“The hills are alive to the sound of music…” is all we hear every time we explore a new flower field in the United States. Spring has sprung which means flowers are blooming their magnetic colors and beauty for all to see. In 2019 the Walker Canyon Poppy Fields in Lake Elsinore graced us with her Super Bloom presence. It was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced in person. Sadly the poppies haven’t appeared since then.
But that isn’t stopping us from hunting down and driving, even flying, to be in the midst of vast colorful lands of flowers. Here’s a list of our Top US flower fields to visit this Spring and Summer.
Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch – Carlsbad, CA
We are a little biased with this flower field, only because we lived nearby for many years. The flowers start blooming in March. The field is open from March to May. Every year they make this colorful 50 acres even more photo friendly than the previous year. Besides enjoying the blooms, there’s other attractions from a sweet pea maze to artist gardens and a strawberry stand with beverages and eats all made with fresh strawberries. You can also hop on a tractor ride around the fields if you don’t feel up to walking. More info HERE.
Antelope Valley Mojave Desert Poppy Reserve
Millions and millions of vibrant orange and yellow poppy flowers cover the hills west of Lancaster (Northeast of Los Angeles). The poppies start blooming mid-March to mid-April and if you’re lucky are blooming until May. The best time to view them is mid-morning. In 2019, the Poppy Reserve experienced the Super Bloom. Talk about the “hills are alive” … they were that year. Similar poppy reserves in California not far from LA, Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore and Chino Hills State Park. Some years the poppies don’t bloom, so check their Facebook page HERE for updates.
Bluebonnet Trails – Ennis, TX
Over 40 miles of bluebonnet goodness during the month of April. The actual festival is held one weekend mid-April with a band performing each night but you can still visit the trails the whole month of April. These trails are the oldest known in the state.
A little history per their website – Ennis was designated by the 1997 State Legislature as the home of the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and was designated the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas. The Ennis Garden Club will drive the trails to check the bloom status each week starting in April. The Club then reports to the Ennis Welcome Center about the latest status of the bluebonnets so that visitors can be well informed where the best flowers are on the trails at the time of their visit.
Each year, the bluebonnets will appear on different trails as these are natural to the area. In Ennis, the bluebonnets typically peak around the 3rd week of April, according to the Ennis Garden Club. This can vary year to year due to weather conditions and terrain, so please check this website HERE before your visit.
Photo via rove.me
Wild Berry Farm – Sadler, TX
Wonder where the 6 feet tall sunflowers are located? They’re here at Wild Berry Farm. The cool thing about this flower farm is that you can cut your flowers, pay and bring home your own bouquet. This U-Pick farm specializes in a variety of berries and seasonal veggies but also have their sunflower fields to enjoy. This farm opens up in July which is a hot time of year in Texas. Put on your sunblock, wear a hat and stay hydrated. Check their Facebook page for updates HERE.
Veldheer Tulip Gardens & Windmill Island Gardens – Holland, Michigan
The actual city of Holland, MI boasts millions of tulips planted around the city. At Veldheer Tulip Gardens you’ll see 5.5 million tulips in bloom in addition to 50K daffodils, 10K hyacinths and 20K crocus all providing a continuous parade of color for the garden enthusiast.
Probably the most popular Tulip Time spot is Windmill Island Gardens. It feels like you’ve been transported to a Dutch village with Windmill tours, The Four Columns’ Amsterdam Street Organ, Little Netherlands miniature village display, Conservatory and Gift Shops. For more info on both spots visit HERE and HERE.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival – Skagit Valley, Washington
This Tulip Festival is one of the biggest events for the Pacific Northwest held from April 1-30. Celebrating millions of tulips bursting into bloom every Spring. As with all things governed by Mother Nature, the tulips bloom according to their own schedule. You can check for updates HERE. This festival boasts an amazing assortment of events. You will find art shows, a gala celebration, and a 20 – 40 – or 60 minute Tulip Pedal Bicycle Ride. They also have an alpaca farm where you can meet and greet these cute furry friends.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm – Clackamas County, Oregon
With 40 acres of tulips, over 200 acres of outdoor space, and activities, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is identified as one of the top spring attractions in the state of Oregon. Experience the beauty of this farm from March 19 to May 2 for 6 weeks of blooming tulips. There are weekday and weekend activities from hot air balloon rides to food vendors, tulip tour train, craft market place and a tulip market. For updates and info, visit HERE.
Purple Haze Lavender Farm – Sequim, Washington
There couldn’t be a more perfect name for this lavender farm. The rainshadow of the Olympic Mountains creates an ideal microclimate for growing lavender. With less than 20 inches of rain per year, the valley is like those in the Provence region of France where this aromatic herb is native.
When you visit Purple Haze Lavender Farm, you are invited to wander the fields, enjoy the beauty of this sweet smelling herb, pick your own bouquet of flowers, picnic on the lawns, and experience all the flavors, fragrances and healing skin care qualities of this purple flower.
In addition, they also have a Farm House Vacation Rental you can rent. The Farm House has 3 bedrooms and sleeps up to 6 guests. Take in the farm from the hot tub or porch swing. We’re there! For more info, visit online HERE.
Burnside Farms – Holland, Virginia
This farm boasts flowers from Spring to the end of Summer. The Festival of Spring is a unique, magical event that’s fun for the whole family. They plant more than 2.5 million tulips and daffodils on over 15 acres for one of the most spectacular pick-your-own events in North America.
Then in July starts The Summer of Sunflowers. They plant over 30 varieties of “cutting” sunflowers on 8 acres in successive crops to ensure at least 6 weeks of blooming flowers – through Labor day. They also have one of the nation’s only sunflower mazes which only blooms for about 2 weeks and bloom time varies from year to year. Check bloom schedules for each season HERE.
Pelindaba Lavender Farm – San Juan Islands, Washington
This breathtaking sea of lavender spreads over 25 beautiful acres with lake and Olympic Mountain views. It’s become one of the San Juans’ most popular visitor destinations. More than 200 lavender-based, botanical, culinary, personal care, therapeutic, household and pet care products are handcrafted and sold on-site.Stroll through the organically-certified aromatic fields and visit the nursery, on-site essential oil distillery, educational exhibits and Gatehouse Farm Store.
Enjoy an aromatic picnic on the lawns or in the fields while nibbling on lavender-based snacks and refreshments. The Annual San Juan Island Lavender Festival is held at the Farm the 3rd weekend in July. More info HERE.