21 Best Flower Fields In California You Should Visit This Spring

Looking for the best flower fields in California? You are at the right place. Each spring, the Golden State blooms with colours everywhere, transforming the barren, after-snow melt landscapes(at higher elevations) into magical wonderlands.

Whether you love hiking to enjoy the stunning landscapes filled with colourful wild flowers or you need the best Instagram photos of Spring, or you want to have a road trip in Spring with your family to enjoy the gorgeous California wild flowers, we have made a detailed list of destinations to choose for a weekend getaway.

To have better chances of witnessing these wonders, keep an eye on bloom forecasts and live reports.

TOP FLOWER FIELDS IN CALIFORNIA

WALKER CANYON IN LAKE ELSINORE

Flower Type: California Poppy and Others
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
How to get there: Park on the Walker Canyon Road shoulder, just off I-15.

If you are searching for beautiful flower fields in California, especially near the Los Angeles area, visit the famed Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore.

It is a visual treat to see the orange, yellow and purple shades of poppy seeds bloom. Though the super bloom depends on the area’s rainfall, typical months to visit the place would be somewhere soon after the monsoons between February and May.

Park nearby Walker Canyon road and head towards the Walker Canyon Trail to experience one of the best California poppy fields blanketed with bright orange poppies.

If you happen to hear that there is super bloom month, plan to get as early as possible since you will not have enough space to Park and might not be able to get the best views.

I advise visiting there during the week rather than on the weekends to avoid huge crowds. In your haste to take photos, be careful not to step on the delicate poppy seeds.

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT

Flower Type: Goldfields, California Poppy; differs year to year based on conditions
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free, $1 for Saucito Ranch and Painted Rock tours
How to get there: From North – Soda Lake Road from California State Route 58. From South – California State Route 33 or 166.

Located in Santa Margarita in southeastern San Luis Obispo County and hundred miles from Los Angeles, the Carrizo Plain National Monument is one of the places to see the best flower fields in California.

Check out the place in the spring; you will feel as though you have stepped into a fairy tale as you get surrounded by blue valley phacelia and Hillside daisies.

Head to the Overlook hills and the boardwalk along Soda lake in the Carrizo Plain to witness the best super blooms, especially after a perfect rainy month.

With all the shades of yellow, orange and blue over the rolling hills, the 60-mile-long Carrizo Plain National monument is unique compared to Antelope Canyon and Diamond Valley, which are typically much more crowded.

The area is relatively remote, and you might not have cell phone networks or access to GPS. Also, there are no restroom facilities or other amenities nearby. So make sure to stock up on food and other necessities.

THE FLOWER FIELDS AT CARLSBAD RANCH

Flower Type: Tecolote Giant Ranunculus (Persian Buttercup or Ranunculus Asiatic)
Season: March to May
Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
Cost: Parking- Free, Entry is $18 per adult, $9 for children under 10, and free for children under 3.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, located near San Diego, is one of the finest flower fields in Southern California, known for its wide range of colourful rainbow-like flower carpets spread across the valley.

Carlsbad flower fields San Diego is a 50-acre wonderland, a haven for nature lovers filled with stunning Giant Ranunculus flowers, popularly known as Buttercups.

Plan to visit the place in the late spring, right after the poppies bloom, to enjoy the spectacular vistas of buttercups super bloom and to capture the best pictures for your photo frame.

Recommended – 15 Best Spots for Sunrise In San Diego

You need to buy an entry ticket, but the cost is justified given the stunningly beautiful setting with its vibrant backdrop of orchids, poinsettias, and buttercups.

LOMPOC FLOWER FIELDS

Flower Type: California poppy, lupine, morning glory, hummingbird sage and filigree,
Season: April to June
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free

Another popular place to see beautiful flower fields in California is the Lompoc Flower fields, located in Santa Barbara County in Southern California.

The place is widely known for both commercial fields and wildflowers.

West of Old Town Lompoc and Central Avenue are the popular places around this region to enjoy the dazzling views of wildflowers.

The Mediterranean climate and the perfect ocean breeze favour Lompoc’s bloom more than once a year. Famous wildflowers in the area are Pink and white California poppies, morning glory, lupine, hummingbird sage and filigree.

You might also see stock, larkspur, delphinium, and Queen Anne’s lace, among other flower types.

To take pictures, make sure to park on the side of the road; don’t walk into the fields, which are private property. Trespassing is prohibited.

ANZA BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK

Flower Type: Parish Poppy, Indigo Bush, Hairy Desert Sunflower, Dune Evening Primrose, Desert Lily and Sand Verbena
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Entry -free, Parking – $10 per vehicle

Have you ever imagined beautiful flower meadows amidst a desert?

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, located 85 miles from San Diego, is one of the places to witness the best flower fields in California.

A colourful flower bed against the striking desert backdrop at various regions and altitudes in this area is a visual treat.

Visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in mid-March to take in the dazzling views of the park decorated with orange desert sunflower, purple sand verbena, white chicory and desert dandelion.

Enjoy the views and capture the best photos amidst the desert lilies at the Arroyo Salado Campground and along the route to Calcite Mine.

Coyote Canyon, Di Giorgio Road, and Fish Creek Wash are some of the best places to spot vibrant wildflowers.

FIGUEROA MOUNTAIN POPPY AND LUPINE FIELDS

Flower Type: California Poppy and Sky Lupine
Season: February to May
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Entry – Free, Parking – $5 Adventure Pass Fee
How to get there: Follow Figueroa Mountain Road (12.5 miles northeast) or Happy Canyon Road, towards the North of Los Olivos

Situated 30 minutes North of Los Olivos, Figueroa Mountain, a lovely peak in Santa Barbara County on the Santa Ynez Valley, is one of the top places to see beautiful flower fields in California.

With a stunning backdrop of wooded mountains and contrasting California poppy, Lupine fields and vibrant wildflowers, this place is a haven for nature lovers to take in the views of dazzling wildflowers.

The best place to enjoy the super blooms around this area is near the road past Neverland Ranch. Follow the signboard that leads to Midland School Trail, the start of a lovely wildflower trail.

The hilly terrain will be adorned with wildflowers such as Wild hyacinth, buttercups, milkmaids, chocolate lilies, red Indian paintbrush, goldfields, purple fiesta flowers, shooting stars, and popcorn flowers, which are best viewed in the early spring.

GORMAN HILLS FLOWER FIELDS

Flower Type: California Poppy, California Tickseeds, Bentham Lupine, Bluehead Gilas, and Lacy Phacelias
Season: February to May
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
How to get there: travel along CA-Highway 138 toward I-5

Much closer to the Antelope Valley poppy reserve is the Gorman Hills Flower fields, one of the best places to witness vibrant flower fields in California.

You must visit the place soon after a rainy day to experience the stunning views of flowers in ca.

If you are looking for something to fit your full-day itinerary, plan to visit the nearby Antelope valley, situated on the slopes of the Sierra Pelona Mountains, to take in the views of colourful California flower fields.

JULIAN

Flower Type: White apple blossoms
Season: April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
How to get there: Take I-8 E and CA-79 N, if you plan to drive from San Diego.

Located 60 miles northeast of San Diego and about a 3-hour drive southeast of Los Angeles, Julian is one of the top places to witness beautiful flower fields in California.

Recognised popularly as the apple capital of South California, Julian is a must-visit place in the spring to enjoy the views of apple trees blooming with white flowers.

Among the many awesome things to do in Julian, you must not miss visiting the Santa Ysabel East Preserve.

This preserve, nestled between gently rolling hills, oak woodlands, and native grasslands, will be adorned with wildflowers spanning 3800 acres during the spring.

Check out the 11 miles of well-maintained hiking trails, each leading to spectacular nature views, passing through some surreal views, and diverse habitats comprising vibrant flowers and plants.

If you visit Julian in early March, you can enjoy the views of yellow daffodils. However, the ideal time to witness white apple flowers would be around April.

POINT BUCHON

Flower Type: California Poppy
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Entry Free but with limited access

If you are staying in California, and wondering if there are any flower meadows near me for a Candid photoshoot, check out Point Buchon, located in Central California near South of Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County.

Visit the place during the Spring, and you will be welcomed by the spectacular views of bright orange poppies stretched along a coastal plain with a stunning blue ocean background, making it one of the best seaside flower fields in California.

Hike the 6.6-mile Point Buchon trail, a typical Californian pastime, to admire dazzling views of wildflowers against a beach backdrop. Ensure to arrive early, as only 275 hikers per day are allowed on this trail.

The land was typically used for growing crops in the late 1940s, but eventually, it has now been converted to grazing lands. Check out the rules and restrictions on the PG&E site before planning to visit Point Buchon.

LAGUNA COAST WILDERNESS PARK

Flower Type: Hyacinth, Morning Glories, Popcorn Flowers, and Southern Suncups
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Parking – $3

If you are looking for seaside flower fields in California, you must visit the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, located near San Joaquin Hills near Laguna Beach.

This 7000-acre natural park has a rugged coastal line covered with thick vegetation and native grasses.

However, if you take a trek along one of the area’s beautiful trails in the spring, you will be greeted by a world of vibrant Californian wildflowers.

With the backdrop of blue ocean waters and colourful flowers, Laguna park is a visual treat during the spring. You will witness the gorgeous hyacinth, southern suncups and morning glory.

For more fun, you can rent a bicycle and enjoy the views of these flowers while cycling along the lovely trails.

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Flower Type: Mojave Poppy, Canterbury Bells, Desert Dandelion, and more
Season: March to June
Hours: 24/7 Year Round
Cost: Entry – free, Parking – $30

How to get there: From Los Angeles, take I-10 east, then Highway 62 for the north entrance, or continue south for the southern entrance.

Are you looking for elevated flower fields in California? Visit Joshua National Park, renowned for the stunning blooms that cover the valley from lower to higher elevations.

It is a visual treat to witness the vibrant flowers bloom amidst the Mojave and Colorado deserts. Visit the park at the end of March or the beginning of April to admire the views of Joshua trees and cacti blooms at higher elevations of the park.

Joshua tree national park is home to around 750 plant species. So if the weather is favourable in the terrain, you will be lucky to witness the blooms of desert dandelions and Canterbury bells.

Wilson Canyon and Cottonwood visitor centre are some of the popular spots around this area in Southern California to enjoy the beautiful vistas of Mojave poppies, bluebells and lupines from March to May.

Visit Pinto Basin to capture stunning photos of the lower-elevation wildflowers, which typically start to bloom in February. Stroll towards Eagle Mountain and Lost Palm Oasis to take in the sights of lovely California flowers.

SHELL CREEK ROAD MEADOWS

Flower Type: Goldfields, Coastal Tidy Tip, Baby Blue Eyes, and California Poppy
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Located towards the Northeast of San Luis Obispo County, Shell Creek Road is one of the places to witness beautiful flower fields in California during the Spring.

Rugged shell formations found on the border of the undulating hills give the area the name Shell Creek Road. Despite being a desert area, this place is worth visiting from February to April following ample rainfall. You will get to see different varieties of wildflowers.

Many vineyards may be found in the area to the north of the route, and you may witness varieties of onions and strawberries produced locally.

Though the wildflower bloom depends on the rainfall, you can still take a bet and head for a lovely day trip, and you will not be disappointed.

Most of the land on either side of the road is privately owned. So no trespassing allowed.

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Flower Type: desert star, poppies, verbena, paintbrush, Mojave desert rue, purple phacelia
Season: February to July
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: $ 30

How to get there: Western entrance – Take Highway 190 through the park to the visitor centre.

Death Valley, a typical desert area in Mojave, turns into a wonderland, especially during Spring, with all shades of pink and yellow after ample rainfall.

You won’t realise the name is a misnomer until you visit the location. From February to July, the valley will be blanketed in a vibrant carpet of wildflowers, both at lower and higher elevations, making it one of the best flower fields in California.

You might be surprised that Superblooms occur once a decade in this area. However, you won’t be let down when you go there because you will find vibrant fields of wildflowers in the spring.

It is a visual treat to see the wildflowers gradually bloom from lower to higher elevations in Death Valley.

Check out the Jubliee Pass near Furnace Creek to enjoy the views of wildflowers in the lower elevation areas from February to April. Soak in the sights of bright-coloured poppies, evening primrose, cacti, verbena and desert flowers.

Head to the Panamint Mountains from April through May, and you will be rewarded with stunning vistas of mid-elevation flowers like Panamint daisies, Mojave desert rue, lupine and paintbrush.

Visit the place during the end of the season, somewhere around May. You will witness high-elevation wildflowers like rabbitbrush, mariposa lilies and Mojave Wildrose, which blooms roughly at an elevation of about 4000 feet.

For the most up-to-date information on the super bloom dates, visit the National Parks Service website.

EASTERN SIERRAS

Season: March to September

The 150 miles of Eastern Sierras wildflower bloom corridor is a haven for nature enthusiasts, especially during the spring.

Eastern Sierras is where the three gorgeous biotic places merge; the Mojave, Great Basin, and the Sierra Nevada making it one of the most extensive lands and the best places to view flower fields in California.

It is a visual treat to see wildflowers bloom dramatically from lower Death valley elevations to higher Owens valley elevations.

Thankfully you will have more than half the year to enjoy the views of these vibrant Californian wildflowers in this region due to the topography and pleasant weather.

LAKE TAHOE

Flower Type: blue lupine, Mariposa lily, lacy pussypaws
Season: April to July
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
How to get there: Go south on California Highway 89 to the “T” at Highway 88. Take Highway 88 West.

Located on the Nevada border in Northern California, Lake Tahoe is one of the must-see places, especially in Spring, to enjoy the views of California wildflowers.

Lake Tahoe, known for its gorgeous blue lupines, is one of the best flower fields in California and can give you the impression that you have arrived in New Zealand or Iceland.

Typically the elevated areas of the lake, which are 6000 feet above sea level, will be snow-covered, and the super blooms occur during late June or July at these heights.

Thanks to the low terrain and pleasant weather, you can still enjoy the best blooms surrounding the lake during spring if you plan to visit the area from April to May.

You will appreciate Lake Tahoe if you are an avid hiker since it is home to many lovely trails that reward you with the views of colourful wildflowers.

Don’t miss Mount Rose Wildnerness, Miracle Mile, and Lake Winnemucca hikes in this region. These areas are home to a colourful array of wildflowers, including bright-red snow plants, white phlox, orange paintbrushes, and yellow plantain buttercups.

Check out the Big Meadow trail, a 1.5-mile hike to witness gorgeous Californian flower meadows. Round Lake and Dardanelles Lake can be added for more adventure to your day trip schedule.

Hike the Meiss Meadows trail to see other wildflowers, including the mule’s ear and wild iris.

TOP FLOWER FIELDS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

POINT MUGU STATE PARK

Flower Type: California poppies, purple phacelias, tickseeds
How to get there: 9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Point Mugu State Park, located in the Santa Monica mountains, is one of California’s best places to enjoy the views of flower fields.

Bordered by a rugged shoreline with stunning ocean vistas, the state park is home to many lovely trails, popular ones being the Chumash trail and Ray Miller Trail. The park is also famous for its La Jolla Valley Natural Preserve.

Hike through the meandering trails and take in the lovely views of Californian poppies, tickseeds and purple phacelias.

The park is known to have almost 900 varieties of other plants. So you might learn a bit about new plant species on this trip.

Fortunately, thanks to its welcoming weather, you can visit this place throughout the year. Go swimming or hike the other nearby trails if you plan a day trip to this state park.

QUEEN WILHELMINA TULIP GARDEN

Flower Type: Tulips
Season: February to March
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
How to get there: Enter Golden Gate Park at John F Kennedy Dr and head toward the windmill if driving from the Great Highway.

Named after the then Queen of the Netherlands, Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, located near the Bay area, is one of those fairy-tale-like places which has become quite popular among the Bay area residents.

A blanket of a colourful variety of Tulips, an iconic giant Dutch windmill in the backdrop, and a cosy bench to relax and enjoy the views. Isn’t it a perfect setup for an ideal Californian day trip?

This park is not only known for its beautiful flower fields in California but also has historical significance, which is honoured via the windmill.

The windmill, though not functional at present, was donated by Queen Wilhelmina and was used to pump water into the dunes in the olden days.

Don’t miss the nearby low stone walls to see Icelandic poppies and primroses.

POINT DUME

Flower Type: Tickseed (yellow coreopsis)
Season: Early March to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free

One of the top attractions in Southern California, especially during Spring, is the Point Dume Nature Preserve in Malibu.

Tickseeds, also known as yellow coreopsis, overlay the area that spans down the Zuma beach.

It is a visual feast to behold the contrasting golden wildflowers against the background of the ocean’s turquoise waters, making it one of the best flower fields in California.

You need to hike the Malibu cliff to witness these golden patches of tickseeds. Usually, the peak bloom is observed around Mid – March.

Alternatively, you can park by Cliffside Drive and walk a few meters to enjoy the views if you don’t prefer hiking.

ANTELOPE VALLEY CALIFORNIA POPPY RESERVE

Flower Type: Californian Poppies
Season: February to May
Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
Cost: Entry – free, Parking – $10
How to get there: The entrance to the parking lot on Lancaster Road is 15 miles west of Highway 14

One of the famous flower fields in California is the Antelope Valley California poppy reserve, known for its bright orange Californian poppy carpets, which are also the official state flower.

The area is a part of the state preserve and is located 75 miles from Los Angeles. Since it is also a part of the Mojave desert, the temperature around this year can be warm during the day and cold during the night.

Though the peak bloom period varies year on year, typically, Antelope Valley offers a small window of super bloom from late march to mid-April. People from across the globe flock to this valley to soak in the beautiful poppy world.

Thankfully there are marked trails, so it is better to stick on them to avoid stampeding on poppies.

While vibrant orange poppies steal the show, other wildflower blooms like cream cups, goldfield and lupine also take part in adorning the valley.

Ensure you visit the valley during the early hours of the day, as the parking lot is relatively small and fills up fast. You can still park across the road and walk a few miles if the lot gets packed.

PALOS VERDES PENINSULA

Flower Type: buckwheats, cliff aster, California aster, native milkweed, Poppies, arroyo lupine
Season: March to May
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free

If you are looking for coastal flower fields in California, check out Palos Verdes Peninsula in SoCal, known for its hues of coastal wildflowers.

The area has numerous preserves, but the White Point Nature Preserve, Linden H. Chandler Preserve and George F Canyon Nature Center are the most sought places to witness vibrant Californian poppies.

Enjoy the views of California buckwheat, fiddleneck, mariposa lily, arroyo lupine, caterpillar phacelia, and California bush sunflower and take in the panoramic vistas of the ocean.

LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

Flower Type: mule’s ear, snow plant, lupines
Season: May to September

Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California, known for its largest plug dome volcano, is also recognised for its beautiful Californian wildflowers post-snowmelt season.

Like Lake Tahoe, the peak blooms occur a bit later during the season, towards September, which varies for different wildflower species.

The park is NPS-managed and well-maintained. Plan to visit the park from May to July to witness one of California’s most beautiful flower fields.

During the beginning of the season, you might find western wallflower, mule’s ear and snow plants at lower elevations.

To have a whole-bloom experience, try visiting the park in late August to witness Silverleaf lupines and Californian corn lilies.

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Reshma

Founder and Chief Editor at The Solo Globetrotter

Reshma is a digital content creator, storyteller, and history lover. She is the founder of The Solo Globetrotter, a site for solo travelers, female travelers wanting to travel independently, and those wishing to travel on a budget or go flashpacking. She has been traveling alone for over 6 years, currently having explored over 35+ countries. She prefers traveling slow and loves immersing in local experiences & culture, nature, hiking, festivals, and history. An Electronics Engineer turned Software Lead turned Solopreneur; she is specialized in SEO-based content curation and Pinterest Management.