CARLSBAD, CA — Although the official first day of spring isn’t until March 19, it’s unofficially the start of springtime in San Diego County when The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch opens for the season.
There will be more than 70 million flowers in bloom at the iconic springtime attraction, which is set to open Friday, according to the ranch.
“People back east, they’ve got Groundhog Day. Here in Southern California, we have The Flower Fields,” said Fred Clarke, general manager of The Flower Fields. “When you see The Flower Fields in bloom, you know spring is right around the corner.”
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The Flower Fields feature 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus, a flower known for its large, double-petaled blooms that sit atop tall, straight stems.
This season’s theme is “Spring into Color,” which is fitting because Clarke expected it to be a colorful season back in January when the first ranunculus bloomed.
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“This year, the fields are really coming along nice,” he told Patch at the time.
Now, the ranch has rows and rows of many-colored ranunculus. The season is expected to run through Mother’s Day.
“It’s like walking through a bouquet of flowers,” Clarke said. “It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.”
The Flower Fields also offer a full slate of activities, including live music performances, workshops and wellness classes.
The outdoor music series will feature performances by Swingergy, The Derringers, Bill Magee, SoRockBlu, Bayou Brothers, Cool Rush and Michele Lundeen. Sunset Wine Tasting, Flower Crown Workshops and Tea in the Garden will return for multiple dates along with a variety of classes, including Meditation and Sound Healing and Flower Flow Yoga.
Other attractions include the American Flag of Flowers, artist gardens and aviaries, tractor wagon rides, a sweet pea maze, poinsettia display, Carlsbad Mining Company, Santa’s Playground and more.
“There’s a lot of fun and a lot of things to discover when you’re there that you’re not expecting, which makes it memorable,” Clarke said.
Ticket are available online only.
Single ticket admission costs $23 for adults, $21 for seniors and military, and $14 for children ages 3-10. Admission is free for children under 3. Season passes are $48 for adults, $44 for seniors, and $28 for children ages 3-10, with group tours also available.
The ranch is located at 5704 Paseo Del Norte in Carlsbad.
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