Beautiful California Flower Fields You Must Visit In 2024
Last Updated on January 22, 2024
As a photographer and nature-lover, it is no secret that I am always on the lookout for picturesque places for photos and enjoying the beautiful scenery. With California’s diverse landscape, it is also home to many native flower species. Here is a guide to the best California flower fields you must visit and the best time to find them.
As always, when visiting wildflower fields or any part of nature, always be careful to stay on the paths and avoid stepping on flowers. Some wildflower varieties aren’t very hardy and struggle to grow back after being trampled.
As a photographer and nature-lover, it is no secret that I am always on the lookout for picturesque places for photos and enjoying the beautiful scenery. With California’s diverse landscape, it is also home to many native flower species. Here is a guide to the best California flower fields you must visit and the best time to find them.
As always, when visiting wildflower fields or any part of nature, always be careful to stay on the paths and avoid stepping on flowers. Some wildflower varieties aren’t very hardy and struggle to grow back after being trampled.
Calla Lilies
Best time to visit: February-Mid-March
Where to visit: Big Sur, just put Calla Lily Valley in your Google Maps
Calla Lilies grow wild in California along trails, ravines, valleys, and highways. Yes, you can actually see these beautiful blooms from your car window as you drive along Cabrillo Highway in Big Sur. The calla lilies that grow in this region are the pure white variety and if you drive 20 minutes north to Garrapata Trail you can visit the official Calla Lily Valley.
Travel tip: There is a lot of poison ivy surrounding many calla lily areas so be aware where you walk and dress appropriately.
Almond Blossoms
Best time to visit: Mid-February-Early March
Where to visit: Modesto Almond Blossom Cruise, Rodin Farms, Fresno County Blossom Trail, Yolo County
Known as one of the first signs of spring on the pacific coast, Almond blossoms bloom best in the Central Valley area. Most almond orchards are family owned and produce nearly 80% of the world’s almond supply which means you won’t find more almond blossoms anywhere else in the world.
Travel tip: Since most almond orchards are privately owned, the best way to get photos and see the blooms up close is to go to a public orchard like Rodin Farms.
California Poppies
Best time to visit: Late February-March
Where to visit: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Carrizo Plain National Monument, Santa Monica Mountains, Chino Hills State Park, Malibu Creek State Park
California poppies are the state flower for a reason. They are delicately gorgeous and bloom all over the state in early spring. They are the flower most recognized as the “super bloom flower” that attracts crowds from all over.
Travel tip: Poppies open and close with the sun so if it is a cloudy day the poppy petals are likely to stay closed up more than on a sunny day.
Lupines
Best time to visit: April-Early June
Where to visit: Folsom Lake, Redwood National Park
Lupines are often found near the riverbeds and creeks or in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. There are a few varieties, riverbank lupines, sky lupines, and miniature annual lupines. California provides a showcase of all kinds.
Travel tip: The lupines most common in Bald Hills at Redwood National Park are very fragrant and have been said to smell like grape soda
Desert Wildflowers
There is a variety of wildflowers that cover California’s hills and valleys. These are some of them that I see the most often: Mule Ears, Brittlebush, Desert Sand Verbena and California Bluebell.
Where to visit: Carrizo Plain National Monument and all the hills around it, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Death Valley
Wild Mustard
Best time to visit: January-May The best blooms occur in February in the North and April in the South.
Where to visit: Bay Area, Half Moon Bay, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Malibu Creek State Park, Chino Hills State Park
Wild Mustard can be found all over the state and is considered a controversial and invasive species so avoid touching it to prevent the spread.
Despite the controversy of wild mustard in California, it is hard to deny its beauty. Full fields and rolling hills covered in golden yellow flowers are a sight to see.
Jacaranda
Best time to visit: Late April-Early June
Where to visit: San Diego, Los Angeles
Considered the cherry blossoms of LA, jacaranda trees are one of the most iconic sights of the city landscape. The violet flowers also smell faintly sweet. Jacaranda trees are found through the streets and are recognized due to their dainty purple flowers.
Travel tip: The display of jacaranda trees is easily found among city residential streets, but San Diego has a jacaranda walk in Balboa Park and there’s a detailed Los Angeles Jacaranda Map that shows every purple tree in the city.
Ranunculus
Best time to visit: March-Early May
Where to visit: Carlsbad Ranch
Ranunculus flowers are also known as the buttercup or Persian buttercup. These dainty flowers originated in Asia and have over 600 varieties. Take note, despite their beauty, they are extremely poisonous to humans and animals if eaten.
Travel tip: Carlsbad Ranch is the ultimate tourist destination for flower lovers. There is a butterfly garden, a sweetpea flower maze, and dozens of other flower fields including an entire field dedicated to ranunculus flowers. Plan your visit accordingly so you can have time to see it all.
Stock Flowers
Best time to visit: April-Mid Summer
Where to visit: Lompoc Flower Fields
Stock flowers are known to be a symbol of happiness or a happy life and I can see why. With all the color variations and big blooms, just looking at them makes me happy. Stock flowers are actually related to the broccoli species and can sometimes have a mild clove scent.
Travel tip: Lompoc Flower Fields are run by local commercial growers so you can’t walk through the fields but you can see plenty from the road. There are also many hillside areas where you’ll be able to see wild growing flowers also.
Lavender
Best time to visit: Late May-Early July
Where to visit: 123 Farm, Monte-Bellaria di California, Araceli Farms, The Lavender Garden
There is nothing better than the light sweet scent of lavender in the summer. Lavender is one of the most popular aromatherapy oils and is known for its ability to provide peace and calm. Lavender blooms most of the spring and summer with the main harvest season in mid-July.
Travel tip: Lavender farms are major tourist attractions, so check the farm website and social media pages for updates and ticketing information before you visit.
Sunflowers
Best time to visit: Mid June-Mid July
Where to visit: Tanaka Farms, Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Farm, Andreotti Family Farms, Swank Farms
Sunflowers remained popular for centuries due to their impressive height and bright blooms.In fact, the sunflower center that is often noted for the seeds is actually made up of thousands of tiny flowers.
Travel tip: Not all farms operate the same. Some farms allow you to pick your own flowers to take home while others you’re just able to walk through the fields. Be sure to check with the farm to know what is allowed.
BONUS STOP: If you’re still looking for more flowers in bloom, and who isn’t? Check out this next stop!
Fresno County Blossom Trail
Best time to visit: Late February-mid March.
What you will see: A variety of fruit trees in bloom like apples, plum, apricot, and more.
This self-guided driving tour is 62 miles of scenic fruit orchards that bloom in early spring. You will find yourself surrounded by blooming trees and aromatic scenery. Later in the season, it becomes a great place to buy local fruit once the fruit has ripened mid-summer.
Plan your visit: Fresno County Blossom Trail, Visit California’s Guide to Explore the Blossom Trail
Now that you have the guide for the ultimate wildflower tour in California, where will you go first?
