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I love discovering seasonal blooms in California and SF Bay Area and had the opportunity to see wildflowers, all kinds of flower fields in California, jacarandas, almond blossoms, sunflowers in full bloom and incredible lavender fields.
It made me realize that you do not have to go to Provence to frolic in lavender fields. There are many lavender fields in Northern, Central and Southern California that are open to the public during peak season. Some of my favorites are 123 Farms near Los Angeles, Araceli Farms in Dixon and Montebellaria farms in wine country. Check out where to get lost in the intoxicating scent of lavender nearby.
Some of the lavender farms in California allow private photoshoots in the mornings and evenings while others are open to the public only during regular hours. I have listed the ones that allow private photo shoots below.
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Table of Contents
Best Lavender Fields in California
California Lavender Trip Planner
Everything you need to plan the perfect lavender field visit in California.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Mid June to July
PEAK BLOOM
Late June
BEST LAVENDER FIELDS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
BEST LAVENDER FIELDS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
WHAT TO WEAR
WHERE TO STAY
Lavender farms in Northern California and the Bay Area
Araceli Farms, Dixon
This is one of the most popular and easily accessible lavender farms located in the Sacramento valley, near Dixon, CA. With timed tickets, you get to spend 2 hours sniffing the lavender and frolicking in the fields.
One of the advantages of this farm is that they allow private photo sessions in the morning and evening hours. If you want dreamy photoshoot surrounded by lavender, this is the farm you should go to!
This is my go to farm to visit every year during lavender season in NorCal. If you are lucky, you can also combine a visit to the best sunflower fields.
You can also make it a weekend trip by visiting the lakes near Lake Tahoe.
Private photo shoot – Yes.
Advanced reservation – Yes, 2hr time slot
Monte Bellaria di California, Sebastopol
This is a gem of a lavender field in the wine country (Sebastopol). Beautiful lavenders are planted on a rolling hill with gorgeous vineyard views all around. They open in April and you will need timed tickets bought in advance.
This farm limits the number of people every hour and given the vast area, it gives you plenty of time to be alone with the lavenders. I highly recommend visiting this lavender field if you live in the Bay Area or Northern California.
I can’t believe most people miss this and only visit Araceli farms. I loved my visit to the farm and even the drive is so beautiful.
If you visit this farm, make sure you also visit the amazing wineries in Healdsburg which is a short drive from Sebastopol.
Private photo shoot – No
Advanced reservation – Yes, 1hr time slot
Lavender Bee Farm, Petaluma
Lavender Bee Farm is located in Petaluma (in the wine country) and is a small farm with personable owners. It is a beautiful field spanning 3 acres of lavender and other gardens. This farm is only open for a month during the summer lavender season. While you are there, also grab their delicious 100% organic lavender honey!
Advanced reservation – Farm tours by reservation only. Call ahead
Bees n Blooms Sonoma, Santa Rosa
This is a unique spot in Santa Rosa to snap beautiful photos with lavender. It is not a huge farm but a labyrinth of lavender gardens. The labyrinth comprises 7 circles with each circle featuring a different lavender variety. You can also check the lavender bloom status here. One of the best things about this lavender farm is that it is free and dogs are allowed on leash.
Advanced reservation – No
Matanzas Creek Winery, Santa Rosa
Wine tasting with a side of lavender? Why, yes! Matanzas Creek Winery offers just that with a terraced lavender garden to enjoy your wine with. Even though we did not have a reservation at the winery, they were kind enough to let us enter the lavender field to spend some time and take photos. Reservations are highly recommended if you would like to access the lavender garden.
Advanced reservation – Yes. For wine tasting and lavender garden
Cache Creek Lavender Festival, Rumsey
Cache Creek Lavender Festival at Luna Lavender Farms is scheduled to take place on June 13-14, 2026 amidst the lavender fields in Rumsey, CA. Even though the farm is not that big, it is a fun event with beautiful photo opportunities, free lessons, local vendors for olive oil, wine tastings and all things lavender.
Advanced reservation – No. FREE Admission 10am – 4pm.
Moonbeam Farm, Corning
This is yet another lavender farm located north of Sacramento. It is a bit of a drive up north but hey, anything for lavender, right? The good thing is that you can book a private photo shoot and special events here.
Private photo shoot – Yes
Advanced reservation – No.
One other place to see lavender in the heart of SF Bay Area is the Filoli Gardens. It is one of the most beautiful gardens in the Bay Area and best places to see cherry blossoms as well.
Shop my favorite outfits to wear to the lavender fields
Lavender fields in Central California
Pageo Lavender Farm, Turlock
Pageo is another dream of a lavender farm. If you want to plan your dream wedding among lavender fields, this is the place to be. Be sure to visit them in June as they tend to harvest their lavender in July. They also allow private photo sessions during the day and golden hours for a fraction of price compared to other farms.
Private photo shoot – Yes. Please call to confirm rates.
Advanced reservation – Call ahead to confirm.
The Lavender Garden, Lost Hills
The Lavender Garden in Lost Hills is a popular stop in the Central Valley with over 200 visitor reviews. It sits near the I-5 corridor, making it a convenient detour between Los Angeles and San Francisco. A perfect pit stop during lavender season if you are driving through.
Advanced reservation – Check their website for current hours
California Lavender Honey Farm, San Miguel
California Lavender Honey Farm is located in San Miguel and is close to Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. The farm offers detailed tours of their lavender farm, bee museum, tastings of their veggies, honey and a visit to their lavender field. The tour gives you a chance for many cool photo opportunities!
Although Paso Robles is one of the best places to see in California in December, it is still a great time to visit in Spring for superbloom and lavenders. And California Lavender Honey Farm is a must stop.
Private photo shoot – Yes. The price for the professional photo shoot is $40 per hour/per session.
Advanced reservation – Yes. One per weekend only. $35 for adult and $15 for kids.
Hambly Lavender Farm, San Miguel
Hambly Lavender Farm is located in San Miguel, just minutes from Paso Robles wine country. It holds a perfect 5.0-star rating and a farm shop stocked with lavender products. Pair your visit with a wine tasting in Paso Robles for a full day out on the Central Coast.
Advanced reservation – Call ahead to confirm
Clairmont Farm, Los Olivos
Clairmont lavender farm is a beautiful field located in my favorite Santa Ynez Valley. It is a great place to see lavender in the Santa Barbara area and central coast. You could choose to have a picnic or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Advanced reservation – Call ahead to confirm
Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm, Lompoc
Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm is a highly rated estate in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country near Lompoc. The farm grows its own lavender and hosts an annual Lavender Festival each summer. It sits close to the acclaimed Santa Rita Hills wine tasting rooms.
Advanced reservation – Check their website for current season hours
Lavender fields in Southern California
123 Farm at Highland Springs Ranch, Cherry Valley
About 90min from LA, 123 Farm is a popular lavender farm in Southern California and boasts to be the largest in the area as well. It can get really busy as most SoCal Instagrammers and families alike flock to this place during peak season.
May – July is the lavender season. This farm has lots of props for plenty of photo opportunities and is one of the best lavender farm in California. They also host several other festivals including a wild orchid festival in March.
Private photo shoot – Yes. Call the farm for pricing. They also offer membership options.
Advanced reservation – Yes
Ojai Lavender Farm, Ojai
Nestled in the Upper Ojai Valley, Ojai Lavender Farm is an eco-friendly and sustainable operation. Ojai is a dreamy small town known for its pink sunsets and artsy community. Check their website for current operating hours before your visit.
Advanced reservation – Check their website for current hours
Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
When can you see lavender fields in California?
Lavender season runs from mid-May through mid-July, with June being peak bloom. Northern California farms typically peak in June. Some Southern California farms like 123 Farm bloom May through July.
Bloom timing shifts year to year with weather. Always check each farm’s website or Instagram for real-time updates. Book early — popular farms sell out before bloom is even confirmed.
What month is best for visiting lavender fields in California?
June is the best month. Most farms are at full bloom and many host festivals and special events. Visit in the second half of June and you may also catch sunflower season in Northern California.
Where are the most beautiful lavender fields in California?
Sonoma wine country has some of the most scenic farms — Monte Bellaria and Matanzas Creek Winery are standouts. For Southern California, 123 Farm in Cherry Valley is a crowd favorite. Clairmont Farm in Los Olivos and Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm in Lompoc are stunning options on the Central Coast.
Is there lavender in California?
Yes — California has over 15 lavender farms open to the public during peak season. They are spread across Northern, Central, and Southern California. You do not need to travel to Provence to experience stunning lavender fields.
Where to find lavender fields near you in California
Lavender farms are scattered all across California. The wine country of Sonoma has several popular options. There are also farms near Sacramento, the Central Valley, Paso Robles, and Southern California.
This guide is organized by region — Northern, Central, and Southern California. Find the one closest to you and plan a day trip.
Best time of day to visit lavender fields
Most farms are open during regular hours like 10am–5pm. If you want a private photo shoot, golden hour is best — early morning after sunrise or right before sunset.
Morning visits (8–10am) are ideal even for general admission. Temperatures are cooler, the light is softer, and the crowds are smaller. The Dixon area regularly hits 90°F by midday in summer.
What to wear to a lavender farm
Flowy white dresses or purple outfits look beautiful in lavender fields. Wear a wide-brim hat and plenty of sunscreen as the California sun is intense in summer.
Most fields are uneven and can be muddy after irrigation. Choose comfortable sandals or flat shoes that you do not mind getting dirty.
Shop my favorite outfits to wear to the lavender fields
Do I need to book lavender farms in advance?
Yes — most popular farms require timed tickets bought in advance. Farms like Araceli, Monte Bellaria, and 123 Farm sell out quickly. Book as soon as the season opens, even before bloom is confirmed.
Respect the rules
Read and follow each farm’s rules. These are someone’s livelihood and hard work. Some farms do not allow walking between the plants — please respect that.
Most farms have designated photo spots. Stay within those areas for the best shots and to protect the crops.
Are there bees at lavender farms?
Yes — bees love lavender and are everywhere in the fields. This is natural and a sign of a healthy farm. Be aware of your surroundings and watch where you put your hands.
If you are allergic to bee stings, carry an EpiPen and stay extra cautious near the plants. Supervise children closely in the field.
Final Thoughts
Having been to the best tulip fields in The Netherlands, seeing wild poppies in Tuscany, cherry blossoms in Japan, Washington’s Skagit Valley tulips, I can confidently say that California is one of the best places to see flower fields of all kinds.
Did you know that flowers start to bloom in California starting from February? You will find a variety of flower fields like the wild poppy fields, almond blossoms, sunflowers and even tulip fields in California.
And of course, there are plenty of lavender fields to visit in California. In addition to beautiful photo opportunities, these farms also sell all things lavender like soaps, oils, dried lavender and honey to get your lavender fix at home as well. Have I convinced you to visit a lavender farm in California?
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Wow! I didn’t realize California had so many lavender fields! All of your photos are so beautiful. I definitely need to visit some this summer. I did get to go to the ones in Provence a few years ago and they were beautiful! 🙂
I didn’t know there were so many fields. I wish I liked lavender to visit some . But this is a great insightful post for people who want to visit .
This is such a great post. We are fortunate to have some lovely lavender fields here in Texas as well. I love your photos also!
Wow! The lavender fields are so beautiful! I live in northern California and didn’t we had them so close to home. I will be definitely checking them out this spring/summer. Thanks for all of the helpful tips!
Oooh I can feel the calm and almost smell the sweet lavender scent through the screen! These lavender fields are gorgeous Aswani! I also love that you chose to visit them in the perfect purple dress! Hopefully 2021 will allow us all a chance to smell this many blooms!
your photography is beautiful!
Thank you so much! My husband is the BTS guy 🙂
There is a great lavender farm in Paso Robles -California Lavender Honey Farm, they have not just the lavender field but also bee farm, unique Bee Museum, organic vegetables and educational tours https://www.californialavenderhoneyfarm.com
Valuable information. I also visited here some lavender farms. Also your pictures are awesome.