Central Florida is famous for its theme parks, but just southwest of Orlando lies a very different kind of day out — one rooted in red dirt, ripe fruit, and golden fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. Southern Hill Farms is a family-owned and operated u-pick blueberry, strawberry, peach, zinnia, and sunflower farm located in Clermont, FL. Farming in Central Florida has been a family tradition here for three generations, and the farm warmly invites neighbors and visitors alike to its beautiful 120-acre property.
Established in 2001, Southern Hill Farms has grown far beyond a humble u-pick operation. The 120-acre farm includes u-pick and commercially harvested blueberries, strawberries, peaches, and seasonal vegetables — with 40 acres of blueberry bushes, five acres of peaches, and 15 acres of strawberries. With live music, food trucks, carnival rides, and seasonal festivals layered on top, it’s become one of the most beloved agritourism destinations in the region.
What to Pick & When
Ask any regular visitor what they look forward to most in winter, and strawberry season will almost certainly top the list. These are not your average grocery-store strawberries — one visitor boldly claimed they were “better than the Japanese Oishii ones,” high praise considering those sell for premium prices. Strawberry picking typically runs through the cooler winter months, wrapping up in early spring as temperatures climb.
Blueberry season typically kicks off in early spring, and the farm grows several different varieties ranging from tart to sweet, making it easy to find the perfect berry for pies, smoothies, or snacking. The blueberries are described as “so big, juicy, and sweet” — and that’s not a sentiment you hear just once. Multiple visitors mention the impressive size and flavor of the fruit, noting that they rival anything you would find at a premium grocery store.
The sunflower fields are consistently mentioned as beautiful and a must-see, with opportunities to pick your own sunflowers to take home. The sheer scale of the field, combined with the rich golden hues, is why so many visitors say the sunflowers alone are worth the entire trip. And if you’re visiting in fall, the sprawling farm offers vibrant sunflower and zinnia fields you can stroll through and pick from, a picturesque pumpkin patch brimming with every size and color imaginable, and an enchanting 5-acre corn maze.
Food, Drinks & Live Entertainment
Beyond the u-pick fields, Southern Hill Farms offers a diverse range of food options. Multiple visitors rave about the variety of food trucks and stations, serving everything from smash burgers and tacos to pizza, chicken sandwiches, and desserts like strawberry shortcake and ice cream — with the SHF pizza being a standout item.
Walk into the main barn area and the scent hits you before anything else — warm, spiced, and irresistibly sweet. The hot apple cider donuts made fresh on-site have become something of a legend among repeat visitors. That said, a fair number of visitors have noted that some of the simpler baked goods — like the strawberry donuts — can fall a bit flat on flavor, so it’s worth being selective about what you order.
For adults, there’s a Beer Shed serving local craft beers, seasonal frozen drinks, and even mimosas. Shaded seating areas are scattered throughout the farm, giving families a comfortable place to eat, rest, and enjoy the music without baking in the Florida sun. The combination of great food, cold drinks, and live entertainment creates a relaxed, community-festival atmosphere that keeps visitors lingering long after they planned to leave.
The Fall Festival & Special Events
The fall festival offers a lot to do, including a pumpkin patch, zinnia garden, sunflower field, corn maze, animals, kids zone, music, vendors, and a farm ride. Veterans receive a special honor here — the farm offers complimentary tickets for veterans and a family member during the fall festival, a gesture that has earned genuine admiration from the community.
For a touch of nostalgia, visitors can hop on a tractor ride that offers a full tour of the farm, letting you soak in the beauty of the fields. Yard games and face painting round out the family fun. The farm also hosts unique seasonal events throughout the year, including romantic evenings in the sunflower fields with movies under the stars — a popular alternative to the usual Valentine’s Day plans.
Atmosphere & Setting
The farm is huge — it’s a long walk along a paved path from the parking lot to the very large strawberry and vegetable fields. The farm itself is absolutely beautiful, and the people who work there are very friendly and patient. There’s an unmistakable sense of open-air freedom here that feels like a world away from the theme park buzz of nearby Orlando.
Many visitors mention that the vibe alone — being outdoors, away from theme park crowds, surrounded by nature and music — is reason enough to make the drive to Clermont. The farm also hosts private events, with customizable options including a beautiful, climate-controlled enclosed barn — making it a popular choice for weddings and celebrations.
Other amenities include clean, air-conditioned restrooms, a gift shop with farm-themed souvenirs and locally made products, and convenient parking. Honey, homemade jam, herbal teas, soaps, and small gifts are also available for purchase throughout the grounds.
Other Considerations
What does it cost to get in? It is free to enter during regular u-pick events — you simply pay for what you pick and for any additional activities once you reach the farm. While admission is free, the cost of picking produce, rides, and purchasing food can add up quickly, making it a potentially expensive day out if you go all-in on everything — so plan your budget accordingly.
Is it good for kids? The farm is designed to be family-friendly, with a kids’ play area that includes carnival rides, a train ride, a petting zoo, and other activities to keep children entertained. From a giant fun slide to a carousel and a rock climbing wall, young visitors are very much in their element.
When is the best time to visit? Arriving early in the day is the best strategy, because the fields can get picked clean by afternoon on busy weekends. The farm can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during special events, resulting in long lines for food and activities — so a weekday or early-morning arrival is ideal if you prefer a more relaxed experience.
What should I bring? Several visitors recommend bringing sunscreen and wearing comfortable walking shoes, as the farm is quite large and requires a good amount of walking. Wagons are available for rent ($8) and are especially handy for hauling both little ones and a full haul of freshly picked produce back to the checkout area.
Is there anything to know about the road in? Worth noting: a number of visitors have mentioned that the access road leading to the farm is unpaved and can be rough, particularly after rain. It’s nothing most vehicles can’t handle, but it’s good to be prepared for a bumpy approach on the way in.
Southern Hill Farms
📍 16651 Schofield Rd, Clermont, FL 34714
Website: https://southernhillfarms.com
