Strawberry Picking Near Atlanta: Best Farms, Seasons, and Local Tips

Fresh, sun-warmed strawberries are one of the best parts of spring in Georgia. If you’re searching for strawberry picking near Atlanta, you’ll find plenty of u-pick farms within a one- to two-hour drive of the city, plus some helpful local resources to plan the perfect day trip.

This guide focuses on where to go, when to go, what to expect, and how to prepare—all with Atlanta residents and visitors in mind.

When Is Strawberry Season Around Atlanta?

In the metro Atlanta area and North Georgia, strawberry season typically runs from late April through early June, with the peak usually in May. Exact timing changes year to year based on weather.

Most u-pick farms:

• Open strawberry fields a few days a week during the season
• May sell out early in the day on weekends
• Often post daily field updates (open/closed, crop conditions) by phone recording or social media

Key tip:
🍓 Always call ahead or check the farm’s latest update the morning you go. Strawberry fields can close unexpectedly due to rain, overpicking, or limited ripe berries.

Top Strawberry Picking Spots Near Atlanta

Below is a quick comparison of some well-known strawberry-picking destinations within driving distance of Atlanta. Drive times are approximate from central Atlanta and can vary with traffic.

*Seasons vary by weather and yearly conditions.

Highlights of Popular Strawberry Farms Near Atlanta

Washington Farms (Watkinsville & Loganville)

Distance from Atlanta: About 1–1.5 hours east, depending on the location and traffic.

Washington Farms is one of the most frequently recommended u-pick spots for Atlanta families. They typically offer:

• U-pick strawberries by the pound during the main season
• Pre-picked berries for those who prefer to skip the fields
• Additional farm attractions on certain days (like farm animals, play areas, or seasonal events)

Because this farm is well known across the region, weekends can get busy, especially during peak berry season. Weekday mornings are often less crowded for Atlanta-area visitors who can make the drive.

Why Atlanta locals like it:

• Reasonable drive from both Intown Atlanta and East Metro suburbs
• Good for larger groups and school-age kids
• Generally has a large crop and organized parking/lines during peak times

Southern Belle Farm (McDonough)

Distance from Atlanta: About 45–60 minutes south via I-75, depending on where you start.

Southern Belle Farm is a multi-season destination that many Atlantans visit for strawberries in spring, peaches in summer, and pumpkins in the fall.

In strawberry season, they typically offer:

• U-pick strawberries and pre-picked options
• A farm market with jams, jellies, and baked goods
• Seasonal activities that may appeal to kids and visitors

Because it’s right off a major interstate corridor, this is a convenient option for people living in south metro Atlanta (College Park, East Point, Morrow, Stockbridge) and for visitors staying near Hartsfield-Jackson.

What to expect:

• Can be quite busy on spring weekends
• Often charges admission or separate activity fees for certain attractions (check ahead)
• Fields can be muddy after rain, so dress accordingly

Jaemor Farms (Alto)

Distance from Atlanta: Roughly 1.5 hours northeast via I-85 and US-985.

Jaemor Farms is known for its large farm market and scenic North Georgia setting, and it often includes strawberry u-pick days when the crop is strong.

What many Atlanta visitors enjoy:

• Combining strawberry picking with a day trip to North Georgia
• Stopping at the farm market for breads, fried pies, and produce
• Easy access from northeast metro suburbs like Duluth, Lawrenceville, and Buford

Because u-pick events can be more limited here, Jaemor typically encourages guests to check for specific u-pick dates before visiting for strawberries.

Dickey Farms (Musella)

Distance from Atlanta: About 1.5–2 hours south, commonly accessed via I-75.

Dickey Farms is historically famous for peaches, but the farm often has additional seasonal crops and activities that appeal to visitors from Atlanta, including berries in some years.

Atlanta-area visitors often:

• Make this a full-day outing or pair it with a stop in Macon
• Plan around peach season but watch for strawberry or early spring offerings
• Enjoy the historic packinghouse and rural setting

Because it’s a longer drive, this option works best if you’re planning more of a weekend trip than a quick half-day outing.

How to Find Current Strawberry-Picking Options from Atlanta

Seasonal farm operations change and expand over time. In addition to the farms above, new u-pick spots sometimes open within a reasonable drive of Atlanta.

For up-to-date options, Atlanta residents often rely on:

1. Local Extension Offices

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension maintains offices in metro counties and can be a reliable source of information on local farms and seasonal crops.

For example:

• UGA Extension – Fulton County
  North Fulton Office:
  7741 Roswell Road, Suite 225
  Atlanta, GA 30350
  Phone: (404) 613-7670

• UGA Extension – DeKalb County
  4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 200
  Decatur, GA 30032
  Phone: (404) 298-4080

Extension agents may provide:

• Lists of nearby u-pick farms
• General guidance on season timing and crop conditions in the region

2. County and Regional Agritourism Lists

Several Georgia counties around Atlanta publicize agri-tourism and farm attractions through their:

• County websites
• Tourism offices
• Printed visitor guides (available at welcome centers)

Checking sites or offices for Gwinnett, Henry, Hall, Newton, and Walton counties, for example, can reveal current strawberry farms that advertise locally more than online.

What to Bring for Strawberry Picking (Atlanta-Friendly Checklist)

Strawberry picking around Atlanta usually means mild to warm spring weather, but conditions vary. Fields can be dusty, muddy, hot, or breezy all on the same day.

Here’s a simple checklist:

• Comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting dirty (closed-toe recommended)
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Water (especially for kids and older adults)
• Bug spray, depending on how sensitive you are
• Cash or card: Many farms accept cards, but some smaller stands may prefer cash
• Small cooler in your car if you’re driving back to Atlanta in warm weather
• Towels or wipes for berry-stained hands

Many farms provide buckets or containers, but some let you bring your own. Check their policies if you prefer particular containers.

Tips for Picking the Best Strawberries

Whether you’re in McDonough, Loganville, or further out, the basics of strawberry picking are the same:

• Look for berries that are fully red, including near the stem
• Avoid berries with soft spots, mold, or large white/green areas
• Gently pinch the stem above the berry instead of pulling on the fruit itself
• Place berries gently in your container to avoid bruising
• Don’t step on plants or rows—most farms ask you to walk between rows only

Remember that ripe strawberries are delicate. If you’re driving back to Atlanta, try to:

• Keep them out of direct sun in the car
• Avoid stacking containers too high
• Refrigerate soon after you get home

What Does Strawberry Picking Usually Cost Near Atlanta?

Prices vary by farm and year, but most Atlanta-area visitors will encounter:

• Per-pound pricing for u-pick berries
• Sometimes flat-rate buckets you pay for up front
• Separate fees for farm activities (slides, hayrides, animal areas, etc.) in more entertainment-focused farms

To avoid surprises:

• Check whether there is a field admission fee
• Ask if there’s a minimum purchase for u-pick
• Confirm payment methods (cash vs. card)

Because these farms serve many visitors from metro Atlanta, they often post this information clearly by phone or recorded message during the season.

Family, Group, and Accessibility Considerations

For people coming from Atlanta with kids, older adults, or large groups, it helps to plan ahead:

• Strollers and wagons:
  Some farms have relatively smooth paths; others have uneven ground. A sturdy wagon often works better than a lightweight stroller in fields.

• Shade and seating:
  Many farms have limited shade in the actual fields. If you’re bringing older relatives, plan for shorter picking times and more time in shaded market or picnic areas.

• Restrooms:
  Facilities range from full restrooms to portable toilets. If this matters to your group, ask when you call.

• Group visits and school trips:
  Popular farms near Atlanta usually offer group packages or require reservations for large groups, especially during spring field-trip season.

Making It a Full Day Trip from Atlanta

If you’re driving out from the city, it’s easy to turn strawberry picking into a full day of exploring:

• Southern route (I-75):
  Combine Southern Belle Farm with a meal in McDonough or a stop in Jackson or High Falls State Park.

• Eastern route (Loganville / Watkinsville):
  Pair Washington Farms with time in Athens, visiting downtown shops or the campus areas.

• Northeastern route (Jaemor):
  Visit Jaemor Farms, then continue to Gainesville, Helen, or nearby hiking spots in the foothills.

Starting early from Atlanta helps you beat traffic and heat and gives you more flexibility if fields are crowded or picked over.

How to Keep Your Strawberries Fresh After the Trip Back to Atlanta

Once you’ve made it back inside the Perimeter (or to your suburb):

• Refrigerate strawberries as soon as you get home
• Wait to wash them until you’re ready to eat; moisture can speed spoilage
• Use the ripest, softest berries first—for sauces, smoothies, or baking
• Consider freezing extra berries: wash, dry thoroughly, hull, and freeze on a tray before transferring to containers

This helps make your Atlanta strawberry-picking trip feel worthwhile even if you brought home several pounds.

Quick Planning Summary for Atlanta Strawberry Picking

• Best time to go: Late April–May (check annually)
• Drive times: 45 minutes to 2 hours from central Atlanta, depending on the farm
• Always call or check updates the day of your trip to confirm fields are open
• Bring sun protection, water, and shoes for dirt or mud
• Expect per-pound pricing and possible additional activity or admission fees
• Use local resources like UGA Extension offices and nearby county tourism offices for up-to-date farm lists

With a little planning, strawberry picking becomes an easy spring tradition for Atlanta residents and visitors—an excuse to get out of the city, enjoy the countryside, and bring home a taste of Georgia’s growing season.