If you’ve lived in Virginia Beach for any amount of time, you already know: strawberry season in Pungo is basically a local holiday. The first warm weekends of spring hit, the fields start turning red, and suddenly everyone is loading kids, wagons, sunscreen, and empty buckets into the car headed toward Princess Anne Road.

And honestly? I get it.

There’s just something about fresh-picked Pungo strawberries that tastes like the beginning of summer. They’re sweeter, juicier, and somehow always better than the grocery store kind. Plus, strawberry picking in Virginia Beach is one of those rare family activities that actually feels easy. Fresh air, local farms, kids running around, homemade ice cream… it’s hard to beat.

If you’re looking for the best strawberry picking in Virginia Beach, especially in the Pungo and Princess Anne areas, here’s your local guide to where to go, what to expect, and which farms locals come back to year after year.

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Best Strawberry Picking Farms in Virginia Beach

Cullipher Farm

If you ask locals where to go strawberry picking in Virginia Beach, Cullipher Farm is usually the first answer.

Located right in the heart of Pungo, this farm is one of the most well-known spots for U-pick strawberries and fresh local produce. Their strawberry fields are family-friendly, easy to navigate, and usually packed with ripe berries during peak season.

One thing locals especially love? You can make a whole afternoon out of it. There’s often ice cream, baked goods, local products, and plenty of space for kids to roam around a bit after picking.

Strawberry season here typically runs from late April through early June, depending on weather. 

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Flanagan Farms

Flanagan Farms is one of those places that feels very “old Virginia Beach” in the best possible way.

Their strawberry fields are known for producing large, sweet berries, and families love the relaxed atmosphere. If you’ve got little kids, this is a great option because the setup tends to feel manageable and low-stress. 

They’re also a favorite among locals for seasonal produce throughout the year, so if you end up becoming a regular, don’t be surprised.

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Henley Farm

Henley Farm has become increasingly popular for U-pick strawberries in Virginia Beach, especially for families looking for a more laid-back farm experience.

The fields are beautiful, the staff is known for being incredibly friendly, and the strawberries are consistently good. Locals often mention that the berries here are especially sweet during peak season. 

If you’re planning a weekend visit, try to go earlier in the morning before the crowds and warmer temperatures roll in.

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Brookdale Farms

Brookdale Farms is another longtime Pungo favorite for strawberry picking. It’s smaller and more low-key than some of the larger farm markets, which honestly can be a plus if you’re looking for a quieter experience.

This is the kind of place longtime locals have been visiting for years. 

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Vaughan Farms Produce

Vaughan Farms is a great option if you’re looking for classic Pungo strawberry picking without a lot of extra fuss.

Locals rave about the size and sweetness of the berries here, especially earlier in the season when the fields are really producing. 

This is one of those spots where people show up with buckets and leave with far more strawberries than they planned on picking.

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Tips for Strawberry Picking in Virginia Beach

A few local tips before you head out:

• Go early in the season if possible. Recent years have seen strawberries peak earlier than usual due to warmer spring temperatures. 
• Morning is usually best for cooler weather and better berry selection.
• Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Bring sunscreen. Pungo fields are beautiful, but there’s not always much shade.
• Check each farm’s social media before heading out. Berry availability changes fast during peak season.
• Don’t wear white. Trust me on this one.

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Make a Day of It in Pungo

One of my favorite things about strawberry season is that it’s the perfect excuse to slow down for a few hours and enjoy this side of Virginia Beach that people sometimes forget exists.

Most people think of the Oceanfront when they think of Virginia Beach. But the Pungo and Princess Anne areas are a huge part of what makes living here special. Farms, back roads, local markets, hidden restaurants, seasonal festivals — it’s a completely different vibe from the beach, and honestly, that balance is part of why so many people love living here.

After strawberry picking, grab lunch nearby, stop by a farm market, or just take the scenic route home through Pungo. It’s one of the best spring traditions in Coastal Virginia.

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When Is Strawberry Season in Virginia Beach?

In general, strawberry season in Virginia Beach runs from late April through early June, with peak picking often happening in May. Weather can shift timing slightly from year to year. 

If you want the best berries, don’t wait too long into June. Locals know the prime picking window can go quickly.

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Thinking About Moving to Virginia Beach?

This right here is one of the reasons people fall in love with Coastal Virginia.

You can spend the morning at the beach, the afternoon strawberry picking in Pungo, and still be home in time for dinner. That mix of coastal living and small-town charm is hard to find anywhere else.

If you’re thinking about moving to Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or anywhere in Coastal Virginia, I’m always happy to help you learn the area beyond just the listings. Sometimes the best way to understand a place is through the little traditions locals look forward to every year.

And strawberry season is definitely one of them.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s connect!