It feels like a very California thing to tell you that one of the best things about Swanton Berry Farm is that you can eat pumpkin pie with an ocean view. Where else can you do that?!
In Northern California, Swanton Berry Farm is legendary. This unassuming farmstand on Highway 1 is charming, unassuming (blink and you’ll miss it!), and one of those classic coastal California spots that you need to visit at least once. I put it right up there with local favorites like Nick’s Cove in Tomales Bay and Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay.
Whether you’re driving the PCH from Santa Monica to Oregon, or you’re a local looking for a fun Bay Area day trip, you’re going to love Swanton Berry Farm.
What is Swanton Berry Farm
Swanton Berry Farm is a family-owned U-Pick strawberry farm in Santa Cruz County that is famous for its selection of perfectly ripe strawberries. The property is split into two sections: the U-Pick strawberry patch and the Farmstand.
Inside the Farmstand, you can find all sorts of amazing treats! More on that below…
Where is Swanton Berry Farm?
Located in the Davenport, California, Swanton Berry Farm is 20 minutes north of Santa Cruz, 45 minutes from Half Moon Bay, an hour from San Jose, and an hour and a half from San Francisco.
No California coast road trip is complete without a stop here.
About That Drive
Driving to Swanton Berry Farm requires a leisurely drive on California’s famous Highway 1, AKA California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re looking for things to do when you visit Northern California, besides visiting wine country, of course(!), taking this iconic road up the California coast is a must.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken out-of-towners to Swanton Berry Farm and the sight of the big, blue Pacific Ocean never gets old.
Why You’ll Love Visiting Swanton Berry Farm
The homemade treats at Swanton Berry Farm are made with ingredients harvested just yards away in the fruit patches. These home-style baked goods and pies are made in small batches and look like they came from your grandma’s kitchen.
Tasty snack with an ocean view – need I say more? Sit outside at one of the blue picnic tables and enjoy your snack with a view of the Pacific Ocean.
Locals in-the-know love visiting Swanton Berry Farm, but unlike other tourist destinations it’s never overcrowded. There’s always plenty of parking and the Influencers haven’t quite figured out what a hidden gem this spot is.
The Current Line-Up of Treats I Spied In October 2024
The list of desserts and snacks at the Swanton Berry Farmstand is constantly changing based on the season and availability of fruit. But here is a general rundown to give you a sense of what to expect.
The Pies & Other Sweets!
- Marionberry pies and pie slices
- Strawberry pies and pie slices
- Truffles
- Strawberry pecan scones
- Strawberry shortbread cookies
- Marionberry pies and pie slices
- Cheesecakes
- Strawberry shortcakes
- Cobblers
- Pecan pie
To Drink
- Hot Strawberry Apple Cider – so perfect for the fall season.
- Coffee – is coffee and pie ever a bad idea?
The Jams
They make so many fresh jams! And they’re low in sugar.
- Strawberry
- Strawberry Rhubard
- Olallieberry
- Strawberry Citrus
- Strawberry Olallieberry
Droolworthy Pumpkin Treats
If you love all things fall, then you must, must(!) visit sometime between September and January. Swanton Berry Farm is in the heart of Northern California pumpkin country and that means this little shop has tons of seasonal treats (AKA pumpkin treats!) in the fall.
P.S.: Need some inspiration for a pumpkin pie caption or a fall caption? Check out these fall Instagram caption ideas.
On my visit this October I spied:
- Homemade pumpkin pie
- Pumpkin muffins with yummy frosting
A Great U-Pick Farm in Santa Cruz
Bright red strawberries picked fresh from the strawberry patch taste so much better than anything you might buy at the store. Picking your own strawberries is a really fun experience, I definitely recommend you try it at least once.
If u-pick berries are on your agenda, just be sure to check the website to make sure they’re in season. You can also pick kiwis from November to January.
More details about how U-Pick works at Swanton Berry Farm can be found here.
Cool Facts About Swanton Berry Farm
- Swanton Berry Farm was the first unionized organic farm in America!
- They have cool types of berry pies like Marionberry and Olallieberries, which are two types of blackberries that are pretty hard to find in California.
Tips for Visiting
- It can get pretty windy on this part of the California coast. If you’ve got long hair, tie it back, wear a hat, or even a hoodie if you plan on exploring around the farm.
- Temperatures hover in the 60s here, so dress accordingly to stay comfy.
- The only bathroom at Swanton Berry Farm is a big porta potty. If you need to go, the Davenport Roadhouse is only 2 minutes away. Stop in, grab a muffin or stay for lunch, and use this bathroom instead.
- Swanton Berry Farm is a great choice for Thanksgiving pies. Plus, if you’re entertaining guests for the holidays, or you need an excuse to get out of the house because you’re entertaining guests, these pies can’t be beat!
- Don’t forget to take a picture by the tractor out front if you stop by on your next California Coast road trip adventure!
Hours & Details
The Farmstand is currently open 7 days a week from 8 am to 7 pm.
They accept cash, cards, and Apple pay.
FAQ
What do you wear to a berry farm?
If you plan on picking berries on your visit, wear comfortable clothing and shoes (tennis shoes are perfect). Remember, it can get pretty windy on the water, so you may want a light jacket, too.
Is Swanton Berry Farm open?
Swanton Berry Farm is open 7 days a day, excluding some holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.