The Very Best Things To Do in Oak Glen, California
Oak Glen, a small mountain community known for its historic apple orchards, is the perfect Southern California day trip.
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Oak Glen , California - if you are looking for fun things to do with your family in Southern California , this charming mountain community is the place to visit!
Having grown up in Southern California, I spent a lot of time up in Oak Glen .
In fact, for a short time, my parents ran a restaurant right in the heart of Oak Glen . I remember that time well, as I spent my days exploring the mountain community and meeting the warm people who live and work there.
As an adult, I continue to visit Oak Glen often. It is a perfect weekend escape.
From picking your own apples in historic orchards to indulging in the famous apple cider donuts and exploring scenic trails, Oak Glen promises an unforgettable Southern California weekend getaway filled with rustic charm.
Where is Oak Glen Located
Oak Glen is located in Southern California, about 1.5 hours from both Los Angeles and San Diego, within the San Bernardino National Forest.
After exiting the I-10 freeway, you will drive only 15-20 minutes before finding yourself in the heart of Oak Glen ‘s mountain community.
The location of this charming mountain village makes it the best day trip for families from Los Angeles , especially if your family is looking to get away from the city and enjoy the fresh mountain air while doing some fun activities.
When to visit Oak Glen
Oak Glen is open year-round. However, the apple season—from September to November—offers visitors a chance to enjoy unique activities available only during this period, such as picking your own apples in historic orchards.
Of course, there are things to do all year round, such as the Apple Blossom Festival in the spring.
Check out the Oak Glen website to find the latest information about upcoming events.
Things to do in Oak Glen
Mom’s Country Orchards
📍38695 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Mom’s Country Orchard is an Oak Glen gem. At this small roadside fruit stand, you’ll find a variety of seasonal local fruits, vegetables, and goodies ready to be enjoyed.
I recommend checking out their large collection of jams, jellies, and preserves on the back wall. I picked up the boysenberry jam, and it was DELISH.
Most of the goodies are grown in the plot right next door.
2. Oak Tree Mountain
📍38480 Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen, CA 92399
Oak Tree Mountain acts as the village center of Oak Glen. Here, you will find Apple Annie's Restaurant, which has been a staple of Oak Glen for 50 years. There is also an artisan village where you can shop for local goodies, an ice cream shop, a pub, and even axe throwing.
Apple Annie’s Restaurant located at Oak Tree Mountain Village in Oak Glen, CA
The Oak Tree Mountain Slide is a fun activity for the kids
If you are looking for a family-friendly place to visit, I highly recommend checking out Oak Tree Mountain. There are activities such as the giant mountain slide and axe throwing, as well as the Inspiration Forest, a fun place to explore with playgrounds and a petting zoo.
3. Snow-Line Orchards, Oak Glen
📍39400 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
A trip to Oak Glen is not complete without a stop at Snow-Line Orchards to try their delicious apple cider donuts. They are warm and soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. You can enjoy them in Snow-Line’s gorgeous picnic area overlooking the farm and mountains.
4. Los Rios Rancho
📍39611 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Los Rios Rancho is another Oak Glen legend. My family would visit Oak Glen in the summer and always stop at Los Rios for apple pie. As a kid, I loved exploring the shop to see what treasures I could find. To this day, this is still one of my favourite things to do.
If you are looking for somewhere to eat in Oak Glen, check out the Farm Kitchen at Los Rios Rancho. They have amazing BBQ here!
5. Oak Glen Preserve
Also located at Los Rios Rancho in Oak Glen is the Oak Glen Preserve, managed by The Wildlands Conservancy. There is a beautifully curated Children’s Garden that blooms with gorgeous and vibrant flowers, which makes for the perfect activity for families.
Beyond the Children’s Garden you can explore the hiking trails that will take you through the 100+ year-old apple farm, a duck pond that is so quaint and peaceful, and through a oak and pine forest.
6. Wilshire’s Apple Shed
📍11925 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Another quaint stop to add to your list is Wilshire’s Apple Shed. If BBQ isn’t your thing, make sure to save your appetite for Wilshire’s wood-burning oven pizza and hard cider. With good food and an outdoor seating area in a fairy garden, this place bursts with country charm.
7. Oak Glen School
📍11911 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
The Oak Glen School House should definitely be on your list. This historic building is now a museum where you can step back in time and explore what life was like for school kids in this small mountain community in 1927.
There is also a great park on the grounds with a healthy amount of shade making it an enjoyable stop.
8. Stone Soup Farm
📍12131 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Stone Soup Farm is a family-run small heritage orchard and floral studio. Here, you can find (in my opinion) the best U-Pick experience in Oak Glen. All U-Pick activities are done through reservation only so make sure to give yourself plenty of time.
Make sure to check out their website for more information.
Final Thoughts
Whether you decide to visit one, a few, or all of these places in Oak Glen with your family, you will be sure to have a fulfilling experience that will leave you with precious memories.
For more travel tips and detailed itineraries, check out more content below.
Have questions or need personalized advice? Feel free to reach out through our contact page.
Safe travels!
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