Instagram Guide to the Carlsbad Flower Fields

Update for 2020: Flower Fields will be open March 1, 2019 – May 10, 2020.

Happy May Day! All the April showers have brought so many gorgeous May flowers! Walking through sprawling fields of blooming flowers is the perfect way to celebrate Spring. I had been looking forward to visiting the Carlsbad flower fields for months and it was such a gorgeous day when we arrived. The fields are located in Carlsbad in Southern California, about 40 miles north of San Diego. The blossoms you see are known as the "Persian Buttercup" and the fields of these beauties stretch for 50 rainbow acres.

Top Instagram Tips for Stunning Photos at the Flower Fields

  • The flower season begins in March and the fields remain open until mid-May. Be sure to check the website before heading out to make sure the ranch is open to the public. The address is: 5704 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad, CA 92008.

  • If you go too early in the season the flowers won’t have fully bloomed yet. If you go too late and there’s a heat wave, the flowers will turn brown. On the website you can check the current “bloom conditions” to see live photos of what the fields look like.

  • The farm is open from 9am - 6pm. You want to avoid harsh sunlight because all your photos will have shadows. Depending on the weather, I recommend going either first thing when they open or closer to when they close.

  • If you want to hold flowers in your hand (scroll through my photos), be sure to buy them from the nursery. Do not try and pick any flowers, the guards will not take kindly to it ;)

  • If you plan on going more than once, get the season pass because admission gets pricey.

  • The parking lot is small and gets filled up very quickly. There’s a mall very close by but that parking lot fills up very fast too. Make sure to give yourself time to find parking.

  • There's also the beach and fresh strawberry picking close by so when you plan your own trip make a day of it.

  • Scroll to the bottom and see some totally Instagram-worthy Carlsbad hotels!

5 More Ways to Enjoy California Flowers this Spring

Filoli House and Gardens - Filoli was built as a private residence in 1917 by a wealthy San Francisco family and is now open for the public to enjoy. Visiting Filoli feels like you're stepping into the past, a time filled with old world charms. Walking through the gardens feels like you're stepping into a real life scene from Alice in Wonderland with garden after garden filled with flowers and whimsical surprises.

Conservatory of Flowers - If you are planning on visiting San Fran in the springtime I highly recommend a visit to the Conservatory of Flowers and surrounding grounds in Golden Gate Park. They have beautiful outdoor gardens and a lush greenhouse filled with exotic blooms. It feels like all of sudden you are transported from the city into a tropical paradise!

Almond Blossoms in Northern California Orchards - One of the most stunning views in NorCal is when all the almond trees are in full bloom. This magical time of year comes and goes so quickly but when you catch it just right, it’s such a gorgeous scene. The orchards are a beautiful place for family portraits, bridal photos and of course spring style OOTD looks. See my full guide on where to find the best almond blossoms photography locations.

Make flower crowns - Festival season is right around the corner so get creative and add some flowers to your boho style. Check out the tutorials on my Pinterest board and get inspired, it's so easy and fun. You can even make a crown for you furry friend too!

Visit your local flower market - Plan your DIY projects and then head out to your favorite flower spot to pick up buds for your bouquets and crowns. Homemade arrangements will bring Spring inside and really brighten up your home. If you're close to the northern bay area in California, the San Francisco Flower Market is definitely worth a visit. You can explore to your heart's desire with a huge variety of blooms. 

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Check out these Instagram-worthy Carlsbad hotels:

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