I dreamt I walked through the blooming Flower Fields of Carlsbad. A sea of pink, white, red and orange flowers in rows of waves as far as I could see. I stepped into a painting with the breezes blowing off the ocean and could see the ocean from atop the hill. I realized I wasn’t dreaming. This was a dream come true.
The Flower Fields is located in Carlsbad, California. It is privately owned as part of The Carlsbad Ranch. Forty-eight of the fifty-five acres were in full bloom on March 29 during my visit. It’s an early bloom this year, so plan your visit quickly! The Flower Fields are open March 1 until Mother’s Day.
Things to Know Before You Visit The Flower Fields
- Requires an online ticket purchased in advance and has a timed entry reservation.
- Tickets are typically $25 each for adults. No re-entry allowed.
- There are specific cut-outs into the fields to take photos. Visitors are not allowed to randomly stroll through the fields.
- Wear shoes that can get muddy and have good traction. There are dirt paths and it was muddy (and slippery) when I visited.
- I went for the earliest reservation at 9 am so the crowds were smaller.
- It’s kid-friendly. There is a tractor ride around the blooms for an additional $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children (3-10). There is also a playground, mining activity for $5.00 per person.
- There are snack stands available. Cotton candy, kettle corn, ice cream, lemonade and more.
- Blooms from the flower fields are available to purchase in the gift shop/floral and garden shop as you exit.
- Demonstrations and educational pop-up events were happening during my visit.
The Blooms
I encountered rows of blooms organized by color. It looks like a giant quilt or ribbons of vibrant color across the ranch. It’s hard to imagine that it’s created by individual flowers! The super bloom is amazing to see from the vantage points at the top or bottom of the hill, or walk alongside the rows to be amazed at the planting organization. Peeks of the bands of color can be seen from the highway or as you drive through Carlsbad.
The main flowers are ranunculus. There are also greenhouses of orchids.
Where Are Other Super Blooms and Flower Fields in Southern California?
- Anzo-Borrego Desert near San Diego
- Carrizo Plains National Monument near San Luis Obispo
- The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserves in Lancaster
- Chino Hills State Park typically has wonderful blooms, but not this year
- Lake Elsinore near Temecula
What Else Is There To Do In Carlsbad?
Carlsbad is located near San Diego and is famous for being the home of Legoland. Carlsbad is also a beach town along the Pacific Coast Highway with beaches, and a downtown shopping district. The Historic Leo Carrillo Ranch is about twenty minutes from the flower fields and offers another beautiful property to explore.
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