The Carlsbad Flower Fields are truly a sight to behold – imagine rows and rows of colorful flowers, blooming as far as the eyes can see, along with beautiful ocean views.
Visited the eye candy on the day before the last of its extended week run May 15, 2021. There were still about 10-14 acres of blooming ranunculus. And some exhibits by master gardeners which are worth checking out.
Officially known as The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, the fields boast 70 million ranunculus flowers blooming across 50 acres, in every color of the rainbow.
How to get there
Located just north of San Diego, the Carlsbad Flower Fields also makes an easy day trip from Los Angeles and Orange County, perfect for enjoying that spring sunshine and warmth. Address: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
It is about a 35-minute drive from downtown San Diego, about an hour from Orange County, and an hour and 30 minutes from Los Angeles (depending on traffic), making the Carlsbad Flower Fields a fun day trip from any of these destinations.
Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year – from early March through early May. This year, due to the pandemic, only booked online patrons can enter. Face covering is required. No pets allowed. Hand sanitizers and handwashing stations are strategically located throughout the entrance, exhibits, and fields. The ticket was 20$/person but was reduced to half price on the extended week run.
Admission is $20 for adults (10+), $10 for children 3-10, and $18 for seniors (65+). If you plan to visit multiple times, there is also a season pass available ($42 for adults, $22 for children 3-10, $38 for seniors). Parking is included in the admission fee.
Tips and Tricks
Wear comfortable shoes as you will mostly walk around the nearly 50 acre of visual delight! They carved special path for photo shoots so you do not trample on the flowers. Book early or late during the day to avoid large crowds and harsh sunlight. You will get better captures.
Make sure to visit the American Flag of flowers up the hill. There is also a wagon ride that tours you around the field and bring you the northern most part of “U-Pick Berry” area, a latest addition to its various pull. Make sure to check their website for times and if available.
There are also other things to do like a sweet pea maze, view the exhibitions (there were poinsettias as well as orchids on display), and even some live music. There’s a strawberry shack for desserts, and you have to eat your food there. There was also a pizza food truck with outdoor dining tables. No cash transactions, so bring your handy dandy cards.
You can pay to take a tractor ride, but I think by walking around, you can still take in all of the sights just as well. There were some benches round the fields if you get tired. I’d budget ~3 hours to spend here for the fields, although you could certainly take a whole day.
Bring sunglasses, wear sunscreen (a cute straw hat wouldn’t be amiss either), and a fully charged phone for all the photos you’ll take!
Once you got your fill of colors, the Carlsbad Outlet is within walking distance from the parking. Windmill Food Hall is also around the corner for a variety of food. We opted to have lunch @ King’s Fish House -address: 5625 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008 . A 2-minute drive from the flower fields. Tried their half-dozen assorted oysters, Mississippi catfish, and the steak, downed it with margarita. Delicious!
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