Growing up, I remember visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields every spring. Over the years, things have changed and expanded! What started as just a huge field of beautiful flowers has become what could be a full day activity. From a sweet pea maze, to tractor rides; there’s something for everyone.
About the Carlsbad Flower Fields:
Located in North San Diego County, the Carlsbad Flower Fields has nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers! Their blooming announces the arrival of spring in Southern California.
Directly from www.flowerfields.com:
The fields feature “85 years of floral cultivation that began with Luther Gage, an early settler and horticulturist that settled in the area in the early 1920’s. Mr. Gage brought Ranunculus seeds to the area and began growing them in his fields next to Frank Frazee’s small vegetable farm in South Oceanside. In 1933 Frank Frazee also started growing ranunculus and introduced his son Edwin to the art of seeding, cultivating and irrigating the pretty but not yet popular flower. Today, The Flower Fields represents the perfect synthesis of a robust working ranch and regional tourist attraction.”
What you need to know before you visit:
- Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Hours: Daily 9 AM – 6 PM
When to visit: The season usually begins early March and goes through early May. This year’s dates are March 1st through May 8th.
Admission: Tickets cost $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $5 for children. In past years, you were able to buy tickets on-site. However, with the new COVID guidelines, tickets are only available online and required reserving in advance. You can buy tickets here.
Things not to miss at the Carlsbad Flower Fields:
You could easily spend all day roaming the property. From a snack stand, to an award winning poinsettia section, there’s something for everyone. A few of my favorites things not to miss:
- Buy a bouquet of fresh flowers – You can bring some fresh blooms home with you by purchasing them at the front! While we were there, workers were putting together bouquets. Fun fact: they ship their bouquets all over the world.
- Enjoy a picnic – There are plenty of picnic tables which are great for taking a break and enjoying the beautiful ambiance.
- Take a walk through the Sweet Pea Maze – This “living maze” is a colorful, fragrant, and unique experience! It’s perfect for families.
Tips for visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields:
- Don’t walk over the tape – Stay on the designated path and don’t go into the field. You can still get fabulous photos by getting creative (without destroying flowers!)
- Go during the week (and early) – This year, tickets have to be pre-purchased online (no walk ups). Weekends get extremely busy so book early and go during the week if you can!
- If you’re wanting to see the entire farm full of flowers, aim for mid-April – The season usually runs from early March to Mother’s Day in May! Blooms start on the far north part of the property, and over the courses or the weeks, the field grows.
- Don’t miss out on taking a fresh bouquet home with you – like I mentioned above, you can bring a bit of the Carlsbad Flower Fields home by visiting the fresh bouquet stands at the front.
