I remember going to the Carlsbad flower fields when I was in second grade (see below for a groovy flashback picturing me and my beautiful mom). I have never forgotten these flower fields since. The bright colored flowers and floral smells flood my memory. I decided to take another trip here to kick off spring and once again I was amazed at how many flowers there were as I looked off into the distance. This may be the only flower field that has an ocean view too!
Season: March-May
Hours: 9am-6pm
Entrance fee: $20/adult; $10/child (ages 3-10)
Parking: free
Additional: tractor ride $6/adult, $3/child
Coming from Orange County, you will need to drive south on the 5 fwy towards San Diego and take Palomar Airport road exit. You will see the strawberry fields on your left as you drive on the freeway, which means you’re close to the exit. As you exit the freeway, the fields are directly to the left behind the large windmill.
It is not far from nearby areas in Southern California:
- Los Angeles: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Downtown San Diego: 30 minutes
- Riverside: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Orange County: 40 minutes
The flower fields showcase 50 acres of ranunculus flowers. To get to the fields, you will have to walk on a dirt pathway that is slightly uphill so I recommend wearing tennis shoes so you don’t twist an ankle! You can also opt to pay for a tractor ride that takes you around the perimeter of the fields. If you don’t want your shoes dirty, there is flatter paved ground near the entrance with a garden walk and greenhouses featuring poinsettias and orchids. For the kiddos (and perhaps adults) there is a sweet pea maze and four leave clover search if you want a challenge!
You cannot pick any of the flowers that are growing out in the fields, so I am glad I have these beautiful photos as memories since I wasn’t able to take any flowers with me. However, if you are inspired after your flower field trip and want to try out your green thumb at home, there is an Armstrong garden center near the exit that you can browse. If you want more information on the flower fields, you can visit their homepage here.
Right next to the flower fields are strawberry fields that offer “U-pick” days. You can read my post listing my favorite farms in southern California if you are looking to pick your own crops!
