U-Pick Farms in the Lowcountry & Coastal Georgia Worth the Drive
Pick of the season
Story by Lance Hanlin
As convenient as curbside pickup may be, many of us still prefer choosing our own fresh produce. Across the Lowcountry and coastal Georgia, u-pick farms offer a hands-on way to harvest strawberries, blueberries, flowers and seasonal vegetables straight from the field. From St. Helena Island to Hardeeville and Bloomingdale, these drive-worthy farms turn seasonal shopping into an experience. Because crop availability varies with weather, it’s always best to check farm social media pages before heading out.
U-Pick Strawberry Farms on St. Helena Island
Barefoot Farms, St. Helena Island
The hand-painted red letters along Sea Island Parkway are hard to miss, and so is the iconic local farmer behind them. Barefoot Farms is the longtime passion project of Jacky Frazier, who planted his first watermelons here more than 30 years ago and never looked back. Spring kicks things off with u-pick strawberries, followed by a rotating lineup of warm-season produce. Expect the unexpected, from seeded yellow and Black Jack watermelons to Gullah and Geechee melons, speckled butterbeans, pinkeye peas, bull grapes, sugar plums and EverCrisp apples, alongside staples like tomatoes, okra, cantaloupe and field peas as the season allows.
Nearby attractions: Beedos restaurant, Gay Fish Company, Dempsey Farms
Get there: 939 Sea Island Parkway, 56 minutes (41 miles) from HHI
Dempsey Farms, St. Helena Island
A drive down Sea Island Parkway offers a living glimpse of Lowcountry farming history at Dempsey Farms, a family-run operation rooted on St. Helena Island since 1938. What began with Davey Dempsey’s grandfather growing tomatoes has evolved into a beloved u-pick destination now stewarded by multiple generations. Spring brings strawberries and early-season vegetables like squash, green beans, cucumbers and okra. Summer delivers sweet corn, eggplant, cantaloupe, tomatoes and watermelon, while fall crops carry the season into November before the farm briefly closes and resets for spring. It’s farming as it’s been done here for decades, with deep roots and an open gate.
Nearby attractions: Hunting Island State Park, The Shrimp Shack, Barefoot Farms
Get there: 1576 Sea Island Parkway, 61 minutes (45 miles) from HHI
U-Pick Flower Farms Near Hilton Head
Helena Hills Farm, Hardeeville
Helena Hills Farm is a blooming sanctuary where flowers, community and hands-on experiences meet. Set amid lush greenery and forested surroundings, the farm is being thoughtfully shaped by owner Chrissy Mozeleski, who brought her lifelong passion for flowers from Upstate New York to the Lowcountry in 2020. Spring opens with cool-season favorites like snapdragons, larkspur, stock and sweet peas, then shifts into vibrant warm-season color with zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos and fragrant basil. In addition to u-pick flowers, the farm hosts workshops, events and photography sessions, inviting visitors to slow down and linger.
Nearby attractions: Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, Tanger Outlets Savannah, downtown Savannah
Get there: 577 Bellinger Hill Run Road, 37 minutes (23 miles) from HHI
Coastal Georgia U-Pick Farms
Ottawa Farms, Bloomingdale (Georgia)
With 350 acres under cultivation and roots stretching back to 1870, Ottawa Farms stands as one of coastal Georgia’s most enduring agricultural landmarks. Owner Pete Waller represents the third generation of his family to actively work the land, continuing a legacy built on seasonal rhythms and hands-on farming. Open seasonally, the farm offers a classic u-pick experience, beginning with strawberries and rolling into peak blackberry and blueberry season. Inside the General Store, visitors will find farm goods and locally raised Angus beef, while the surrounding grounds invite guests to linger, thanks to friendly farm animals, a shaded picnic pavilion and plenty of room for group gatherings. Seasonal events such as the Strawberry Festival (April 11-12) and educational field trips add another layer of charm, making it easy to turn a simple farm stop into a full afternoon well spent.
Nearby attractions: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, downtown Savannah, Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Get there: 702 Bloomingdale Road, 55 minutes (44 miles) from HHI
More U-Pick Farms in the Lowcountry
U Pick Daffodils, Okatie
Chuck and Diane Merrick’s daffodil field has long marked the Lowcountry’s earliest hint of spring. When blooms cooperate, the field glows with yellow from late January through early March, with daffodils available for 50 cents per stem and plenty of photo-worthy views. Weather and bloom availability determine opening dates, and the field remained closed in 2026 due to winter conditions, making each potential season feel especially meaningful.
Get there: 48 Pinckney Colony Road, 18 miles from HHI
Fuzzy’s Farm featuring Kerry’s Berries, Garnett
Legendary local fisherman Fuzzy Davis also grows some of the Lowcountry’s most sought-after blueberries. When conditions cooperate, the farm opens for u-pick visitors eager to harvest berries prized by chefs and local markets. Davis typically evaluates the crop in early April before opening.
Get there: 2050 Pleasant Hill Road, 55 miles from HHI
Frequently Asked Questions About U-Pick Farms in the Lowcountry & Coastal Georgia
When is strawberry season in the Lowcountry?
Strawberry season in the Lowcountry typically runs from March through early May, depending on weather conditions. Farms on St. Helena Island, in Hardeeville and across coastal Georgia often open u-pick strawberry fields in early spring, with peak picking in April.
Are there u-pick farms near Hilton Head Island?
Yes. Several u-pick farms are located within about an hour’s drive of Hilton Head Island, including farms on St. Helena Island, in Hardeeville and in Bloomingdale, Georgia. Visitors can pick strawberries, blueberries, seasonal vegetables and flowers depending on the time of year.
What can you pick at Lowcountry u-pick farms?
Lowcountry u-pick farms offer a variety of seasonal crops including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, watermelon, tomatoes, corn, squash and fresh-cut flowers. Crop availability varies by season and weather conditions.
When is blueberry season in coastal South Carolina and Georgia?
Blueberry season typically begins in late May and continues through June, though exact timing depends on the weather. Many coastal Georgia and Lowcountry farms open for u-pick blueberries shortly after strawberry season ends.
Do I need to bring anything to a u-pick farm?
Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, water and containers if recommended by the farm. Always check farm social media pages or websites before visiting to confirm hours and crop availability.
Are u-pick farms family-friendly?
Most u-pick farms in the Lowcountry and coastal Georgia are family-friendly and welcome children. Some farms also host seasonal festivals, educational field trips and farm events.
Local Markets in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Beaufort
Whether you’re a food fanatic, a treasure hunter, or just love a laid-back day exploring, our local markets have it all.
