Tanaka Farms
Farm · Irvine · California
Five generations of the Tanaka family have farmed in California since Great-Grandfather Takeo emigrated from Hiroshima in the early 1900s; they moved onto this 30-acre Irvine plot in 1998. The farm grows over 60 varieties of fruit and vegetables and runs u-pick wagon tours for thousands of schoolchildren a year.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Color nearby peaks: November 27–December 1
Color builds from November 14 · mostly bare by December 23
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Tanaka Farms’s own coordinates and elevation (50 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Tanaka Farms on the map
More things to do in California
June Lake Loop
Scenic drivePeak September 26
A 16-mile loop off US 395 threads four alpine lakes below Carson Peak, and by early October its aspen groves turn the roadside gold. Pull off anywhere along the pavement; Reversed Creek and the June Lake overlook give the classic Eastern Sierra shot.
Don’t miss: Reversed Creek aspen groves · Views of Carson Peak · Four lakes along one loop road
Bishop Creek Canyon
Scenic drivePeak September 28
South Lake Road climbs from Bishop into a narrow Eastern Sierra canyon where quaking aspens along Bishop Creek turn brilliant gold, usually peaking mid-to-late October. North Lake and South Lake bookend one of California's densest fall color drives.
Don’t miss: South Lake and North Lake · Aspen groves along the creek · Parchers Camp turnout
Yosemite Valley
National parkPeak September 29
Yosemite Valley's black oaks and bigleaf maples color the meadows below El Capitan and Half Dome in late October, thinning the summer crowds without thinning the granite. Cook's Meadow and the Valley Loop Trail frame the display.
Don’t miss: Cook's Meadow black oaks · Valley Loop Trail · Views of El Capitan and Half Dome
Lundy Canyon
TrailPeak September 22
A trail up Lundy Canyon climbs past beaver ponds and waterfalls through some of the Eastern Sierra's thickest aspen groves, glowing gold by mid-October. The out-and-back from Lundy Lake is Mono County's signature fall color hike.
Don’t miss: Beaver ponds and waterfalls · Dense aspen groves · Lundy Lake trailhead
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does Tanaka Farms peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for November 27–December 1 (best estimate November 29). Color starts around November 14 and is mostly bare by December 23.
- What is Tanaka Farms best for?
- A farm visit without leaving Orange County.
- How do I get to Tanaka Farms?
- Tanaka Farms is in Irvine. The closest city is Los Angeles, about 37 mi away. It's part of California's fall lineup.
Own or manage Tanaka Farms? Update your listing or get in touch.