When we first moved to San Diego in summer 2019, news outlets and social media were all abuzz about the recent “superbloom” of poppies in the Anza-Borrego desert. We missed it by a few months, but found there are other flowers that bloom every year to visit in San Diego.
Last spring we visited The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, where we were able to see vast expanses of beautiful ranunculus flowers! For over 60 years, these rolling hills of North San Diego County transform into one of the most spectacular floral displays.
The flowers, Giant Tecolote Ranunculus to be more specific, are in-bloom for approximately 6-8 weeks each year, from early March through early May. Here’s what you need to know:
Plan For Traffic
Google maps will tell you its just over a 30 minute drive from downtown San Diego to get to the Carlsbad flower fields. In reality, you are likely to hit a bit of traffic as you get closer, and it’s better to plan for closer to an hour for the drive.
Purchase Timed Tickets In Advance
The fields open for visits March 1, with the peak time to visit being end of March to early April. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time, so plan at least a week in advance in order to get a weekend time slot. Military is $20 per person, children 3-10 $10, other adults $22. Season passes are also available if you want to visit more than once.
COVID-Protocols Will Be In Place
While marks are not required, event organizers strongly encouraged those who are unvaccinated to protect themselves. Physical distancing will be encouraged. To read more about their safety protocols, click here.
Allow at Least an Hour to Visit the Fields
Plan for about an hour long to walk around the fields and take in the scenery. There are some fun kid activities like a flower maze and small playground. There is also a wagon ride available, which requires additional tickets and can have long lines, so plan a little longer if you’re doing that option.
Overall our experience last year was wonderful! It was beautiful scenery and a good way to spend an afternoon. For the latest updates, be sure to visit their website and follow on Facebook.