The Carlsbad Flower Fields on April 1 – Not an April Fool’s Day Joke

The Carlsbad Flower Fields on April 1, 2025

The Carlsbad Flower Fields in Carlsbad CA opened for business on March 1, a beautiful annual tradition.

I stopped today to snap a few photos while out running errands – looks to me like the fields may be at, or about at, peak bloom.

And that’s not an April Fool’s Day joke.

Here are some things to know about visiting the Flower Fields:

1. You must book your tickets online for a specific date and arrival time. Tickets are not available at the entrance. Once you are in the venue you can stay as long as you wish (the Flower Fields close at 6 pm). Parking is free and adjacent to the Fields.

2. The Carlsbad Flower Fields are open until Mother’s Day, which is Sunday May 11th in 2025.

3. The fields of Ranunculus are planted in a staggered fashion so sections may be in different phases of blooming when you visit. According to the website today, about 48 of the 55 acres are in bloom.

4. There are abundant photo opportunities as you would expect; drones are not permitted.

Attractions at the Flower Fields include the following:

• A Sweet Pea Maze
• Historic Poinsettia display (20+ rare and unusual varieties)
• “Glass in Flight,” a beautiful new exhibit of more than 2 dozen glass and steel sculptures by Alex Heveri
• Artist Gardens and Bird Aviaries
• Santa’s Playground
• Multiple gardens – Butterfly, Mediterranean, Illusion, Sculpture
• There is food for purchase at the Strawberry Shack (lots of sweet treats), Pizza Trolley, Sweet Swirls Ice Cream and Kettle Kernels Popcorn.
• American Flag of Flowers on the south end of the fields. This field can be seen from Palomar Airport Road at Armada Drive by the entrance to Costco and when taking the tractor ride.

The Butterfly Encounter is another new attraction, with hundreds of butterflies. The exhibit is $5 (children 3 and under are free).

Here’s a list of activities to enjoy (concerts, yoga, and more) at the Carlsbad Flower Fields for 2025. Since some events sell out quickly you won’t want to delay getting tickets if you’re interested.

For a different view take a ride on one of their antique tractor wagons. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 3 to 10 (free for kids under 3). You may purchase tractor tickets inside the venue with a credit or debit card (no cash). There are no online purchases.

Lastly, a wonderful vantage point is looking down on the fields from Armada Drive, with the Carlsbad windmill off in the distance and 180 degree views of the ocean. That’s where I took these photos. It’s an expansive view and it’s free. It’s not quite the same as walking through the fields, but you can stop by whenever you want and the views are terrific, especially on a beautiful Spring day!

Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

5704 Paseo Del Norte

Carlsbad CA 92008

Phone: 855-235-2867

E-mail: info@theflowerfields.com