Spring brings dreams of visiting the world’s most beautiful flower fields including Keukenhof Gardens to see The Netherland’s famed tulips, the Torres del Paine National Park Daisy Flower Field in Chile, Japan’s cherry blossoms, the sunflower fields of Tuscany, and Monet’s Garden at Giverny in France.
Luckily for those of us who live in and love Southern California, we don’t have to go far to enjoy one of the world’s most vibrant spring blooms. For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the world’s most coordinated displays of natural color and beauty.
Every spring, the renown Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch showcases a stunning array of ranunculus flowers, in a rainbow of colors, sprawling across 55 acres. The flowers are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year – from early March through early May – literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring in SoCal, making it a must-see spectacle for nature lovers, families, and photographers, inspiring more than a few marriage proposals.
The Flower Fields offer a variety of activities, blending family-friendly fun to hands-on activities that celebrate the beauty of spring. Throughout the growing season, the activities calendar is filled with special events such as wine tastings, concerts, yoga and pilates classes, and crafting workshops. Families with children especially love taking a scenic tour through the rows of flowers aboard the Tractor Wagon Ride.
New this year is Glass in Flight, a colorful outdoor sculpture exhibit by celebrated Tucson, Arizona artist Alex Heveri. This unique installation features dozens of larger-than-life sculptures of birds and insects, beautifully crafted from Dalle de Verre glass and steel. “The kaleidoscope of color that the Flower Fields bring each year is a stunning contrast for the individual sculptures that make up my ‘Glass in Flight’ exhibit,” says Heveri. “I’m thrilled to bring my largest exhibit to date to Carlsbad, with over 38 sculptures sprinkled throughout the fields.” Her life-like bees, butterflies, birds, beetles, and dragonflies — some towering 12 feet high — together weigh more than 50,000 pounds.
Also new this year is the Butterfly Encounter exhibit filled with hundreds of live butterflies fluttering gracefully and gently perching on guests. Nectar sticks attract the butterflies, creating a magical experience. Other attractions include the Artist Gardens & Bird Aviaries, Sweet Pea Maze, a historic Poinsettia Display, Demonstration Garden, and Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse. In late April, a five-acre sea of sunflowers begins to bloom.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Open daily March 1, 2025 – May 11, 2025, from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is in Carlsbad, California, less than half a mile from the ocean, and practically next door to Legoland’s California resort. No wonder it’s a national vacation favorite. Carlsbad is conveniently served by two international airports: San Diego and Orange County.
Purchase tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and spring break which are peak visitation times. The best time to avoid a crowd is during the weekdays. True flower enthusiasts should consider a season pass that grants unlimited entry for any date or time now through May 11, 2025. This is a smart option to experience the gardens through different phases or attend multiple events during the season.
WHERE TO STAY
To be as close to the fields as possible, stay at The Cassara, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton resort, and Carlsbad’s top luxury hotel. The expansive resort is an relaxing oasis with gracious guest rooms, ocean breezes, and beautiful views of the Pacific coastline and the adjacent flower fields.
Relax at The Cassara’s two sparkling swimming pools (including a Quiet Pool and a Family Pool with a Kids Splash Pad), a hot tub, and fire pits, while sipping on libations during coastal sunsets. Reward yourself in the sauna after a fitness center workout or a game on the half basketball court. Explore Carlsbad’s dining scene, starting with The Cassara Kitchen & Bar, a chic space with poolside views. The Karl Strauss Brewery features food and an eclectic array of beers brewed on site plus award-winning Karl Strauss craft beer.
Get the most from your Cassara stay with one of several special offers. From now until May 11, 2025, the Stay & See Package includes accommodations, admission tickets for the ranunculus blooms, and welcome drinks. Complete a two-night stay by April 12, 2025, and save 20% on your next Hilton Honors stay with the Spring Getaway Sale. Or enjoy extra room in airy suites with Cassara’s Suites & Eats Experience the Stay package with a nightly $50 food and beverage credit, premium wi-fi, and early check-in/late check-out privileges.
