What to Expect at the Carlsbad Flower Fields – Review & Photos

There’s a magical place near San Diego where the horizon dissolves into a kaleidoscope of color as millions of flowers burst into bloom over 50 stunning acres.

This place is the Carlsbad Flower Fields, and visiting the flower fields should definitely be on your California travel bucket list.

We recently stayed at the Cassara Carlsbad, a beautiful hotel conveniently located next to the Flower Fields (in fact our room overlooked them!), and spent a day exploring this incredible destination.

I’m sharing all the details in this article, so read on for a full review of the Carlsbad Flower Fields, plus lots of tips and insight on what to expect if you are visiting with kids.

Carlsbad Flower Fields: The Basics

► Season: Open daily March 1 through May 11, 2025

►  Hours: 9 am to 6 pm

► Cost: Tickets are $27 for adults, $25 for seniors, $17 for children age 3-10, and free for children 2 and under

► Tickets: Tickets must be purchased online in advance at TheFlowerFields.com. There are no onsite ticket sales.

►  Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, California

► Parking: Free!

Visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields

The Carlsbad Flower Fields are a seasonal wonder, open to the public for just two months each year during spring in San Diego. During this time, you can stroll through fields filled with a stunning array of ranunculus flowers ranging from soft pastels to bright, bold hues.

These fields have a rich history. In 1958, the first ranunculus flowers were planted in Carlsbad by horticulturist Luther Gage, who brought over seeds from his native England. Over the years, these fields have grown into one of the most iconic attractions in Southern California.

Today, families can enjoy the results of 85 years of dedicated cultivation, with the fields offering stunning views of flowers, the Pacific Ocean in the distance, and acres of colorful blooms that stretch as far as the eye can see.

I won’t go into all the history here – you can read about it on the displays when you get to the Flower Fields. Let’s talk about what to expect so you can plan your visit!

Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Flower Fields

For the 2025 season, the Flower Fields will be open every day between March 1 and May 11, but the absolute best time to visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields is the month of April. That is when the most flowers will be in bloom.

For the most up-to-date information on blooming status of the different fields (aka how many acres of ranunculus are in bloom), check the official Carlsbad Flower Fields website and click the “Bloom Status” button for current conditions.

If you are wondering what time of day is best to visit, early mornings or late afternoons offer the perfect lighting for photos, and also have lighter crowds.

We visited at 10 am on a Sunday morning and stayed for about two hours. When we arrived the parking lot was half empty and we got a great spot. By the time we left, both the regular and overflow lots were packed.

Things to Do (More Than Just Flowers!)

The Carlsbad Flower Fields aren’t just about the flowers. There are many activities your whole family can enjoy.

Here is a breakdown of what’s on tap at the Flower Fields in 2025.

Tractor Wagon Rides

For an easy way to see the entire 50-acre spread, hop on the tractor-pulled wagon ride. The ride offers a great vantage point of the flowers, and an audio narration shares facts about the history and cultivation of the flowers.

► Travel Insight

For the best view of the flower fields during the wagon ride, choose a seat on the right side of the wagon.

The ride is wheelchair accessible, so it is a good option if you’re looking to explore the fields without walking. Personally, we enjoyed being able to wander and stop for photos wherever we wanted, but if you need the assistance getting around it is there.

The wagon ride costs $8 for adults and $4 for children, in addition to the regular entry fee.

Santa’s Playground

Perfect for families with young children, Santa’s Playground is a whimsical area filled with playhouses and giant mushrooms, offering a fun and imaginative space for kids to explore. Some of the playhouses come from Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead.

Although the entire Flower Fields attraction is very family-friendly, this spot is dedicated just to kids!

Live Entertainment

Every weekend afternoon, you can catch live musical performances at the Flower Fields. Bands range over the season from popular music to Mariachi to Blues.

Sweet Pea Maze

This floral labyrinth is another family-friendly attraction that surrounds visitors with the sweet scent of flowers, making it an immersive experience for all ages.

However, this attraction is definitely geared more toward little kids, as the walls are short. When we were there in mid-March the peas were not fully grown in so you could see through the fencing pretty easily, too!

Fountain Garden and Poinsettia Display

Don’t miss the picturesque Fountain Garden, a serene spot with colorful blooms surrounding a water fountain. Additionally, the Historic Poinsettia Display is home to a collection of Paul Ecke’s world-famous poinsettias in a variety of rare colors.

Pothead Garden

Food Options

If you get hungry, there are food vendors available on-site, including options like pizza, tacos, ice cream, kettle corn, and coffee.

For something extra special, visit the Strawberry Shack for award-winning strawberry shakes, strawberry shortcake sundaes, and other treats.

Regardless of if you purchase food at the Flower Fields, be sure to carry a bottle of water! Even though it wasn’t too hot the day we visited, we walked a lot and I was glad to have a drink handy.

Shopping

After exploring the fields, stop by the Armstrong Garden Center Gift Shop to purchase small bouquets of ranunculus or other plants to take home. It’s also a great place to pick up gardening supplies if you’re inspired to cultivate your own flowers. (FYI – the story in open year-round, not just when the Flower Fields are in bloom.)

► Travel Insight

Make this the last stop after visiting the flower fields on your way back to your car!

Special Events

Throughout the season, the Flower Fields hosts a variety of public events, including Golden Hour Pilates, Tea in the Garden, Flower Flow Yoga, Sunset Wine Tasting & Music, Flower Crown Workshops, and more. These events offer a unique way to experience the fields and make the visit even more memorable.

Although we did not get to attend, they were setting up for Tea in the Garden the morning we were there, and it looked like a lovely event!

Tips for Visiting the Flower Fields

Here are 10 top tips for visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields to help ensure you have a great day.

1. Buy Tickets in Advance

This isn’t a tip so much as a rule, but you will definitely want to be aware of it before showing up at the Flower Fields.

The Flower Fields now has an online ticketing system, so be sure to purchase your tickets online at TheFlowerFields.com before you arrive. Tickets are time-specific and not sold on-site. This helps manage the crowds and ensures a more enjoyable experience.

2. Visit During the Week

To avoid large crowds, plan your visit on a weekday if at all possible, ideally Tuesday, which tends to be the quietest day. Weekends and holidays (especially Mother’s Day) are the busiest times.

Moreover, you will have a much better shot at finding a decent parking space if you visit on a weekday. During our stay at the adjacent Cassara Carlsbad, our room overlooked not just the American Flag of Flowers but also the overflow parking lot, which was full by 11 am on Saturday. We got to watch cars circling the lot and waiting for an open spot, and it really did not look very fun.

3. Check the Bloom Status

Since the bloom period for each field is relatively short, check online for updates on bloom status to track when the flowers will bloom. Just click on the “Bloom Status” button in the upper right-hand corner of their website.

4. Arrive Early or Late in the Day for the Best Photos

I can’t think of a more stunning, colorful backdrop for photos than the Carlsbad Flower Fields. Fortunately, dozens of “cut-outs” and benches have been set up just for that reason. (Lines for these photo spots can get long, especially on weekends, so I encourage you again to arrive early for the best experience.)

Early morning or late afternoon, during the golden hour, is the best time to take stunning photos. Although mornings can start off overcast, it usually burns off to reveal a perfect blue sky.

If you’re looking for a more tranquil experience, consider visiting on a cloudy or rainy day when you may have the fields almost to yourself.

On a related note, as mentioned above, you will also have a much easier time finding a parking spot close to the entrance if you arrive at off-peak hours.

5. Wear Comfortable Shoes

The fields are expansive, and there’s plenty of walking involved, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. The paths can be uneven and dusty.

The first time I visited I wore my “comfy flip-flops.” And while they are normally comfortable for walking, the issue is that the gravel hops into your shoes and makes for a very uncomfortable walk. You’ll also end up stopping often to pull rocks out of your shoes.

And while we are speaking of shoes – be sure to also wear shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Remember, the Flower Fields are on a working farm and you will be walking along unpaved paths.

6. Protect Yourself (And Your Kids) From the Sun

Bring a hat, wear your sunglasses, and be sure to slather on the sunscreen.

7. Plan for at Least Two Hours

A typical visit lasts about two hours, which should give you plenty of time to explore the fields and enjoy the activities. Plan to stay longer if it is very crowded or if you want to grab lunch or listen to the entertainment at the Flower Fields.

8. Find the Best Photo Spots

There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the Flower Fields, with designated spots to snap a picture against the vibrant backdrop of flowers. However, remember that walking through the fields is prohibited to protect the blooms, so be mindful of the roped-off areas. (They do patrol them!)

Another tip is to make sure your phone is fully charged or bring a portable charger. You will be taking lots of pictures!

9. Don’t miss the American Flag of Flowers

Slightly removed from the main fields is the American Flag of Flowers, a brilliant display of red, white and blue petunias strategically planted on a 300 by 170-foot hillside. If you take the wagon ride, you will pass this field along the tour. Otherwise, it is a bit of a walk.

However, the best spot to view the American Flag of Flowers at the Carlsbad Flower Fields is from the parking lot, where you can take it the whole scene from the bottom of the flag.

10. Catch the Sunset

If you are planning to visit the Flower Fields in the late afternoon, check to find out the sun is due to set that day. You can watch the sunset from the top of the fields, with the flowers, windmill, and even the ocean twinkling on the horizon.

Location

Carlsbad is located about 30 minutes north of San Diego and 90 minutes south of Los Angeles. The Flower Fields are located right off the 5 freeway (you can even see them from the road!) making this destination fairly easy to reach from anywhere in Southern California.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect at the Carlsbad Flower Fields

From the expansive, colorful fields of ranunculus flowers to the fragrant air to all the fun activities, the Carlsbad Flower Fields is an attraction you have to experience at least once. It is one of the best things to do in Carlsbad in the springtime!

I highly recommend a trip to the Flower Fields if you are going to be anywhere in Southern California between March and May. We had a wonderful time, and I loved being able to photograph the beautiful flowers.

Save This Guide to the Flower Fields for Later!

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