CARLSBAD — Nearly 80 million colorful giant tecolote ranunculus blooms await visitors at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, as the favorite springtime attraction prepares to return on March 1 for its 2026 season.
Founded in 1965, the fields boast 55 acres of stunning ranunculus flowers, which are native to Asia Minor and part of the buttercup family. Thousands of visitors come from all over Southern California to the fields during the spring.
This season, visitors can enjoy the fields from March through May 10, with tickets on sale now.
“Each season feels like a fresh celebration of spring, and we’re excited to officially welcome guests back in March,” said Fred Clarke, General Manager of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. “During our off-season, we’ve been tending the fields, planting ranunculus and organizing another spectacular season for our guests.”
There are various attractions for visitors to enjoy at the fields, including fan favorites like the American Flag of Flowers, tractor wagon rides, artist gardens, the Sweet Pea Maze, Santa’s Playground, Carlsbad Mining Company, and U-Pick Blueberries on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The popular Butterfly Encounter experience is expanding this year with a new 1,000-square-foot greenhouse housing hundreds of butterflies, including exotic species such as the blue morpho and the emperor birdwing.
There will also be a weekly rotation of pop-ups at the fields by local businesses like Lofty Coffee, Sugar Bear Sweets, and Fox Point Farms.
Artist Alex Heveri’s traveling exhibit, “Glass in Flight,” will also return to the fields, featuring more than two dozen glass-and-steel sculptures of butterflies, birds, dragonflies, bees, and other flying creatures.
The activities calendar is also chock-full of free and ticketed events for visitors, including live music performances, yoga and meditation experiences, wine tasting, and workshops for flower crown making, ikebana floral arranging, painting, and more.
Tickets for The Flower Fields must be purchased online in advance. Admission prices are $27 for adults, $25 for seniors (60+) and military, $17 for children aged 3 to 10, and free for children under 3.
Season passes and group tours are also available, with additional pricing for wagon tours and butterfly encounters. Private events, including weddings and corporate gatherings, can be booked year-round.
The Flower Fields are located at 5704 Paseo del Norte in Carlsbad. For more information, visit theflowerfields.com.
