The Hills in Carlsbad are Filled with Ranunculus

Carlsbad Ranch displays acres of vibrant ranunculus in various sizes at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. These delicate beauties are the Grand Dames of Northern San Diego County. There are more than 200,000 ranunculus per acre. Farmers estimate that each plant yields an average of 10 blooms or 2 million blossoms per acre. At the field’s peak there are close to 80 million flowers in full bloom for all to admire. The rains in Southern California have created the flowers to have a thicker stem and deeper color. Farmers cut these ranunculus and offer them at the exit for you to purchase and fill your home with these long-lasting cut flowers.

Starting on March 1 through May 14, visitors can purchase tickets on the digital contactless ticketing system for an opportunity to spend a day taking in the beauty of the colorful flowers and explore other areas at Carlsbad Ranch.

ART ALIVE

New this year at The Flower Fields’s is a glorious mural collaboration between Carlsbad Ranch, The San Diego Museum of Art and artist Theo Huynh French. According to the artist, who has created Mindful Murals, her inspiration for the mural of flowers in the butterfly garden is to provide visitors a “refuge for the mind and soul.”

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Children love the open-air tractor wagon ride through the fields while listening to an audio commentary of the history of The Flower Fields. The wagon ticket prices are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 3 to 10 years old. Afterwards it’s time to climb and run around Santa’s Playground, an area inside that is dedicated to the whimsical mushrooms, crooked playhouses and slides from the former Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead area.

FOOD AND DRINKS

Vendors throughout the area include a Pizza Trolley, lemon shaped Lemonade Stand, Kettle Corn and Cotton Candy booths, Mexico City Cuisine, a Strawberry Shack and Sweet Swirls Ice Cream.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Areas included in the ticket are the Sweet Pea Maze, a living maze filled with fragrant and colorful ‘old-fashioned’ sweet pea blossoms. Nearby is The Master Gardeners of San Diego demonstration garden showcasing edible and ornamental plants. Visitors can learn and be inspired to replicate their garden design and planting styles at their own homes. The Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse allows visitors to get up close to their exquisite flowers. Don’t miss the historical Poinsettia greenhouse filled with hundreds of Ecke poinsettias. There are over 20 rare and unique varieties of the world’s best-selling potted plant.

MUSIC

Also Included in the ticket price on certain days is live music opportunities. During the month of April, Tony Drinkard and the Remedy perform groovy alternative country-rock sound, Sue Palmer band plays swing, boogie and rhythm and blues. Guitarist and singer John January provides an energetic performance while the  Bayou Brothers will rock guests.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Events that include an additional fee include Painting classes, Flower Flow yoga classes, Sunset Wine Tasting with Food, Picnics in the Flowers, Charcuterie Workshop and Tea in the Garden.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

Throughout the fields there are benches and props including a real tractor for visitors to take a keepsake photo or to post on Instagram.

CELEBRATE

On Mother’s Day, the final day of The Flower Field’s season will be entertaining with Rancho Buena Vista High School’s Ballet Folkloric performing. The Flower Fields is a unique wedding, birthday celebration, corporate or non-profit venue offering both ocean and flower views. The Paul Ecke Jr. Family Barn is one of the most popular sites that can be reserved year round. The ranch offers complimentary use of tables, chairs and benches. Party goers can bring their own food vendors, outside alcohol to set up a bar, and live music until 11 p.m.

Single ticket admission is $23 for adults, $21 for seniors 60+ and military, $12 for children ages 3 through 10, and free for children under three. Season passes are also available for $48 for adults, $44 for seniors 60+, $24 for children ages 3 through 10, and free for children under three.

ACCOMODATIONS

For those looking to stay overnight, the following hotels are close to The Flower Fields. The Cape Rey Carlsbad is offering a ‘Splash into Spring Family Package’ with a $50 food and beverage credit each day. Rates start at $280 per night through May 25, 2023.

At The Cassara Carlsbad directly above The Flower Fields, they are offering a Stay & See package now through May 14, 2023. Stay in modern and comfortable accommodations, plus receive two admission tickets to the Flowers Fields, a waived hotel parking. There is a complimentary shuttle to and from the fields. Room rates start at $255 a night. There is a daily $20 mandatory Urban Destination charge that is added to the room rate. It includes premium guest internet access; daily $20 food and beverage credit for use, and  daily one hour bike rental per room.