The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, San Diego County are over 50 acres and mainly made up of Tecolote Giant Ranunculus flowers in all the classic colors you can think of: orange, pink, yellow, red, white, and purple. It is located in Carlsbad halfway between Orange County and San Diego off the 5-Interstate.
I know many people refer to Carlsbad as San Diego which can confuse tourists, although it is part of San Diego County, not the city.
I live an hour from Carlsbad and finally made it to The Flower Fields in 2018. If you live in Southern California, you should take advantage of the proximity and visit the most photogenic flower fields in the Spring. It is seasonal and open to visitors from March thru May.
Daily Admission Charges and General Information
Address: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA, 92008
When: March 1, 2019 – May 10, 2019
Time: 9AM – 6PM
Admission Charges
- Adults: $18
- AAA: $17
- Seniors 60+: $16
- Children 3-10: $9
Group Tours (20 or more)*
- Group guided with wagon: $29
- Group guided without wagon: $24
- Self guided with wagon: $21
- Self guided without wagon: $16
*Advance reservations required.
Season Passes
- Adults: $39
- Seniors 60+: $34
- Children 3-10: $20
- Wagon Ride
- Adults: $5
- Children 3-10: $3
Features
- Free Parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Picnic Areas
- Restrooms
- Armstrong Garden Center
- Gourmet Food Stand
Don’t forget to get the Dole Whip Strawberry ice cream at Carlsbad Gourmet. It’s a fresh strawberry stand outside the nursery, where you can get all sort of drink, dessert, and sundae.
Carlsbad Gourmet made with fresh hand-picked strawberry 
Eating Dole Whip Strawberry Ice Cream $4 
Lemonade Stand
Armstrong Garden Center at The Flower Fields
When Is The Best Time To Go
The best time to go, in my opinion, is when the fields have bloomed 80% -100%. Each year is different depending on the harvest and the weather. Generally speaking, it would be the last three weeks in April. So prepare to make plans to visit around this time frame.
Before you go, you can check the current condition of The Flower Fields on their website, then click ‘Bloom’ on the side tab.
For the best photo opportunity, I suggest going very early when it opens or in the evening before it closes. We were there mainly for photo taking and spent two hours. If you are coming from Orange County, consider it a half-day excursion factoring in the travel time.
7 Chic Photo Ideas at The Flowers Fields
Visitors are not allowed to wander into the fields, but there are picture taking areas. With the right angle, you can capture many beautiful photos as though you are walking on the field and the dancing flowers to yourself.
I saw people sneaking into the fields for some quick snaps. You are not alone if you try. Beware of workers in wagon car patrolling the vast ranch looking out for anyone trespassing the green tape.
- Overlooking the Pacific Ocean
- On the Tractor
- Alongside the Wagon
- Admire the Beauty of the Flowers
- In the middle of The Flower Fields
- Behind the Flowers
- Hide and Seek
Dress: Amazon Fashion Wild Meadow
Purse: similar here
Shoes: similar here
What to Wear to the Flower Fields
Outfit
- romper/jumpsuit
- maxi dress
- flowy dress/gown
- pleated skirt
- flare dress
- vintage style (like The Notebook dress)
- fun prints and pattern
Spring Accessories and Prop
- sun hat
- rattan basket
- rattan purse
- circle purse (like here)
- longneck scarf
- headband
- flower basket
- flower bouquet
Shoes
- wedges
- platform
- chunky heels
- sandal
- flat
What Else to Do In Carlsbad
While in Carlsbad, you can add nearby destinations to your trip. There are many things to do here depending on your preference.
Some of the popular attractions for tourists are:
- Carlsbad Premium Outlets – conveniently located at the bottom of the flower fields hilltop
- Legoland
- Sea Life Aquarium
- Picking strawberries
- Visiting Historic Sites
- PIN IT FOR LATER
