The Best Time and Places to See California’s Wildflowers

Exploring vibrant flower fields during spring and summer is one of my favorite activities in California. Luckily, California is a state known for its breathtaking landscapes, and one of its most stunning natural displays is the blooming of wildflowers across the Golden State. From vibrant poppies to sunflowers, California’s wildflower season transforms the landscape into a kaleidoscope of color, attracting locals and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Whether you’re an avid photographer or just looking to immerse yourself in nature’s vibrant hues, here’s a guide to some of the best places to see wildflowers in California.

The almond blossom is the most beautiful time of year in Fresno. Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Fresno is surrounded by vast almond orchards that come alive with stunning white and pink blooms every spring, typically from mid-February to mid-March. The almond bloom is a mesmerizing sight and has become a significant attraction for both locals and visitors.

A popular way to experience the blossoms is by driving along the Fresno County Blossom Trail, a scenic route that takes you through Fresno and neighboring towns, including Sanger, Selma, and Kingsburg. The trail showcases not only almond blossoms but also peach, plum, and apricot blooms, creating a colorful and fragrant journey.

Location: 2629 S Clovis Ave, Fresno, CA 93725

If you’re in SoCal, the closest place to go see almond flowers is in Bakersfield. Located in Kern Country, just south of California’s Central Valley, Bakersfield is surrounded by almond orchards that transform into a breathtaking display of white and pink flowers every spring.

While the orchards are beautiful, most are private property. Be sure to admire them from designated viewpoints unless permission is granted.

Location: South of Seventh Standard Rd and off of Coffee Rd

The Flower Fields are renowned for their stunning Giant Tecolote Ranunculus, which bloom in vivid shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. These rows of meticulously cultivated flowers stretch as far as the eye can see, forming a dazzling rainbow landscape that’s nothing short of mesmerizing. The Flower Fields are open annually from March to early May, with peak bloom typically occurring in April. For the best experience, plan your visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the fields in the soft morning light.

Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad, CA 92008

Located in the Colorado Desert region of Southern California, the park is known for its stunning desert landscapes that transform into a vibrant sea of colorful flowers after winter rains. Anza-Borrego’s ecosystem is home to a diverse array of wildflower species, including: Desert Sunflowers, Desert Lilies, California Poppies, Sand Verbena, Dune Primrose.

Location: 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Located in central California, the Carrizo Plain National Monument is one of the state’s most spectacular wildflower hotspots, offering expansive fields of poppies, goldfields, and other wildflowers that burst into color each spring. The plain, which sits in the rain shadow of the Temblor Mountains, experiences a vibrant bloom when the weather conditions are just right.

The area is remote, so be sure to bring plenty of water and be prepared for the rugged terrain.

Location: 17495 Soda Lake Rd, Santa Margarita, CA 93453

Located in Lancaster, about 70 miles north of Los Angeles, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is one of the most famous spots to see California’s iconic state flower—the poppy. The reserve comes alive every spring (usually between March and May) with vibrant orange poppies blanketing the hillsides. The rolling fields of golden flowers create a mesmerizing view against the desert landscape, offering visitors a rare and peaceful escape.

The poppy reserve has several walking trails that allow visitors to explore the vast fields, as well as informative signs about the local flora and fauna. Keep an eye on bloom reports, as the poppies’ appearance depends heavily on rainfall during the winter months.

Location: 15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, CA 93536

The wild mustard wildflowers at Chino Hills State Park are a striking feature during spring, creating a golden-yellow blanket across the rolling hills. Although these yellow wildflowers are technically invasive species, their bright blooms have become an iconic part of the park’s springtime landscape, attracting visitors from near and far.

Location: 4721 Sapphire Rd, Chino Hills, CA 91709

Located in Hemet, in Riverside County, Diamond Valley Lake is a popular destination not only for wildflower viewing during spring but also for hiking, boating, and fishing.
During spring, Diamond Valley Lake transforms into a vibrant display of wildflowers, offering one of Southern California’s most spectacular seasonal blooms. Some of the most common wildflowers you can find here include: California Poppies, Lupines, Goldfields, Canterbury Bells, Evening Primrose, and Blue Dicks and Fiddlenecks.
For direction, be sure to search for Wildflower Trail, Hemet, CA instead of Diamond Valley Lake, otherwise you might end up on the opposite end of the reservoir.

Location: Wildflower Trail, Hemet, CA

Located in La Cañada Flintridge, California, just north of the city of Pasadena. Descanso Gardens is an excellent place to see cherry blossoms, especially during the spring season. The gardens are renowned for their beautiful cherry blossom displays, particularly in the Japanese Garden area, which is home to an impressive collection of flowering cherry trees.

Location: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Known for its stunning botanical collections, The Huntington features cherry blossoms in its Japanese Garden which usually bloom around late winter to early spring. While the cherry blossoms are a highlight in the Japanese Garden, the Huntington Library’s expansive grounds also feature other beautiful gardens, including the Rose Garden and Desert Garden, providing a diverse range of plant life to explore.

Location: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108

Another great spot to see cherry blossoms is the Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park in San Diego. The garden inspired by traditional Japanese landscaping, features beautiful ponds, winding paths, and a variety of plant species, including a stunning collection of cherry blossom trees.

Location: 2215 Pan American Road. E. San Diego, CA 92101

Long Beach is part of a larger region where Jacarandas thrive. Some of the best places to see jacarandas in Long Beach include the Bixby Knolls neighborhood, Bluff Park, and areas around CSU Long Beach. Streets like 5th St and Los Cerritos Park are known for their beautiful jacaranda-lined roads. The peak bloom usually happens in May.

Location: Bixby Knolls, Long Beach or Bluff Park, Long Beach

Located at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses headquarters in Pasadena, is indeed a wonderful place to see roses. This hidden gem features an array of beautiful rose varieties, along with camellias and other seasonal blooms. The garden surrounds the iconic Wrigley Mansion, adding a touch of historical charm to your visit.

The best time to see the roses in full bloom is typically in the spring and early summer. It’s a peaceful spot for a stroll and offers a serene escape for flower enthusiasts. If you’re exploring Pasadena, it’s definitely worth a visit!

Location: 391 S Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91184

Located in Cherry Valley near Beaumont, is one of the most picturesque places to see lavender fields in Southern California. The farm is known for its expansive lavender fields, which bloom beautifully each year and create a breathtaking sight with rows of vibrant purple flowers. They also host an annual Lavender Festival, a popular event celebrating the lavender harvest. During the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as: live music, lavender-inspired food and drinks, lavender products, and scenic atmosphere.

Location: 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Beaumont, CA 92223

Located roughly 2 hours north of Los Angeles, is the The Lavender Garden in Lost Hills. This area is blessed with dozens of lavender fields just off highway 46, and several lifelike sculptures for great photo ops. Lost Hills, while not as widely known as other lavender destinations in California, offers a peaceful, less crowded experience compared to other popular lavender fields. Visitors can buy lavender-based products and cut fresh lavender stems to use in cooking, crafts, or to make their own lavender arrangements.

Location: 14014 CA-46, Lost Hills, CA 93249

Located in the heart of Orange County, Tanaka Farms is known for its seasonal flower fields, and the sunflower fields are one of the standout attractions during the summer months. One of the best features of the sunflower fields at Tanaka Farms is that visitors can pick their own sunflowers. For a small fee, you can cut your own sunflowers straight from the field, making it a fun and interactive experience.

Location: 427 Anton Blvd. Costa Mesa, CA 92626