A vibrant feast for the senses awaits just south of Orange County as The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch return with more than 70 million stunning blooms.
PHOTO BY MARCIE GONZALEZ
It’s been nearly 85 years since horticulturist Luther Gage brought ranunculus seeds from England to Southern California. Since then, his cultivated land has flourished with more than 50 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus, which attract visitors both near and far to the iconic Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch (theflowerfields.com) every spring. “The Flower Fields are truly a national jewel,” says general manager Fred Clarke. “The season is one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. We are the springtime playground of family outings, first dates and even weddings. We are honored to not only be a part of the area’s local heritage, but to also have our annual burst of color be a part of so many individual family traditions… and photos!” Open March 1 through May 8, The Flower Fields allow visitors to roam through more than 70 million double-petaled blooms awash in hues of pink, orange, yellow and red. Outdoor live music, performances by local circus and theater groups, tractor wagon rides, a sweet pea maze and a cymbidium orchid greenhouse add to the lush experience. Book a staycation during your visit at The Cassara Carlsbad, Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel (thecassaracarlsbad.com) where its Stay, Smell, Smile Package features two tickets to the fields, overnight accommodations, waived parking and complimentary shuttle service to and from the rolling hills of the ranch. Best buds, indeed.
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