Looking for a sweet day trip from Los Angeles that’s off the beaten path? Trade the city buzz for the gentle hum of bees and the scent of orange blossoms in the air with a visit to Bennett’s Honey Farm. Tucked away on charmingly named Honey Lane in Fillmore, this hidden gem in the Santa Rosa Valley is surrounded by lush farmland and makes for a relaxing outing—especially for those who love local produce and fun roadside stops.
A taste of the Santa Rosa Valley
The drive out to Bennett’s Honey Farm is a scenic one. As you wind through the agricultural backroads of the Santa Rosa Valley, you’ll pass a patchwork of citrus groves, strawberry fields, big mountains and open skies.
Keep your eyes peeled for roadside fruit stands on highway 126 offering Southern California’s seasonal bounty—juicy oranges, fresh-picked strawberries, and bags of dried chili mangos. The prices? A fraction of what you’d pay at the grocery store.
One of the highlights here is the hidden “honey tasting room” which you’ll find at the end of the aptly named Honey Lane. It’s a cute little shop, where you can sample a range of different honey flavors and even see live bees in a hive, and learn a little bit about how honey is made.
Sample different honey varieties in their tasting room
What sets this honey stand apart is the free honey tasting bar, where you can sample your way through a variety of honeys. Each one is unique depending on what the bees have been pollinating. You’ll find honey from bees that fed on:
- Avocado trees (tastes like maple syrup)
- Orange blossoms (light and floral)
- Eucalyptus (slightly menthol-like)
- Sage (herbal and fragrant)
- Wildflowers (sweet)
You can even taste imported honeys from Mexico and Brazil, plus flavored varieties like:
- Pink grapefruit honey – bright and zesty
- Spicy jalapeño and chili-infused honey – perfect for roasted sweet potatoes or adding a kick to your cheese board
Like wine, honey takes on the flavor profiles of regional flowers and plant life, so while honeybees are pollinating, they also collect a palette of pollen and nectar that creates wonderful floral notes in honey. Besides the flavor profiles mentioned above, they also have blueberry, buckwheat, clover, gallberry, and cactus ( the latter has a unique, thick granulated texture).
It’s amazing how much you can actually taste the character of the fruit trees in each spoonful. And the best part? Once you’ve found your favorite, you can buy it by the jar—or even by the bucket if you have a serious honey addiction.
I picked up a jar of the avocado honey on my last visit and I’m already planning a return trip to pick up a jar of the pink grapefruit. This place is a keeper!
Their honey is raw and unfiltered, which takes longer to produce but is of high quality. In addition, their honey is locally produced in Ventura County, home of the best sage and wildflower fields in California.
More than just honey
Inside the shop, besides honey you’ll also find a range of bee-themed goods that make great gifts (or treats for yourself). They sell all sorts of merchandise like beeswax candles, honey-infused body care products like lip balm and moisturizer, as well as different foods made with honey like hot-honey mustard, honey peanut butter, and honey bbq sauce. There’s even t-shirts and tea towels with punny honey jokes printed on them.
You’ll also find a small glass observation hive with live bees, which seems to be a hit with the kids (and curious adults too). Although the sign on the hive saying “bees can escape” did make me feel a little nervous.
The staff at Bennett’s are friendly and welcoming, and are happy for you to hang out in the tasting room as long as you like, and try every honey sample they have. There’s no pressure to purchase anything either. But it’s more than likely you’ll leave with at least a small jar.
Either way, this charming hidden gem is an ideal outing for families, foodies, and anyone wanting to discover a different side of Southern California. If you live in Los Angeles or Ventura County, you could even make it an annual tradition to stop by and stock up on your favorite honey.
They’re open seven days a week, 8am to 4.30pm Monday through Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where is Bennett’s Honey Farm?
Bennett’s Honey Farm is located in the quiet agricultural community of Fillmore, nestled in the Santa Rosa Valley of Ventura County. The farm sits just off the appropriately named Honey Lane, surrounded by orange groves and farmland. It’s about a one-hour drive from Los Angeles, making it a perfect countryside escape for city dwellers looking to slow down and savor something sweet.
You can easily pair a visit here with other nearby activities like fruit stand hopping, exploring historic downtown Fillmore, or taking a ride on the heritage Fillmore & Western Railway (if it’s operating). Just plug Bennett’s Honey Farm into your GPS and enjoy the scenic drive along Highway 126!