With one of the driest winter seasons on record, no one is expecting any sort of major bloom event this spring. However, there are still places to catch seasonal flowers, which perhaps feel even more miraculous because they found a way to blossom anyway. From flower farms to wildflowers, here are a few of our favorite ways to savor spring’s blooms.
Flower Fields & Festivals
Cherry Blossom Festival
On March 30 the vibrant blooms of Torrance’s renowned cherry blossom trees explode in color during the 2025 Cherry Blossom Festival. This free, family-friendly event promises a vibrant tapestry of cultural performances, handcrafted treasures, and mouthwatering cuisine.
California Poppy Festival
The City of Lancaster’s annual festival returns to the AV Fair & Event Center April 25-27. The California Poppy Festival honors our state flower with live entertainment, rides, festival food and more. Lancaster is home to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve where poppies and other wildflowers bloom from around mid-February through May.
Underwood Family Farm
The Ventura County farm is known for growing fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to hosting popular family-friendly events like Christmas on the Farm and Fall Harvest Festival. But each spring they also put on The Tulip Garden Experience featuring over 500,000 bulbs important from Holland. Open daily from Feb. 22 until the blooms are finished, which is about one month from open, visitors can pick their own tulips, hop on a tulip train ride and take photos in front of the giant windmill. Other activities include the animal center, tractor drawn wagon ride, play yard and wings and more.
Lompoc Flower Fields
About one hour up the coast from Santa Barbara, the Lompoc Flower Fields are known for their colorful varieties such as Delphinium, Larkspur, Stock and more. From around mid-April through early June visitors can catch these vibrant blooms in the fields or in the wild. Visit Explore Lompoc’s guide to map out your sightseeing route.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Beginning March 1, visit North San Diego County’s famous flower field to experience its stunning red, orange, yellow, pink and purple Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers. Though these colorful blossoms are the main event, guests can also walk through the enchanting Sea of Sunflowers as they begin to blossom, and the Sweet Pea Maze, a fragrant floral maze. New this year is the Butterfly Encounter, where guests can experience hundreds of butterflies fluttering around them, and artist Alex Heveri’s “Glass in Flight,” an outdoor sculpture exhibit of steel and glass birds and insects.
Central and Southern California Wildflowers
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The largest state park in California features camping, hiking, guided nature walks and hundreds of flowering plants that bloom each spring. Though this year won’t see a splashy wildflower season as in season’s past, you can still catch some beautiful blooms. Check Anza-Borrego Foundation’s wildflower page for updates on wildflower sightings and conditions.
Carrizo Plain National Monument
According to the Desert USA report, Carrizo Plain National Monument, an enclosed grassland plain 100 miles north of Los Angeles, should have some wildflowers this year thanks to 2.1 cumulative inches of rain for the season. Its wildflowers can typically be seen along the Temblor Mountains and Soda Lake Road. Because Carrizo Plain National Monument is in a remote area, this trip is probably best for families with older kids or those feeling a little more adventurous.
Joshua Tree National Park
Famous for its namesake Dr. Seuss-like trees, Joshua Tree National Park is an easy 2-hour drive from Los Angeles. A popular nature destination for Angelinos, expect long lines at the entrance or plan to visit weekdays and before 8 a.m. to beat the crowds. You can catch wildflowers through June, but due to little rainfall this winter, blooms will be harder to spot. With many accessible trails off the main road, this is an easy wildflower viewing experience for families.
Theodore Payne Wildflower Hotline
The Sun Valley nonprofit nursery’s famed wildflower hotline returns March 7 and will remain open through May. Wildflower enthusiasts can call 818 768-1802 ext. 7 to hear the best locations for wildflower viewing throughout Southern and Central California.
