Springtime in San Diego is a wonderful time to visit as the weather is perfect and all the gorgeous flowers are in bloom. My family and I went for my children’s spring break vacation during the first week of April and despite the crowds at some of the main tourist sites, it was a fabulous time to go.
One afternoon while the kids were enjoying Legoland, I decided I needed a break from the crowds and commotion and decided to check out the neighboring Carlsbad Flower Fields. I had read about it in my guidebook and knew that it would be something I’d enjoy seeing especially after a long, colorless winter in Minnesota.
Open every spring, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is an extraordinary burst of color and beauty with thousands of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers in bloom, covering over 50 acres of hillside property overlooking the Pacific Ocean. To see the Flower Fields is quite an experience. The striking inundating colorful hills of flowers juxtaposed against the backdrop of the dark blue water is spectacular especially for the color-craved eyes.
Pulling into the strip mall parking lot where Carlsbad Flower Fields is located seems rather uneventful. Yet, once you park your car and walk inside the entrance to the Flower Fields and nursery you are bound to be delightfully surprised. It is stunning.
There is a nursery as well as a lego garden and tractor rides for the kids. Yet the real reward is the view of row after row of brilliant flowers in hues of reds, yellows, oranges, pinks and purples.
I longed to have a ladder or someplace high where I could really get a bird’s eye view of the flowers but unfortunately it did not exist. I think a viewing platform would be quite wonderful.
The crowds were relatively modest especially compared to the neighboring theme parks. For the price of only $12 (adults) I thought the Flower Fields was a steal.
It was hard to leave the peace and tranquility and return to the madness and crowds of Legoland but my family was waiting for me. If I had it my way, I would have just stayed and enjoyed the magical technicolor fields of flowers.
If you go:
The Flower Fields are open every spring. This year, they are open from March 1- May 10th. For driving directions, location and hours, click here.
Awesome photos! I love the flower fields!
Thank you! 🙂
How does this place fare in the midst of severe drought? With the drastic cuts in water usage in California, I can’t help thinking it must be affected.
That is definitely a good question. At least this is only open for six weeks. Think about people who water their lawns year round and the needs of all the golf courses, parks and even the zoos that are full of foliage. I would imagine that the water needs here are actually quite less compared with everything else in CA.
It’s quite a challenge to prioritize, I would imagine. Crops? Lawns? Golf courses? Gardens? It sounds like people are beginning to squabble about what’s ‘fair’ and how they’ve already done their part (from what I’ve read). Sad fact is that gone is gone. Even if you think you’re entitled to more water, if it ain’t there, you can’t have it. Wondering how California is going to handle that.
Yes so true! CA is in real trouble and especially the areas north of San Diego. San Diego was so incredibly green everywhere, naturally, so they must get some rain. But I know that other parts are terrible. It is very sad. I’ve read that CA just grew way too much and fast and there is no real way they can keep up with the water demands. It is terrible.
Nicole, splendid, splendid, splendid–you must have found it hard to leave such abundant natural beauty.
Thanks Sally! It was so beautiful! I would love to someday see the flower fields in Holland. I’ve seen pictures of all the colorful tulips and must add it to my list for dream travel! 🙂
Indeed…
Gorgeous. Reminds me very much of the time, years ago, that we visited the flower fields in La Conner WA. Same sense of peace and beauty.
Alison
Thanks Alison! I would love to explore WA someday. I’ve only been to Seattle and loved it.
Great photos!!!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the photos!
Stunning doesn’t even begin to describe this garden. It’s breathtaking. Oh, if we only had smell-a-post.
Thanks Debbie! Yes the gardens were incredible. I love your idea about the “smell a post!” Ha Ha. Made me smile. All our lilacs are in bloom now in our backyard and it is so fragrant. Always reminds me of being a little girl as they used to be my favorite flower and we had one growing in our backyard too!
Splashing colors! It’s good as a Dutchie to see something different than tulip fields from time to time 😉
Oh but I’d love to see Holland’s famous tulip fields someday! I dream of mine!!! I’ve seen pictures of them and they are amazing. Someday I hope to see them in person. 🙂
Aren’t those fields gorgeous! We visited them many times while volunteering at San Elijo SB in Encinitas. Lovely photos Nicole. 🙂
Wonderful LuAnn! Yes I loved the flower fields. I really like California. Such a beautiful place. I hope the water crisis gets better though.
The water crisis is a grave concern.
Simply gorgeous Nicole. The colours are stunning and beautifully photographed. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks Andrew! It was so pretty there. I love flowers.
What a feast for the senses! I think your idea for a high platform is a good one.
Glad you enjoyed Marilyn! 🙂
Reblogged this on Wall Decals Lover and commented:
The awesome flower fields!
Thanks for the reblog! 🙂
The colors are so brilliant!
Yes it is a lovely place!
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