Casa Solano Orchard: One of Oak Glen’s Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for a smaller, more relaxed apple-picking experience in Oak Glen, Casa Solano Orchard is worth adding to your list.
I stopped by recently, and what stood out most was the atmosphere. Casa Solano feels much more like a small family orchard than one of the larger Oak Glen destinations. It’s tucked away a little bit from the busiest areas, which gives it a cozy, laid-back feel that is especially nice if you want to slow down and enjoy a fall afternoon.
A Newer Oak Glen Orchard with an Old History
Casa Solano is currently in its fourth season, so it is still relatively new compared with some of Oak Glen’s longtime orchards. Formerly known as Wood Acres, the new owners are preserving the history of the orchard while providing a new way to experience it.
The property has about 135 apple trees and 19 different varieties of apples, with plans to continue expanding in the future.
They offer U-Pick apples, along with fresh cider, cider slushies and hard cider.
This year’s apple crop has been somewhat lighter because of the warm winter, and they currently expect U-Pick apples to last for only about the next two weekends. If apple picking is the main reason for your visit, I would definitely recommend going sooner rather than later.
Casa Solano Orchard Hours
Casa Solano is open during apple season:
Saturday and Sunday
10:00 a.m. until dusk
They are not currently open during the week.
Since orchard conditions, U-Pick availability and food vendors can change throughout the season, I recommend checking Casa Solano’s Instagram before making the drive.
Cider, Cider Slushies and Hard Cider
Even if you aren’t planning on picking a lot of apples, Casa Solano is a nice place to stop for something to drink and spend some time outside.
They offer:
- Fresh apple cider
- Cider slushies
- Hard cider
- Popcorn
They also have food trucks on site, although the food options may vary from weekend to weekend. Their Instagram is the best place to see what will be available when you visit.
Plenty of Places to Sit and Relax
One thing I really liked about Casa Solano was the amount of seating spread around the property.
There are several different areas where you can sit with your family, enjoy your cider or grab something from one of the food trucks.
They also have a covered picnic area, which is a nice option on warmer days.
One of the most unique spots is a small rooftop seating area overlooking the orchard and surrounding hills. It’s a fun little perch with some great views and probably one of my favorite parts of the property.
A Good Stop With Kids
Casa Solano also has two play structures for kids, making it an easy place for families to spend a little extra time.
It isn’t a giant amusement-style fall destination, and that is actually part of the appeal.
Parents can grab a cider and sit nearby while the kids play, without the experience feeling overly crowded or hectic.
A Smaller, Cozier Oak Glen Experience
Casa Solano probably isn’t the orchard you visit if you’re looking for a huge festival atmosphere with dozens of attractions.
But if you want something a little quieter, it fills a really nice niche in Oak Glen.
It has a small family-orchard feel, plenty of places to sit, apples to pick, cider to drink and enough for the kids to do without turning the afternoon into a major production.
It feels like a little nook tucked away from the busiest parts of Oak Glen.
For families who prefer a slower-paced fall afternoon, that can be exactly what you’re looking for.
Before You Visit Casa Solano Orchard
Because Casa Solano is a working orchard and U-Pick conditions change throughout the season, check their Instagram before visiting for the latest information on:
- U-Pick apple availability
- Apple varieties
- Food trucks
- Cider and hard cider offerings
- Seasonal updates
And especially this season, don’t wait too long if you want to pick apples. With the lighter crop, U-Pick is expected to wrap up earlier than usual.
If you’re visiting Oak Glen this fall and want to discover one of the area’s smaller, newer orchards, Casa Solano is a great little stop to work into your day.
Planning a trip to Oak Glen? Be sure to check out my other posts: