Tanaka Farms, nestled in the sunlit hills of California, is a 30-acre farm that exemplifies sustainable agriculture. Owned by Farmer Glenn Tanaka, his wife Shirley, and their son Kenny, the farm is a family-run operation that has become a beloved destination for those looking to reconnect with nature and taste the freshest produce. Visitors to Tanaka Farms are invited to experience the farm firsthand, where they can explore the fields, learn about responsible farming practices, and enjoy the fruits of the land.
One of the highlights of Tanaka Farms is the U-Pick Farm Tours, offering a unique experience that changes with the seasons. Guests can hop on a wagon for a guided tour through the farm’s picturesque landscape. Along the way, they stop in the fields to pick fruits and vegetables directly from the earth, experiencing the joy of harvesting produce just steps away from where it was grown. The tour also includes access to the Barnyard Educational Exhibit, where visitors can interact with friendly farm animals and take photos to remember their visit. The experience of picking a sun-ripened strawberry or a crisp cucumber from the vine is both satisfying and educational, providing a deeper appreciation for where food comes from.
During the summer, particularly in August and September, Tanaka Farms celebrates the melon season with special tours dedicated to this juicy delight. The farm grows a variety of melons, including cantaloupe, Canary Melon, and the rare Yellow Watermelon, all thriving under California’s warm sun. On these Melon Tours, visitors are guided through the melon fields, where they learn about melon cultivation and the different varieties grown on the farm. After sampling several types of melons, guests can take home a freshly picked melon as a sweet souvenir, a delicious reminder of their day on the farm.
Throughout the year, Tanaka Farms also offers U-Pick Wagon Rides, which adapt to the ever-changing harvests. These tours allow visitors to pick seasonal vegetables straight from the fields, making each visit to the farm a new adventure. Whether guests pick plump blackberries, vibrant bell peppers, or any other seasonal crop, the experience is always fresh and exciting, connecting them to the natural rhythm of the farm’s harvest cycles.
The Tanaka family’s commitment to sustainable farming practices is evident in every aspect of their operation. They cultivate over sixty varieties of fruits and vegetables, all grown without GMO seeds or unapproved pesticides. This dedication to sustainability ensures that their produce is fresh and responsibly grown. The farm’s produce is available at their on-site market stand, through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and during educational tours introducing school-age children to the importance of farming and where their food comes from.
For those planning a visit, Tanaka Farms welcomes individuals and families, offering a wholesome, educational, and memorable experience. Tanaka Farms provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the satisfaction of farm-to-table living. As a working farm, Tanaka Farms follows the natural rhythms of the seasons, meaning that crop availability can vary due to weather and ripeness. This unpredictability adds to the charm of the farm, reminding visitors of the cycles of life that sustain us all.
A visit to Tanaka Farms is a journey into the heart of sustainable agriculture, where the soil yields not just produce but also unforgettable memories.
5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612 | +1 949-653-2100 | https://www.tanakafarms.com/
