Amazing Flower Fields Spring Opening Coming Soon

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch will be in full bloom this spring offering colorful flower displays plus sculpture gardens, a butterfly experience & more!

Key Takeaways

When the colorful Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers at Carlsbad Ranch in San Diego bloom, it marks the start of spring!
Two new exhibits for 2025 are the Glass in Flight sculpture displays and the magical experience at the Butterfly Encounter.
Tickets are $29 for Adults, $27 for Seniors/Military and $19 for Kids over 3 with discounts for Kids on Mondays & Seniors on Thursdays.

By Jess Tucker

Last Updated on
Apr 08, 2025

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Amazing Flower Fields Spring Now Open

All About the 2025 Flower Fields Spring Opening

Close up of Flowers at the Flower Fields

It’s hard to describe the explosion of color that takes place each spring at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. As the season changes, mother nature takes over with a spectacular display of beauty.

The Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that line the 55-acres on the grounds bloom annually starting in early March and lasting until the middle of May as nature announces that spring is here!

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch will be open daily in 2025 from March 1st - May 11th, which will give you the opportunity to visit during the bloom. Daily operating hours are 9:00am – 6:00pm.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad

Always a New Experience

Todd and his family have made visiting the flower fields a bit of an annual family tradition!

Each year the bloom is a bit different and the colors are never exactly the same. They also always introduce new exhibits and 2025 is no exception to the rule!

So whether it’s your first time or you’re a yearly visitor, there will always be something you’ve never seen before. I just can’t believe that this tradition has been taking place at the ranch now for more than 60 years!

Like the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park, these flowers only bloom for a limited time during the spring, so you’ll want to hurry over. Check the website to see the current bloom status of the flower field so you can plan your trip.

Beautiful Flowers with a Tractor at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad

Types of Flowers on Display

The main attraction of course is the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that span 55 acres. These rare flowers bloom in gorgeous shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow.

Alongside the flower fields, other types of flowers you can see at Carlsbad Ranch include the Historic Poinsettia Display which opened in late March; an American Flag of Flowers made entirely of red, white, and blue peonies; and the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse, an incredible display of orchids.

In late April you can visit the Sea of Sunflowers, a 5-acre patch of land beaming with yellow that’s included with admission.

Giant Tecolote Ranunculus Bloom

If you’re visiting to see these amazing flowers in full bloom, you’ll have a window of about 6-8 weeks, after which the flowers will reach the end of their life cycle. It’s best to come early so you don’t risk missing out!

Attractions & More

Come for the flowers, but stay for the fun! With the flowers as the main attraction, there’s an assortment of old classics and new displays and things to do for 2025 at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

Let’s have a look at what attractions are on offer for the 2025 season.

Glass in Flight

Glass in Flight is a new exhibit for 2025 featuring more than two dozen sculptures of birds and insects expertly made from Dalle de Verre glass and steel. The display designed to work with color, light and flight is the master work of the incredible, acclaimed artist Alex Heveri.

This will be new for me and my family and I’m especially excited to see the movement of the larger-than-life glass sculptures in a world of flowers. This really seems to be something that could be beautiful on a sunny San Diego afternoon.

Butterfly Encounter

My daughter loves butterflies, the Butterfly Jungle experience at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park being one of her absolute favorites!

So I’m excited to see what she thinks of the Flower Field’s newest addition, the Butterfly Encounter. Hundreds of colorful live butterflies are attracted by nectar sticks creating a magical and unique experience for guests.

Available from 10:00am – 5:30pm, the encounter is $5 per person purchasable upon arrival, with kids three and under being free.

Themed Gardens

The ranch also houses multiple themed gardens.

These include the Illusion Garden, which has two new topiaries crafted by Jennifer Coburn and displays that play with optical illusions, plus the Artist Garden & Bird Aviaries, where the flowers are the art and the chirping of the birds is the enchanting soundtrack.

The Sculpture Garden features butterfly benches, glass sculptures and of course incredible flowers. The Pothead Garden has more than 15 concrete busts with flowers and greenery and makes a great place for a picture as well.

Demonstration Garden

Master Gardeners of San Diego County worked very hard this year to create the Demonstration Garden. You’ll get to see 9 vignettes great for smaller spaces. They feature earth friendly practices and are the picture of sustainability.

Other highlights include a backyard orchard, vegetable bed and incredible miniature display.

Activities for Kids

The ranch really thought about families in 2025 as well!

Family-Friendly Tractor Rides

Carlsbad Ranch offers a wagon tour of the field. You can just sit back as you’re towed by a tractor and snap stunning photos.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for kids and can be purchased upon arrival. Kids 3 and under are free.

Maze & Playground

Kids can walk through the Sweet Pea Maze, an old-fashioned adventure that’s colorful and fragrant.

There’s also a small Santa-themed playground, which is just as fun for kids no matter the season.

A Hands-On Experience

If you really want to entertain your active kids, I suggest you head over to the Carlsbad Mining Company’s exhibit to sift for rare gems.

Sluicing for gems with buckets and water is a lot of fun for the kids and just $5 per guest. For kids who turn in a completed passport, they can mine for just $4!

Entrance to Legoland Ca

More Exiting Things to Do in Carlsbad

If you’re looking to visit both flower-themed attractions plus plenty of other fun spots around the city, the Go City San Diego pass will get you discounted admission to attractions including the Japanese Friendship Garden and other Carlsbad favorites like the LEGOLAND California parks.

Use our discount code GVSD5OFF for greater savings!

Beach Terrace Inn in Carlsbad

Snacks, Drinks & Dining Options

Once you’ve worked up an appetite strolling through the fields, grab a bite to eat. There are many options conveniently located inside Carlsbad Ranch, whether you’re looking for a full meal or a sweet snack.

Right next to the ranch’s picnic area, you’ll find two food trucks. One is a pizza trolley, while the other serves up tacos.

If you’re craving a sweet treat, stop by Sweet Swirls Ice Cream, or head to the Strawberry Shack for shakes and Dole whip. There are also vendors handing out kettle corn and cotton candy.

Thirsty? Quench your thirst at The Lemonade Stand with fresh-squeezed lemonade, or grab a coffee or tea at Kettle Kernels.

Save on the Go City Pass!

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Meet over 5,000 fish & sea animals at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. The All-Inclusive Go City Pass includes access to marine exhibits, interactive displays and hands-on experiences, like touching a shark!

Buy Now

Who can use a Go City San Diego pass?

Adults and children (ages 3 to 12) can use the Go City San Diego pass – All-Inclusive or Explorer pass – to visit the area’s top attractions and activities.

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

How to Buy Tickets & Prices

Tickets must be purchased in advance online. No tickets are sold onsite. When you get your tickets, you also need to select a time of arrival and be there within 30 minutes of that time. The good news is that once you’re inside, you’re welcome to stay until close!

I noticed that ticket prices have changed from the 2024 season and they also have some specials which can save you a few dollars if you visit on the Monday Child Special day or the Thursday Senior Special day. I’ll provide you with all the details below.

General Admission Pricing

General Admission pricing for the 2025 season is what you’ll pay if you visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday as well as a Tuesday or Wednesday. Prices are listed below.

Adult: $29
Senior (60+)/Military: $27
Children (3-10): $19

Children under 3 may visit for free.

Monday Child Special

If you’d like to bring your kids and can visit on a Monday, you’ll be able to take advantage of the family pricing discounts. Prices for Mondays during the season are listed below.

Adult: $27
Senior (60+)/Military: $25
Children (3-10): $17

Children under 3 may visit for free.

The cool part is that one child is admitted FREE of charge with each paying adult, senior or military member which can be some very nice savings for families. Also, you’ll notice that all ticket prices are discounted $2 on Mondays. Hey, every little savings helps!

Thursday Senior Special

I love that the flower fields have discounted pricing for Seniors when they visit on Thursdays.

Adult: $27
Senior (60+): $20
Military: $25
Children (3-10): $17

Children under 3 may visit for free.

So while everyone gets a $2 discount on Thursdays, Seniors get a $7 discount and can get in for just $20.

The Season Pass

If you really like flowers and don’t want to worry about picking a specific day and time to visit, the season pass could be for you. The pass allows you to visit as many times as you’d like during the season, and without the need for a reservation.

Prices are the same no matter when you buy.

Adult: $57
Senior (60+)/Military: $52
Children (3-10): $33

Children under 3 may visit for free.

Popular Hotels

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Homewood Suites by Hilton Carlsbad

$143

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LEGOLAND California Resort

$249

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Legoland Castle Hotel

$339

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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carlsbad Beach

$117

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Helpful Tips When Planning Your Visit

Parking, directions, where to stay near the flower fields and the best times to visit, below are a few important details to consider as you plan your trip.

Where to Park

Parking is available right outside the ranch, near the Armstrong Garden Center. Carlsbad Ranch has its own private parking lot, and free parking is included with admission.

Bus About to Cross Train Tracks

Directions to Carlsbad Ranch

The easiest way to reach Carlsbad Ranch is by following I-5 to its intersection with Palomar Airport Road. From exit 47, the ranch is just half a mile off the highway.

If you’d rather leave the car at home, consider using public transit. San Diego’s buses, trolleys, and rideshare services make getting around easy.

Perch View at Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas

My Hotel Suggestion for You in Carlsbad

When visiting Carlsbad Ranch, staying at a nearby hotel can cut down on travel time and help you beat the crowds. And there is a lot to do in the Carlsbad neighborhood from excellent shopping to visiting one of Carlsbad’s beaches and checking out LEGOLAND California or the Museum of Making Music.

A nearby hotel to all of this that I really love is the Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas.

With incredible views of the coastline and a classy atmosphere, this adult-centric hotel is a pocket of paradise in nearby Encinitas. The 4-star hotel is beachside with a fantastic pool and great spa as well!

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

If you’re coming to see the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers in full bloom, you’ll have a window of about 6-8 weeks, after which the flowers will reach the end of their life cycle. It’s best to come early so you don’t risk missing out!

If you’re looking for a less busy experience, avoid attending on weekend afternoons. Instead, plan to visit on a weekday.

As a local tip, when you go to purchase your tickets, the system will tell you how many spaces are available for that day at that timeslot. Select a slot that has more availability and you’ll have an easier time exploring and taking pictures without the crowds!

Featured Hotel

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas

Aerial View at Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas

Beachfront

Families

Luxury

The Alila Marea Beach Resort offers some of the most stunning ocean views in the San Diego area, as well as luxurious amenities for a relaxing vacation.

Prices Starting at $683

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