish you can dream up.

Southeast region

Farm 1: Sweet Strawberry farm

Tennesse’s Sweet Strawberry Farm is precisely what its name suggests—sweet and full of berries ripe for the picking. Here, you can wind your way through the fields and savour the serenity of the countryside while filling your baskets with nature’s candy.

Farm 2: Georgia’s best Berries

This farm in Georgia prides itself on sustainable farming methods and a scenic location. The strawberries here are robust and deeply-flavored, perfect for jams, pies, or simply fresh from the vine.

Farm 3: Strawberry fields of Carolina

In South Carolina, Strawberry Fields provides a classic picking experience. The strawberry fields seem to stretch on to infinity, with a clear view of mountains in the distance, and tasting tables where you can sample the day’s harvest.

Midwest region

Farm 1: Heartland Strawberry Farm

On the outskirts of Chicago, Heartland Strawberry Farm offers an accessible, countryside retreat. Their carefully cultivated, easy-to-pick rows make it an ideal spot for newcomers to strawberry picking.

Farm 2: Berry Acres

Wisconsin’s Berry Acres combines the satisfaction of a bountiful berry harvest with a slate of fun family activities. From a petting zoo to corn mazes, it’s the perfect destination for a full-day outing.

Farm 3: Iowa’s Berry Best Farm

A short drive from Des Moines, Berry Best Farm has been a beloved local spot for years. Here, the strawberries are tender and flavorful, and the prices are unbeatable. The farm also boasts a charming café offering freshly baked strawberry treats. Where to pick strawberries in america.

Southwest region

Farm 1: Texan Strawberries

Texas isn’t just for brisket enthusiasts—strawberry lovers will find a warm welcome and juicy berries at this Lone Star state farm. With plentiful picking and an educational farm tour, visitors can learn about everything from irrigation to sustainability practices.

Farm 2: Arizona Berry Chase

In the arid climate of Arizona, Berry Chase stands out for its innovative, eco-friendly approach to growing strawberries. They utilize the latest technologies to ensure top quality and consistent harvest throughout the season.

Farm 3: Oklahoma’s Red Acres

Oklahoma’s Red Acres offers the quintessential strawberry picking experience. With acres of luscious berries and the unique, fertile soil of the region, it’s a must-visit for those seeking the freshest and most flavorful strawberries.

West coast region

Farm 1: California Berry Haven

California is synonymous with sunshine and berries, and this farm lives up to the state’s reputation. With a focus on sustainable practices and a commitment to freshness, California Berry Haven provides an ideal spot for both seasoned pickers and newcomers.

Farm 2: Oregon’s Strawberry Skies

For a truly ethereal strawberry picking experience, head to Oregon’s Strawberry Skies. The farm offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and rows upon rows of crimson strawberries. Don’t forget to sample their famous strawberry shortcake for a truly decadent treat.

Farm 3: Washington’s Red Vine

High in the crisp Washington air, Red Vine farm grows some of the heartiest and reddest strawberries. Visitors can enjoy the cool climate that lends a unique flavor to the berries and take advantage of the extensive fields for their picking pleasure.

Tips for a successful Strawberry picking experience

Best time of the year to go Strawberry picking

The best time of year to go strawberry picking varies depending on your location, but generally spans from late spring to early summer. It’s essential to check with your local farm for the exact start and end dates of the picking season as the timetable can be influenced by weather conditions.

What to bring for strawberry picking

Come prepared with a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, as well as a few small containers to carry your bounty. It’s a good idea to bring your own shears or scissors for the cleanest cuts.

How to pick Strawberries properly

Gently grasp the stem just above the berry and pull with a twisting motion. Be sure to leave a little greenery on the berry—the ‘cap’—to help preserve it.

How to store Strawberries

Strawberries are best stored unwashed in the refrigerator, but be sure to wait until you’re ready to eat them to remove the stems and wash with cold water.

Best Clothes for Strawberry picking

Opt for comfortable, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect your skin from the sun and any prickly leaves. Where to pick strawberries in america.

Challenges of Strawberry picking

Be prepared for some bending and squatting, as the best berries are often hidden beneath the foliage. Weather can also play a factor, so check the forecast before you go.

READ MORE: How to pick strawberries- strawberry pickers or gardeners

Precautions to take during Strawberry picking

Stay well-hydrated, and be on the lookout for insects and other critters that may share the fields. Respect the farmer’s rules and don’t taste the berries until you’ve paid for them.

Benefits of Strawberry picking

Freshness and taste

The taste of a freshly picked strawberry is incomparable to store-bought. The warmth of the sun, the earthy scent of the field, and the juiciness of the berry all combine to create a sensory experience that’s truly unmatched.

Quality time with family and friends

Strawberry picking is a fantastic group activity, perfect for bonding and making memories. It’s also an excellent opportunity for children to learn about where their food comes from.

Supporting local Farmers

By visiting these farms, you’re supporting local agriculture and gaining a greater understanding and connection to the food that sustains us.

With this guide to the best strawberry picking locations in America in hand, you’re well on your way to a vibrant and fruitful venture. So don your sunhat, grab your baskets, and head out to the fields to experience the joy of strawberry picking first-hand. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time picker, the sweet rewards of your labor await.