Tips for Picking Strawberries, Carlsbad, California Family Travel

We visit Carlsbad, California frequently and each year we look forward to picking strawberries at the U-Pick Carlsbad Strawberry Company. It’s a can’t miss stop if you’re in the area. The visit makes for a great family day and through the years we have found tips to improve the experience and make it great for everyone. This year was our baby’s first time experiencing strawberry picking in Carlsbad and she loved finding the prettiest and most ripe strawberries with her big sister. These tips for picking strawberries in Carlsbad, California will help you prepare for an a fun adventure.

The Carlsbad Strawberry Company is located just east of I-5 near LEGOLAND. After you exit the freeway you can’t miss the strawberry field as you can see it from the road and there are signs clearing marking the entrance. 

Tips for picking Strawberries in Carlsbad

Check the website before visiting

Strawberry picking is seasonal and the harvest usually takes place January to July. Each year is unique and just this week we arrived at the stand during the hours listed on the website and were told they were closing early for the day. Check the Carlsbad Strawberry Company website before your visit to determine their seasonal hours.

Wear closed shoes

Depending on the day and the company’s picking preference, you will be walking quite a distance across a dirt field. While picking strawberries, you will be standing in dirt between the rows and sometimes walking through wet areas. Wear tennis shoes or other closed toed shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Wear comfortable clothes and sunscreen

Even the cloudiest of days in San Diego usually end up with the sun shining brightly. Light comfortable clothes should be worn during the warmer months and sunscreen should always be applied prior to your strawberry picking experience. There is no shade available while picking in the strawberry field.

Only pick what you intend to keep

Especially when visiting with children, only pick the strawberries you intend to keep. Unripe strawberries should be left on their vines to continue growing.

Be Patient

It takes time to pick strawberries and expect to be in the field for at least an hour. 

Bring wet wipes

Your hands will likely end up stained and sticky by the end of your strawberry picking experience. Bring wet wipes to help clean your hands before getting back into your car.

Strawberry picking is a fun family activity. It’s also a great way to teach your children about healthy food choices and farming. My oldest daughter was very excited to bring home the strawberries she picked to use them in recipes. 

We froze most of the strawberries we picked last week and will be trying new recipes through summer. If you’re traveling from out of state, like us, bring containers and an ice chest to safely travel home with your strawberries.

Have you picked strawberries in Carlsbad with your family?

If you plan to visit Carlsbad, check out our favorite places to stay: the Carlsbad Inn and the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort.