Apple Hill is a region of farms in Camino and Placerville, California, known for its apple orchards, bakeries, and pumpkin patches. What once was a pear-growing region turned into 50+ apple farms after a blight wiped out the majority of the pear trees.

Today, Apple Hill is one of the most fun and festive places to visit in California in the fall. It’s just a couple of hours away from the San Francisco Bay Area, less than an hour from Lake Tahoe, and about an hour from Sacramento.

It’s easy to do as a day trip if you’re in Northern California, but it’s so charming you’ll want to stay at least one night, if not two.

Many of the apple farms are similar to each other, but each one has its own personality or specialty. Whether it’s the best apple cider donuts, the most beautiful views, or alpacas you can feed, it’s worth visiting as many farms as you can!

Ultimate Guide to Apple Hill in the Fall

This post contains affiliate links that earn me a commission. For more information, read my disclaimer.

Aside from apple farms and bakeries, this region is also known for its winemaking and other agricultural products (seasonally: chestnuts, berries, flowers, and more). For a more adult-focused trip, pop into some of the local wineries or cider taprooms.

Despite being a lifelong Californian, my first trip to Apple Hill wasn’t until 2025! I cannot believe I’ve been missing out on such a quintessential fall experience all these years.

Between the apple orchards, fresh donuts, apple baked goods of all kinds, and the adorable shops, we had the best two days exploring all that Apple Hill has to offer!

Note: Everyone we met at the farms was welcoming, but I did notice a fair amount of pro-2A and political signage in the area. As a cis, straight white woman, I felt comfortable, but if you’re in a different demographic, it may feel different. Just worth being aware.

Ultimate Guide to Apple Hill, California

Best Time To Visit Apple Hill

Most of the farms in Apple Hill open on Labor Day weekend. Some open a week or so earlier, while others open a week or so later. It’s best to check the websites for any farms you hope to visit!

The best time to visit Apple Hill depends on your preferences, like picking apples, visiting pumpkin patches, or avoiding crowds and hot weather.

August: Some farms open as early as mid-August, while others are open year-round. The summer heat is sweltering in August, and most of the seasonal apple farms won’t be open yet.
September: If you want to pick apples, it’s best to go at the start of the season when the trees are still loaded with apples. Apple farms close U-pick once the apples are gone. It’s also pretty hot in September, so be prepared for hot and sunny days!
October: The pumpkin patches open in October in Apple Hill. If you time it right, you can still do U-pick at some farms and visit the pumpkin patches all in one trip.
November: For cooler weather and fewer people, visit in November. U-pick apples likely won’t be available anymore, and some farms close by mid-November, but it’s a good time to visit if you don’t mind missing out on apple picking.
December: Head to Apple Hill between late November and early December to pick out a Christmas tree! As early as September, you can see the rows and rows of trees growing at the farms. The weather is significantly cooler in December, even getting ice and snow, which can result in roads and farms closing.

We visited the second week of September in 2025 on a Sunday and Monday. There weren’t crowds at any of the farms we visited! Even the most popular farms were pretty laid back and not crowded — it was lovely.

It gets more crowded on weekends (Saturdays) and later in the season when the weather is a bit cooler.

Tips For Visiting Apple Hill

Drive to the farms: There aren’t any sidewalks or safe paths to walk from farm to farm. It’s best to drive to each farm, even though the distances are pretty short between some of them.
Wear closed-toe shoes: For apple picking, boots are ideal to keep your feet and ankles protected from weeds, bushes, rotten apples, and any other things you may walk through.
Dress for the weather: This may seem obvious, but it really matters when you’re spending the day outdoors in the sun! Even just 80ºF feels scorching while standing in the direct sunlight. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lightweight clothes are recommended on the hotter days.
Plan out your route: The farms are close for the most part, but you don’t want to spend your day driving back and forth. We planned our stops ahead of time based on location and activities, which made for a smooth itinerary.

Where To Stay in Apple Hill

The Extraordinary Camino Hotel

There are just a few hotel options in the Apple Hill region, and we picked The Extraordinary Camino Hotel for our overnight stay.

Originally just “The Camino Hotel,” it reopened in March 2025 after being renovated by a new owner who moved here from Hawaii. Every detail was considered, and the interior is exceptionally well-decorated.

Each room has a unique theme and decor to match! We stayed in the Boho two-bedroom since there were three of us. It was lovely, comfortable, and we had a great night’s sleep! The only downside was that the private bathroom for the two-bedroom was located in the hallway rather than attached to the room.

This hotel is located in the heart of Apple Hill, with most of the farms on this list being just 5–10 minutes away by car. It was the perfect place to base ourselves for full days of visiting all the apple farms.

Meadow Creek Cabin

This cozy home is perfect for a couple who want a bit more privacy and tranquility than an inn or bed and breakfast can offer. It’s just 330 sq. ft. with a bedroom, bathroom, and tiny kitchen.

What the inside lacks in space, the outdoors makes up for. There’s a deck that’s larger than the cabin itself and expansive grounds surrounding the property. They have a two-night minimum, so it's not ideal for quick trips.

Located just down the road from Rainbow Orchards, it’s perfectly situated for a fall apple-picking trip in Apple Hill.

Ponderosa Ridge Bed and Breakfast

If you’re staying for at least two nights and looking for some luxury, Ponderosa Ridge Bed and Breakfast may be your ideal option. They have a two-night minimum stay, and rooms accommodate a maximum of two people.

Each room is unique and has a private bathroom. The property has walking paths, an outdoor dining area, and a hot tub. Additionally, they have a 3-acre apple orchard available for overnight guests to go apple picking.

They serve a homemade country breakfast each morning, along with fresh-baked goods.

Best Farms in Apple Hill

I’ve visited close to a dozen farms in Apple Hill, and these are my favorite ones! We had amazing experiences at every farm we visited, but some topped the list as the most fun, friendly, and festive.

Apple Hill has over 50 farms to visit in the fall, so you have lots of options. Most offer similar things, but some do it better than others.

To make browsing this list easier, I’ve created a key with emojis to help you easily identify which farms offer which activities/items!

Denver Dan’s (#14) 🍎

For apple picking, Denver Dan’s is the spot to visit. There’s no per-person charge to go apple picking here — you only pay for the apples you take home.

It costs $2.50 per pound of apples, and I picked about 2 pounds (about 7 or 8 apples). You can also snack on as many apples as you like while in the orchard! It’s a great way to taste test and see which varieties you like best.

The reason I picked this farm for apple picking is because of the dozens of reviews that gush about how friendly the employees are here. They were absolutely right! The people working here couldn’t have been friendlier.

In addition to the apple orchard, they have a small shop inside with local products. We taste-tested their delicious cider sauce, which my mom bought a bottle of to take home.

Multiple farms offer U-pick apples in Apple Hill, but I’d go back to Denver Dan’s again just for the cheerful and welcoming experience!

Get my outfit

Apple Ridge Farms (#20) 🍎🥐🍽️🎃

Just around the corner from Denver Dan’s is one of the larger, more “commercial” apple farms.

Apple Ridge Farms has far more than an apple orchard; they have craft vendor booths, a kids’ maze, gemstone mining, multiple stores with Halloween and Christmas decor, a BBQ restaurant, a bakery, and a nature trail.

We tasted some of their delicious jams and spreads in the “Christmas” store, and checked out the fall decor, soup mixes, and spreads at the “Halloween” store just across the way.

The absolute best part of this farm is the giant fields of zinnias! They’re right at the start of the nature trail towards the back of the farm (past the portapotties). The vibrant orange, pink, and purple flowers are around five feet tall and dense.

There are pathways going through the large swaths of flowers, making it easy to take photos that look like you’re in the middle of them. Even if nothing else piques your interest, the zinnias alone make this farm worth visiting!

Apple Ridge Farms also has U-pick apples in their orchards — the earlier you go in the season, the better, as the orchard closes once all the apples have been picked.

Larsen Apple Barn & Bakeshop (#9) 🥐🍽️

Larsen Apple Barn is the longest-running family-owned farm in Apple Hill. They have a small bakery with baked goods and lunch, a museum, and a large warehouse to buy apples and other food from their farm.

This was the first farm we visited in Apple Hill! We stopped for lunch at their bakery, which was just okay. I had the veggie sandwich, which was good but nothing special. The people ahead of us in line ordered chicken pot pies that looked and smelled incredible, though!

After lunch on their back deck, we headed over to the museum, where they have tools and artifacts dating back to the farm’s founding. There’s even a fully restored Chevrolet pickup truck from the ‘50s (my favorite part).

One of the best photo spots in Apple Hill is the wall of apple crates stacked 10 crates high! It’s the perfect backdrop for solo pics or full group photos.

Keep an eye out for the old farm dog wandering throughout the farm, accepting pets from all the visitors. He’s a large, sweet guy who moves slowly in his old age.

The last stop at Larsen Apple Barn is the warehouse-like store. It’s a large building with cases of all their apple varieties for sale. You can also buy small bags of six apples if a case has more than you need.

Inside the shop, they also have an apple tasting area where you can try their different varieties of apples, plus peaches! In addition to apples for sale, they also have almonds, peaches, and other farm goods.

Rainbow Orchards (#10) 🥐🍽️

A few farms in Apple Hill have apple cider donuts, but none are better than the hot and fresh ones at Rainbow Orchards.

The donuts are $2 each and made fresh after you order them. They’re light, fluffy, flavorful, and piping hot. You can also order coffee, corn dogs, caramel apples, pie, and cobbler. We only had the donuts, but considering how good they were, I bet the other food is worth ordering.

We enjoyed our donuts at a shady picnic bench in a grassy area next to the barn where we ordered the donuts. It’s a lovely place to stop and plan your next activities.

Rainbow Orchards also has permanent restrooms next to the grassy picnic area. This is worth mentioning, as many of the farms only have portapotties or vault toilets.

Grandpa’s Cellar (#17) 🌾🥐🍽️

Though apples aren’t the main attraction here, Grandpa’s Cellar is home to apple trees that are over 100 years old! What once started as a small fruit stand in the 1950s is now a popular spot for baked goods and coffee flights.

We started our second day in Apple Hill with one of the famous coffee flights from Grandpa’s Cellar. These are flights of four cold brew coffees in mini mason jar mugs, each with a unique flavor.

There were three flight options when we visited: Grandpa’s Classic Cold Brew, Fall Cold Brew, and a Lemonade Flight. The classic flight includes flavors like caramel and mocha, while the fall flight boasts maple apple spice, dirty chai, blueberry muffin, and pumpkin spice.

We, of course, had to get the Fall Cold Brew flight for the festive flavors! They were all delicious, though the dirty chai was my favorite. The flights cost $15 (in 2025) and can easily be shared between 2–4 people.

One flight was the perfect size for the three of us.” Cold brew is far more caffeinated than regular coffee, so just a few ounces each was plenty.

Their menu offers more than just coffee flights; they also have baked goods — both standard and gluten-free! I indulged in an apple turnover, and my mom enjoyed a gluten-free coffee cake.

If a sweet breakfast of coffee and baked goods isn’t your style, order breakfast tacos and other savory Mexican dishes from their on-site food truck. My sister loved the breakfast tacos!

Grandpa’s Cellar has picnic tables in a large area at the front of the property, where you can dig into your treats and enjoy the peaceful farm.

Of all the farm gift shops we visited in Apple Hill, Grandpa’s Cellar was my favorite. It was filled with homemade items from the farm, like a honey station, jarred jams, and BBQ sauce. The shop also stocked pie-shaped candles, quilted pot holders, bread mixes, and other cute items from small businesses.

Delfino Farms (#5) 🥐🐑🎃

Delfino Farms has a gorgeous setting on the edge of a hilltop vineyard with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

This family-run farm is known for its seasonal bake shop, Joan’s Apple Bakery, and year-round winery, Edio Vineyards. The bake shop is where you can get all the festive fall goodies like apple pie, pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and more!

If you’re also visiting for the farm animals, continue through the farm down the hill to find the Babydoll sheep, chickens, ducks, and bunnies. The sheep are adorable and were busy munching on their recently stocked grass during our visit.

Delfino Farms has some of the best views in Apple Hill. It’s a lovely place to enjoy some baked goods as you overlook the vineyards and distant evergreen trees.

Smokey Ridge Ranch (#133) 🍎🍷🐑🎃

Smokey Ridge Ranch is a smaller farm with just one quaint barn on the property. This is another farm with beautiful sprawling vineyards.

Though it’s small, Smokey Ridge Ranch boasts a variety of attractions, including U-pick apples, U-pick chestnuts, Babydoll Southdown miniature sheep, and red wines (plus a rosé).

U-pick apples start in September, while chestnuts aren’t ready for picking until around mid-October. The owner we chatted with said the farm closes for the season in mid-November. I’ll be back to pick those chestnuts!

Also in October, they have a U-pick pumpkin patch where you can cut your pumpkin right off the vine.

They are open Friday–Monday, but the Babydoll sheep are only brought down to the barn from their pasture on weekends. We visited on a Monday and were bummed to have missed them!

The barn also had some apples and other items for sale, in case you just want to grab some to-go on your way out of town.

Fudge Factory Farm (#40) 🌾🥐🐑

After visiting a few of the farms, you’ll find that it can be slightly monotonous, with many of them offering the same attractions and items. That’s where the Fudge Factory Farm comes in.

The small building just next to the giant High Hill Ranch (more on that next) is stocked with a wide variety of fudge. They have a few fudge samples available to try before you buy — fair warning, if you try it, you will want to buy it.

In addition to the fudge, they also have other sweet treats like candy apples, ice cream, jams/jellies, fresh fruit, and baked goods (even a gluten-free Dutch apple pie!).

We got excited when we found brown paper bags inside the fudge shop labeled “alpaca food.” When we asked about it, the kind woman working there pointed us in the direction of their three resident alpacas.

We bought three bags of food for $2 each and headed out to feed the fuzzy alpacas.

The alpacas headed right over as soon as they saw us and were happy to munch the food (grass/hay) right from our hands! After missing out on multiple farm animal encounters, the surprise alpacas more than made up for it.

They’re open seasonally — every day from September through mid-December.

Get My Outfit

High Hill Ranch (#1) 🥐🎃

If you’re visiting the Fudge Factory Farm, it only makes sense to walk next door to High Hill Ranch. This is an expansive, 155-acre ranch with multiple barns and a picturesque pond.

The main barn has lots of indoor and outdoor booths with artisans and crafters. We bought a couple of spooky-themed art prints from one of the artists! Another artist was selling his hand-cut jewelry made from coins — it was impressive.

Across from the main barn, a smaller barn sells fresh-baked goods, shelf-stable snacks/treats, and fall decor. My sister tried one of their apple cider donuts and said it was not nearly as good as the ones at Rainbow Orchards.

The pond is a tranquil spot to take in the views, but you can also rent a fishing pole and get a day pass to fish in it.

If all of the above activities weren’t enough, High Hill Ranch also invites guests to partake in hayrides and pony rides for kids, and free wine tasting for adults. The gorgeous property also plays host to weddings throughout the year.

High Hill Ranch is the largest apple farm in Placerville, open daily from September through Christmas Eve.

Other Farms in Apple Hill

These are a few of the farms we either didn’t get the chance to visit or were not our favorite farms, but they are still worth visiting.

Jack Russell Brewery (#36) 🍺🍷

We visited Jack Russell Brewery under the impression that we would see llamas, as mentioned on the official Apple Hill website. Unfortunately, that information seems to be outdated, as there were no llamas to be seen when we visited.

Despite the lack of llamas, I ordered a glass of mead — my first time trying this honey-based drink! It was tasty, like a combination of sweet wine, fermented yeast, and an upfront spirit flavor.

If mead is not your speed, they also offer a large selection of beers and hard ciders.

There’s a large outdoor patio with plenty of umbrellas for shade, as well as indoor seating. The patio may not look out over a llama field, but it does offer views of lovely vineyards.

A taco truck is parked on-site serving tacos, tortas, burritos, and more on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch (#18) 🍎🐑🎃

This is another spot for apple picking in Apple Hill. O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch has more than a dozen apple varieties (16, to be exact) of all different flavor profiles.

Head out to their orchards for an authentic apple-picking experience or shop from their already-picked bins of apples in the shop. O’Halloran’s is also known for their pears, which are available to taste and purchase.

If you’re visiting in October, stop at O’Halloran’s pumpkin patch — the largest one in Apple Hill! Along with pumpkins, the pumpkin patch is filled with towering giant sunflowers (they start to die by the end of October).

For my fellow animal lovers, there are a few goats in a pen and a couple of friendly farm dogs roaming the property.

Enjoy your freshly picked apples at their picnic tables behind the barn or take a stroll on their nature trail that winds through the orchards.

The ranch is open from Labor Day weekend until mid-December. They also sell Christmas trees from late November through early December. Check their website for exact dates and opening hours.

Pine-O-Mine Ranch (#41) 🍎🍺🎃

Though we didn’t stop here, we drove past it a few times while visiting other farms in the area. The property is a flat, grassy area with a central barn. It looks much more modern and upscale (for lack of a better term) than the other farms.

Pine-O-Mine offers a selection of local beer and hard ciders, apple cider shakes, apple-picking, and pumpkins (in October).

Their apple-picking costs $5 per person, plus any apples you pick to take home are $3.75/pound — one of the highest prices I’ve seen in this area. I haven’t picked apples here myself, but there are less pricey U-pick apples elsewhere.

Personally, I would skip the apple picking here and instead visit for the beers, ciders, and live music on weekends! Pine-O-Mine is open 7 days a week during the fall season.

Hidden Star Camino (#23) 🍺🥐🍽️🎃

Just down the road from Grandpa’s Cellar (the one with incredible cold brew coffee flights) is Hidden Star Camino. It’s a cider house with two dozen ciders on tap, but that’s not all they offer.

There’s also a bakery and an outdoor play area for kids. We did visit Hidden Star Camino, but arrived too late to try anything from their bakery.

Though the bakery and taproom are supposed to be open until 6 pm, we arrived at 5:30 only to learn the bakery had already closed at 5 pm — so plan to visit earlier in the day. I contacted them to confirm hours, and they said they are open until 6 pm.

The cider is all produced at their own cidery in San Leandro, and they sell their produce at farmers' markets all around the Bay Area.

The bakery serves your typical Apple Hill goods like apple pie and apple cider donuts, but they also have savory items! We came for the paninis and fries, though, as mentioned, we arrived after the bakery had already closed.

If you’re not interested in cider or the bakery offerings, the outdoor play area is unique, with an actual small airplane, a real fire truck, large tubes to crawl through, tires to climb on, and more. There’s no upper age limit — adults are welcome too!

Where To Eat in Apple Hill

Though I could easily survive on just baked goods for a weekend (a dream), you may be looking for some actual meal options during your visit to Apple Hill.

Not all farms have food offerings beyond apples or sweet treats. When planning your itinerary, be sure to slot in a farm around lunchtime that serves food!

Beyond the farms, there are some surprisingly tasty restaurant options in the tiny towns of Camino and Placerville.

Farms Serving Food in Apple Hill

Apple Ridge Farms: Visit the BBQ house with pulled pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, along with vegetarian and vegan options! They have crispy fries and other sides as well.
Larsen Apple Barn & Bakeshop: Get freshly made lunch items like veggie sandwichs, pot pies, salads, and hot dogs (veggie, too!) at Larsen Bake Shop. Finish it off with one of their farm-fresh apple-based desserts.
Rainbow Orchards: Aside from the mouth-watering apple cider donuts, Rainbow Orchards also serves corn dogs for those looking for something savory.
Grandpa’s Cellar: While Grandpa’s Cellar itself only has baked goods and drinks, there’s an on-site taco truck serving up fresh and yummy Mexican food.
Hidden Star Camino: Here you’ll find paninis, grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and their “delicious golden fries,” paired with seasonings and a dipping sauce of your choice.

Restaurants In Apple Hill

Although some of the farms have food offerings for lunches, but they all close by 5 or 6 pm. If you’re looking for dinner spots, you’ll have to look outside of the apple farms.

There are a few restaurant options in Camino, and more options in downtown Placerville. Camino itself doesn’t have a downtown area since it’s an unincorporated area with mostly farms, but Placerville is the closest “real” town.

Camino Restaurants

Tropical Island Grill & Ale House: Poké is one of my favorite foods, and I’m always skeptical of eating fish when I’m far from a coast. This restaurant was packed, which is always a good sign. I was floored after taking my first bite of the poké bowl here — fresh, soft fish, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked rice.
The Forester: This restaurant came highly recommended by locals, though we didn’t eat here during our short trip. It’s German, but has a variety of non-German foods as well.
Sierra Taphouse & Pizza: Craving a classic crowd-pleaser? The gourmet pizzas here get rave reviews, and I would have loved to eat here if we had one more night! It’s also perfect for takeaway to bring back to your accommodation for a cozy night in.

Placerville Restaurants

Public House: We ate here when stopping in Placerville on our way out of town. The decor is incredible (like an old timey speakeasy with a modern twist) and the food was 10/10.
Old Town Grill: This spot was recommended to us by one of the local apple hill farm owners (in addition to Public House). It has a varied menu with items like burgers, sandwiches, and fries — all with outstanding reviews.
Enchanted Forest Dining Experience: Walking past this restaurant, it was such a bummer to see they were closed that day. This restaurant offers a full-on experience in aidditon to well-reviewed food. Maybe next trip!

Things To Do Near Apple Hill

Explore Downtown Placerville

Placerville is the nearest incorporated town and has a historic downtown with quirky antique shops and local restaurants. Like nearby Nevada City, Placerville dates back to the Gold Rush era.

This is also a perfect place to stop for lunch (or dinner) on your way back to the Bay Area or Sacramento! We had a fantastic lunch at Public House before popping into the various antique stores, checking out the local bookshop, and exploring the historic landmarks.

Take A Day Trip to Lake Tahoe

If you’ve never been to Lake Tahoe and have some extra time, just about an hour’s drive east through the Eldorado National Forest to visit South Lake Tahoe.

Check out the stunning Emerald Bay, explore Vikingsholm Castle, and hike the short distance to Eagle Falls. The surrounding roads may close due to snow, so be sure to check conditions before you hit the road!

If you’re visiting in September/October, you may want to hop over to Hope Valley (just south of South Lake Tahoe) to see the vivid fall colors on the trees there.

Visit Nevada City

Make a whole Gold Rush region trip out of your visit to Apple Hill with a stay in the historic Nevada City, the most well-preserved Gold Rush town in California.

It’s another charming town with historic buildings and a quaint downtown. Nevada City is best known for the Nevada City Victorian Christmas event, which is a large street fair that takes place each December on Wednesdays and Sundays.

I highly recommend staying at the National Exchange Hotel — it’s gorgeous and in the heart of the historic downtown.