I love sunflowers! Who doesn’t? The bright yellow flowers signal the arrival of summer and are a dream to visit. And if you are on Instagram, sunflower photos are one of the top posts on everyone’s explore page during summer. I had been chasing sunflower fields in California (and other places) for the last 3-4 years. Unfortunately, I missed them each year due to various reasons. This year, I was determined to find them and I finally did! On my quest to find the best sunflower fields near SF Bay Area and in California, I had discovered a few tips and tricks along the way that are extremely helpful. To make your quest for sunflower fields easy and breezy, I have listed the exact locations, best times to visit the sunflower fields and a few tips that will help you.

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Where to find the best sunflower fields in California?

Yolo County in Northern California is the best place to see sunflowers in summer. The towns of Davis, Dixon, Woodland and Winters in Yolo county are full of sunflowers glowing in the summer sun. If you have ever driven to Lake Tahoe (from San Francisco or Bay Area) in the summer, you must have noticed rows and rows of gorgeous sunflower fields lined along the freeway. Most of them are less than 2hrs drive from SF Bay Area and about an hour from the wine country. If you are planning to visit from Southern California, plan for a weekend trip and stay in Davis or Sacramento overnight. I have also listed a few farms in Southern California if you don’t care to drive all the way to Dixon, Davis or Woodland.

Best time to see sunflowers in California

It depends each year but mid-June to mid-July is the best time to see the yellow flowers in full bloom in California. Some fields bloom early, while others a little late so I recommend visiting early July. We went in the first week of July and the timing was perfect. August is too late as the flowers slowly wilt away and die. Some farms that I have listed below bloom in fall.

Missed the summer sunflower season?

Did you miss the peak summer sunflower season? Do not despair! Some farms open in the fall season to coincide with the pumpkin and corn harvest. Andreotti Farm in Half Moon Bay has late blooms around September. Swank farms in Hollister is also open in the fall and there are two farms (listed below) in Southern California that bloom in the fall.

Tips to visit Sunflower fields in California and SF Bay

Best time of the day

GOLDEN HOUR! The famed golden hour is the magical time of the day just after the sunrise and right before the sunset when the sky is orange and sunlight is soft and golden. Golden hour is the best time to capture the beauty of sunflowers as they turn golden in the light. I prefer early morning to avoid crowds.

Clothing

Some fields have mud and water around the farm so wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. 

Old boots would be ideal. 

Summer dresses or light colored clothing complement the sunflowers really well. Avoid long dresses for the reason above. 

Respect nature

Respect the fields and the nature around them. Remember that people rely on these fields for their livelihood. Do not pick the flowers or trample. Do not trespass if there is such a sign. You will always find other sunflower fields that are open.

Call Ahead

If you are unsure about visiting a particular farm, call ahead. Many farms give you their exact location and allow photography if you call them ahead of time.

Bees

Be aware of bees! Bees are everywhere in the fields and on the flowers. Be cautious.

Best Sunflower fields in California

Muller Joe & Sons Ranch, Woodland

This is one of the most beautiful field of sunflowers in Woodland and a great spot for photography. Unlike a few other places mentioned below, this one is off the freeway and is not very crowded. When we went for sunrise, we were the only ones there. 

This is one of my favorite and best sunflower fields near SF Bay Area because the owners are extremely friendly. If you DM them on Instagram or give a call, they give you the address and allow you to take photographs.

Know before you go

Location: 15810 Co Rd 95, Woodland, CA 95695

Phone: (530) 662-0105

Peak season: mid-June to mid-July

NOTE: Send a DM to Californiafarmsandranches on their Instagram page and they will text you the exact location as well.

Cloverleaf and Collins farm, Davis 

This gorgeous field is along I-80 freeway and is hard to miss on your drive. That is how we stumbled upon it. We frantically took the exit and drove back to see the sunflowers in their morning glory. As you can imagine, it is quite popular among Northern Californians but is big enough for several people to take photos at one time. The field was filled with water and this is one field where those old boots will be extremely helpful! 

If you love flower fields and are in the area, you might want to check out beautiful lavender farms at Araceli Farms.

Know before you go

Location: 9055, Olmo Ln, Davis, CA

Co-ordinates: 38.5079063,-121.7869537

Peak season: mid-June to mid-July

Currey Road Sunflower fields

This was the first sunflower field we had visited in California a few years ago. The only bummer – we went in August and the flowers were almost dead! This time around (thanks to my well timed planning ;)), they were in full bloom! This is another field that is very popular and can get crowded so plan accordingly.

NOTE: This is a private field so be extra cautious and do not trespass. Just admire the beauty of the flowers from the road. 

TIP: Drive farther along Currey Rd for more secluded and beautiful sunflower fields.

Know before you go

Location: 8747, Currey Rd, Dixon

Co-ordinates: 38.4928281,-121.8243917

Peak season: mid-June to mid-July

Winters, California

I do not have a particular location for sunflower fields in these two towns. Just drive around and you will find plenty. You will have no problem finding some along CA-89 in Winters. 

Know before you go

Peak season: mid-June to mid-July

Andreotti Family Farms, Half Moon Bay

If you have missed the peak summer blooms, do not worry! You do not need to wait until next summer to see the flowers. Andreotti Farms in Half Moon Bay open up their sunflower field in the fall for visitors. They also have an option to pick your own (Upick) flowers!

Know before you go

Website: https://www.andreottifamilyfarms.com

Peak season: Fall (October – November)

Swank Farms, Hollister

Swank Farms in Hollister is another farm close to the Bay Area that is also open during fall season. Along with sunflowers, there is also a pumpkin patch for visitors!

Know before you go

Website: https://www.swankfarms.com

Peak season: Fall (October)

Pumpkin Station, Escondido

Seems like in the fall, sunflowers and pumpkins blend so well together. Pumpkin Station in Escondido is for Southern California sunflower enthusiasts who do not want to drive all the way to NorCal. Have a day filled with fun exploring corn mazes, Upick sunflowers and pumpkin patches!

Know before you go

Yelp reviews: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pumpkin-station-escondido

Peak season: Fall (October)

Tanaka Farms, Irvine

This is another SoCal favorite with many activities. It is not clear from their website on when their peak sunflower season is so best call them and inquire. This farm looks like a fun visit with many activities in summer and fall like U-pick strawberries, pumpkin patch, CSA offerings and of course, sunflowers!

Know before you go

Check out their Facebook page for regular updates on the status of sunflowers.

Sunflower fields are one of the most beautiful sights you will see in California and are a must visit in California. If you missed the summer bloom, check out the farms that bloom around fall time. Hope you get to visit one of these farms and have fun!

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