Exploring Gizdich Ranch A U-Pick Farm in the Bay Area| 2023

A few weekends ago, we ended up at Gizdich Ranch, located in Watsonville a town near the Central Coast of California. With the craziness of the move, we needed to get out of the house since everyone was driving each other crazy. Gizdich is one of the few U-Pick farms still left in the Central Coast area. Here are some tips for exploring Gizdich Ranch U Pick in California!

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History of Gizdich Ranch

Gizdich Ranch is a family-owned farm and bakery situated in Watsonville, California, USA. It was established in the 1930s by Vincent John Gizdich Sr., who began farming and growing crops, eventually focusing on berries.

In the 1950s, Vincent Jr. took over and shifted the farm’s emphasis to various berries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. To share the bountiful produce with the public, the family introduced berry-picking activities in the 1960s, attracting locals and tourists alike. Capitalizing on their fresh fruit, the Gizdichs decided to open a bakery in the 1970s, creating delicious fruit-based baked goods like pies, tarts, and turnovers.

Throughout the years, Gizdich Ranch flourished, becoming renowned for its commitment to quality, family traditions, and annual berry festivals, solidifying its position as a beloved and cherished destination for visitors seeking both fresh fruit and tasty bakery delights.

What to Know About Gizdich Ranch

Gizdich Ranch is a charming family-owned farm and berry orchard located in Watsonville, California. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists seeking a delightful agritourism experience.

When we arrived we let the girls run around the great little picnic and play area to get some energy out! The girls ended up running around and climbing all over the vintage tractor and haystacks. 

In the U-PICK fields, guests can pick apples depending on the time of the season. We got a few pounds of strawberries and a couple of types of apples (Fuji and Pippin). Gizdich encourages visitors to bring their own containers however they do off containers for a small fee. We like to bring these berry containers found on Amazon.

They take both cash and cards for payment.

In addition, Gizdich Ranch U Pick has an Antique store. It varies from baseball cards, toys, jewelry, and house dishes. The store is very organized and if you are into antiques you will probably find something interesting.

The pictures show a gorgeous sunshine-soaked area which it was and even though it was around 75 degrees it felt like 90! We paired our apple pastries and pie with apple juice slushies and ice-cold water, it was that hot.

The pie shop is a smaller area with a window and they sell pies, strawberry shortcakes, ice cream, apple dumplings, and drinks like coffee, milk, and apple juice. I tried the apple dumpling and it was delicious!

List of items the Pie Shop Sells below:

DESSERTS

Seasonal

Strawberry Sunday

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Tarts

Apple Dumpling (with sauce)

Apple Slush

Apple Slush with ice-cream

Puff Pastries

Raspberry

Strawberry

Apple

Apricot

PIES

All slices are available al a mode

Seasonal

Summer:

Strawberry

Strawberry Rhubarb

Apricot

Fall:

Pumpkin

Special Order Pies (call ahead)

Sugarless Apple 

Sugarless Olallie

Lemon Meringue

Olallieberry

Boysenberry

Raspberry

Blackberry

Very Berry

Apple

Apple Olallie

Apple Raspberry

Dutch Apple

Double Berry Dutch Apple

When it comes to parking, Gizdich Ranch offers ample free parking for guests, making it convenient for families and individuals visiting the farm.

Additionally, Gizdich Ranch hosts seasonal events and activities, such as hayrides during the fall, making it an exciting destination throughout the year.

Address: 55 Peckham Rd Watsonville, CA 95076

Gizdich Ranch FAQ’s

When does Gizdich Ranch open for strawberry picking?

Gizdich Ranch typically opens the Strawberry U-Pick the first weekend in May. The Olallie Berries open around the second week of June and the Apples in late September.

Is Gizdich Ranch U Pick pet-friendly?

No, it’s not. Animal waste can contaminate the food being grown there so Gizdich asks that pets not be brought to the ranch.

Does Gizdich U Pick sell apple juice?

Yes, they do sell fresh apple juice jugs in the Gizdich store.

Do you need reservations for the U pick?

No just show up at the ranch. Make sure to check the website though to make sure U-Pick is open!

After a few hours roaming around the girls were sufficiently tired and we made our way back home.  Gizdich Ranch is a great place to visit and if you time it right, apple and berry picking are available.

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