Here’s How to Spend a Day in the Countryside Community of Oak Glen
Looking for a day away from the big city? Slip on your blue jeans and boots and head over to this SoCal untapped treasure. Oak Glen might be known for its apple picking and fall festivities, but spring is notably the best time of year to visit due to smaller crowds and cooler weather. Only about an hour and a half drive from Los Angeles, Oak Glen is a five-mile loop of family-owned businesses and farms nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. So let’s leave the city behind for the day and start spring off right in SoCal’s best-kept secret!
9 a.m. Start the Day With Apple Pie From Apple Annie’s Bakery
While apple season might be a few months away, you can’t successfully visit Oak Glen without having a slice of apple pie from Apple Annie’s Bakery. Famous for its home-cooked comfort food and house-baked pastries, this quaint gem has been a favorite among locals and visitors since 1962. With a vast menu of traditional American breakfast items, be sure to start the day off on a good note, and don’t forget to challenge your appetite with their world-famous five-pound apple pie!
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10 a.m. Explore Oak Tree Mountain Village
Right around the corner from Apple Annie’s is Oak Tree Mountain— a village with artisan shops, food stands and family-friendly entertainment. On weekends, adventure-seekers can enjoy fishing in the trout pond and checking out the petting zoo, The Animal Park. If you want to test out the farming lifestyle, goat milking and piglet races are offered at an affordable price. From free-range peacocks and petting zoos to axe throwing and fishing, taking a stroll through charming Oak Tree Mountain will surely please everyone in your party.
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Noon Enjoy Wood-Fired Pizza at Wilshire’s Apple Shed
A day in Oak Glen isn’t complete without visiting Wilshire’s Apple Shed for their famous sourdough wood-fired pizza. Located near the entrance of Oak Glen, this historical roadside country store and coffee house has been serving visitors since 1945. Whether you’re dropping by for a bag of their farm-grown apples, a homemade sourdough pizza or a coffee for the day ahead, popping into Wilshire’s Apple Shed is a must. We trust in their crust!
1 p.m. Discover the Farm Life at Los Rios Ranch
Looking to try out the farmer’s life? Come by Los Rios Ranch in the heart of Oak Glen, where you can fully experience the farmstead lifestyle. This family-owned ranch has been open to the public for over 50 years, showcasing the proponents of producing agriculture. Their Little Seedling Ranch is perfect for the kiddos in your life and features child-friendly activities like tractor rides, hay-bale forts and petting the barnyard animals. Be sure to pop into their country store on the property for freshly made apple cider and treats!
3 p.m. Experience the Old World at Riley’s Farm
Whether you’re a history buff or a daredevil at heart, stopping at Riley’s Farm is a must during your day trip. Every Saturday, take a trip back in time to the 18th century and test your skill with Colonial activities that include tomahawk throwing, archery, blacksmithing and candle dipping. And if making musket balls isn’t your style, you are free to stroll through the orchards and savor the scenery Riley’s Farm has to offer. If you’re a lover of dinner theatre, check out the event dinner nights at Riley’s Farm to delight in dinner and a show!
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6 p.m. Steak Dinner and Drinks at Oak Glen Steakhouse & Saloon
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Oak Glen Steakhouse & Saloon is the quintessential mountain restaurant highlighting the historical roots of the Old West all while serving delectable steaks and handcrafted cocktails. Grab a seat at their saloon-style bar for specialty whiskey concoctions and bar bites like their renowned pretzel bites and cast-iron mac ‘n’ cheese. With a Western atmosphere and a view of the mountains from your table, this saloon will transport you back to simpler times, so sit back, kick your feet up by the fireplace and relish in the quintessential comforts Oak Glen has to offer.
