San Diego Flower Fields & Gardens
Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
When: March 1 - May
Stroll through 50 acres of beautiful giant Tecolote ranunculus flowers in glorious bloom at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. For more than 60 years, the annual burst of vibrant color has been a local tradition. It is also one of nature's ways of announcing the arrival of spring in San Diego. Make sure to bring your camera for a fabulous, floral-filled Instagram post.
Balboa Park
When: All Year Round
You'll find lush landscaping and stunning gardens within Balboa Park’s 1,200 acres.
- Start at the Japanese Friendship Garden, featuring tranquil strolling paths, a koi pond, tea pavilion and Zen garden.
- Saunter along the Lily Pond, one of the most photographed landmarks in the park. (The Botanical Building is undergoing much-needed restoration and is closed to the public.)
- The Zoro Garden is a sunken butterfly garden, and Palm Canyon is an oasis containing 450 palms.
- Discover more than 130 varieties of roses, full of fragrance, color and beauty, in the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden.
- The stunning design of the Alcazar Garden is patterned after the gardens of Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain.
- Find 2.5 acres of succulents and drought-resistant plants from around the world at the Desert Garden.
- The Marston House Formal and Primitive Gardens offers five acres of rolling lawns, manicured formal gardens and rustic canyon gardens
> Learn More about Balboa Park's Gardens
San Diego Botanic Garden
When: All Year Round
Stroll through the San Diego Botanic Garden, featuring 37 acres of beautiful gardens and unusual plants from around the world. Find flowering trees, the world’s largest bamboo collection, a tropical rainforest, desert succulents, native California plants and more. This horticultural treasure is located in the North County city of Encinitas, known as the "Flower Capital of the World."
Water Conservation Garden
When: All Year Round
Head out to the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon in San Diego's rural East County to learn about California-friendly gardening. Learn about water conservation in the region’s semi-arid landscape through a series of beautifully themed gardens including a native plant garden. Enjoy weekly classes such as Garden Yoga and a Mind and Body Master Class. Connect with nature during an easy-paced, guided tour which produces a calming, internal experience.
Spring Wildflowers in Anza-Borrego Desert
When: March - April
Head out to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in rural East County. See a spectacular wonderland of color when the spring wildflowers bloom. Enjoy a vibrant kaleidoscope of wildflowers, from tiny bursts of color no larger than the head of a pin to towering ocotillos with fiery spines of scarlet blossoms.
The wildflower bloom depends on timing and the amount of winter rainfall. The bloom can last 2-6 weeks. Guests are advised to call the Park's 24-hour "Wildflower Hotline" at 760-767-4684 before planning a tour of the desert flora.
Coronado in Bloom
When: All Year Round
You can bicycle, stroll or drive through charming Coronado and find beautiful gardens at every turn. Since 1922 and the first Annual Coronado Flower Show, horticultural lovers have visited the picturesque community to enjoy its botanical bounty. Check out the iconic Hotel del Coronado’s lush landscape of tropical trees, palms, shrubs and flowers planted by pioneering horticulturist Kate Sessions. Delight in perfectly manicured home gardens that flourish in springtime. Enjoy Mediterranean, East Coast (daffodils and iris) and tropical (birds of paradise and orchids) varieties of flowers.
Featured Floral Events
When: Mar. 7-10, 2024
Along with its lovely namesake blossoms, the 2024 Japanese Friendship Garden Cherry Blossom Festival includes a children's area with crafts, a beer and sake garden, and a tea and dessert garden. In addition, guests can watch daily live performances and shop from different food and merchant vendors.
When: Mar. 23-24, 2024
Celebrate one of nature's most cheerful blossoms during the annual Julian Daffodil Show. The flowery event takes place at the Julian Town Hall in East County's charming mountain town of Julian. View thousands of daffodils growing along Julian’s streets and in the hillsides as well as on display from 12 noon to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a Daffodil Art Show by Julian’s schools and meet National Daffodil Society experts, who can provide names and answer questions about daffodils.
When: Apr. 25-28, 2024
A much-loved and eagerly anticipated tradition, Art Alive at The San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park invites talented floral designers to fill the galleries with fragrant arrangements inspired by the museum collection, offering a brilliantly colored backdrop for a weekend of beloved traditions and art-inspired activities.
When: Apr. 27-28, 2024
The Spring Home/Garden Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is a two-day extravaganza of inspiring real "Garden Masters" landscapes (created exclusively for the show), hands-on demonstrations, hundreds of home-improvement products and service exhibitors, educational seminars, plant sales and face-to-face consultations with top experts.
When: April 20-21, 2024
The Coronado Flower Show is the largest tented flower show in the nation! Exhibits surround a central gazebo which stages continuous live music entertainment, announcements, and trophy presentations. Food pavilion and beer garden on site!
When: May 3-4, 2024
Join the Julian Woman's Club for their annual Wildflower Show, a fun-filled floral event that began in 1926 in historic Julian. Savor the fragrance and see Julian's beautiful "Jewels of the Backcountry." Enjoy art from local schools and handicrafts from talented club members.
