(updated February 2026)
Nothing beats the sweet taste of strawberries in the California sunshine. Spend the day gathering u-pick strawberries at this seasonal attraction in the Carlsbad strawberry fields.
Everyone will delight in searching for ripe berries at Carlsbad, California strawberry fields. At the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, you can pick fruit, stroll through the sunflower maze, take tractor rides, and visit the petting zoo.
As a Carlsbad local for over 20 years, our family has enjoyed an annual visit for u-pick strawberries. No matter your age, everyone can enjoy a day outdoors picking a basket of fresh produce. Before you plan your day in one of San Diego’s best fruit farms, read these helpful tips.
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What Is the Carlsbad Strawberry Company?
Did you know that California farms produce an astounding one billion pounds of strawberries each year?! One of those farms near San Diego is The Carlsbad Strawberry Company. Their farm has been family owned and operated for the last forty years. With 40 acres of open space and 25 acres of farmland, they have been growing strawberries since the 1950’s. In addition, the company supports the community by donating produce to local families in need.
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Strawberry Picking In California
Picking strawberries in California is a seasonal activity, so don’t miss out! According to the California Strawberry Advisory Board, California strawberries are available January through November with the peak quality and supply from March to May.
When Can You Pick Strawberries in Carlsbad?
Berry picking season at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company farm is open February through June. Depending on conditions, the fields open as early as January and go through July. Berries are generally the ripest in April. Check the website for details.
Make sure to come back and visit during the fall for fun at the Carlsbad pumpkin patch.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company Hours of Operation:
- Strawberry fields open March 2024
- Daily 9:00 am-6:00 pm
- Last admission is 5:30 pm
Seeking Stamps Tip: The fields close during rainy weather! When in doubt, call (760) 603-9608.
Where Are U-Pick Strawberries in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad Strawberry fields are located next to the 5 freeway off of Cannon Road. They are close to the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, beaches, restaurants and Legoland. Strawberry picking in Carlsbad is a family-friendly activity you can add to your itinerary.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company Address:
1050 Cannon Road Carlsbad, CA 92008
Seeking Stamps Tip: Keep in mind the dirt parking lot is very dusty, so don’t bother to wash your car before you visit.
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How Much Does It Cost To Visit the Carlsbad Strawberry Company?
Visiting the strawberry patch is a budget-friendly activity in Carlsbad. A family can share one container while kids help fill the strawberry basket!
Carlsbad Strawberry Company Prices:
- General admission is $5 per person.
- Children under age 5 are free.
- To enter the you-pick strawberry farm it is an ADDITIONAL $10 per person. PLUS, it’s $15 for the person with the 2 pound strawberry bucket.
- Tractor rides are $10. Kids under 5 are free.
- Petting zoo admission is $5 (children under age 5 require adult supervision).
- Bounceland is $30/hour.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Tickets are walk-in only. Cash, Apple Pay and credit cards are accepted.
Steps For Picking Strawberries at the Carlsbad Strawberry Fields
- Visit the Carlsbad Strawberry Company and park for free in the lot off of Cannon Road in Carlsbad.
- Walk to the front ticket booth and pay for your general admission.
- Next, walk to the BACK side of the trailer to pay for u-pick strawberries and get your bucket.
- Then, go to the u-pick strawberry entrance.
- Enjoy picking Carlsbad strawberries anywhere in the strawberry fields!
Rules for U-Pick Carlsbad Strawberries
- Pay before you pick berries.
- Take care to not step on strawberry plants.
- Pets are not allowed near the strawberries.
- Large purses and backpacks are not allowed.
- Do not overfill your strawberry bucket.
Tips For Picking Carlsbad Strawberries
While picking fruit, look for bright red berries with green caps. They should be free of soft spots, mold and insects. Cut berries close to the base and do not leave a long stem on them. It is important to note, California strawberries are fully ripe at the time they are picked and do not continue to ripen after harvesting.
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What To Wear For Strawberry Picking in San Diego
There is little shade on the farm, so wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Wear sturdy closed toed shoes for uneven surfaces and to avoid dusty and muddy feet. Remember, large purses and bags are not allowed.
Best Time to Visit The Strawberry Farm in Carlsbad
If you want to avoid crowds, visit the strawberry fields midweek. Weekends are more crowded, but the environment is also more lively.
Fun Activities Offered At the Carlsbad Strawberry Company
In addition to picking fruit, there are numerous activities to keep you busy. Keep reading to learn all about them.
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Hide in the Carlsbad Sunflower Maze:
Stroll through rows of bright blooms in the sunflower maze. When we visited the stalks weren’t tall enough to hide, but kids will love running through the flowers. The sunflower maze is free with admission.
Visit the Petting Zoo:
Next, explore the petting zoo. Kids will love petting sheep, rabbits and goats in separate enclosures. Children under age 5 must be with an adult. Obviously, no hitting animals or running is allowed inside the petting zoo. Please do not bring outside food or drinks to protect the animals.
- Petting zoo admission is an additional $5
- Children under age 5 require adult supervision
Take a Tractor Ride Around the Farm:
Kids and adults alike will enjoy bouncing around the farm on a tractor!
- Tractor rides are an additional $10. Kids under 5 are free.
Visit Fragrant Lavender Fields:
Unfortunately, the lavender fields were not open when we visited in early May. Let me know in the comments what you thought of them! The lavender fields are free with admission.
Jump in Bounce Land at the Carlsbad Strawberry Field:
If your kiddos still have energy, then visit Bounce Land at the strawberry fields. Kids will have a ball in the various bouncy-houses. There are chairs nearby, so parents have a chance to rest their feet while the children play.
Bounceland Pricing:
- $20 for 30 minutes
- $30 per hour
- $40 for 2 hours
- $50 all day
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Buy From the Carlsbad Strawberry Company Fruit Stands
If you aren’t up for picking strawberries, you can drive over and buy fruit from the stand. Strawberries are fresh daily!
Strawberry prices:
- Basket $7
- 3 pack $18
- Half flat $34
- Flat $60
Carlsbad Strawberry Company Fruit Stand Locations:
- Cannon Road at the strawberry fields- 9:00-6:00 (or until sold out)
- Del Mar at the southwest corner of San Dieguito Road and Old El Camino Real- 9:00-5:00 (or until sold out)
- Near the Flower Fields at Palomar Airport Road and Paseo del Norte 9:00-5:00 (or until sold out)
Additional Visitor Tips For Carlsbad Strawberry Fields
Before you go fruit picking in Carlsbad, please note:
- The strawberry fields are next to the freeway, so there is some noise from traffic.
- Overhead power lines can obstruct some of your photos.
- If you go midweek to avoid the crowds, the location might feel a bit empty and some vendors may be closed.
- When we visited, the sunflowers were not at full height. So, the “maze” is rows of flowers right now. You can see over them quite easily.
Food and Drinks For Purchase While Strawberry Picking
If you want something to eat, you can buy food and drinks from vendors. Items such as delicious coffee pizza, Mexican food, kettle corn, ice cream and more are available. There is shade and a large seating area with tables and chairs for relaxation and dining. Check the event calendar to see whether vendors vary by date.
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Carlsbad Strawberry Picking: FAQs
1. When Can You Pick Strawberries in San Diego?
Strawberry picking season in San Diego depends on many factors such as temperature and precipitation. These factors fluctuate yearly, altering fruit season and peak ripeness. Generally, strawberry season in San Diego is between January and June, with its peak in the late spring to early summer.
2. Are the Carlsbad Strawberry Fields Open?
The Carlsbad Strawberry fields are open during the months of February to June. Depending on weather, they may open in late January and remain open until July. Strawberries u-pick in Carlsbad are open daily from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. during strawberry season.
3. How Long Does It Take to Pick Strawberries in Carlsbad?
When picking strawberries in Carlsbad, you can determine your own time frame. You can fill up your container within minutes, or stroll through the rows of strawberries for hours. Plan for 30 minutes to one hour as an estimate for fruit picking.
4. Are the Carlsbad Strawberry Fields Kid-Friendly?
The Carlsbad strawberry fields are a kid-friendly activity in Carlsbad. U-pick strawberries, the sunflower maze, tractor rides, bounce houses, and petting zoos are sure to delight young children.
5. Why Is Carlsbad Strawberry Picking a Good Family Activity?
Carlsbad strawberry picking is family-friendly. Kids get exercise and sunshine while they run around the fruit plants. Not only do strawberries have health benefits, but when children engage in harvesting, they are more likely to eat fruit as a snack.
6. What Is the Suggested Age for Picking Strawberries in Carlsbad?
Children of any age can pick fruit at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company. A recommended age for this location is 2-10 years old. The activities are geared towards younger children. Small toddlers need supervision, as strawberries can be choking hazards.
7. Is the Carlsbad Strawberry Company Dog-Friendly?
Dogs are allowed on site, but they cannot enter the you-pick area because strawberries are a food item.
8. How Do You Properly Pick Strawberries Off the Plant?
To pick strawberries, use the scissors provided at the strawberry orchard. Trim the fruit close to the base and do not leave a long stem on the berry.
9. Are the Strawberries at Carlsbad Strawberry Company Organic?
According to an employee, the strawberries grown at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company are not organic.
10. Will Carlsbad, California Strawberries Ripen After Picking?
Strawberries will not continue to ripen after they are picked. Choose bright red berries for the best flavor.
11. What Is the Best Way to Store Strawberries?
The best way to store strawberries is to keep them refrigerated. Wash berries right before eating them. Experts recommend leaving stems on your strawberries, not pre-washing them, and store them in a single layer.
Strawberry Fields in Carlsbad: Final Thoughts
Whether you are a Southern California local or visiting for the day, strawberry picking is one of the top things to do in Carlsbad. Without a doubt, cool ocean breezes and sunshine make a visit to the Carlsbad strawberry fields a beautiful outing in nature. Make sure to plan your visit before the end of strawberry picking season!
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