Ready to fill a basket with ruby-red berries and your camera roll with sunny smiles? Strawberry time at tanaka farms delivers a bright, juicy day out that feels equal parts field trip and feast. From tractor-pulled tours to rows of fragrant plants heavy with fruit, everything invites you to slow down and savor. Bring the kids, meet the farmers, and taste strawberries the moment they’re picked.
💡Key Takeways
- Tanaka Farms is known for its sustainable practices and fresh produce.
- The strawberry picking season typically runs from late March to June.
- Visitors can expect to pick their own strawberries and enjoy farm tours.
Strawberry Time at Tanaka Farms
If you are dreaming of sun-warmed fruit and an easygoing day outdoors, strawberry time at tanaka farms is a tradition worth planning around. The season generally stretches from late March to June, when coastal weather in Irvine helps berries ripen to their sweetest. Expect rows of plants with glossy leaves and bright red fruit that practically ask to be plucked.
Unlike many roadside stands, Tanaka is a working farm that invites you into the fields. You can join a guided tour or opt for a self-guided pick, then wrap up with a stop at the farm stand for vegetables, seasonal fruit, and treats. The farm’s emphasis on responsible growing and fresh, flavorful produce makes its U-pick days stand out in Orange County.
Overview of Tanaka Farms
Tanaka Farms sits in the heart of Irvine, offering a rare peek into local agriculture right in suburban Southern California. The farm is family-run and known for strawberries in spring, watermelons in summer, and pumpkins in fall. Guests often come for the berries and stay for the community feel, complete with warm staff, educational moments, and plenty of photo-ready backdrops.
The team prioritizes sustainable practices like water-wise irrigation, composting, and encouraging pollinators. That approach helps deliver consistent flavor and quality while caring for the soil. You taste it in every bite. On weekends, the atmosphere buzzes with families, school groups, and friends meeting up for a low-stress outing that still feels special.
What to Expect at Tanaka Farms
Plan to check in at the entrance and follow helpful signs to tours or designated picking areas. Staff provide a short briefing on field etiquette, how to choose ripe berries, and where to walk between rows. You will get a container and directions to the best section of the field that day. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring sun protection, and pack a small cooler if you want to keep berries chilled in the car for the ride home.
Some days feature tractor-pulled wagon rides with commentary about the crops, soils, and seasonal rhythms. Other times you might head straight to the rows to begin picking. Either way, the pace is relaxed, and the goal is simple: have fun, learn something new, and take home berries you picked yourself.
Strawberry Picking Process
The picking is as straightforward as it is satisfying. You will receive your container at check-in and walk or ride out to the rows. Staff point out the best technique to keep berries pristine so they last longer in the fridge.
- Look for uniform, deep red color from tip to stem. Avoid berries with white shoulders.
- Pick by pinching the stem just above the cap to avoid crushing the fruit.
- Place berries gently in your container. Do not stack too high so the bottom berries do not bruise.
- Stay in your assigned rows and follow posted signs to protect plants and new blossoms.
- Ask a team member about sampling rules if you are tempted to taste in the field.
Once you have filled your basket, head back to the check-out area. Many visitors swing by the farm stand for extra produce, strawberry lemonade, or a snack to enjoy at shaded picnic tables. It is a simple routine that turns into a cherished ritual for families each spring.
Family-Friendly Activities
Beyond the berries, Tanaka Farms makes the day easy for all ages. Younger kids love spotting ladybugs and bees, riding the tractor-pulled wagon, and listening to short, engaging talks from guides. Grown-ups enjoy the farm stand’s seasonal finds and the chance to unplug for a few hours.
- Tractor-pulled wagon tours with farmer-led commentary
- Educational stops that explain planting, irrigation, and pollinators
- Photo stations in the fields for fun family shots
- Farm stand with fresh veggies, fruit, and seasonal sweets
- Shaded seating areas for snack breaks and quick rests
Compared with other U-pick spots, the organized flow, helpful staff, and commitment to sustainability make strawberry time at tanaka farms feel both educational and festive. It is a great gateway for city kids to learn where their food comes from without a long drive.
Best Time to Visit
Strawberries are typically at their peak from late March to June, with the sweetest fruit often arriving mid-season once the fields hit their stride. Mornings bring cooler temperatures and lively picking, and weekdays are usually quieter than weekends. If it has rained, fields may close temporarily to protect the plants and paths, so it is wise to check operating updates before you go.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so parking and check-in do not cut into your picking time. Berries picked earlier in the day stay firmer, and you will have an easier time finding pristine rows before the midday crowd.
How to Get There
Tanaka Farms is located in Irvine, in the heart of Orange County, making it a convenient day trip from Los Angeles, Long Beach, and most of San Diego County. Drivers commonly approach via the major freeways that ring the city, then weave through well-marked local roads to reach the farm’s entrance. Parking is straightforward on regular operating days, with staff guiding cars during busy weekends.
From Los Angeles, many visitors travel south and time their departure to avoid morning or late afternoon traffic. From coastal cities, expect a pleasant drive through OC with mountain views on clear days. When you arrive, follow signage for the farm stand or tour check-in, then keep your phone handy for any digital tickets or reservation confirmations.
Transportation Options
- Driving: The most flexible option, especially for families with strollers or coolers. Aim to arrive early on weekends for easier parking.
- Rideshare: Handy if you prefer not to drive or plan to continue the day elsewhere in Irvine.
- Public transit: You can take regional rail or bus to Irvine, then connect by local bus or rideshare for the short hop to the farm.
- Cycling: Confident cyclists may enjoy the area’s bike-friendly streets and paths. Bring a small backpack to carry your berries securely.
Whichever route you choose, build in a little buffer time so you can breathe, snap a quick family photo at the entrance, and stroll in without rushing. If you are coordinating with friends, use the farm stand as your meeting point to make regrouping simple.
Tips for a Great Experience
Small choices add up to a smooth, memorable day. Start with comfortable clothing, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. Closed-toe shoes are a must, since you will be walking on soil and mulch between rows. If someone in your group is sensitive to pollen or sun, pack a lightweight long sleeve and tissues. A small cooler and ice pack help keep berries firm on warm days during your drive home.
- Reserve ahead during peak weekends so you are guaranteed entry when strawberry time at tanaka farms is in full swing.
- Check weather and field updates the morning of your trip, especially after rain.
- Bring wipes or a damp cloth for berry-stained fingers, plus a reusable bag for extra farm stand goodies.
- Teach kids to step only on pathways and to pick by the stem to protect the plants.
Want the sweetest haul? Scan both the tops and undersides of the plants. The most flavorful berries often hide behind leaves, fully red and slightly dull in sheen. If a berry is bright but has a white tip, leave it to ripen for the next guest. Fill your container with single layers first, then gently nestle more on top to avoid bruising.
