It is sometimes good for the soul to venture outdoors into nature, especially now since most of us are spending much time indoors. In the spring season, the rolling hills and ocean cliffs in Northern California and the Bay Area turn shades of yellow, orange and pink with wildflowers. It is a beautiful time of the season to go on hikes and check out flower fields in the Bay Area. Wildflower trails and flower fields are aplenty in the Bay Area. Some are accessible via a short hike while others can be found next to the highway. Check out my favorite wildflower and flower fields in the SF Bay Area ranging from yellow mustards to pink and orange poppies!

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What is the best time to see wildflowers in the Bay Area?

It changes each year based on the rainfall and conditions but anytime during spring is a great time.

You have high chances of seeing wildflowers in the months of March, April and May. 

5 best wildflower and flower fields in the SF Bay Area

Highway 1, Half Moon Bay

Flower field, Half Moon Bay, CA

Half Moon Bay wildflowers

Half Moon Bay and Highway 1 to the south of the town are some of the best spots to find wildflowers in the Bay Area. Do note that many fields are fenced or part of private property. Be sure to respect the rules and do not trespass. As you drive farther south along Hwy 1, you will find fields of wildflowers to admire from afar and some open fields that can be accessed without trespassing.

Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz

Pink wildflowers at Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz

Yellow and orange flower fields at Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz

We discovered this park last year and had so much fun walking the trails full of wildflowers – some orange and some pink. Old Landing Cove trail (about 2.3miles long) that runs along the cliffs is a beautiful trail with colorful wildflowers in spring and incredible ocean views. This park has quickly become one of my favorite places to visit in the SF Bay Area.

Garrapata State Park, Big Sur

Wildflowers at Garrapata State Park, Big Sur

Wildflowers at Garrapata State Park, Big Sur

This is another beautiful park full of wildflowers and ocean views in the Big Sur area just past Carmel. You are required to park by the road as there is no parking lot available. Take the bluff trail or walk along the numerous paths to chance upon gorgeous wildflowers. The Calla Lily trail in this area is also another breathtaking spot to see beautiful white Calla Lillies during spring.

Montara State Beach

Montara State Beach wildflower blooms

Gray Whale Cove trail in Montara State Beach is another short hike (just over 2 miles) that is full of wildflowers and scenic views. It is heavily trafficked and parking can be a pain so get there early and plan accordingly.

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country

Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County

I find a reason to add wine country in every one of my California blog posts and for a good reason! 🙂 In the spring, the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Counties are covered in beautiful yellow mustard flowers screaming to be photographed. Did you know that mustard plants act as natural biofumigants? I recommend making a trip early spring (in Feb or March) as it is one of the best times of the year to do wine tasting without crowds.

5 more wildflower hikes in the Bay Area

In addition to the above 5 places, there are several trails and parks within the Bay Area that are full of wildflowers in the spring. I have listed a few of my favorites.

NOTE: While these hikes are gorgeous in spring, you won’t find the sweeping floral views that the above places offer. The fields are often sparsely populated with flowers but beautiful nevertheless.

Russian Ridge Preserve, Los Altos

Sunol Open Wilderness, Sunol

Mt. Diablo State Park, Walnut Creek

Henry W. Coe State Park, Morgan Hill

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, Portola Valley

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