4 Top Tips for Planning a Relaxing Flower-Themed Getaway in Carlsbad, California
Spa and Beauty Today Co-Founder Lizzy Sherman at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
One thing I look forward to every spring are the beautiful blooms that pop up adding a rainbow of color to the world around us. In San Diego county, the flowers are everywhere, from poppies and wildflowers dotting the coastal roadside on the drive from LA to San Diego, to hilly lilac fields in northern San Diego county, to 55-acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
If you’re visiting Carlsbad this spring, here’s everything you need to know to plan a flower-themed getaway, from where to see the flower fields to fun floral-themed activities.
The Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
What to know about visiting The Flower Fields
Rainbow ranunculus flowers at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch will see over 70 million flowers in bloom this season. The 55 acres of vibrant Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers bloom for around six to eight weeks, beginning March 1, 2024 through Mother's Day. There’s also a sunflower field as well.
Red ranunculus flowers.
Ranunculus are in the same family as poppies, and visiting The Flower Fields might make you feel like you’re off to see the wonderful wizard of Oz. The sight of millions of blooming ranunculus is incredibly magical to see in person. One thing that I found surprising about the ranunculus fields when I visited for the first time last year is that you see practically no insects or pollinators— no bees or butterflies. You will see them in the sunflower fields though.
Sunflowers at The Flower Fields.
The Flower Fields also play host to a variety of activities including floral mazes, tractor rides, family yoga, pilates and sculpt classes, picnics, live music, sunset wine tastings, meditation, sound healings, flower crown workshops, tea in the garden, and more.
If you want to be prepared for your visit, be sure to check out the “What to Know Before You Go” page on The Flower Fields website.
Single ticket admission is $27 for adults, $25 for seniors 60+ and military, $17 for children 3–10, and free for children under three. Season passes are and group tours are also available. Tickets may sell out so it’s a good idea to purchase them in advance.
2. Where to get floral-inspired spa treatments
Spa at La Costa
In Full Bloom Spa Treatments at Spa at La Costa:
Since 1965, Spa at La Costa has been considered an “original destination for mind, body, and sport.” Guests at the spa can enjoy three luxurious salt rooms for, steam rooms with aromatherapy features, and state-of-the-art equipment in the showers, locker rooms, and select treatment rooms such as the Vichy showers.
Salt Room at Omni La Costa
This spring the Spa at La Costa is offering two “In Full Bloom” services, perfect to help you unwind after a day of exploring Carlsbad:
Blossom Renewal Body Treatment (80 Minutes): This experience includes a personalized floral aroma journey and a full-body massage. The session concludes with a soothing scalp and head massage for deep relaxation. Guests will receive a complimentary floral exfoliating scrub to take home with this treatment.
Blossom Renewal Pedicure: This calming foot soak is infused with lavender, eucalyptus, and arnica and includes an exfoliating scrub and muscle-relieving oil, followed by a soothing Ayurvedic foot bowl massage. Your experience features a luxurious foot massage using your custom aroma, full nail care and a floral affirmation card to take home.
Sauna view at Omni La Costa
Before or after your service, there are plenty of amenities to enjoy including a beautiful outdoor area with a spa pool, hot tub and shower surrounded by herbs and flowers.
Outdoor spa pool at Omni La Costa
Beauty in Bloom Spa Treatments at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa:
Head to the Westin Carlsbad for a spa day at Ocean Pearl Spa and enjoy the “Beauty in Bloom” spa menu to welcome in the spring season featuring floral services and treatments on the spa menu with a 10% discount to Flower Fields attendees. Show your Flower Fields ticket to receive 10% off the Boozy Blooms Cocktail Menu at 20|TWENTY.
3. Where to enjoy floral-themed dining and tastings
The view from VUE
VUE at Omni La Costa:
Vue at Omni La Cost is the hotel’s signature restaurant that features a large outdoor dining patio with views of the resort’s championship golf courses and green rolling hills. This contemporary restaurant features creative dishes and the recently launched Chef & Friends dinner series. At each themed dinner, Chef Cameron Dixon teams up with local guest artisans, chefs, farmers, winemakers & distillers for a monthly-rotating collaborative dinner showcasing the inspired flavors of San Diego/Carlsbad. The April 15 iteration is honey-themed drawing inspiration from the flora & fauna in the surrounding area. The dinner series will also take place on May 13 & June 17.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake at Vue
Carlsbad Food Tours:
Book a Carlsbad food tour to learn about the destination’s history, culture and art while eating your way through the Village. Carlsbad Food Tours is a “Party on the Move” with six tasting locations for food and wine with a special 15% off discount code for the season (use code “Spring25” at checkout).
Tequila Tasting with Barrio Glassworks:
Celebrate spring at Barrio Glassworks’ Third Annual Quatro de Mayo Tequila Tasting on May 4. Enjoy live Mariachi tunes while you sip tequila from spring-inspired floral shot glasses made by artist Paul Counts. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a local organization.
Floral Tea-Infused Cocktail Class at Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara:
On April 17 from 4pm - 5pm, partake in “The Art of Tea” Cocktail Class at Seasons Restaurant and craft tea-infused cocktails inspired by Rishi Tea and seasonal botanicals. Guided by their expert mixologist and featuring Roku Gin, this hands-on experience is a toast to spring’s vibrant flavors.
4. Where to stay in Carlsbad
Omni La Costa:
Omni La Costa Suite
Book their seasonal “In Full Bloom Package” to enjoy a luxurious Legacy La Costa keepsake robe and complimentary breakfast at VUE. The property will have plenty of floral-inspired activities, including Bud & Bloom Spa Passes for day visitors looking to enjoy relaxation at their tranquil spa facilities.
Omni La Costa suite view
The Spanish Mission-style property boasts over 600 guestrooms, suites, and villas. Spaces are light and airy with soft casual textures, and neutral tones. Bathrooms are stocked with NEST amenities.
King Bed at Omni La Costa
There are also eight sparkling pools including an adults-only pool and waterslides.
Beach Terrace:
View from Beach Terrace Inn
Celebrate spring on the sand with the hotel’s Spring Revival rate with rooms running at 20% off.
Lobby at Beach Terrace
Don’t miss their Renew & Bloom Yoga Class every Sunday morning from March 2 - May 11 for rejuvenating flows and seasonal meditations for growth, transformation and renewal with a spring twist. Plus, a ‘Flowers and Flow’ yoga class on March 23 complete with a flower crown workshop.
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa:
Park Hyatt Aviara
When you stay at Park Hyatt Aviara this spring, you’ll receive the special Carlsbad in Bloom welcome amenity, including various flower seed packets, a Hibiscus-Rose refresher and homemade flower cookies made by the in-house pastry team.
The Cassara Carlsbad, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton:
A stay at Cassara Carlsbad will bring gorgeous views of The Flower Fields and a specialty springtime cocktail, The Flower Power Sour, available at the Cassara Kitchen & Bar. Through May 11, the resort will also offer a Springtime Stay & See Room Package complete with overnight accommodations, parking and two Flower Fields-inspired welcome beverages.
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa:
Book Cape Rey’s ‘Tis the Sea-Sun Package complete with upgraded VIP status, a daybed at the ocean-view Ponto Pool, $100 food and beverage credit at Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining and a Cape Rey branded, lightly floral scented candle reminiscent of springtime on the coast. Don’t miss the seasonal floral cocktail menu at Chandler’s as well.
Sunflowers at The Flower Fields.
Carlsbad is a wonderful place to visit year round, but if you have your heart set on flowers, spring is the time to do it. If you can’t make it this year, I highly recommend planning a spring visit in the future.
[Photos by Lizzy Sherman]
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer/editor. Her work has appeared in publications including Beauty Launchpad, Nailpro, DAYSPA, CNET, Entertainment Tonight, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16