Spring is in the air! The weather is warming up and all of nature’s abundance is sprouting new growth and colors! It’s my favorite blooming time of year! And with Spring comes the glorious flowers! Which means it’s time to visit some incredible flower fields. One of my favorite location is the Flower Fields of Carlsbad, located out of San Diego County in sunny Southern California. With it’s gorgeous abundance of colorful blooms, the flower fields is world renown for its giant Ranunculus blooms, also known as the Persian Buttercup. No tulips, lavender or lilies can be found here, it’s just acres and acres of these amazing colorful flowers that remind me of ruffles in a party dress.
About the Flower Fields of Carlsbad
The special Ranunculus seeds were introduced to the region nearly 100 years ago by Luther Gage, a neighbor of Frank Frazee. Mr. Frazee also started growing them and then introduced his son Edwin, to the delicate flowers.
Cultivated by Edwin Frazee who originated the flower fields in 1965, it has graced the North County of San Diego with their exquisite colorful blooms for close to 60 years. It draws people from all over the world to visit this amazing landmark.
The fields originated with only two colors in the early years, but with love and careful cultivation, it has now evolved into 13 incredible different shades, including the special “picotee” which is a mix of variegated colors. With rows and rows of careful planting, each Spring, visitors are amazed by the blazing field of color.
Where are the Flower Fields?
Located directly off of the Interstate 5 in the city of Carlsbad, Southern California. The flower fields is essentially part of the San Diego County and only about 30-45 minutes north of the main San Diego downtown area. With its 50 acres of vibrant flowers, visitors can see the fields from a distance driving on the highway.
It also faces the Pacific Ocean with views of the sea on a clear day, the Carlsbad Flower Fields is one of California’s hidden gems.
When to Visit the Flower Fields
The best time of year to visit the flower fields is Spring of course. Blooming season at the Flower Fields of Carlsbad California is around March and May. The rest of the year, the fields are unfortunately closed to the public. Tickets are only available for sale in the Spring time. Check their website for ticket availability and schedule.
The Flower Fields of Carlsbad are open Mondays through Sundays, daily from 9:00am – 6:00pm.
Admission for Adults are $18; Seniors-Citizens are $16; and Children between 3-10yo are $9. You can also get a $1 discount if you have a AAA membership.
What to do at the Carlsbad Flower Fields
Stroll along the Flower Fields
The most popular thing to do at the Flower Fields is to take a nice stroll along the rows of blazing colorful flowers. There is not much cover, so always wear enough sunscreen. The field is sectioned off and visitors are not allowed to tread directly onto the rows of flowers, unless in specifically marked areas. Never damage the flowers just to get your perfect photo! There are dozens of other photo opportunities, so enjoy yourself and take your time through the fields.
Make sure to visit other areas of the fields that have different flowers planted as well. Such as the American Flag of Flowers which is comprised of Petunias in different shades to form the flag of the United States.
From a bird’s eye view, the rows of petunias perfectly shape the red and white star spangled banner.
Visit the Artist Floral Garden
A small area of the flower fields is set aside for a beautiful artisenal garden. It is perfectly constructed to bring color to an artist’s painting. It uses a variety of different colorful flowers such as snapdragons, foxglove, larkspars, daffodils and more. This garden is a picture perfect work of art.
Decorated with trellises, arches, planters and pots, I can only dream of having a garden like this at my own home. I believe this area is a haven for bees and other pollinating insects. If I was a butterfly, this is where I would make my home for sure.
Ride the Tractor around the Flower Fields
For an additional fee, children and adults can enjoy a lovely open-air ride in a wagon pulled by old-fashioned antique tractors. The wagon tours are great for those who do not want to walk the acres of flowers and instead want to enjoy a seated ride with audio commentary about the history of the flower fields.
Tractor Tour tickets can only be purchased on the day of at the flower fields.
Enjoy the Orchid Greenhouse
Dendrobium Orchids are of one my favorite type of flowers. Their delicate and intricate petals are so unique. Some have beautifully spotted petals and others have incredibly bright shades. The Flower Fields have their own humidity controlled greenhouse especially for these wonderful exotic flowers. It’s a small area, so definitely take the time to visit this indoor nursery and enjoy these delicate blooms.
Shop at the Armstrong Garden Center Nursery
Visitors are not allowed to pick the flowers at the Flower Fields of Carlsbad, but you can still take some home with you if you wish. The Armstrong retail garden center is a fully stocked nursery for all kinds of gardening enthusiasts. “In 1999, The Flower Fields entered into a retail agreement with Armstrong Garden Centers to manage the retail store. This agreement allows The Flower Fields personnel to concentrate on what they do best – growing beautiful flowers for the world to enjoy. For those not fortunate enough to be able to visit The Flower Fields, bulbs from this amazing horticultural site can be found at EasytoGrowBulbs.com.”
Kid-Friendly Entertainment
Get Lost in the Sweetpea Flower Maze
A section of the flower fields is perfectly manicured and hedged with sweet smelling sweet-pea bushes. This is a popular spot for kids to run around and enjoy a fun maze to get lost and found in, with adult supervision.
TIP: This is a good spot to end the day to get the little ones nice and tired so they’ll nap the rest of the day!
Santa’s Playground & Carlsbad Mining Company
There is also a small playground area themed around Santa’s North Pole with jungle gyms, swing sets, and other climbing apparatus for kids to tucker themselves out on.
Plus another setup for kids that enjoy geology or playing around with rocks. Pan for gold or gems in the Mining Company where the setup teaches children about the panning for gold system.
Special Events at the Flower Fields of Carlsbad California
The Flowers Fields of Carlsbad California is a gorgeous destination for hosting weddings and other special events. It is beyond romantic and couples come from near and far to book this beautiful venue for their wedding.
The property also hosts their own private events that is open to the public with pre-sale tickets. From Tea Parties, Bloomin’ Yoga sessions among the flowers, Painting Classes or Photography Seminars, just to name a few. Plus live music and sunset Wine Tasting.
Don’t miss out on these special events. Check their website’s calendar schedule for more details.
Tips for Visiting the Flower Fields of Carlsbad California
Make sure to wear good walking shoes because visiting the flower fields involve a lot of walking. If you are visiting with little ones, ensure they are wearing good comfortable shoes as well. The last thing you want is your child complaining about their feet.
Wear sunscreen! This is a must. There is no shade or cover out in the fields. Wear a hat or carry an umbrella if you wish, but on a warm Spring day in Southern California, the sun can be brutal!
Food and beverages can be purchased on premises. No alcohol is served unless for private special events. You are welcome to bring small snacks or juice for your children if they are picky eaters.
Where to Stay in Carlsbad, California
If you’re visiting from out of town, Carlsbad, California is a great little town to visit if you want to avoid the busy hustle and bustle of a big city. The beaches are beautiful, plus LegoLand and the San Diego Zoo are both within an hour driving distance. Find a hotel and book your next stay in Carlsbad, CA!
Such an amazing guide with beautiful pictures! I would love to visit these flower fields one day!
Thank you so much. I hope you get to visit it one day.
Wow! This place looks stunning. The foxgloves are just gorgeous. This would such a fun spring weekend activity.
It’s a gorgeous place. And definitely a great spot for a weekend getaway. Lots to do in the area.
These flowers fields are so gorgeous! Definitely need to make a trip out here!
All of these flowers are absolutely stunning! I would love to spend the day strolling through the fields and taking them all in. I can’t imagine how heavenly those sweet-pea bushes must have smelled! Thanks for mentioning that we should not damage the flowers trying to get a photo op.. that’s such an important things ro remember so we can all keep enjoying them.
What a beautiful destination! Thanks for the amazing guide! I hope I get the opportunity to visit one year! I’m adding this to the bucket list.
Hannah | https://getlost.blog/
The flowers are gorgeous. And what a beautiful flower crown. You always find the most amazing events.
Seriously beeeeautiful!!
I had only heard of Ranunculus flowers recently (from another blog) but I am starting to really love them. These fields are seriously stunning!
p.s. I love the flower garland in your hair, so are looking as beautiful as your surroundings. 🙂
This is so so beautiful, amazing photos! Would love to visit these fields, and Ranunculus is one of my favourite flowers.