Orange Picking Near Tampa at Dooley Groves

Oranges are a staple crop in Florida and you can pick your own oranges less than an hour from Tampa. Dooley Groves is a large u-pick orange orchard owned by the Houghtaling Family and it has been in their family for five generations! With over 6,500 honeybell trees alone, they are not going to run out of oranges to pick anytime soon.

Only a 40 minute drive south of Tampa, orange picking is the perfect weekend activity for the whole family. And it really is just the best “Florida” thing to do. I mean, we do have oranges on our license plates after all.

Dooley Groves is most well known for their honeybell oranges but they grow many varieties of citrus that are available throughout the season. Check online or by phone to see which varieties are available for picking currently.

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Visit Dooley Groves for a chance to pick your own oranges in Florida. This u-pick orange grove is close to Tampa and perfect for an afternoon trip. So come orange picking near tampa while they are in season!

Orange Picking at Dooley Groves near Tampa, FL

Dooley Groves Address: 1651 Stephens Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570

Phone Number: 813-645-3256

Oranges to Pick: Honeybells, Pineapple Oranges, Red Grapefruit, Tangerines, Navel Oranges, Sugarbelles, Temple Oranges

Cost: $2.59 per pound

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Our Visit to Dooley Groves

At the beginning of February our family visited Dooley Groves, a gorgeous orange grove that offers u-pick oranges. We live to the north of Tampa and it took us just over an hour to drive to the farm.

Once we arrived we parked in the small parking lot out front of their cute farm market. It is a brightly painted building where they sell all kinds of citrus themed goods like orange blossom candles, orange meringues and orange peeling tools. You can also find cheeses, pre-picked citrus fruit and honey amongst other goods.

When you are ready to pick and your whole group has arrived, simply tell one of the employees and they will direct you to the back room. The large warehouse in the back is where you will pick up your baskets and clippers as well as receive instructions on how to tell which fruit is ripe and ready to be picked. When you are done picking oranges you will return back to the warehouse to bag your fruit for check out.

More U-Pick Near Tampa

U-Pick Oranges

Now you are all set to start picking oranges. The staff will tell you which sections of the grove are ripe as well as which section is safe to pick in. This is a working farm so there is large machinery being used in the areas not being used for u-pick. There are orange streamers clipped to the trees at the end of each row that is set aside for u-pickers each day.

It is so beautiful and peaceful in the orange groves. It was so fun to walk along the trees, picking fruit and talking together. Roman, our one year old, even had fun trying to pick up the basket of oranges and placing the oranges we picked into the basket. Honestly it was great just to let him wander along the row of trees watching his cute little self walk on the uneven ground.

When we visited there were three citrus varieties available to be picked, this will vary based on when you visit. Each citrus grove was close together and it was easy to walk between them so we could pick some of each. Don’t forget to take pictures of the fun everyone is having! The u-pick orange groves are super picturesque.

When we finished, we headed back to the market where we bagged our fruit. They provide paper or plastic bags to take your fruit home in. Then we took everything to the cash register to be weighed. You can pay with cash or card.

Orange Picking Tips

While orange picking make sure you wear proper attire, especially shoes. I wore a skirt and had no problems but the sandals I chose were not a good idea. Wearing close toed shoes is recommended and will keep your feet much more clean.
There are ants in the fields and in the trees and they bite. Avoid leaning on the trees and watch out when you are reaching for oranges higher up.
To tell which oranges are ripe you will rely heavily on color. You want oranges that are a good orange color that don’t have much green. Different varieties of oranges look different when they are ripe. You can also squeeze the oranges gently, you want them to be firm and not too squishy. Ask the Dooley Groves staff for tips to pick the perfect orange, they are very helpful.
At Dooley Groves baskets and clippers are provided. All you need to bring is a good attitude and be ready to have fun! Water is also a good idea since you’ll be walking outside for a good amount of time.

Dooley Groves Details and FAQ’s

When is Dooley Groves open?

Dooley Groves is open from January through early April for u-pick oranges. They are open for u-pick from 10am – 4pm seven days a week while there are oranges to be picked. The market closes an hour later at 5pm.

Rain or shine you can come pick your own oranges. The only time they close is for lightning and storms with heavy rainfall. I recommend checking facebook or calling ahead to make sure they are open if you are unsure.

Can I bring my stroller/wagon into the groves?

You can bring a wagon or stroller to Dooley Groves, the ground is VERY sandy though so it can be difficult to push them through the groves. I would recommend leaving it behind if you can. Try baby wearing instead for little babies and there is plenty of space for bigger kids to run around.

No large backpacks are allowed, although I bought in my diaper bag with snacks and wipes for Roman. So there may be exceptions for families with young kids or maybe nobody noticed my diaper bag. Either way, consider bringing a small lunch box instead so that you won’t be unprepared if they ask you to leave your bags in the car.

Is Dooley Groves in Ruskin, Florida pet friendly?

No, Dooley Groves is a working farm and there are no pets allowed in the orange groves.

How many acres is Dooley Groves?

Dooley Groves is a 40 acre farm.

Is Shipping Available?

Fun fact, you can enjoy Florida honeybells even if you don’t live in Florida. Dooley Groves will ship oranges to you! If you are in the US you can simply place an order online or over the phone and they will take care of the rest. Here is the ordering portal if you would like some oranges of your own.