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What is Oak Glen?
Oak Glen is located in Southern California in San Bernardino County near the city of Yucaipa. It’s a roughly five-mile stretch featuring numerous apple orchards, cider mills, and charming shops, making it a popular destination to visit during the fall season.
Oak Glen Day Trip Itinerary:
1. Snow-Line Orchard
My recommendation would be to begin your day at Snow-Line Orchard. During fall it’s especially busy and you’ll likely have to wait in long lines on weekends. But don’t worry, they move quickly! Snow-Line Orchard is famous for their Mini Apple Cider Donuts and man, they are worth the hype! Watch them being made right in front of you and order a half dozen or a full dozen (or several dozen in my opinion). Snow-Line is also a cidery and winery, offering hot apple cider, cider slushies, and hard cider/wine tastings. They have beautiful outdoor seating beneath trees that show off fall foilage in late autumn and there’s often live music being performed. Families can shop around at the gift shop and even go raspberry picking.
2. Oak Tree Mountain
Next, make your way to Oak Tree Mountain. This family-friendly park offers many entertainment options for the whole family to enjoy, including train rides, a petting zoo, axe throwing, local artisans, and a giant mountain tubing slide. Be sure to snag a famous mile-high pie from Apple Annies Bakery & Restaurant, and grab a beverage from the Common Ground Public House.
3. Wilshire Apple Shed
With all that adventuring and exploring, you’ll likely have worked up quite the appetite. Whilshire’s serves wood-fired pizza and is also a coffee shop. They have the most beautiful country-style outdoor seating and are mercantile offering heirloom hard ciders and gift items and are now owned and operated by the Riley Family Enterprise. I would highly recommend a lunch and coffee break here to split up your day!
4. Los Rios Rancho
And last but certainly not least, head to Los Rios Rancho for a little apple picking. Parking is free and you’ll easily find a few workers handing out bags and giving demonstrations on proper apple-picking etiquette. Los Rios Rancho is the oldest and largest operating apple farm in Southern California. They offer three different types of u-pick apples by the pound.
Honorable Mentions:
While I didn’t go to these locations on my trip to Oak Glen this year, I received countless comments on social media recommending these places.
- Moms County Orchards – Apple Orchard & Market
- Riley’s Farm – Apple Orchard & Living History Farm – I went on a few field trips here growing up and we got to do the historic lessons and reenactments.
- Oak Glen Preserve – Hiking trails, picnicking, and a botanic garden
- Parrish Pioneer Ranch – Apple Ranch – On Sundays during fall, there is a free Pirate Stunt Show
Extend Your Trip
While this itinerary is for a quick day trip, if you are looking to extend your stay, there are very few locations actually in the town of Oak Glen, but plenty of nearby cities like Yucaipa and Cherry Valley with lots of quick accommodation options. I’ve listed just a few below, ranging in price and location depending on what you’re looking for.
- Oak Tree Inn – The Oak Tree Inn offers convenient access to Oak Glen and features clean and comfortable rooms.
- Calimesa Inn – A convenient stay in Yucaipa. A suitable choice for those looking for a quick, last-minute stay. Low pricing with good reviews.
- Stone Oak Manor – Historic Bed & Breakfast in Oak Glen
- Khyra Beaucrest Ranch – An incredible mansion inn just down the hill from Oak Glen with rooms in the manor house and separate cottages as well.
Happy fall season – Happy exploring!