Sweet Season: Where to Go Strawberry Picking on the Connecticut Shoreline
From Farm Fields to Shortcake, the Shoreline’s Strawberries Are Ripe for the Picking
There’s something quietly magical about strawberry season in Connecticut. The air warms, the fields bloom, and for a few short weeks in late spring and early summer, families, friends, and food lovers flock to local farms with baskets in hand and strawberry stains on their fingers. Whether you’re planning a day out with the kids or hunting for the perfect ingredients for homemade shortcake, the shoreline’s pick-your-own farms offer fresh air, juicy berries, and a generous helping of New England charm.
Here’s everything you need to know about strawberry picking along the Connecticut shoreline in 2025—including the best farms, what to bring, when to go, and how to make the most of your time in the field.
When Is Strawberry Season in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, strawberry season typically runs from early June through mid-to-late June, depending on the weather. The window is short but sweet, so keep an eye on farm websites or social media pages for opening day announcements and picking conditions.
Pro tip: Arrive early in the day (before the sun gets too hot) and before the weekend crowds hit. Fields are often picked over by noon.
What to Bring for the Best Pick-Your-Own Experience
Cash or card (some farms are cash-only)
Sunscreen, hats, and water bottles
Comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking in fields)
Containers (some farms provide them; others don’t)
Bug spray if it's been a rainy season
A cooler for keeping berries fresh on the ride home
And of course—don’t forget your camera. There’s something undeniably photogenic about a kid with a strawberry in each hand.
Where to Pick Strawberries on the Connecticut Shoreline
Bishop’s Orchards – Guilford, CT
Historic Charm Meets Summer Harvest
This Guilford institution has been farming since 1871 and is one of the most beloved pick-your-own destinations on the shoreline. Strawberry season kicks off their summer harvest, followed by blueberries, peaches, and apples later in the year.
Bishop’s is great for families—there’s a farm market, ice cream stand, and even hard cider for the adults. Follow their Pick-Your-Own Schedule for daily updates, or stop by their Farm Market afterward for jams, baked goods, and freshly made strawberry pies.
bishopsorchards.com
While You’re There: Swing by our list of Best Lobster Rolls on the Connecticut Shoreline and make it a proper shoreline day.
Scott’s Yankee Farmer – East Lyme, CT
Pick, Snack, Repeat
Scott’s Yankee Farmer is a true gem in East Lyme with gorgeous views, long rows of strawberries, and friendly farmhands. They grow everbearing strawberries, so you’ll find varieties ripe throughout the month of June.
This farm is also known for their baked goods, including strawberry cider donuts and fruit pies that sell out fast on weekends.
Extend Your Trip: After the berries, check out nearby Rocky Neck State Park for a beach walk and picnic.
Rose’s Berry Farm – South Glastonbury, CT
Worth the Drive for Fields of Red
Though slightly inland, Rose’s Berry Farm is a favorite for shoreline families willing to take the scenic drive. With dozens of acres dedicated to pick-your-own strawberries, it’s one of the most prolific berry farms in the state.
rosesberryfarm.com
Rose Orchards – North Branford, CT
Family Fun with a Side of Sweetness
Rose Orchards, a family-run farm in North Branford, offers a delightful pick-your-own strawberry experience. With a commitment to providing good family fun in a beautiful outdoor setting, visitors can enjoy not only strawberry picking but also feeding farm animals and exploring the farm's offerings. The farm's market features fresh produce, baked goods, and ice cream, making it a perfect spot for a family outing.
What to Do With All Those Strawberries
So you’ve got a flat of sun-warmed strawberries—now what?
Make classic strawberry shortcake. One of our favorites is Ina Garten’s Flag Cake.
Blend into a fresh cocktail or mocktail
Stir into yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet morning boost
Freeze extras for smoothies or ice pops
Can a few jars of strawberry jam to enjoy long after summer fades
Better yet, turn your bounty into a weekend gathering. Pair shortcake with local wine or ice cream from one of our favorite spots.
Plan Ahead, Savor Longer
Because the strawberry season is short, many farms now offer email updates or real-time field conditions. Sign up early and bookmark your favorite farms. And don’t wait too long—once the berries are gone, they’re gone until next year.
Final Thoughts: Savor the Season
There’s nothing quite like strawberry season in Connecticut—short, sweet, and full of the kind of summer moments that stick with you. Whether you’re building a new family tradition, stocking up for a pie, or just soaking up a quiet morning in the fields, strawberry picking on the shoreline delivers more than just fruit—it offers a taste of something slower, sweeter, and deeply local.
So grab your baskets, your sunhat, and maybe a kid or two—and get ready to pick your own piece of summer.
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