It was Easter Sunday and I was located in sunny Southern California. I had no family in town and neither did my friend, Leslie, so we decided we should do something special together since we’re both big fans of this Spring time holiday.
What was on the menu? 50 acres of magical, mesmerizing land filled with exquisite Ranunculus flowers brought to you through over 100 years of floral cultivation. AKA the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.
Carlsbad is 35 miles north of San Diego. I’d seen some beautiful photos of the flower fields previously but didn’t really know what to expect since I’d never been to Carlsbad before. Flowers = amazing so I knew we couldn’t go wrong!
So, the two of us got dressed in our Easter best, acquired road trip coffee (obviously) and set out on a two hour drive south for our floral expedition!
What you need to know
Season: Spring (Beginning of March until mid May)
Hours: 9am – 6pm seven days a week
Prices: Adults: $14.00 Seniors 60+: $13.00 Children 3-10 yrs.: $7.00 Children 2 yrs. & under: Free
Parking: Free
Wagon Rides: Adults: $5.00 Children 3-10 yrs.: $3.00
Pets: Service animals only
Wheelchair accessible: Yes!
Fit for Families: Yes!
I recommend checking out the website prior to your visit if you have any other questions and to confirm the above details as they may change season to season.
Also, this place is poppin’. Many people want to bask in the beauty of the flowers just like you! So put your “patient pants” on and don’t freak out when it takes you a little bit to park and get inside. Just enjoy the process!
From the moment we walked through the gates I had a smile on my face. First off, the people that work there are a delight. They are full of smiles and warm welcomes. I felt like I was at grandpas farm! (If my grandpa had a farm.) Second, there are flowers EVERYWHERE. Not only in the vast Ranunculus fields but also acres of roses, orchids, sweet pea blossoms and petunias. You even have a dreamy view of the ocean!
There was a craft fair with all kinds of fun items, like parasols, which I totally have regrets about not purchasing. Live music filled the air with cheerful tunes, smiles and dancing. We definitely joined in on that action 😉
Lots of yummy eats like ice cream, popcorn and BBQ are available but instead we made our way to the strawberry stand. Both Leslie and I decided on a strawberry lavender sundae: strawberries braised in homemade lavender jelly, poured over soft serve ice cream and topped with whipped cream. IMPECCABLE. Not a lot of things in life are perfect but this was.
The property is big. We moseyed slowly through the flowers for hours (bring sunscreen!) but if you want to take a load off and enjoy a scenic view, ride the wagon! There’s also a tractor photo location, which is absolutely necessary!
The ranch has done a great job of purposefully making fun photo locations all over the property. They do this to protect the flowers so they are beautiful for everyone to see throughout the season and of course for you to get super cutie pics!
The best part of the day was simply walking around the fields of flowers. The air was crisp and salty from the ocean. There was a bit of a breeze but it felt so nice brushing my cheeks. The sun was kissing everything and giving the flowers the most beautiful glow.
This day was so special. It was great to watch family and friends laughing and admiring natures presents instead of a TV screen. Trust me, I’m ALL about that Netflix and chill, but the flower fields don’t take you somewhere else for entertainment… instead you are in the present, enjoying every simple moment for what it is and I think that is what true happiness is.
The Flower Fields are only open ten weeks out of the year. So treat yourself, take a day to enjoy Carlsbad beauty and smile with some of the people that matter to you most!
