Sweetest Spots for Strawberry Picking in Austin 2024

Welcome to strawberry shortcake, ice cream, or pie—yum! There’s something magical about picking your own strawberries; they taste even better.

Let me hook you up with the top spots around Austin for the ultimate strawberry-picking experience.

In Texas, strawberry season kicks off earlier compared to many other places because of our warm weather. Usually, it starts as early as late February, but mostly around mid-March.

We love this activity during spring break and make it an annual tradition when the kids are on vacation! The strawberry frenzy starts but can stretch till May or June. Sometimes, some spots even offer a small strawberry harvest for U-pick in the fall.

However, availability is always subject to weather and demand, so be sure to check their websites for the latest updates before heading out.

Most places don’t charge for entry—you only pay for the berries you pick per pound. You won’t need much for this Austin adventure; they usually provide a bucket (sometimes for a small fee). Yet, we’ve discovered that kid-sized scissors are super handy for little ones to pluck their own strawberries.

Texas sun can be intense, so wearing a hat and carrying water is a smart move! If it’s hot out, consider bringing a cooler to keep your berries fresh on the journey home.

We’ve compiled details on strawberry farms within an hour’s drive from Austin. Take a peek at the list below for the best strawberry-picking farms around Austin!

Essential Equipments for Strawberry Picking

Make the most of your strawberry-picking outing near Austin by having the essential tools at your fingertips. Sturdy buckets, kid-sized scissors for little ones, sun hats to beat the Texas sun, and coolers to keep your berries fresh—these are the must-have items for a successful and enjoyable harvest.

Explore the key gear that will enhance your strawberry-picking experience in the Austin area.

Details For Austin Strawberry Picking Farms

• Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
• Sweet Berry Farm
• Barton Hill Farms
• Jenschke Orchards
• Love Creek Orchards
• Marburger Orchard

Sweet Eats Fruit Farm

If you’re looking for a berry good time, Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in Georgetown, Texas, is a must-visit spot. This farm is an absolute gem among Texan attractions, offering a plethora of delightful activities that will make your day.

The farm opens daily from 9 am to 6 pm, but it’s best to check for strawberry availability before planning your visit. They’re expected to open in mid-April 2024, and this time around, there’s an anticipated light crop of strawberries.

Once inside, a flat-rate admission fee grants you access to an array of exciting activities like a petting zoo, face painting, apple cannons, jumpy pillows, a maze, entertaining pig races, and much more.

If you’re solely interested in strawberry picking and not the farm activities, you can skip the admission fee and head straight to the strawberry fields. The strawberries are sold separately by the pound, usually in provided cardboard containers.

Remember, the farm operates seven days a week, but the availability of strawberries is seasonal. For the most up-to-date information, keep an eye on their Facebook page before planning your visit.

Beyond the berry season, Sweet Eats offers a bunch of other exciting activities throughout the year. Keep an eye on their calendars for details about peach picking, harvesting veggies, sunflower festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and festive Christmas events. There’s always something fun happening at Sweet Eats!

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Sweet Berry Farm

• Website: https://sweetberryfarm.com/
• Admission: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Friday + Saturday 8:30am – 5:30pm, Sunday, 1p.m-5p.m; Wednesday: Closed; strawberry availability varies
• Location: 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls, Texas 78654      Current Strawberry Report

Marble Falls is one of my favorite spots in Hill Country, and this strawberry picking farm is icing on the cake! Sweet Berry Farm is open to the public almost year round, and has strawberries available for u-pick in both the spring and mid-to late Fall.

Strawberries are sold at $3.50 per pound with a $0.75 fee for the reusable strawberry box. Bring it with you the next time to save your cash. A full level box ends up being about $22.

If you time it right, you might get the benefit of picking tulips as well in the spring!

Kids’ activities are also offered with a price-per-activity model rather than a flat admission fee. The Berry Bounce is always a huge hit after picking several pounds of strawberries. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on their delicious strawberry popsicles!

Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Picnic tables are available on a first come, first serve, complimentary basis.

Their Fresh News strawberry report on their website is kept very current, so if a school field trip comes in and wipes out the field, they will let you know before you waste a trip!

Barton Hill Farms

Looking for a berry-filled adventure near Austin? Barton Hill Farms, located just 30 minutes east of Austin, is an incredible place to explore. While they won’t be offering strawberry picking for the 2024 season, this spot has a lot to offer throughout the year.

During spring, Barton Hill Farms hosts the Berries & Bunnies Festival, where you can not only pick your own tasty berries but also cuddle up with adorable bunnies. However, please note that additional strawberry picking is available only on specific days, so be sure to check their website for the scheduled dates mentioned above.

Aside from strawberry picking, there’s a plethora of activities to enjoy at this Austin farm. Take a delightful ride on the bee train, try your hand at archery, groove to live music on the stage, visit the Beer & Cider Garden, bounce around on the Jumbo Texas Jumping Pillow, and more! An admission fee is required for access to these activities, and advance registration may be necessary. Please check their website for more details.

It’s important to note that Barton Hill Farms operates as a cashless farm, so ensure you’re prepared for this when planning your visit.

For more information and to stay updated on their activities and events, you can visit their website at Barton Hill Farms.

Jenschke Orchards

Looking for a fruity escape? Venture to Jenschke Orchards, known for peach picking and pumpkin patches, and surprise—they also offer strawberry picking! Located in Fredericksburg, this strawberry farm is a bit farther from Austin (about an hour and a half), but it’s worth it for a delightful Hill Country day trip.

While admission is free, you can purchase berries by the pound at this charming strawberry-picking farm. Their website keeps you updated on the latest berry reports, ensuring you’re in the loop. And here’s a sweet tip: if you time your visit right, you might even have the chance to pick some delicious blackberries too!

Remember, it’s crucial to contact the farm to get the most current strawberry reports before heading there. Weather conditions and crowds can affect strawberry availability, so while this list gives you a great starting point, it’s wise to double-check the details!

Keep in mind that this adventure might take a bit longer, but with so many fantastic things to explore in the area, turning it into a full-day expedition is easy-peachy! 🍑🍓

For more information and to stay updated on their offerings, make sure to visit their website at Jenschke Orchards.

Love Creek Orchards

• Location: Medina, Texas (about 2 hours from Austin)
• Strawberry Picking: Seasonal availability, check their website for updates
• Admission: Free
• Beyond Strawberries: Explore their orchards, visit the country store, and enjoy baked goods.
• Harvest Events: Stay tuned for special events like peach picking and harvest celebrations.

Love Creek Orchards, situated in the picturesque town of Medina, Texas, is a delightful destination for those seeking a charming orchard experience. Located approximately two hours from Austin, this orchard not only offers seasonal strawberry picking but also invites visitors to explore the scenic orchards, indulge in the offerings of the country store, and savor delicious baked goods.

While admission to Love Creek Orchards is free, the real charm lies beyond just strawberries. Take a leisurely stroll through the orchards, breathing in the fresh country air, and make your way to the country store. Here, you’ll find an array of delightful treats, from fresh produce to delectable baked goods.

Love Creek Orchards hosts special harvest events, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit. Keep an eye on their schedule for peach picking opportunities and festive harvest celebrations. To ensure the availability of strawberries and plan your visit effectively, it’s recommended to call ahead or check their website for the latest updates.

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Marburger Orchard

• Location: Fredericksburg, Texas (about 1.5 hours from Austin)
• Strawberry Picking: Seasonal, check their website or contact for current availability
• Admission: Free
• Additional Offerings: Enjoy picking various fruits, explore the orchard, and visit their market.

Nestled in the heart of Fredericksburg, Texas, Marburger Orchard beckons with its seasonal bounty and inviting orchard setting. Located just about 1.5 hours from Austin, this orchard offers a delightful experience for fruit enthusiasts, especially during the strawberry-picking season.

Marburger Orchard provides free admission, inviting visitors to enjoy the simple pleasures of picking various fruits amidst the natural beauty of the orchard. While strawberries take center stage during their season, the orchard boasts a variety of fruits that you can handpick to your heart’s content.

Beyond the joy of strawberry picking, visitors can explore the charming orchard, taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Make sure to visit their market, where you’ll find an assortment of fresh produce and perhaps some homemade treats.

FAQs

What time of the year are strawberries the sweetest?

Strawberries are typically the sweetest during late spring to early summer, usually between April and June, depending on the region and climate.

What is the best month to go strawberry picking?

The ideal month for strawberry picking varies by location, but generally, it falls between May and June in many areas, when the berries are ripest and most abundant.

What is strawberry season in Texas?

In Texas, the prime strawberry season typically occurs from late March to early June, although specific timings may vary across different parts of the state due to weather conditions.

Which month is best for strawberries?

For optimal flavor and freshness, strawberries are best enjoyed during their peak season, which often spans from April to June in various regions, offering the juiciest and most flavorful berries.

Final Thoughts

Discover the sweetest spots for strawberry picking near Austin! From Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in Georgetown, with its fun-filled activities, to year-round delights at Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls, there’s strawberry fun for everyone.

Barton Hill Farms offers a unique Berries & Bunnies Festival, while Jenschke Orchards in Fredericksburg adds strawberry picking to its peach and pumpkin charm. Explore Love Creek Orchards in Medina and Marburger Orchard in Fredericksburg for a serene fruit-picking experience.

Plan your strawberry adventure and enjoy the best of Austin’s strawberry season!