- Attraction: Southern Hill Farms
- Location: 16651 Schofield Rd, Clermont, FL 34714
- Industry: Agriculture
- Website: https://southernhillfarms.com/
Beyond the theme park crowds and tourist traps, Central Florida holds a genuine agricultural treasure that transforms seasonal fruit picking into an unforgettable family adventure.
Southern Hill Farms spans 120 acres of working farmland in Clermont, where three generations of farming tradition have created something magical – a place where you can harvest everything from plump strawberries in February to sun-kissed peaches in spring, all while surrounded by Instagram-worthy sunflower fields that bloom throughout the year.
What started as a simple blueberry operation in 2010 has blossomed into Central Florida’s premier u-pick destination.
You’ll find yourself walking down paved brick pathways (a thoughtful touch that keeps your shoes clean while maintaining that authentic farm feel) to reach sprawling fields where 40 acres of blueberry bushes, 15 acres of strawberry plants, and 5 acres of peach trees await your harvest.
The farm’s commitment to providing fresh, locally-grown produce means you’re not just picking fruit – you’re connecting with the land and supporting a family operation that truly cares about quality.
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Keep Exploring →Seasonal U-Pick Highlights
Strawberry Season Magic: February through March brings the farm’s newest addition – sweet, juicy strawberries that thrive in Florida’s cooler winter months.
You’ll love how these berries practically fall off the plant into your hands, bursting with flavor that puts grocery store varieties to shame. The timing is perfect too, as you can enjoy picking without the brutal Florida heat that comes later in the year.
Blueberry Bonanza: From March through May, the farm transforms into a blueberry paradise with 40 acres of bushes heavy with plump, antioxidant-rich berries.
The variety of blueberry types means you’ll taste subtle differences in sweetness and tartness as you work your way through different sections. Many visitors mention filling multiple containers because the berries are so abundant and delicious.
Peach Perfection: Spring brings the farm’s peach harvest, where you can pluck tree-ripened peaches that are incredibly fragrant and sweet. The five-acre peach orchard produces fruit that’s noticeably superior to store-bought peaches – you’ll taste the difference that comes from allowing fruit to ripen naturally on the tree.
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Discover MoreSunflower Spectacle: The farm’s sunflower fields are nothing short of breathtaking, with multiple varieties planted to ensure blooms throughout different seasons.
These towering flowers create a golden sea that stretches toward the horizon, offering both peaceful walking paths and stunning photo opportunities. You’ll find yourself completely immersed in nature, hearing only the gentle buzz of bees and rustling of leaves.
Vegetable Varieties: Beyond fruit, the farm grows seasonal vegetables including kale, broccolini, spinach, and enormous onions that often surprise visitors with their size and freshness. The vegetable fields offer a chance to harvest ingredients for tonight’s dinner while teaching kids where their food actually comes from.
Flower Power & Photo Opportunities
Zinnia Gardens: The farm’s zinnia fields burst with vibrant colors during spring and fall seasons, creating a painter’s palette of reds, yellows, oranges, and pinks. These cheerful flowers make perfect additions to home bouquets and provide endless photo opportunities for special occasions or just because.
Picture-Perfect Spots: Throughout the property, you’ll discover carefully designed photo areas that showcase the farm’s natural beauty. From the rooftop observation deck with panoramic views of rolling hills to intimate corners among the sunflowers, every angle offers a new perspective on rural Florida’s charm.
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Keep Exploring →Seasonal Backdrops: Whether you’re capturing a child’s first strawberry picking experience or celebrating a special milestone among the sunflowers, the farm’s diverse landscapes provide natural backdrops that change with each season, ensuring your photos always have something fresh and beautiful.
Fall Festival Extravaganza
Annual Celebration: The farm’s Fall Festival runs for several weeks from late September through November, transforming the property into a full-scale autumn celebration. This ticketed event includes everything from carnival rides to live music, making it a complete entertainment experience rather than just a farming visit.
Kids Zone Adventures: The festival includes unlimited access to carnival rides including a giant slide, cyclone swing, carousel, pirate ship, jump pillows, and rock climbing walls. These activities are all included with admission, making it an excellent value for families with children of various ages.
Corn Maze Challenge: The farm’s five-acre corn maze provides a fun challenge for all ages, though some visitors note that weather conditions can affect the maze’s complexity. The maze typically takes 20-30 minutes to complete and adds an element of adventure to your visit.
Pumpkin Patch Variety: The pumpkin patch barn offers an incredible selection of pumpkins in all sizes and colors, along with corn stalks, Indian corn, and gourds. While pumpkins are pre-cut from the vine, the variety is impressive, and the farm provides a holding area so you can continue enjoying activities before hauling your selections to the car.
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Discover MoreFarm Fresh Treats & Beverages
Signature Donuts: The farm’s fresh-baked donuts are legendary among visitors, particularly the seasonal varieties like strawberry donuts in winter and apple cider donuts during fall festival. Made from scratch using farm-fresh ingredients, these treats are often mentioned as must-try items.
Blueberry Lemonade: This refreshing beverage combines the farm’s own blueberries with fresh lemonade, creating a drink that perfectly captures the essence of the farm experience. Many visitors consider it the perfect complement to a day of picking in the Florida sunshine.
Cobbler & Baked Goods: The farm’s vintage Airstream bakery produces cobblers, muffins, and other baked goods using freshly picked fruit. The blueberry cobbler is particularly popular, offering a taste of traditional farm-style desserts.
Local Craft Beer: The farm’s beer selection includes unique offerings like Blueberry Lemon Ale brewed specifically with Southern Hill Farms blueberries. Wine, frozen concoctions, and mimosas are also available for adults looking to enhance their farm experience.
Atmosphere & Farm Life
Authentic Working Farm: You’ll experience genuine farm life here, complete with unpaved parking areas and the sights and sounds of active agriculture. The property maintains its working farm character while providing modern conveniences like covered pavilions and clean restrooms.
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Keep Exploring →Family-Friendly Layout: The farm’s design considers families with young children, offering wagon rentals, shaded seating areas, and relatively short walks between parking and picking areas. Paved walkways make navigation easy even for strollers and wheelchairs.
Peaceful Escape: Despite its proximity to Orlando’s tourist attractions, the farm offers a genuine escape into rural tranquility. You’ll find yourself slowing down, enjoying conversations with other visitors, and appreciating the simple pleasure of harvesting your own food.
Educational Experience: Children and adults alike learn about agriculture, seasonal growing cycles, and the hard work that goes into producing fresh food. The farm provides an authentic connection to the land that’s increasingly rare in our modern world.
Other Considerations
Pricing Structure: During regular u-pick seasons, entry is completely free – you simply pay for what you pick. Fruit pricing varies by season but typically ranges from $3-10 per pound depending on the item. The Fall Festival requires advance ticket purchases, with prices around $22-25 per person for ages 3 and up.
Best Times to Visit: The farm operates seasonally, typically closed during summer months due to extreme heat. Check their website for current crop availability and operating hours, as these change based on growing seasons and weather conditions.
Parking & Accessibility: The farm provides ample free parking in grass areas, though surfaces can be uneven or muddy after rain. The property is largely accessible via paved walkways, though some areas require walking on grass or dirt paths.
Planning Your Visit: Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and consider a wagon for young children or large harvests. The farm provides containers for picking, but bringing your own coolers can help preserve your harvest on hot days.
Cash-Free Operations: The farm operates cashless during events, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments. This streamlines the checkout process and eliminates the need to carry cash.
Seasonal Timing: Each crop has its peak season – strawberries in February-March, blueberries March-May, peaches in spring, and sunflowers/zinnias in spring and fall. Following their social media or newsletter helps you catch each season at its peak.
Southern Hill Farms
📍 16651 Schofield Rd, Clermont, FL 34714
