Even though my Instagram feed has flooded with super bloom photos, I decided to take up my friend Stefani's invitation to a different kind of spring outing - the Flower Fields in Carlsbad. I'd never been before, and I couldn't see any reason not to go. Photos? Flowers? Day trip? Sign me up!
We arrived in Carlsbad Village after a traffic-laced 2.5-hour drive from Long Beach. It was around 1PM and we grabbed coffee and lunch first. For coffee, we visited Sleeping Tiger Coffee - I had a really delicious lavender latte with house-made syrup. From there, we drove further south for an indulgent lunch at King's Fish House, which I highly recommend!
Finally, it was time for the Flower Fields!
pro tip: bring a hat and some sun screen!
At 50 acres, the Flower Fields are impressively large and incredibly vibrant. The $18 entrance fee is a little steep, but I don't regret paying to see these gorgeous giant ranunculus flowers in such a gargantuan array.
You are not allowed to pass the green tape (which reads DO NOT CROSS) and step into the rows of flowers, and we stuck to the rules. All of the photos in the post are in areas where we were allowed to be; we just used a lot of smart angles! Please respect the flowers and the rules of the establishment if you visit.
PRO TIP: utilize the little "inlets." In the photo above, I was in a designated photo area, without breaking any rules or trampling any flowers. I had Stefani shoot this photo from another area and it turned out great!
We took a leisurely stroll around the majority of the fields. We found that the further down you go, the less crowded the areas are, even though the flowers are also a little more scarce. I really enjoyed taking it slow and appreciating the sprawling gradient of colors blanketing the grounds. If you compare the photo above and the photo below, you'll see the difference in flower density.
We made sure to pay attention to the different colored flowers, from vibrant yellows to crisp whites to multi-colored blooms. The Flower Fields may not be the best destination for thrill-seekers, but it's perfect for anyone looking to appreciate the beauty of nature, even somewhere close to home.
PRO TIP: VISIT the Flower Fields earlier in the day or nearer to closing time. The sun can be intense in the middle of the day, and it can create harsher lighting for your photos as well.
In addition to the actual fields, there are areas of manicured gardens, vendors and some refreshments such as lemonade and ice cream. There's also a fun sweet pea maze great for adults and children alike. Keep in mind the maze isn't as easy as it looks! We passed several adults that had already gotten lost a few times...
Overall, it was a perfectly serene day full of wonderful blooms and fun photos. The Flower Fields are open until May 12, so grab your tickets and head down to Carlsbad!
Until next time,
Happy wandering!
