Tips for Visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields

Spring is in the Air!  For many of us here in San Diego where the four seasons aren’t as noticeable, there’s one place that indicates Spring is here – The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch or popularly known as the Carlsbad Flower Fields. Here is a guide and some tips for visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields.  Updated for 2024 Season.

Getting Here and Ranunculus

This 50-acre hillside is transformed into a stunning rainbow of flowers from March to May.  Situated on an enviable location overlooking the Pacific Ocean and just down the street from Legoland California, it has become a major tourist attraction for many years. We are lucky enough to live just a few miles from here.

Giant Tecolote Ranunculus fill the hillside with vibrant blooms.  What is a ranunculus? I actually hadn’t heard of the flower until we first visited many years ago. These blossoms are members of the buttercup family and native to Asia Minor.

The variety grown here are the finest “strains” with single and double blooms developed and grown over many years by the father of the Flower Fields, the late Edwin Frazee, a San Diego farmer.

The ranunculus comes in a variety of 13 colors including ones called picotee(mixture), cafe, salmon, flame, and merlot. The word Tecolote comes from the owls that used to nest in the original grower’s land. The flowers complete their life cycle here by dying and producing seeds for replanting in the same fields for the following year.

The Flower Fields

Seeing these fields every time I visit, even after all these years, still amazes me with its extraordinary display of color. My daughter and I are flower lovers so we like coming here.

As for my husband and son, they use allergies as an excuse (among other things) not to come with us. It’s also a joy seeing all these colors from the freeway.

It’s not only about the ranunculus here though. Do not miss the various gardens and exhibits on display here.

One of my favorites is the Rose Walk of Fame and All America Rose Selections Test Garden. Their roses have some of the most vivid colors with names like Diva, Vogue and Fashion.

The walkways meander through sections of roses and gladiolus complete with benches to enjoy them all. There’s even a gazebo flanked with goddess looking statues.

A local artist designed The Artist Garden to showcase the flower beds, vine-covered trellises and arches, and a small reflecting pool, to evoke a feeling of serenity and inspiration.

Poinsettias are the world’s best selling potted plant.  The flower fields’ land is owned by one of the premiere growers of poinsettias nearby so the exhibit is always impressive.  Who knew there were over 20 varieties of poinsettias with names like Ice Punch, Monet, Glory, Flaming Sphere or Polar Bear ?

Orchids are my favorite flowers. So, we always stop at the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse to smell and admire the blooms.  It almost feels like a botanical garden in here.

A popular area was the Picture Pavilion.  A flowing fountain served as a centerpiece bordered by a circular wall of flowers perfect for posing.

Carlsbad Flower Fields with the kids

There are a few activities to entertain the kids whose parents dragged them here to look at pretty flowers (mine included). Santa’s Village Playground is a collection of colorful and whimsical playhouses and huge mushrooms in a closed off section for kids ages 2-12 with a playground in the middle. This is also a popular place for field trips for local children. 

A few open-air wagons pulled by antique tractors are available for everyone to ride around the fields. It covers a whole lot more ground than walking and gives an overview, tour and history of the fields.

I would only recommend it for first time visitors or for those with kids or with mobility issues.  Otherwise, walking through the pathways is a great way to see the flowers up close.

A mini maze with sweet pea blossoms as walls was also a wonderful place for kids to run around and find their way out.  It smelled heavenly in here.  By the way, this was not as easy as it looks.

There is also a Master Gardeners demonstration area with edible and ornamental plants. It’s a great way to learn more about gardening and plants. I also love the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse that has a showcase of cymbidium orchids.

All the bursts of color can instantly lift one’s spirit even on some cloudy days (a rarity in San Diego).  Coming here is a feast for the senses and truly lives up to its slogan of fields of wonder and color. There is a new field of sunflowers among the ranunculus fields this year. 

Tips for Visiting Carlsbad Flower Fields 

• It’s usually open from early March to May. Check the Flower Fields website for the hours, events and updated prices.
• Free parking and picnic area

IMPORTANT FOR THE 2024 SEASON

• Season will be March 1, 2024 – May 11, 2024 • Open 7 Days a week • 9 am – 6 pm
• ADMISSION & TICKETING • ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE prior to your visit with an assigned date and arrival time window. Arrive during your designated time with digital or printed copy of your ticket. There is no walk-up entry or on-site sales. 
• No cash will be accepted. Credit cards can be used for food & drink vendors, Antique Tractor Rides and U-Pick blueberry (if open).
• Check the activities calendar for special events from yoga to sunset wine. 
• Food and drinks are available for purchase with vendors.

*Have you visited the Carlsbad Flower Fields or heard of ranunculus? 

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