The amazing thing about travelling to vast countries such as Canada and the USA is that you realise how readily the locals drive what seems to me like huge distances to visit friends, family and attractions. I tend to dwell on this for a bit, and determine that I must be less intimidated by long drives and go on some adventures once I am home. Of course, what happens is I realise that whilst in the USA a 60 mile drive takes just over an hour, I realise that a 16 mile drive to my brother’s house takes almost 50% longer than that…ah traffic. So, whilst in countries of long, wide roads I decided to make the most and during my recent trip to Newport Beach we jumped in the car one day and ventured south, to San Diego with The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch being our aim.
Instagram famous throughout the world (and I’m sure you can see why), The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch boast swathes of gorgeous, colourful petals that stretch out ahead of you with the Pacific Ocean glinting in the background. The Flower Fields are open in springtime, when the most buds are in bloom – we visited in early May and the entire place was a blanket of delicate flowers in bold colours. The fields pride themselves on Ranunculus, the original flowers planted on the site by its founder, Luther Gage over 85 years ago. The fields are also home to varieties of poppy, California’s state flower along with dozens of other flowers in varying shades, all with a unique history and the product of decades of dedication from the generations of farmers who have cared for the Carlsbad fields.
Arriving at The Flower Fields is simple, park your car out front and pick up a ticket from the front desk. It’s $16 per adult and $8 for children aged 3 – 10 years. You can also add on a wagon ride to your trip which I would heartily recommend. The wagon rides are led by antique tractors, all painstakingly cared for by a team of volunteers. The wagon ride also includes an audio commentary so you find out a bit more about the flowers and the history of the ranch itself on your trip. It was good fun and a great new angle to see the vast fields from.
On top of the fields you can also explore the butterfly garden, Poinsettia Greenhouse, Sweet Pea maze, Orchid Greenhouse and the American Flag made out of flowers. Plus if you’re a kiddywink you can enjoy an experience of the local historic mining community and pan for polished gemstones. We topped off our exploring of Carlsbad Ranch with some freshly made (she literally made it right in front of us) lemonade, which was the perfect drink on a hot Spring day.
Overall we spent around three hours at the ranch, we took our time exploring the different alleyways of flowers, posed for dozens of photos, enjoyed our lemonade and relaxed on a bench in the sunshine. It’s a world away from the hubub of Los Angeles itself, and is even a relaxing break from the bustle of Newport Beach. I would absolutely recommend a trip to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch if you are in Southern California during the springtime. Plus, if you’re based in the area or looking for a destination wedding they also host wedding ceremonies most of the year at the ranch and I honestly couldn’t think of anywhere more beautiful to have your ceremony and celebrations.
INFO
- Tickets: $16 Adult, $8 Child (3-10yrs)
- Wagon Ride: $5 Adult, $3 Child (3-10yrs)
- Bring With You:
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- Suncream
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- Camera
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- Sunglasses
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- Snacks
that emily 