Apple Hill Best Places To Visit
When it comes to Apple Hill, everyone has their favorite orchard or farm. For ages, Apple Hill has always been the go to spot during the fall for people in the Sacramento region. Even more, some held on to the tradition of going every year. Depending on what you plan to achieve, you’ll want to look into what each farm has to offer in order to decide where to go. Apple Hill has over 50 different farms for you to choose from, ranging from apple orchards to vineyards, so it can get quite overwhelming. Because of that, we have condensed the list down to 10. Below is our top 10 list of must visit places at Apple Hill.
Top 10 Must Visit At Apple Hill
1. High Hill Ranch
Photo Credit: Kathleen Arellano
Located at 2901 High Hill Rd, High Hill Ranch is the most visited spot. For this reason, it is recommended that you go on a weekday or early on weekends to avoid crowds. Being the largest farm with over 155 acres, there are plenty of things to do with the whole family. Onsite restaurants and bakery shops are there should you become hungry, activities for the adventurous ones, and arts/crafts for those who are feeling crafty.
- Fishing Pond – trout, catfish, and sturgeon
- Pony rides – 4+ years old, $8/ride
- Hayride – Adults $5 / Kids $3
- Pumpkin Patch – Pumpkins $0.69/lb
HOURS
Aug. 18th – Dec. 24th 2018
Monday – Friday 8am-5pm
Saturday – Sunday 7am-6pm
2901 High Hill Road
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 644-1973
https://www.highhillranch.com/
2. Abel’s Apple Acre
Photo Credit: Carolyn Dacanay
Abel’s Apple Acre is one of the many recommended farms to visit by our readers. Located at 2345 Carson Rd., there are plenty to do here for all ages. Check out their bake goods to satisfy your fall cravings. While you’re there, get yourself some of their pre-made frozen items to take home as well! There will be too many goodies for you to try all in one day. Aside from the delicious food you can find here, there are activities that even your kids will enjoy. Head over and have some fun at Abel’s Amazing Maze, petting zoo, and horse/pony ride.
HOURS
Labor Day – Christmas Eve 3pm
Daily – 8:30am-5:30pm
Thanksgiving Day – 10am-12pm
Christmas Eve – 9am-3pm
2345 Carson Road
Placerville, California, 95667
(530) 626-0138
http://abelsappleacres.com/index.htm
3. Rainbow Orchards
Photo Credit: Amy Fong Kurahara
Located at 2569 Larsen Dr., Rainbow Orchards is a must go to for their infamous apple cider donut. Seems like a lot of people are raving about how delicious it is. It’s perfect for this fall weather! Aside from what they’re known for, they also make fresh pies (apple, blackberry, and pumpkin), apple cream cheese tart, peach cobbler, and apple crisp. If sweets are not your thing and you want something savory, check out their barbecue menu. Unlike some of the other farms, there is no indoor seating so be prepare to sit outside. However, don’t let that scare you. With the outdoor seating option, you get to enjoy the beautiful view and the nice fall crisp air.
HOURS
Sept 1,2 and Dec. 1,2,8,9 – 9am-4pm
Sept. 7 to Nov. 25 – 9am-5pm
2569 Larsen Drive
Camino CA 95709
(530) 644-1594
https://rainboworchards.net/
4. Boa Vista
Photo Credit: Karen Tiu-Adigue
Located at 2952 Carson Rd., Boa Vista has been farming apples since 1915. Coming in at number 4 this year, Boa Vista was awarded as Top 10 Best Orchard in the U.S. by USA Today and Reader’s Choice. They offer a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, apple ciders, wine, and wonderful views. Because they are open year-round, you can find something for every season from orchards, vineyards, Christmas trees, berry bushes, to a pumpkin patch. Hungry? Don’t fret, check out their dining option at their BBQ grill and deli. You”ll be sure to find something there to satisfy your hunger.
HOURS
Daily – 7:30am-6pm
2952 Carson Road
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 622-5522
https://www.boavista.com/
5. Denver Dan’s Apple Ranch
Photo Credit: Karen Kilgore
If you’re looking for a place that is friendly for your little ones, then Denver Dan’s is the spot to go to. Located at 4354 Bumblebee Ln, Denver Dan’s Apple Ranch has a variety of activities for the younger visitors. Aside from all the apples you can pick, there are pony rides for tiny tots (up to about 60 lbs), a farm animal (Sara’s Animal), and a baking class where kids age 5 and up learn how to make their own pies. These pies will be baked for the kids, so they can take it home and share. Be sure to call ahead and inquire if you’re interested in signing up for it. The class is only available during the weekdays.
HOURS
Labor Day to Thanksgiving – 9am-5pm
After Thanksgiving – Dec. 10th (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday) – 9am-5pm
4354 Bumblebee Lane
Camino, CA 95709
(530) 644-6881
https://denverdansapplepatch.com/
6. Delfino Farms
Photo Credit: Paula Mayer
Delfino Farms, formerly known as Kids, Inc., is located at 3205 N Canyon Rd. The Delfino Family has welcome visitors since 1964. They originally named the farm after their seven kids, but later changed it to Delfino Farms in honor of the entire family. Like many other farms, Delfino also offer a variety of activities for all. There is a pumpkin patch, nature trail, and a corn maze. While you’re there, don’t forget to try their famous Walkin’ Pie. It is definitely noteworthy. It was created by their “Nanny.” Not a fan of pie? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other bake goods that you can get your hands on. According to their website, Delfino Farms announced that they are opening a vineyard soon, naming it Edio Vineyards in honor of Edio Delfino (Original co-founder of Apple Hill).
HOURS
Sept. 1st – Nov. 19th
Friday – Monday 10am – 5pm
3205 N Canyon Road
Camino, CA 95709
(530) 622-0184
http://delfinofarms.com/
7. Mill View Ranch
Photo Credit: Jennifer Ann Rodriguez
Located at 2740 Cable Rd., Mill View Ranch is one of the few farms that is open year-round. There are a lot of buzz about the newer addition to the farm, which is Kids Town. Kids Town was added to the farm in 2015 and has been popular amongst both adults and children. The kids get a chance to run off their energy while the adult relax with a delicious treat or two. If you’re feeling a little crafty, Mill View also offer an extensive craft barn. It has a variety of hand-made craft items that will sure please anyone. And just like all the other farms, don’t forget about the food! Mill View offers hot food off the grill as well as fresh baked sweets.
HOURS
Daily – 7:30pm-6pm
2740 Cable Road
Camino, CA 95709
(530) 622-6885
http://millviewranch.com/
8. Grandpa’s Cellar
Photo Credit: Melinda Yang
Located at 2360 Cable Rd, Grandpa’s Cellar has been entertaining visitors since 1978. They are known for their apple pies. They sell more frozen apple pies than their fresh baked ones; therefore, that only means one thing, it must be delicious! With 17 varieties of apple pies, there shouldn’t be a reason why anyone would not like it. You can also check out other baked sweets such as apple crisp, apple dumplings, apple strudel, turnovers, apple pie cheesecake, and the famous Apple Hill Cake. Grandpa’s Cellar also offer educational tour for the young and the old alike. If you’re not interested in a guided tour, there’s a nature trail that you can take by yourself. You can take a stroll and learn about the plant species along the way.
Educational tour – $1/person with minimum $20
HOURS
Labor Day weekend – Mid December (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Wednesday – Sunday 10am-5pm
2360 Cable Road
Camino, CA 95709
(530) 644-2153
http://www.grandpascellar.com/index.htm
9. Larsen Apple Barn
Photo Credit: Larsen Apple Barn
Located at 2461 Larsen Dr., Larsen Apple Barn pride itself as the longest family owned farm in Apple Hill. The farm was founded in the 1860’s and have been serving visitors since then. They grow 20 different variety of apples on the farm as well as other fruits such as pears, nectarine, peaches, grapes, and more. As always, don’t skip out on the bakery shop. There are always some noteworthy goodies that you’ll find there, such as both fresh baked and frozen whole pies. The smell alone may overwhelm you. Like many other farms, you’ll find that there is a deli onsite where you can indulge yourself with delectable food. If you’re up for it after lunch, stroll the museum for some unique experiences. The Larsen Apple Barn showcases some of the original farm tools, such as tractors and equipment. You definitely don’t want to miss that.
HOURS
Labor Day – Sunday after Thanksgiving
Sunday – Friday 9am-5pm
Museum: 10am-4pm
2461 Larsen Drive
Camino, CA 95709
(530) 644-1415
http://www.larsenapplebarn.com/
10. Sloan Winters Mountain Orchard & Garden
Photo Credit: Katie Anderson
Located at 3121 Snows Rd., Sloan Winters Mountain Orchard & Garden pride themselves in the organic fresh fruits and vegetables they have available. Although the farm is smaller than others mentioned previously, it is still one of the great farms to visit. They offer fresh picked fruits and vegetables daily. If you prefer to do the work yourself, you can do so with their U-pick experience. Aside from the fresh fruits and vegetables, you can get fresh jams and marmalade (21 flavors). Looking for something that the kids can enjoy? Check out their hayrides, live animals, and picnic areas.
Tractor hay ride – $1/person
Fruit/Vegetable – $1-$8/pound
HOURS
August – November
Friday – Sunday 10am-4pm
3121 Snows Road
Camino, CA 95709
(916) 860-9207
https://www.sloanwintersorchards.com/
We’ve listed some of our favorite places to go in Apple Hill here. Hopefully, you and your family get a chance to check out Apple Hill this fall. There are so many awesome places to go that you really can’t go wrong.
