Fun Florals Unique to San Diego California

As long as your day is blooming, try local floral favorites available all year long!

The Carlsbad Flower Fields

Flower Fields, a seasonal attraction that lasts six to eight weeks annually. You’ll see a huge variety, including Carlsbad’s own Tecolote Ranunculus, blooming across the fifty acres of the field (what is an archer in this usage?). The blossoming of the Flower Fields lets Southern Californians know when spring has officially sprung each year. It’s a grand day wandering through flowers, but there’s so much more to do, it could be worth a season pass! From the red, white, and blue petunias of the American Flag Flowers, to the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse, it’s petal paradise. Here are a few highlights:

• Ride a wagon pulled by an antique tractor—no joke! Enjoy sweeping views of the Carlsbad area, capped by the not-too-distant ocean. Relax and enjoy the breeze as you are toted around the perimeter of the field, enjoying commentary.
• The Artist’s Garden is an inspired place to wander and wonder. The colors in the Sweet Pea Maze dazzle and enchant. You may think you know poinsettias, but wait till you see the Historic Poinsettia Display.
• Let the kids do a scavenger hunt. Getting a stamp at each station will win them a prize! Be sure to hit the Carlsbad Mining Company, where little hands can pan for gems. Finish up in Santa’s Playground for romping run. Save room for ice cream!

San Diego Botanic Garden

The San Diego Botanic Garden is a unique, very large collection of immaculately manicured gardens and water features, featuring two children’s gardens and fine art sculptures embedded throughout. This venue hosts great events, like an elaborate annual Fairy Festival. Visit late on Family Fun Nights every Thursday in the summer and groove to live music the whole family can enjoy in the Hamilton Children’s Garden from 6:00pm to 7: pm. In winter, the entire garden brightens for the Garden of Lights evening celebrations, including horse-drawn carriage rides, mulled wine, roasting marshmallows, live music, snow sledding, and of course, Santa!

Swami’s Meditation Gardens

The Self-Realization Fellowship Temple offers a hidden gem—the Swami’s Meditation Gardens. Enjoy the quiet reprieve high on the cliff overlooking the ocean, with a carp pool and meandering, well-manicured paths. It’s the perfect segue to enjoying the beach, Swami’s. We won’t tell the monks you’re out there taking selfies.

Flowering Tidal Pools

It’s a virtual garden underwater that blooms at low tide. We recommend exploring tidal pools at Swami’s, so close to the Cape. As the water recedes, a blossoming community emerges, including crabs, brittle stars, sea anemones, sea hares, and octopi. Take a sharp eye and a gentle touch. Tread lightly and enjoy these astonishing sea neighbors.

Petal-to-Plate:10 Days of Floral Inspiration

At the Cape, we are putting our petal where your mouth is! From April 5th to April 15th the city is coming alive with Petal-to-Plate, a 10 Day celebration of fine flowers, food and drink. Delight in Spring with fresh floral-inspired menu offerings developed by local chefs, wellness experts, and mixologists throughout town. 

When you stop in at the Cape Rey, here is what you can discover!

From Ocean Crest Spa, available April 1st thru April 30th:

• Passion Flower Organic Sugar Scrub ∙ 50 Min $130 ∙ 80 Min $180
  Passion flower is beautifully paired with Organic Sugars, Hibiscus flowers, orange peel, rose hips rich in vitamin c, and nourishing oils, to   protect the skin from environmental stress and premature aging. Your skin will be rendered smooth and hydrated.

From Chandler's Restaurant, available now thru April 30th:

• Fleur de Fizz ∙ 12 
  Pisco, lemon juice, Elderflower liqueur, grapefruit bitters, sparkling wine, lemon zest

• Hibiscus Sorbet ∙ 9
  Candied Pansy, Chamomile Meringue, Chocolate Florentine, Confetti Flower Petal

• Lavender + Wildflower Honey Cheesecake ∙ 9
  Shortbread honey crust, 3 cream lavender mascarpone, candied rose petal

For even more fun floral inventions, see Visit Carlsbad's full list of participating restaurant, bars and spas!