While Florida is renowned for its citrus groves, the Sunshine State also offers delightful apple-picking experiences. In 2025, several orchards have emerged as top destinations for apple enthusiasts. Here’s a curated list of the best apple orchards in Florida this year.
Southern Hill Farms is a family-owned gem offering a variety of seasonal fruits. While primarily known for blueberries, peaches, and strawberries, they also feature a fall festival with pumpkins and sunflowers, making it a perfect spot for family outings.
120-acre farm with diverse crops
Fall Festival featuring pumpkins and sunflowers
Seasonal events and activities for all ages
- Website: southernhillfarms.com
2. Dooley Groves – Ruskin, FL
Located in Ruskin, Dooley Groves is a family-friendly farm offering a variety of fruits. While they don’t have a traditional apple orchard, they provide a unique experience with their citrus groves and seasonal fruits.
Citrus groves and seasonal fruit picking
Family-friendly atmosphere
Educational tours and events
3. Mercier Orchards – Blue Ridge, GA
Although located in Georgia, Mercier Orchards is a renowned destination for apple picking. They offer over 40 varieties of apples, a bakery with fresh apple cider donuts, and a winery with hard cider tastings.
Over 40 apple varieties
Bakery with apple cider donuts
Winery offering hard cider tastings
- Website: mercier-orchards.com
4. PickYourOwn.org – Florida Apple Orchards
PickYourOwn.org provides a comprehensive directory of U-Pick farms across Florida, including apple orchards. It’s a valuable resource for finding local apple-picking opportunities and planning your visit.
Extensive directory of U-Pick farms
Information on apple varieties and picking seasons
Tips for a successful apple-picking experience
- Website: pickyourown.org/FL-apples.php
5. Crystal River Orchard – Crystal River, FL
Crystal River Orchard offers a unique apple-picking experience with a limited but charming selection. Their apple season is brief, typically around April/May, providing a quaint and peaceful setting for apple enthusiasts.
Limited but charming apple selection
Brief apple season around April/May
Peaceful and scenic environment
- Facebook: CrystalRiverOrchard
6. Lakeland Orchard & Cidery – Lakeland, FL
Lakeland Orchard & Cidery is renowned for its Apple Harvest Festival, running from August 28th to November 2nd. Visitors can hand-pick dozens of apple varieties from over 20,000 trees. The orchard also offers delicious treats like the Apple KING SLUSH and warm Apple Dumplings with ice cream.
Over 20,000 apple trees with multiple varieties
Apple picking included with general admission
Seasonal treats and beverages
- Website: lakelandorchard.com
7. Keel Farms – Plant City, FL
Keel Farms hosts the Harvest Fest every weekend in October, celebrating the apple and pumpkin seasons. The festival features live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities, making it a perfect weekend getaway.Â
Weekend Harvest Fest with seasonal activities
Live music and local food vendors
Family-friendly atmosphere
- Website: keelfarms.com
8. Hatfield's Orchard – Crystal River, FL
Hatfield’s Orchard, also known as Crystal River Orchard U-Pick, is a family-owned farm offering a variety of fruits, including apples, during their brief season in April and May. The orchard provides a peaceful setting for apple picking and other seasonal fruits.
Seasonal apple picking in April and May
Other fruits like blueberries and peaches
Family-owned and operated
- facebook: CrystalRiverOrchard
9. Beck Brothers Citrus – Clermont, FL
While primarily known for citrus, Beck Brothers Citrus offers a unique experience with its U-Pick events. Visitors can enjoy the orchard’s scenic views and participate in seasonal fruit picking activities.
Citrus and seasonal fruit picking
Scenic orchard views
Family-friendly environment
10. Acres of Grace – Eustis, FL
Acres of Grace offers a serene setting for apple picking, along with other seasonal fruits. The farm focuses on providing a peaceful and educational experience for visitors.
Apple and seasonal fruit picking
Educational farm tours
Peaceful rural setting
Apple Varieties to Look For in Florida
Florida’s warm climate supports the cultivation of several apple varieties:
Anna: A low-chill variety thriving in Florida’s climate.
Dorsett Golden: Another low-chill variety, often grown alongside Anna for cross-pollination.
EverCrisp: A hybrid between Honeycrisp and Fuji, known for its sweetness and crisp texture.
SugarBee: A cross between Honeycrisp and an unknown variety, offering a sweet and crisp flavor.
Tips for a Successful Apple-Picking Experience
Check Season Dates: Apple seasons in Florida are shorter due to the warm climate. Typically, apple picking occurs in the early spring months.
Call Ahead: Always contact the orchard before visiting to confirm apple availability and hours of operation.
Bring Essentials: Wear comfortable clothing, bring sunscreen, and carry water to stay hydrated.
Respect Farm Rules: Follow all orchard guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Florida may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about apple orchards, but it offers surprisingly delightful experiences for apple enthusiasts. From the expansive Southern Hill Farms in Clermont to the charming Crystal River Orchard, each location has its unique charm, seasonal treats, and family-friendly activities.
Whether you’re a local or visiting Florida, planning your apple-picking adventure in advance will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Remember to check seasonal dates, call ahead to confirm availability, and bring essentials like sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing. By exploring these orchards in 2025, you’ll enjoy fresh, crisp apples and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When is the best time to pick apples in Florida?
Apple season in Florida is relatively short due to the warm climate. Most orchards have apples ready for picking in early spring (March to May). Low-chill varieties like Anna, Dorsett Golden, EverCrisp, and SugarBee thrive in Florida.
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2. Are apple orchards in Florida family-friendly?
Yes! Most Florida orchards offer activities suitable for families, including festivals, petting zoos, corn mazes, and seasonal events. Examples include Lakeland Orchard & Cidery and Keel Farms.
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3. Do I need to pay to pick apples?
It depends on the orchard. Some orchards, like Lakeland Orchard, include apple picking in the general admission, while others may charge per pound. Always check the orchard’s website or call ahead.
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4. Can I find other fruits at these orchards?
Absolutely! Many Florida orchards grow seasonal fruits such as peaches, blueberries, strawberries, and citrus, making it a fun experience beyond apples.
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5. Are Florida apple orchards open year-round?
Most apple orchards are seasonal, with peak apple picking in spring. However, some orchards grow other fruits or offer events year-round, so it’s best to check their websites for specific dates.
