CALIFORNIA’S HIDDEN GEM - OAK GLEN, CA
There is a beautiful place that is so dear to my heart, high in the mountains of Southern California - Oak Glen. I grew up going to Oak Glen frequently. Every fall we were up there, picking apples, picking pumpkins, having fun with friends…it is a magical place.
This small town of about 500 is peppered with western ranches, apple orchards, a village center with shops selling pies, candy, and country collectables, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountainsides. I remember 6 year old me, browsing the candy shop, and picking out apple rings and candy sticks to enjoy in the car. This place is so special, I wanted to share it with the world by creating a travel guide to this tiny mountain village.
OAK GLEN, CA TRAVEL GUIDE
- A little slice of heaven in the California Mountains -
WHAT TO DO
In October, Oak Glen is a bustling place. This apple farming community is a popular destination for those seeking a fun fall experience in Southern California, and there are so many autumnal activities to enjoy!
OAK TREE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE - The hub of the Glen is Oak Tree Mountain Village, and is a great place to start your day. Have breakfast at Apple Annie’s, and don’t forget to take one of their mile-high apple pies with you before you leave! Behind the bakery there are fun little shops and western activities such as ax throwing, and a petting zoo. Next door is a candy shop and brand new ice cream stand!
LOS RIOS RANCHO - Los Rios is the largest apple farm in Southern California, and has 100+ years of history! It is a family business, run by the Devon Riley Family, and has 300 beautiful acres of apple trees, and a view up to the magnificent Wilshire Peak. Here, in their Northside Orchard in the fall, there are so many activities to enjoy, from U-Pick apples, hayrides, petting zoo, a corn maze, candle making, and more! This gorgeous ranch gives you a glimpse into what western pioneer life was like back in the day! You can enjoy tri-tip under the sun, and buy all the fall pies in the U-Pick tent. All throughout the year they have events with live music, movies on the green, festivals, and so much more!
I grew up coming to Los Rios, so this place holds such a special place in my heart. You have to go their to experience it yourself; it is the best place on earth!
WILSHIRE APPLE SHED - Also run by the Devon Riley family, Wilshire is a special spot in the Glen. It began as a farm stand, and is now home to a cigar shop, store, cafe, and wood fire pizza oven. Retro music plays in the background while you enjoy a coffee on the porch under the large oak tree.
STONE SOUP FARM - This lovely boutique farm, run by the Tim Riley Family, is open on the weekends and has beautiful activities from U-pick in the heritage orchard, to cider pressing, hatchet throwing, and more!
APPLE CART - Apple Cart is open on the weekends during apple season, and is run by the Thad Riley Family. Against the backdrop of a victorian style farmhouse, you can pick apples throughout the property, help press cider, and enjoy petting the sweetest goats at the petting zoo.
RILEY’S FARM - While the other farms in the Riley family show you the pioneering days of the west, Riley’s Farm gives you a look at colonial America. There are mock battles staged on the property, with red coats, and the whole shabang; and the farmhouse is a beautiful, white colonial with a tavern inside!
WHERE TO STAY
STONE OAK MANOR - This 1926 stone manor house sits just off of Oak Glen Road, down the road from Oak Tree Village. You can rent the entire 5 bedroom house, and enjoy a bit of history up in the mountains.
KHYRA BEAUCREST RANCH, CHERRY VALLEY - Just down the hill from Oak Glen is a beautiful mansion inn, with rooms in both the manor house and in the cottages on property.
WHERE TO EAT
LOS RIOS - For delicious, Glen famous Tri-Tip, apple pies, and more, Los Rios is the place to be for food in the fall! I love their crumb crust pies…and their apple hand pies are to die for! This is the spot for a good ol’ western lunch in beautiful surroundings!
APPLE ANNIE’S - The diner-style restaurant at Apple Annie’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is connected to the bakery where you can get delicious baked goods to-go!
HAWKS HEAD TAVERN - You will feel as though you have been transported to Colonial Williamsburg at Hawks Head Tavern, located inside the beautiful colonial house on Riley’s Farm. Ham, potatoes, green beans, pot pies, apple pies…it’s all good-old-fashioned food at Hawks Head.
SNOW-LINE - Need a retro style soda or a hot-off-the-press apple cider doughnut? Look no further than Snow-Line Orchard. Their mini doughnuts are delicious sugary puffs of apple cider goodness…they are delicious!
WILSHIRE APPLE SHED - This is the PERFECT spot to stop at if you like gourmet coffee, hard cider, or wood-fire pizze. Wilshire’s newest addition to their cafe is a wood fire pizza oven off the side porch, with the most delicious and beautiful pizzas you will ever eat or see, from the earthy “To Market, To Market” pulled pork pizza, the the fresh and tomato-ey pizza Margherita! Their baristas have all the retro vibes as they craft delightful cups of espresso, lattes, and hot chocolate. There is a delicious selection of house made baked goods to enjoy alongside your drink…I highly recommend the chocolate chip cookie!
If you live in Southern California, or are visiting…take the time to head up into the San Bernardino Mountains and see the beautiful community at Oak Glen. There you will enjoy history, fun events, delicious food, and lovely people! Go and see for yourself!
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