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

Plan a day at Carlsbad Flower Fields to smell the ranunculus and pose for amazing photo opportunities among thousands of flowers in full bloom. Located off Paseo del Norte in northern San Diego County, locals and visitors flock to this sustainable working farm for an annual burst of color in spring. Come here to experience mother nature’s beauty, tiptoe through a maze of sweet peas, and ride a tractor-pulled wagon through over 50 acres of rainbow-colored flower fields. With recent record rainfalls, the 2024 season promises to be especially pretty. Let’s explore 22 fun things to do at Carlsbad Flower Fields with kids and adults of all ages!

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1. Pose in the colorful flower fields.

While you’ll see lots of different varietals of flowers at Carlsbad Flower Fields, rows and rows of ranunculus are what paint the acres in stripes of vibrant colors. Pause to pose for pretty photos in these famous fields.

Guests are permitted to bring cameras, smartphones, and tripods to capture the perfect shot. Fellow visitors are typically happy to snap photos of your family amongst the displays of natural color.

If you want to hire a professional photographer, however, beware that the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch charges a hefty fee in addition to what you’d pay the artist.

2. Wander through Artist Gardens and Bird Aviaries.

Besides the famous fields of ranunculus, Carlsbad Flower Fields is home to beautiful Artist Gardens filled with flowering plants and bird aviaries. Enjoy burbling fountains and the sounds of birds singing as you stroll through the displays.

3. Pick blueberries.

Carlsbad Flower Fields now offers blueberry picking. The two-acre blueberry patch is a big hit with all ages. Take note that varying Southern California spring weather means that this attraction may or may not be available on the day you visit. Look for signage at the fields indicating the blueberries are ripe for picking.

4. Get lost in the Sweet Pea Maze.

The Sweet Pea Maze is a fragrant labyrinth with one entrance and one exit. While some corn and hay mazes are quite simplistic, this floral maze presents an attractive and amusing challenge for all ages.

If you really want out, the entrance is fairly easy to find. However, it is more fun to seek…and seek…and seek the exit!

5. Go for a tractor wagon ride.

Climb aboard a tractor-pulled wagon (for an additional fee) to ride through the fields. Listen to commentary from an expert while you rest your feet for a bit.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are huge, so if you’re visiting with a baby or toddler, be sure to bring a sturdy stroller or baby carrier.

6. Play in Santa’s Playground.

Children will definitely want to stop by Santa’s Playground. While you can’t meet the jolly elf here, kids will adore climbing and sliding in this play area.

These whimsical playhouses and gigantic mushrooms were part of the popular Santa’s Village amusement area in Lake Arrowhead from 1955 to 1998. In 2008, they were restored and brought to the Carlsbad Flower Fields/.

7. See hundreds of poinsettias on display.

It may not be Christmas, but it feels festive indeed when you stroll through a 1,500-square-foot greenhouse filled with the holiday’s favorite flower, the poinsettia. The Historic Poinsettia Paul Ecke Poinsettia display includes 20+ different types of the world’s best-selling potted plant.

8. Mine for gems.

For a nominal additional fee, visitors find polished gemstones using a method called sluicing. Use water to wash away sand to reveal treasures with the Carlsbad Mining Co. Keep your gems as a pretty reminder of all the fun things to do at Carlsbad Flower Fields.

9. Appreciate butterflies in the Butterfly Garden.

This garden’s name comes from the butterfly benches, statues, and beds of flowers that attract butterflies. As you wander here, keep your eyes peeled for these fluttering beauties.

10. Visit the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse.

The Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse is a delight for the senses. Breathe in the sweet scents as you gaze at these gorgeous flowers. If you’re really smitten, then purchase an orchid to bring home from the onsite gift shop!

11. Eat lunch at Carlsbad Flower Fields.

Feeling hungry? Satiate your hunger with pizzas and salads from the Pizza Trolley. Or dig into tacos and BBQ from the Mexico City Cuisine food truck.

12. Get a sweet treat.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then the Carlsbad Flower Fields has got plenty of treats for you. Think cotton candy, soft-serve ice cream, Dole whips, and kettle corn. As seen on the Food Network, the famous strawberry shakes and sundaes from the Strawberry Shack are not to be missed!

13. Be amazed at the Illusion Garden.

The Illusion Garden includes darling topiaries, colorful oversized wooden chairs, and other surprising elements. This is one of the newest gardens at Carlsbad Flower Fields.

14. Sign up for special events.

Carlsbad Flower Fields hosts an array of special events. Activities range from year to year but include such offerings as concerts, sunset wine tasting, a flower design workshop, yoga classes, a sound healing workshop, and catered picnics among the colorful flowers. Check the current activity calendar to learn more and buy tickets for new events.

15. View a gigantic American flag made of flowers.

Take in the site of a unique Star-Spangled Banner made entirely of red, white, and blue petunias. This floral United States of America flag was planted on a 300-by-170-foot hill.

16. Learn about gardening and composting.

As part of the Flower Fields Education Program, kids learn all sorts of interesting facts about gardening and composting. Field trips for schools and other children’s organizations visit the gardens to get insight into water conservation, composting with worms, flower dissection, and more.

17. Download activity sheets before you go.

Children don’t need to attend a field trip to participate in the learning fun! Make your visit to Carlsbad Flower Fields with kids more educational with downloadable activity sheets (at bottom of page under “More Information.”)

18. Buy flowers and plants as souvenirs.

Before heading home, walk through the on-site Armstrong Garden Center. There, you can peruse a wide array of garden accessories, seeds of all sorts, and plants for sale. You can also purchase a bouquet of ranunculus as a living souvenir of your visit.

19. Sip a fresh-squeezed lemonade.

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

20. Walk through a Sea of Sunflowers.

It’s hard not to smile as you walk through the Sea of Sunflowers Garden. Enjoy five acres of sunny, yellow blooms. Some are over 12 feet tall!

21. Check out the Pothead Garden, dude.

No, not that kind of pot! The Pothead Garden is a newer addition to the Flower Fields. This area features 15 concrete busts bedecked with blooms perfect for photos.

22. Learn Carlsbad Flower Fields history.

The flowers at Carlsbad Flower Fields were originally planted as a crop for bouquets. The beautiful ranunculus began to draw crowds. Soon, they became an unintentional tourist attraction.

The first ranunculus bulbs were planted here in the 1920s. Years later, a then-owner, Edwin Frazee, is known to have said, “If I had one penny for every picture that’s been taken of those fields, I’d be a rich man.”

From that seed of an idea, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch blossomed. In 1993, Frazee formed a joint venture with grower Mellano and Company. Today, over 150,000 visitors visit the fields each year.

When to Visit Carlsbad Flower Fields

From early March to early May, springtime is when to visit this seasonal attraction on the rolling hills of north San Diego County. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are typically open daily to the public from March 1st through Mother’s Day each year. Peak bloom takes place from late March to early April.

The best time to go is mid-week to beat the crowds since weekends are very popular. An arrival time in the morning will mean better photos with fewer people crowding your shots, too.

How to Get Tickets for Carlsbad Flower Fields

Tickets must be purchased in advance. You must select a date and specific time. Buy your tickets directly from The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch website.

Save Money on Your Carlsbad Vacation

Get Away Today

Use discount code TravelMamas to get $10 off any two-night or longer Southern California package (hotel and two-ticket minimum for specific attractions) when you book through our partner, Get Away Today. Also, find discounts on San Diego attractions!

Go San Diego Card

It’s well worth investing in a Go San Diego Card. You’ll save up to 55% on fun things to do in San Diego, including the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, the New Children’s Museum, and much more!

Groupon

Checking Groupon for discounts on activities and restaurants in your destination makes good sense, and Carlsbad is no exception. View Groupon Carlsbad deals now.

Explore More of Carlsbad and Southern California

Carlsbad offers plenty for families to enjoy, from beach days and water sports to a music museum and family-friendly breweries. Discover lots of fun things to do in Carlsbad with kids.

Legoland is the star attraction in Carlsbad. It’s renowned for its rides and interactive activities for young children inspired by colorful Lego bricks. Get the most out of your visit with my guide to Legoland California.

Open year-round, the San Diego Botanic Garden is one of my favorite places in the greater San Diego area. Located just south of Carlsbad in Encinitas, this attraction offers not one but two interactive children’s gardens and a bounty of other beautiful gardens. Discover the San Diego Botanic Garden with kids.

Carlsbad’s famous neighbor, San Diego, bursts with attractions like the famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and Balboa Park. Learn about the best things to do in San Diego with kids.

Home to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, Orange County makes an easy day trip from Carlsbad. Read about the many things to do in Orange County.

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Do you like visiting gardens and flower fields during your travels? Do you have any questions about fun things to do at Carlsbad Flower Fields? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: I did not receive compensation related to this blog post. All opinions are mine, as always.

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