6 Amazing California Tulip Fields To Visit This Spring

Tulips in California? Yes, you heard that right!

If you know me or read my blogposts, you will know that I am a self proclaimed flower queen. I have visited the best tulip fields in the Netherlands, seen bright poppies in full bloom in Tuscany and more!

When it comes to flower fields in California, the golden state is famous for its superblooms, almond blossoms, wild flowers of Big Sur and Chino Hills State Park, sunflowers and lavender fields but tulip gardens deserve a spot as some of California’s best flower fields.

rows of purple tulips and red tulips in the background

One of my favorite things to do in spring and summer is chasing flower fields and I absolutely adore all the variety of flower fields we have in California.

While the tulip fields in California may not be as expansive as the ones in Holland or our northern neighbors like Washington or BC, there are a few tulip fields in California to frolic and satisfy your tulip fever.

Here is everything you need to know about California tulip fields, including where to find them, when to visit and what to expect.

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Tulip Fields Southern California

Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge

A sea of purple tulip flowers with green stems and white tulip flowers in the background at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge

Descanso Gardens is a botanical wonderland near Los Angeles in Southern California that not only features tulips but a variety of seasonal blooms like magnolias, cherry blossoms, daffodils and more.

Note that Descanso is not a traditional tulip field but you will find beautiful tulips all through the gardens and find tulips in every shade imaginable!

The stunning displays of tulips planted throughout the grounds are perfect photo opportunity for visitors.

While tulips are a major draw at Descanso Gardens in spring, it is a great place to check out the cherry blossoms at the Japanese Garden, magnolias, daffodils and other spring flowers that blossom around the same time.

Descanso gardens is perhaps the best spot to for tulips in Southern California. If you time your visit right, you can also spot cherry blossoms. These gardens are one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Southern California.

Bright orange bed of tulips in full bloom with green stems and some white wild daisies on the garden bed

Important Note regarding wildfires and impact on Descanso Gardens: Descanso Gardens was so close to being impacted by the Eaton fires. While the garden ground did not have any fire damage, there was significant wind damage.

Before heading out, visit Descanso Gardens’ website or social media for updates regarding closures, tulip blooms and garden events.

Underwood Family Farms, Moorpark

beautiful aubergine colored tulips standing tall with bright green stems

Underwood Family Farms is a great farm to visit for families and flower enthusiasts.

While the farm is well-known for its seasonal activities like pumpkin patches, and fresh produce, its tulip fields are a hidden gem that you must visit in spring. This is one of the best places to see tulips in SoCal.

You will be greeted by rows upon rows of colorful tulips fields at Underwood Family Farms. The farm plants thousands of tulip bulbs each year, creating a stunning display of reds, pinks and yellows. Ahh, what a sight! 🙂

One of the highlights of visiting Underwood Family Farms is the opportunity to pick your own tulips. During the tulip season, the farm often hosts tulip-picking events, allowing visitors to take home a bouquet of fresh blooms.

Underwood Family Farms in Southern California is a must visit if you are into chasing California’s tulip fields.

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad

Colorful flower fields in Carlsbad, California

Southern California is truly a haven for flower fields whether it is flower gardens or wild poppy fields during superbloom.

Located in San Diego County, the Carlsbad Flower Fields are one of the most famous fields of flowers and probably the most beautiful flower fields in California.

Although there are no tulips at Carlsbad Ranch, the flower fields are best known for their ranunculus blooms that come in a variety of colors and kind of resemble tulips.

The Flower Fields is home to the giant tecolote ranunculus flowers. The ranunculus fields at Carlsbad Flower Fields are a great alternative for tulip fields in North San Diego County.

If you are visiting San Diego for a long weekend, be sure to make a trip to the Carlsbad Flower Fields. Be sure to check out the sweet pea maze and the sweet pea blossoms – one of the most unique attractions in the gardens.

The Flower Fields open early March every year and on March 1st this year.

Northern California Tulip Fields

Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, San Francisco

Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden in Golden Gate Park is an absolutely beautiful garden and a must visit for flower lovers. This is as close as you can get to the Dutch tulip farms in the heart of San Francisco.

A bed of red, orange and yellow tulips blooming with a dutch windmill in the background of blue sky at Queen Wilhemina Tulip Garden in Golden Gate Park, San francisco.

The highlight of the garden is the historic Dutch Windmill surrounded by rows and rows of tulips. The tulips and the windmill create a picture perfect photo for tulip lovers.

This park is definitely one of the best places to see tulips in California and best things to do in San Francisco.

If you visit in March, be sure to check out the Japanese Tea Garden where you can find some of the most beautiful cherry blossoms in California.

Filoli Gardens, Woodside

Beautiful array of pink, orange and yellow tulips with green stems all around at Filoli gardens in Woodside

Filoli Gardens is a historic estate and botanical garden in Woodside, Northern California and is a perfect place to see gorgeous flowers in bloom all through the year.

From wisterias to lavender to marigolds and of course, tulips, Filoli gardens have it all! It is one of the most gorgeous gardens in SF Bay Area.

Beautiful red tulips blooming over a bed of small blue flowers and green bushes in the background at the gorgeous Filoli Gardens

The tulips are strategically placed throughout the gardens complement the estate’s historic architecture and lush landscapes.

The tulips at Filoli gardens are everywhere – lining the pathways, filling the garden beds and adding pops of color to the orchard and meadow areas.

I just love Filoli gardens. I make sure to visit multiple times starting from early spring to late summer to catch all the beautiful blooms here. You can also see some of Northern California’s best cherry blossoms at Filoli in March.

Jensen Botanical Gardens, Carmichael

red tulips blooming in a garden with yellow flowers blurred in the background

Just outside Sacramento, located in the charming town of Carmichael are Jensen Botanical Gardens. These gardens are a hidden gem with stunning displays of rhododendrons, camellias and of course, tulips!

The garden showcases a variety of tulip species in arrays of bright reds, yellows, soft pinks, deep purples and crisp whites. The tulips are planted in clusters throughout the garden and a sight to see.

This is a perfect spot to stop on your way before heading for activities in Lake Tahoe.

Tips for visiting tulip fields in California

Are there tulip fields in California?

Yes, there are tulip fields in California! While California is more famous for its poppy superblooms at Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve and wildflower displays at Borrego Springs, tulip farms and gardens can also be found in various parts of the state.

These fields are often smaller and less expansive than the best tulip fields in The Netherlands or Washington’s Skagit Valley Tulips, but they are still very beautiful and worth a visit.

Where to find the best tulip fields in California?

Angular rows of purple tulips with red and pink tulips in backdrop

While California’s tulip fields may not be as big as the ones in Washington, Oregon or BC, there are several tulip gardens and farms that you can visit to see tulips in bloom in spring.

The best tulip gardens in Northern California are Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden in Golden Gate Park, Filoli Gardens in Woodside and Jensen Botanical Gardens near Sacramento.

When it comes to seeing the tulips in Southern California, your best bets are Descanso Gardens, Underwood Family Farms near Los Angeles.

What is the best time to visit California’s tulip fields?

Most tulip gardens and fields in California typically are in full bloom from mid-March to early April. The exact timing can vary depending on the weather.

Before heading out, check the bloom status on the garden’s website or social media for updates on tulip blooms.

What is the best time of the day to visit tulip farms in California?

The perfect time of the day to see tulips is early in the morning as soon as the gardens open. Here are a few tips:

Arrive early: During peak bloom season, the gardens and farms can get quite busy. Arriving early ensures you’ll have the place mostly to yourself.
Respect the garden: Stay on designated paths and avoid picking or stepping on the flowers.
Visit on a weekday: If you plan to take a lot of photos, I highly suggest visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds.

What to wear on your visit to California’s tulip fields?

I love to dress like spring while visiting the flower fields. It can be floral dresses or pastel colored flowy dresses or whatever you feel comfortable with.

Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.

Choose comfortable shoes/boots to walk around.

Can I bring my dog to a tulip field?

Policies vary by farm. Always check the farm’s pet policy before bringing your furry friend.

Are there rules I should follow when visiting tulip fields?

Yes, always respect the garden rules and their guidelines:

Stay on designated paths to avoid damaging the flowers.
Do not pick tulips unless the farm allows it.
Dispose of trash properly and leave the fields as you found them.
Follow any posted rules or instructions from staff.

Final Thoughts

California is a dream destination for flower enthusiasts with incredible variety of blooms throughout the year. It is the best state in the United States to see flower fields and spring blossoms. I don’t know about you but visiting flower fields to me is one of the most perfect weekend getaways from the hustle of SF Bay Area.

The Golden State of California is a haven for flower lovers.

When it comes to tulips, there are several gardens and farms in California that showcase a variety of tulips in multitude of colors. While the tulip fields in California are nothing like the amazing tulips of Lisse and Netherlands, you can still find some decent ones all over California.

Some of the best places to see tulips in Southern California are the beautiful Descanso Gardens and the U-pick Underwood Family Farms. Carlsbad Flower Fields are famous for their ranunculus that look very much like tulips.

In Northern California, you will find a slice of Holland in Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden and colorful bulbs in Filoli Gardens as well as Jensen Botanical Gardens.

If you love chasing flowers, check out my other posts about where to find the best almond blossoms in California, the most beautiful lavender fields, best sunflower fields in California, best places to see wildflowers in SF Bay Area and the most beautiful flower fields in California.