Are you looking for a fun family outing that also happens to be a photographers dream? Try visiting the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California! These beautiful flower fields extend as far as your eye can see and the ocean views are pretty nice too!

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Because these beautiful flower fields are only open in the spring, make sure to plan your trip accordingly!

The Farm

This beautiful stretch of land in southern California is owned by the Ecke family. Originally, the land was used to grow their Poinsettia plants. Because the poinsettia growing business needed to be moved into greenhouses, a new plant needed to take its place. Paul Ecke Jr. convinced his fellow gardening friend, Edwin Frazee, to begin using the fields to grow ranunculus.

Although both have since passed, growing operations are still active in thanks to Mellano & Company of San Luis Rey and the Ecke family who still own the land!

These Flower Fields are famous for growing Tecolote Giant Ranunculus across 50 acres that overlook the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, different flower crops grow on another 5 acres of land!

You can also purchase the farms’ Ranunculus bulbs by clicking here.

This place is truly beautiful with its ocean views and colorful landscape. It reminds me of the tulip fields in Europe!

There are multiple pathways that extend through each of the colors of ranunculus and each color has benches to stop to take pictures at.

I am not going to lie, I had a good laugh when we were visiting these fields. The visitors here are an odd mix of younger people trying to get their perfect insta shot and serious gardeners who are there to check out these beautiful flowers.

Tips for Visiting the Flower Fields

Wear comfortable shoes. The pathways are dirt (as you can imagine) which get very muddy when it rains. The fields are also on a hill.

The activities change daily so call ahead to plan your day! We were hoping to pick blueberries during our visit but the fields were closed that day.

The flowers that are grown here are harvested and sold nationwide. You will see staff members throughout the fields harvesting flowers.

To get pictures with less people, head to the back of the fields. The fields are located on a hillside and less people make their way to the back.

Be respectful of the flowers! The fields are roped off to prevent people from stepping on them and crushing them. Despite this, we saw many people going around these barriers to get the “perfect shot”. We even saw people standing on top of the flower plants to prevent themselves from having to stand in the muddy dirt pathways.

What to Do at the Flower Fields

U-Pick Blueberry Fields

Starting in 2021, the farm also offers U-Pick blueberries for $5/pint! This is a fun activity, especially for kids!

Antique Tractor Wagon Ride

You can learn some of the history of the fields while you take a ride in a wagon. This is a great option for those with limited mobility as the flower fields are on an incline and could be more difficult for some to navigate. The cost of the wagon ride is $6 for adults and $3 for children. Make sure to have a credit card available, cash is not accepted as a form of payment!

Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse

Check out these beautiful flowers growing in the greenhouses located at the base of the Flower Fields!

Historic Poinsettia Display

In this greenhouse you can learn the history of this plant that is native to Mexico and also view 20 different varieties.

Did you know that these are the world’s best selling potted plant?

Santa’s Playground

This playground is made with some of the original buildings and sculptures that were once part of Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead.

Let your kids run around while you take a rest at one of the benches or tables in this fun play area.

Sweet Pea Maze

This fun maze is located right next to the orchid green house and is made of walls of sweet peas. Try your best to make your way through this maze (it’s not as easy as you would think!).

Check out the American Flag of Flowers

This huge display (300′ x 170′) is made with red, white and blue petunias as a tribute to the United States.

Armstrong Garden Center

Before you head home make sure to stop in the garden center located near the parking lot. Here you will find everything from fresh cut flowers and orchid plants to all the gardening supplies you can think of!

Tickets for the Flower Fields

The Flower Fields are open from 9am – 6pm daily during the spring months. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time.

Adults – $20

Seniors (65+) – $18

Children (3-10) – $10

Keep in mind that the Flower Fields are very popular and sell out days in advance.

Tickets are sold in 30 minute increments but when you arrive, you are allowed to stay as long as you would like (until the 6pm closing time). To beat the crowds and ensure parking is available, I highly suggest arriving right when they open, if not a a few minutes earlier.

Location

5704 Paseo Del Norte

Carlsbad, California 92008

(760) 431-0352

info@theflowerfields.com

Parking is free at the flower fields but the parking lot fills quickly.

The fields are only open in the spring time, typically from early March to early May.

If you are in Carlsbad with kids, check out my posts How to Have the Best Day at LEGOLAND California and Our Stay at LEGOLAND Castle Hotel in California!

I hope you enjoy visiting the flower fields in Carlsbad, California!