Strawberry Hill USA: A Pick-Your-Own Farm in South Carolina

What Strawberry Hill USA offers

Strawberry Hill USA is a pick-your-own strawberry farm in Awendaw, South Carolina, about 30 minutes north of Charleston. During strawberry season—typically March through May—visitors can walk the fields, pick fresh berries by hand, and take home what they harvest. The farm also sells pre-picked berries, plants, jams, and other strawberry products at their stand.

The farm operates seasonally and closes when the harvest ends. Hours and opening dates shift year to year based on weather and crop conditions, so calling ahead or checking their social media before you visit prevents a wasted trip. Admission is free; you pay only for the berries you pick, usually by the pound or by the container.

Key Takeaways

• Strawberry Hill USA is located in Awendaw, about 30 minutes north of Charleston, and operates only during strawberry season from March through May.
• You pick your own berries directly from the field and pay by weight or container, with no admission fee to enter the farm.
• The farm also sells ready-picked berries, strawberry plants, jams, and other products if you prefer not to pick yourself.
• Calling ahead or checking their social media is essential because hours and opening dates vary by year depending on weather and harvest timing.
• Bring containers or bags, wear comfortable shoes for walking the fields, and plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour picking.

When to visit and what to expect

Strawberry season in South Carolina typically runs from mid-March through May, though the exact window depends on spring temperatures and rainfall. Early-season visits (late March and April) usually mean fuller fields and larger berries. Late-season visits (May) may have thinner picking, but the farm often reduces prices as the season winds down.

Dress for outdoor work: wear closed-toe shoes with good grip, bring a hat or sunscreen, and plan to bend and crouch while picking. The fields can be muddy after rain, so avoid light-colored clothing. Bring your own containers or bags if you have them; the farm may provide buckets or sell them, but bringing your own ensures you have what you need. Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour in the fields, depending on how much they want to pick and how crowded it is.

Pricing and what you take home

Strawberry Hill USA charges by weight or by the container—exact pricing varies by year and market conditions. A typical quart-sized container of berries costs between $8 and $15, though you should confirm current prices before visiting. Pre-picked berries at the farm stand cost more per pound than what you pick yourself, but they save you the labor and time in the field.

Berries picked fresh from the field stay fresh for about three to five days in the refrigerator if stored properly. Wash them just before eating, not before storing. If you pick more than you can eat fresh, the farm sells jams, preserves, and other value-added products made from their berries, or you can take your harvest home and preserve it yourself.

How to find current hours and plan your visit

Strawberry Hill USA does not maintain a website with fixed hours, so you must call or check their social media pages to confirm they are open before driving out. The farm's phone number and social media handles are listed in local Charleston tourism directories and on Google Maps. Call a day or two before you plan to visit to ask about field conditions, current prices, and whether picking is good that week.

The farm is located in Awendaw, which is in Berkeley County north of Charleston. From downtown Charleston, take US 17 North toward Georgetown; Strawberry Hill USA is a short drive off the highway. Parking is typically available on-site. If the farm is closed or not picking on your preferred date, other farms in the Lowcountry region may have berries available, so ask the staff for recommendations.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring containers or buckets for your berries—five-gallon buckets work well if you plan to pick a lot. Wear long pants or jeans to protect your legs from dirt and any insects in the field. Bring water to stay hydrated, especially on warm days, and sunscreen or a hat for sun protection. If you have young children, bring a small stool or step so they can reach berries at a comfortable height.

Arrive early in the day if possible—morning temperatures are cooler, the berries are fresher, and the fields are less crowded. Avoid visiting right after heavy rain, when the fields may be too muddy to navigate safely. If you have questions about picking technique or which berries are ripe, the farm staff can show you how to identify ready-to-pick berries and handle them gently so they do not bruise.

Other products and farm activities

Beyond pick-your-own berries, Strawberry Hill USA sells strawberry plants in spring if you want to grow your own berries at home. They also stock jams, preserves, shortcake mixes, and other strawberry products at their farm stand. Some years the farm hosts special events or offers strawberry-themed activities, though these vary by season—ask when you call about current offerings.

The farm is a working agricultural operation, not an amusement park, so activities are limited to picking and shopping. It is a good destination for families with children old enough to pick berries, school groups learning about local agriculture, and anyone interested in fresh, seasonal produce from the Lowcountry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pick my own berries, or can I just buy them?

You can do either. The farm sells pre-picked berries at their stand if you do not want to pick yourself. Pre-picked berries cost more per pound but save you time and effort in the field.

What if it rains or the weather is bad?

Call ahead to ask about field conditions. Heavy rain makes the fields muddy and unsafe, and the farm may close temporarily. Light rain usually does not stop picking, but wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Can I bring my kids to pick berries?

Yes. Children can pick berries, though very young children may need help reaching and identifying ripe fruit. Bring a small stool if your child is small, and supervise them in the field. It is a good outdoor activity for families.

How long do picked berries stay fresh?

Fresh-picked berries last three to five days in the refrigerator if stored unwashed in a breathable container. Wash them just before eating. If you pick more than you can eat fresh, freeze them or make jam.

Is there a minimum or maximum amount I can pick?

The farm does not typically enforce minimums or maximums. You pay for what you pick, so you can pick as little or as much as you want, depending on your needs and how long you want to spend in the field.