For many of us just emerging from the dredges of winter and its cold, colorless weather, spring, and that promise of color and excitement that it brings, is still a few weeks away. However, in the mild climate of Southern California, spring’s blossoms show up earlier than in the north, allowing for a spectacular show of colors, scents and beautiful weather for visitors to Los Angeles, San Diego and surrounding areas.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
If you enjoy spring, flowers and beautiful views, taking a trip to the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, just north of San Diego, is a must-do for your spring trip. Open from March 1-May 13 this year, the ranch offers 50 acres of flowers ranging in color from deep yellow to delicate pinks and bold reds and purples. The ranch is located on a hillside overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean, allowing for a one-of-a-kind view to patrons looking to experience both the marvels of spring and the beauty of this particular coast.
The fields at Carlsbad Ranch are actually designed to enhance their beauty by a professional colorist. Once at the Ranch, visitors can enjoy a walk through the flowers, stop by at the greenhouse or get lost in the Sweet Pea maze. There is also a special artists’ garden which displays flowers-as-art pieces, as well as Santa’s Playground for the kids.
Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch also offer guests a number of packages including a single-day pass ($11 adults, $6 for children 3-10, and $10 for seniors 60+) a season pass ($22, $12, and $20 respectively) as well as wagon rides through their beautiful fields ($5 adults, $3 for children).
Events and Special Occasions in the Spring
Though the view at Carlsbad Ranch is enough on its own, throughout the spring months, the Ranch sponsors a number of events that range from Kid’s Day (April 1st) to a photography workshop (April 15th) and a Blue’s Festival (April 21st). Events are held each weekend, but will vary depending on the time that you are in the San Diego area.
In addition, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch also sponsor group tours and educational programs. The Ranch is located at 5704 Paseo Del Norte in Carlsbad, CA, off of the Palomar Airport Road exit off Interstate 5.