Saturday, August 2, 2025

22 Issues to Do at Carlsbad Flower Fields (in 2024)


Plan a day at Carlsbad Flower Fields to scent the ranunculus and pose for superb photograph alternatives amongst hundreds of flowers in full bloom. Positioned off Paseo del Norte in northern San Diego County, locals and guests flock to this sustainable working farm for an annual burst of colour in spring. Come right here to expertise mom nature’s magnificence, tiptoe by a maze of candy peas, and journey a tractor-pulled wagon by over 50 acres of rainbow-colored flower fields. Let’s discover 22 enjoyable issues to do at Carlsbad Flower Fields with children and adults of all ages!

My household on the Carlsbad Flower Fields (Photograph credit score: Journey Mamas)

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1. Pose within the colourful flower fields.

Whereas you’ll see a number of totally different varietals of flowers at Carlsbad Flower Fields, rows and rows of ranunculus are what paint the acres in stripes of vibrant colours. Pause to pose for fairly images in these well-known fields.

Friends are permitted to carry cameras, smartphones, and tripods to seize the proper shot. Fellow guests are sometimes joyful to snap images of your loved ones amongst the shows of pure colour.

If you wish to rent knowledgeable photographer, nevertheless, beware that the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch expenses a hefty price along with what you’d pay the artist.

Artist Garden at Carlsbad Flower FieldsArtist Garden at Carlsbad Flower Fields
Artist Backyard at Carlsbad Flower Fields (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

2. Wander by Artist Gardens and Hen Aviaries.

In addition to the well-known fields of ranunculus, Carlsbad Flower Fields is house to lovely Artist Gardens crammed with flowering crops and chook aviaries. Get pleasure from burbling fountains and the sounds of birds singing as you stroll by the shows.

Bird aviary the Artist Gardens at Carlsbad Flower FieldsBird aviary the Artist Gardens at Carlsbad Flower Fields
Hen aviary the Artist Gardens (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

3. Decide blueberries.

Carlsbad Flower Fields gives blueberry selecting to backyard guests. The 2-acre blueberry patch is an enormous hit with all ages. Take be aware that various Southern California spring climate implies that this attraction could or is probably not accessible on the day you go to. Search for signage on the fields indicating whether or not the blueberries are ripe for choosing.

 

Blueberry picking at Carlsbad Flower Fields Blueberry picking at Carlsbad Flower Fields
Blueberry selecting at Carlsbad Flower Fields (Photograph from The Flower Fields Fb web page)

4. Get misplaced within the Candy Pea Maze.

The Candy Pea Maze is a aromatic labyrinth with one entrance and one exit. Whereas some corn and hay mazes are fairly simplistic, this floral maze presents a pretty and amusing problem for all ages.

For those who actually need out, the doorway is pretty simple to seek out. Nevertheless, it’s extra enjoyable to hunt…and search…and search the exit!

Tractor-pulled wagon ride at Carlsbad Flower FieldsTractor-pulled wagon ride at Carlsbad Flower Fields
Tractor-pulled wagon rides at Carlsbad Flower Fields (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

5. Go for a tractor-pulled wagon journey.

For a further price, climb aboard a tractor-pulled wagon to journey by the fields. Take heed to commentary from an skilled whilst you relaxation your toes for a bit.

Tip: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are large, so in the event you’re visiting with a child or toddler, make sure to carry a sturdy stroller or child provider.

Santa's Playground at Carlsbad Flower Fields with kidsSanta's Playground at Carlsbad Flower Fields with kids
My youngsters enjoying at Santa’s Playground (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

6. Play in Santa’s Playground.

Youngsters will certainly need to cease by Santa’s Playground. When you can’t meet the jolly elf right here, children will adore climbing and sliding on this play space.

These whimsical playhouses and gigantic mushrooms had been a part of the favored Santa’s Village amusement space in Lake Arrowhead from 1955 to 1998. In 2008, they had been restored and delivered to the Carlsbad Flower Fields.

Historic Poinsettias at Carlsbad Flower FieldsHistoric Poinsettias at Carlsbad Flower Fields
Historic Poinsettia show (Photograph from The Flower Fields Fb web page)

7. See tons of of poinsettias on show.

It is probably not Christmas, nevertheless it feels festive certainly whenever you stroll by a 1,500-square-foot greenhouse crammed with the vacation’s favourite flower, the poinsettia. The Historic Poinsettia Paul Ecke Poinsettia show contains 20+ various kinds of the world’s best-selling potted plant.

Carlsbad Mining CompanyCarlsbad Mining Company
Carlsbad Mining Firm (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

8. Mine for gems.

For a nominal extra price, guests discover polished gem stones utilizing a way referred to as sluicing. Use water to clean away sand to disclose treasures with the Carlsbad Mining Co. Preserve your gems as a reasonably reminder of all of the enjoyable issues to do at Carlsbad Flower Fields.

Butterfly Garden at Carlsbad Flower FieldsButterfly Garden at Carlsbad Flower Fields
Butterfly Backyard (Photograph from The Flower Fields Fb web page)

9. Admire butterflies within the Butterfly Backyard.

This backyard’s identify comes from the butterfly benches, statues, and beds of flowers that appeal to butterflies. As you wander right here, maintain your eyes peeled for these fluttering beauties.

Cymbidium Orchid GreenhouseCymbidium Orchid Greenhouse
Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

10. Go to the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse.

The Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse is a delight for the senses. Breathe within the candy scents as you stare upon these beautiful flowers. For those who’re particularly smitten, then buy an orchid to carry house from the onsite present store!

Pizza from the Pizza Trolley Pizza from the Pizza Trolley
Pizza from the Pizza Trolley (Photograph from The Flower Fields Fb web page)

11. Eat lunch at Carlsbad Flower Fields.

Feeling hungry? Satiate your starvation with pizzas and salads from the Pizza Trolley. Or dig into tacos and BBQ from onsite meals vans.

Ice cream cone from Sweet Swirls at The Flower Fields in CarlsbadIce cream cone from Sweet Swirls at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad
Ice cream cone from Candy Swirls (Photograph from The Flower Fields Fb web page)

12. Get a candy deal with.

For those who’ve acquired a candy tooth, then the Carlsbad Flower Fields has acquired loads of treats for you. Suppose cotton sweet, soft-serve ice cream, Dole whips, and kettle corn. As seen on the Meals Community, the well-known strawberry shakes and sundaes from the Strawberry Shack are to not be missed!

Strawberry shake from the Shake ShackStrawberry shake from the Shake Shack
Strawberry shake from the Shake Shack (Photograph from The Flower Fields Fb web page)

13. Be amazed on the Glass in Flight Exhibit.

New for 2025, the Glass in Flight Exhibit at Carlsbad Flower Fields is a mesmerizing spectacle by artist Alex Heveri. This enchanting out of doors show options an array of larger-than-life sculptures of birds and bugs, crafted from vibrant glass and metal. The fragile sculptures of butterflies, dragonflies, birds, bees, and beetles, soar as much as 12 toes excessive. With daylight streaming by their colourful wings, they create a radiant dance of sunshine and colour.

Child smelling flowers at Carlsbad Flower Fields Child smelling flowers at Carlsbad Flower Fields
My son smelling flowers at Carlsbad Flower Fields (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

14. Join particular occasions.

Carlsbad Flower Fields hosts an array of particular occasions among the many colourful flowers. Actions vary from 12 months to 12 months. Choices embrace live shows, craft workshops, yoga lessons, wine tastings, tea events, and extra. Examine the present exercise calendar to study extra and purchase tickets for brand new occasions.

Garden at Carlsbad Flower FieldsGarden at Carlsbad Flower Fields
Backyard at Carlsbad Flower Fields (Photograph credit score: Vacay, courtesy of Go to Carlsbad)

15. View a big American flag manufactured from flowers.

Take within the website of a novel Star-Spangled Banner made fully of crimson, white, and blue petunias. This floral United States of America flag was planted on a 300-by-170-foot hill.

American Flag of Flowers at The Flower Fields American Flag of Flowers at The Flower Fields
American Flag of Flowers at The Flower Fields (Photograph courtesy of Go to Carlsbad)

16. Find out about gardening and composting.

As a part of the Flower Fields Schooling Program, children study all types of fascinating info about gardening and composting. Discipline journeys for faculties and different youngsters’s organizations go to the gardens to get perception into water conservation, composting with worms, flower dissection, and extra.

Little girl and grandparents at Carlsbad Flower FieldsLittle girl and grandparents at Carlsbad Flower Fields
My daughter together with her grandparents among the many flowers (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

17. Obtain exercise sheets earlier than you go.

Youngsters don’t must attend a subject journey to take part within the studying enjoyable! Make your go to to Carlsbad Flower Fields with children extra academic with downloadable exercise sheets. (Click on on “Exercise Sheets” on the backside of the web page below the “Extra Info” header.)

Bouquet of ranunculus Bouquet of ranunculus
Bouquet of ranunculus from Armstrong Backyard Facilities (Photograph from The Flower Fields Fb web page)

18. Purchase flowers and crops as souvenirs.

Earlier than heading house, stroll by the on-site Armstrong Backyard Heart. There, you possibly can peruse a wide selection of backyard equipment, seeds of all types, and crops on the market. You too can buy a bouquet of ranunculus as a residing memento of your go to.

Lemonades from the Lemonade Stand at Carlsbad Flower FieldsLemonades from the Lemonade Stand at Carlsbad Flower Fields
Lemonades from the Lemonade Stand (Photograph from The Flower Fields Fb web page)

19. Sip a fresh-squeezed lemonade.

The Lemonade Stand at Carlsbad Flower Fields serves up freshly squeezed lemonades to thirsty guests. Get yours conventional or flavored.

Sea of Sunflowers GardenSea of Sunflowers Garden
Sea of Sunflowers Backyard (Photograph from The Flower Fields Fb web page)

20. Stroll by a Sea of Sunflowers.

It’s arduous to not smile as you stroll by the Sea of Sunflowers Backyard. Get pleasure from 5 acres of sunny, yellow blooms. Some are over 12 toes tall!

Pothead Garden Pothead Garden
Pothead Backyard (Photograph from the Flower Fields web site at TheFlowerFields.com)

21. Try the Pothead Backyard, dude.

No, not that form of pot! The Pothead Backyard is a more moderen addition to the Flower Fields. This space options 15 concrete busts bedecked with blooms good for images.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch (Photograph credit score: Marcie Gonzalez, courtesy of Go to Carlsbad)

22. Be taught Carlsbad Flower Fields historical past.

The ranunculus at Carlsbad Flower Fields had been initially planted as a crop for bouquets. Quickly, the attractive flowers started to attract crowds and the fields turned an unintentional vacationer attraction.

The primary ranunculus bulbs had been planted right here within the Twenties. Years later, a then-owner, Edwin Frazee, is thought to have stated, “If I had one penny for each image that’s been taken of these fields, I’d be a wealthy man.”

From that seed of an thought, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch blossomed. In 1993, Frazee shaped a three way partnership with grower Mellano and Firm. At this time, over 150,000 guests go to the fields annually.

Little girl in front of The Flower Fields in CarlsbadLittle girl in front of The Flower Fields in Carlsbad
My daughter at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

When to Go to Carlsbad Flower Fields

Springtime is when to go to this seasonal attraction on the rolling hills of north San Diego County. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are open each day to the general public from early March by Mom’s Day annually. In 2025, the fields are staying open an additional week from March 1 by Could 19. Peak bloom takes place from late March to early April.

The very best time to go is mid-week to beat the crowds since weekends are very talked-about. An arrival time within the morning will imply higher images with fewer individuals crowding your photographs, too.

Ranunculus up-close at Carlsbad Flower FieldsRanunculus up-close at Carlsbad Flower Fields
Ranunculus up-close (Photograph credit score: Marcie Gonzalez, courtesy of Go to Carlsbad)

Tips on how to Get Tickets for Carlsbad Flower Fields

Tickets should be bought prematurely. You will need to choose a date and particular time. Purchase your tickets instantly from The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch web site.

Carlsbad, California Pacific Ocean viewCarlsbad, California Pacific Ocean view
Pacific Ocean view in Carlsbad, CA (Photograph credit score: alancrosthwaite, Depositphotos.com)

Save Cash on Your Carlsbad Trip

Get Away At this time

Use low cost code TravelMamas to get $10 off any two-night or longer Southern California package deal (resort and two-ticket minimal for particular points of interest) whenever you guide by our accomplice, Get Away At this time. Additionally, discover reductions on San Diego points of interest!

Go San Diego Card

It’s nicely price investing in a Go San Diego Card. You’ll save as much as 55% on enjoyable issues to do in San Diego, together with the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, the New Youngsters’s Museum, and far more!

Groupon

Checking Groupon for reductions on actions and eating places in your vacation spot makes good sense, and Carlsbad isn’t any exception. View Groupon Carlsbad offers now.

Stand-up paddle boarders on Carlsbad LagoonStand-up paddle boarders on Carlsbad Lagoon
Water sports activities on the Carlsbad Lagoon (Photograph credit score: California Watersports)

Discover Extra of Carlsbad and Southern California

Carlsbad gives loads for households to take pleasure in, from seashore days and water sports activities to a music museum and family-friendly breweries. Uncover a number of enjoyable issues to do in Carlsbad with children.

Legoland California theme parkLegoland California theme park
LEGOLAND California theme park (Photograph credit score: Legoland California)

Legoland is the star attraction in Carlsbad. It’s famend for its rides and interactive actions for younger youngsters impressed by colourful Lego bricks. Get probably the most out of your go to with my information to Legoland California.

San Diego Botanic Garden GuideSan Diego Botanic Garden Guide
San Diego Botanic Backyard

Open year-round, the San Diego Botanic Backyard is one in every of my favourite locations within the better San Diego space. Positioned simply south of Carlsbad in Encinitas, this attraction gives not one however two interactive youngsters’s gardens and a bounty of different lovely gardens. Uncover the San Diego Botanic Backyard with children.

Balboa Park Lily Pond and ConservatoryBalboa Park Lily Pond and Conservatory
Balboa Park Lily Pond and Conservatory (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

Carlsbad’s well-known neighbor, San Diego, bursts with points of interest just like the well-known San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and Balboa Park. Be taught concerning the greatest issues to do in San Diego with children.

Crystal Cove Beach in Orange County, CACrystal Cove Beach in Orange County, CA
Crystal Cove Seaside in Orange County, California (Photograph credit score: focqus, Depositphotos.com)

House to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, Orange County makes a straightforward day journey from Carlsbad. Learn concerning the many issues to do in Orange County.

Things to Do Carlsbad Flower Fields San Diego CountyThings to Do Carlsbad Flower Fields San Diego County

Preserve These Enjoyable Issues to Do at Carlsbad Flower Fields

Remember to save this listing of issues to do at Carlsbad Flower Fields with all ages. Simply pin the picture above or under to Pinterest. Observe me on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!

Fun Things to Do at Carlsbad Flower Fields in CaliforniaFun Things to Do at Carlsbad Flower Fields in California

Do you want visiting gardens and flower fields throughout your travels? Do you may have any questions on enjoyable issues to do at Carlsbad Flower Fields? Tell us within the feedback under!

A Word from Colleen Travels Between: I didn’t obtain compensation associated to this weblog publish. This text is up to date yearly. All opinions are mine, as all the time.

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