Flowers Take Center Stage in Carlsbad, California

Carlsbad, with its stylish restaurants, scenic coastal bike paths, thrilling surfing spots, and Legoland, offers year-round attractions. However, the stunning display of over 70 million ranunculus flowers at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch makes it a must-visit destination between San Diego and Los Angeles right now.

Every spring, from March to May, more than 300,000 visitors flock to witness the vibrant rows of red, yellow, orange, pink, and white flowers that blanket the 55-acre estate.

Although the Flower Fields draw many admirers, they are not the sole location in Carlsbad where nature thrives, making it simple to enjoy a flower-themed getaway this season.

Recommended Accommodation: The Cassara Carlsbad

For a spectacular view of the flowers, the Cassara Carlsbad stands out as an excellent choice, with balconies in its 90 guest rooms and 29 suites overlooking the fields. The nearest display features a 300- by 150-foot area of red, white, and blue petunias arranged in the shape of an American flag.

This hotel is one of the latest additions to the Hilton family, showcasing coastal aesthetics with its Mediterranean-inspired architecture and sandy color tones. It offers amenities such as a restaurant and bar, two heated pools (including a family-friendly splash pad and a designated ‘Quiet Pool’), a spa and fitness center, free shuttle service within five miles, and a private entrance to Legoland.

Dining and Drinking Options in Carlsbad

Recharge with a coffee surrounded by aloes, hoyas, and snake plants at Succulent Cafe (and consider grabbing a terrarium to take home). Another delightful spot in Carlsbad Village is Naked Cafe, where you can enjoy lattes infused with lilac and butterfly pea flowers, alongside hearty pancakes, breakfast burritos, and flavorful scrambles.

For a quick and convenient lunch, Veggie Grill serves up delicious plant-based salads and sandwiches. If you're with a group and can't agree on one type of cuisine, Windmill Food Hall features a variety of vendors offering Thai, Mediterranean, Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, and much more.

For dinner, check out Campfire, a vibrant New American restaurant downtown that specializes in creative open-flame dishes (including housemade s’mores). Many menu items and cocktails are beautifully garnished with flowers and herbs.

For a playful botanical nightcap, try Pacific Point, which features a selection of garden-inspired cocktails (the Spritz with vodka, Meyer lemon, lavender, Lillet blanc, sauvignon blanc, and soda is a standout), or visit 20|Twenty Grill, where bartenders can mix up a Lavender Blossom Fiz or a Hibiscus Sour.

Activities to Explore

Capture stunning photos at the Flower Fields

In addition to the vibrant ranunculus blooms, this season's Flower Fields features a sunflower patch, displays of orchids and poinsettias, a Sweet Pea Maze, a demonstration garden, and a U-Pick blueberries area. Admission is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors aged 60 and over, and military members, while children aged 3–10 can enter for $11. Throughout the season, Carlsbad Ranch also offers special events, including teatime in the gardens, outdoor concerts, and yoga sessions.

Join a floral-themed SUP yoga class

With Yoga Your Way, participants can wear flower crowns, paddle on boards adorned with fresh blooms (such as the bird of paradise, Carlsbad's unofficial flower), and practice yoga in Agua Hedionda Lagoon for an hour. Afterward, enjoy poppyseed muffins and hibiscus tea.

Indulge in an herb-infused massage

Aviara Spa features a Calendula & Orange Myrtle Scrub and Massage, blending sweet orange, petitgrain, lavender, rosemary, lemon peel, myrtle, and neroli essential oils, followed by their signature massage. Guests can relax afterward in the whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, or the indoor solarium lounge. Meanwhile, Ocean Crest Spa offers a delightful Brown Sugar and Lavender Scrub and Massage on its menu.

Explore the State Street Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday from 2:30 to 7 p.m., a variety of vendors gather at this lively open-air market. You'll find fresh fruits, cheeses, kombucha, plant-based pasta, and jerky. Don’t miss the Carlsbad Cookie Company for their ranunculus shortbread delights.

Getting to Carlsbad

The two nearest airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Diego International Airport (SAN), provide nonstop flights to numerous destinations worldwide. Carlsbad is a 90-mile drive from Los Angeles and just 35 miles from San Diego.