Strawberry Picking Near Ocala
Your guide to u-pick strawberry farms within reach of Ocala, FL — season dates, what to bring, and tips for picking with kids.
Florida Strawberry Season Overview
Florida is one of the few states where you can pick fresh strawberries in the middle of winter. The season typically opens in December, hits peak sweetness in January and February, and winds down by late March as temperatures warm. The cooler nights of central Florida winter are what give locally grown strawberries their exceptional flavor — they're noticeably different from grocery store berries shipped from out of state.
Marion County itself isn't a major strawberry-growing region, but several farms within 30–45 minutes of Ocala offer u-pick experiences worth the short drive. For families willing to go a bit further, Plant City remains Florida's strawberry capital at about 1.5 hours away.
U-Pick Strawberry Farms Near Ocala
Back Road Berries
~30 min from OcalaOxford, FL (Sumter County)
Back Road Berries in Oxford is the closest u-pick strawberry option to Ocala, sitting about 25–30 minutes south via US-27. The farm operates during the Florida strawberry season (typically December through March) and offers a genuine field-picking experience. Oxford is a small agricultural community in Sumter County, and the drive down from Ocala is easy and scenic.
Amber Brook Farms
~25 min from OcalaMarion / Sumter County area
Amber Brook Farms has offered seasonal u-pick opportunities within a short drive of Ocala. Seasonal availability and crop offerings can vary year to year — we recommend checking their current social media presence or calling ahead before planning a visit. Local farms like this are community gems worth supporting.
Plant City Farms (Day Trip)
~1.5 hrs from OcalaPlant City, FL (Hillsborough County)
Plant City is Florida's strawberry capital and home to the annual Florida Strawberry Festival. Multiple u-pick farms operate in the area during peak season (January–March). It's a longer day trip from Ocala at about 1.5 hours on I-75, but well worth it if local farms are out of season or sold out. The Strawberry Festival itself, typically held in late February to early March, is a major event.
What to Bring Strawberry Picking
Sunscreen & Hats
Even winter sun in Florida is strong. Protect yourself and the kids.
Closed-Toe Shoes
You'll walk through field rows. No flip-flops.
Containers or Buckets
Some farms provide containers; others ask you to bring your own.
Cash
Many small farms are cash-only. Check before you go.
Water & Snacks
Picking is more work than it looks. Keep the kids fueled.
Old Clothes
Berry juice stains. Dress for the farm, not the photo.
Tips for Picking with Kids
U-pick strawberry farms are genuinely great outings for young children — the rows are low, the fruit is easy to spot, and eating one or two berries in the field is half the fun. A few tips to make it smoother:
- 1
Go early in the day — the best rows get picked over quickly on busy weekends.
- 2
Let young kids pick at their own pace. Don't worry about filling a flat; a quart is plenty for a toddler outing.
- 3
Ripe strawberries are fully red with no white near the cap. Teach kids the visual cue.
- 4
Bring a cooler for the drive home — freshly picked berries are delicate and warm up fast in the car.
- 5
Weekday visits are quieter and often have better row availability than Saturday mornings.
Other Seasonal U-Pick Near Ocala
Strawberries have a short window, but Ocala-area u-pick options continue through spring and summer with blueberries, peaches, and other seasonal crops. Once strawberry season wraps up, blueberry season begins — typically April through June in Marion County.
Plan More Ocala Family Outings
Frequently Asked Questions
When is strawberry season near Ocala, FL?
Florida strawberry season typically runs from December through March, with peak picking usually in January and February. The cooler winter temperatures in central Florida produce the sweetest fruit. By April, most local u-pick farms near Ocala have closed for the season as heat sets in. Always call ahead or check a farm's social media before making the trip, as exact open dates depend on weather and crop conditions each year.
Where is Back Road Berries located?
Back Road Berries is located in Oxford, FL — roughly 25–30 minutes from Ocala via US-27 South. Oxford is in Sumter County, just south of Marion County. The farm offers u-pick strawberries during the winter season, typically December through March, though hours and availability should be confirmed directly before visiting as details can change.
Are there strawberry farms right in Ocala or Marion County?
Marion County is not a major strawberry-growing region — most u-pick options that Ocala families visit are in neighboring Sumter County (Oxford area) or the Plant City area in Hillsborough County. That said, farms like Abshier Farms and seasonal operations sometimes carry local produce. Checking local farmer's markets is another good option for fresh strawberries without the drive.
How far is Plant City from Ocala for strawberry picking?
Plant City, home of the Florida Strawberry Festival and some of the state's most famous strawberry farms, is approximately 1.5 hours southwest of Ocala on I-75. It's a viable day trip option when central Florida farms are sold out or closed. The Plant City area has multiple u-pick operations, and the annual Florida Strawberry Festival (typically late February to early March) draws large crowds.
What should I bring strawberry picking with kids?
For a u-pick strawberry outing with kids, bring sunscreen and hats (even in winter, Florida sun is strong), closed-toe shoes (you'll be walking in field rows), small containers or buckets for picking, cash (many smaller farms are cash-only), and water and snacks for the kids. Arriving early in the day generally means the best berry selection before popular rows get picked over.