Strawberry Farms in Florida: A Guide to the Best Places to Pick Your Own Strawberries
Florida is known for its juicy and sweet strawberries, and there are plenty of farms throughout the state where you can pick your own fresh berries straight from the fields. Not only is it a great way to spend time outdoors with family or friends, but you’ll also get to taste some of the freshest and most flavorful strawberries around.
Whether you’re a Florida local or just visiting, there are strawberry farms located throughout the state. From North Florida to Central Florida to South Florida, you’ll find plenty of options for picking your own strawberries or purchasing pre-picked berries. Each region has its own unique charm and character, so you can make a day trip out of it and explore different parts of the state while indulging in some delicious strawberries. Plus, if you time your visit right, you may even be able to attend one of Florida’s famous strawberry festivals, such as the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City.
So, put on your sunscreen, grab a basket, and get ready to experience the joy of strawberry picking in Florida. With so many farms to choose from and so much delicious fruit to taste, you’re sure to have a memorable and tasty adventure.
Strawberries Picking Tips
Are you planning to go strawberry picking in Florida? Here are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable:
1. Check the Farm’s Website
Before heading out to the farm, check the farm’s website for their hours of operation, prices, and availability of strawberries. Some farms may have specific rules or regulations that you need to follow, such as wearing closed-toe shoes or bringing your own containers.
2. Go Early
The best time to go strawberry picking is in the morning when the berries are still cool and fresh. Plus, you’ll beat the heat and the crowds.
3. Look for Ripe Berries
Look for bright red, plump, and firm berries. Avoid berries that are mushy, bruised, or have white or green tips. Ripe strawberries should easily come off the stem with a gentle tug.
4. Don’t Overfill Your Container
Be mindful of how many strawberries you’re picking and how much space you have in your container. Overfilling your container can cause the strawberries to bruise or squish, making them less enjoyable to eat.
5. Stay Hydrated
Florida’s sun can be intense, especially during strawberry season. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
6. Enjoy the Experience
Strawberry picking is not just about the strawberries. It’s also about enjoying the beautiful farm scenery and spending time with your loved ones. Take your time, enjoy the moment, and have fun!
Another option to enjoy the picking experience is finding a place in the farm to stay and enjoy the rural surrounding.
Best Strawberry Farms in Florida
Florida is known for its delicious strawberries, and there are plenty of farms where you can pick your own or buy already picked berries. Here are some of the best strawberry farms in Florida that you should visit.
Farms near Orlando:
Pappy’s Patch in Oviedo
Located in Oviedo, Pappy’s Patch is one of the most famous strawberry farms in Florida. This family-run farm offers a genuine U-pick experience that both locals and tourists will enjoy. Friendly staff, well-maintained premises, and a warm community spirit make Pappy’s Patch a must-visit during the strawberry season in Florida.
Address: 700 Florida Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765.
Amber Brooke Farms
Amber Brooke Farms in Groveland is a family-owned and operated farm that offers U-pick strawberries in addition to other fresh produce. The farm also has a market where you can buy already picked berries, as well as other fresh produce, honey, and more.
Address: 3632 E Crown Point Rd, Groveland, FL 34736.
Oak Haven Farms in Sorrento
Oak Haven Farms in Sorrento is a family-owned and operated farm that offers U-pick strawberries. The farm also has a market where you can buy already picked berries, as well as other fresh produce, jams, and jellies. The farm is open from January to April.
Address: 32418 A Ln, Sorrento, FL 32776.
Farms near Tampa:
Plant City Farm & Flea Market
Located in Plant City, this farm is one of the largest suppliers of strawberries in the United States. They offer u-pick opportunities, as well as fresh produce and other goodies.
Address: 708 W Sam Allen Rd, Plant City, FL 33565.
Spivey Farms in Plant City
Spivey Farms in Plant City is another great option for strawberry picking. This farm offers U-pick strawberries and also has a market where you can buy already picked berries, as well as other fresh produce. The farm is open from January to April.
Address: 6101 County Line Rd, Plant City, FL 33567.
Fancy Farms Market
Fancy Farms Market in Plant City offers U-pick strawberries in addition to other fresh produce. The farm also has a market where you can buy already picked berries, as well as other fresh produce, jams, and jellies.
Address: 3301 Sydney Rd, Plant City, FL 33566.
Sweetfields Farm
Sweetfields Farm in Masaryktown is known for its sunflower maze, but they also offer U-pick strawberries during the strawberry season. The farm also has a market where you can buy already picked berries, as well as other fresh produce and baked goods.
Address: 17250 Benes Roush Rd, Masaryktown, FL 34604.
Ferris Groves
Ferris Groves in Floral City is known for its citrus, but they also offer U-pick strawberries during the strawberry season. The farm also has a market where you can buy already picked berries, as well as other fresh produce and citrus products.
Address: 7607 S Florida Ave, Floral City, FL 34436.
Farms near Miami:
Knaus Berry Farm
Knaus Berry Farm in Homestead is known for its delicious cinnamon rolls, but they also offer U-pick strawberries during the strawberry season. The farm also has a market where you can buy already picked berries, as well as other fresh produce and baked goods.
Address: 15980 SW 248th St, Homestead, FL 33031.
Brooks Farm Strawberries
If you’re looking for more than just strawberries, head to Brooks Farm Produce. They also offer blackberries, tomatoes, and blueberries depending on the season. In addition to fresh produce, they sell strawberry yogurt, milkshakes, shortcakes, and a few jam varieties. This farm has two locations, so you can pick the nearest one to you. They provide the buckets and crates for you to take your freshly picked berries home.
Sweet Southern Farms
Sweet Southern Farms offers beautiful berries that you can pick for $2.75 a pound or buy already picked at $3.50 a pound. While you’re there, be sure to try the delicious strawberry yogurt and shortcake.
Address: 1074 Melton Rd, Baker, FL 32531
Farms near Jacksonville:
Crossroads Farm & Apiary
At Crossroads Farm & Apiary, strawberry season is one of their busiest times. Check their Facebook page or Instagram to see when the berries are ready to be picked. Buckets are provided for picking and bags to take your berries home. Once you get there, you can take a wagon ride to the strawberry field where the u-pick strawberries are $3.50 a pound. If you just want to buy already picked strawberries then they are $4 a pound. While you’re there, browse the farm store where you will find raw local honey, more seasonal produce, and locally handmade crafts. Other than the strawberry season, the farm also holds an annual fall festival that includes a pumpkin patch, lots of food, hay rides, and games.
Address: 3831 NW 156th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
The Family Garden
At The Family Garden, you can find some of the best organic strawberries available in the area. Follow their updates on social media or give them a call to find out more about their strawberry season. They supply the community with fresh, certified organic fruits and vegetables. Their goal is to make organic food more accessible to everyone so that everyone is able to eat well and feed their family nutrient dense food for a fair price.
Address: 1655 SE 23rd Pl, Gainesville, FL 32641
Farms near Other Cities:
Brown’s Farm
Brown’s Farm is family owned and operated in Orange Heights, Florida. You can pick your own strawberries on their farm or see if they have picked flats available. They often have a wide variety of different produce available, so check often to see what goods they have in stock at the time. While you’re there, you can also pick up a beautiful rose bush to plant in your very own garden.
Address: 18120 NE State Road 26 Orange Heights, FL 32640
Hathy’s Hilltop Produce
Hathy’s Hilltop Produce is a small, family-owned strawberry u-pick farm. You’ll need to follow along on their Facebook page to know when they are open before you go.
Address: 109 Dotney Ave San Mateo, FL 32187
Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market
Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market is a family-owned and operated farm that offers U-pick strawberries in addition to other fresh produce. The farm also has a market where you can buy already picked berries, as well as other fresh produce, baked goods, and more.
Address: 10066 Lee Rd, Boynton Beach, FL 33473.
The Berry Farms
The Berry Farms in Gainesville is a family-owned and operated farm that offers U-pick strawberries in addition to other fresh produce. The farm also has a market where you can buy already picked berries, as well as other fresh produce, honey, and more.
Address: 20115 NW 75th Ave, Alachua, FL 32615.
Bissett Farms
Bissett Farms in Williston is a family-owned and operated farm that offers U-pick strawberries in addition to other fresh produce. The farm also has a market where you can buy already picked berries, as well as other fresh produce, jams, and jellies.
Address: 9800 NE 27th Ln, Williston, FL 32696.
The Strawberry Farm
At The Strawberry Farm, located in Milton, Florida near Pensacola, you can pick your own strawberries once the berries start to ripen. The farm has four different varieties of strawberries to choose from. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to know when the berries are ready to be picked. The farm provides buckets and crates for you to take your freshly picked berries home.
Address: 8687 Evers Road Milton, FL 32570
Strawberry Picking Season and Festivals
Peak Season for Strawberries
If you want to experience the freshest and sweetest strawberries in Florida, you should plan your visit during the peak season, which usually occurs from December to February. During this time, the weather is cooler, and the berries are at their best. However, the exact timing can vary each year based on weather conditions, so make sure to check the farm’s website or Facebook page for updated information before planning your visit.
Florida Strawberry Festival
If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate the strawberry season, you should check out the Florida Strawberry Festival. Held annually in Plant City, the festival is a 11-day event that features live entertainment, carnival rides, and of course, plenty of delicious strawberries. The festival usually takes place in late February to early March, which is the perfect time to enjoy the peak of the strawberry season.
During the festival, you can enjoy a variety of strawberry-themed treats, such as strawberry shortcake, strawberry milkshakes, and chocolate-covered strawberries. You can also participate in strawberry-related activities, such as the strawberry stem-off contest and the strawberry recipe contest.
If you’re interested in picking your own strawberries, many farms offer u-pick opportunities during the festival season. This is a great way to experience the joy of picking your own fresh strawberries and enjoying the sweet taste of locally grown fruit.
Strawberry Varieties and Flavors
If you’re a strawberry lover, you’re in luck because Florida is home to a variety of delicious strawberry flavors. In this section, we’ll explore some of the unique strawberry varieties and flavors that you can find in Florida.
Juicy Strawberries and Exquisite Flavors
Florida strawberries are known for their juicy texture and exquisite flavors. They are usually bright red in color, plump, and have a sweet, slightly tart taste. The warm climate in Florida allows the strawberries to grow all year round, ensuring they are always fresh and juicy.
One of the most popular strawberry varieties in Florida is the “Florida Radiance” variety. This variety is known for its large size, bright red color, and sweet flavor. It is perfect for fresh eating, baking, and making jams and preserves.
Another popular variety is the “Winterstar” strawberry. This variety is known for its firm texture, sweet taste, and high yield. It is perfect for making pies, tarts, and other desserts.
Unique Berry Varieties in Florida
In addition to the traditional red strawberries, Florida is also home to some unique berry varieties. One such variety is the “Pineberry.” This berry looks like a white strawberry but has a pineapple-like flavor. It is perfect for adding a unique twist to your favorite recipes.
Another unique variety is the “Mint Julep” strawberry. This berry has a sweet, minty flavor that is perfect for making refreshing drinks and desserts. It is also great for snacking on its own.
Overall, Florida is a great place to explore different strawberry varieties and flavors. Whether you prefer traditional red strawberries or want to try something new, you’re sure to find something delicious in Florida.
I am a father of a 2 energetic boys. If one of them accidently sleeps past 6am, the other one make sure he will wake up. Traveling is our favorite activity as a family and we try to do it almost every time school is out. Our favorite location is Florida (coming from Baltimore the warm weather is usually a blessing).