The Carlsbad Flower Fields close for the season Sunday, May 10. Here's everything to know about your last chance to walk the ranunculus rows — including Mother's Day events, ticket prices, and the best time to go.
The Carlsbad Flower Fields close for the 2026 season on Sunday, May 10 — making this your last weekend to walk among 50+ acres of Giant Tecolote ranunculus before the fields go dormant until next spring.
When: Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10, 2026 — 9 AM to 6 PM each day. Sunday is the final day of the season.
Where: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Tickets: Buy online in advance — there are no on-site ticket sales
The fields planted over 20 acres of ranunculus this year, plus a 5-acre sea of sunflowers that's now in full bloom. The site warns that the final week is the time to visit "before they're gone."
Saturday, May 9 — Mariachi at the Fields
San Diego's Mariachi Real performs throughout the afternoon. Their style blends traditional mariachi with classical voice training. Included with general admission.
Sunday, May 10 — Butterflies, Blooms & Bouquets (Mother's Day)
The biggest event of the season. Highlights include:
Some activities are complimentary, others have a small added fee. Sunday is historically the busiest day of the season — book your ticket window early.
All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
The fields themselves are the main event, but the activity calendar is packed for closing weekend. A short list of what's worth your time:
Go early. Saturday morning at 9 AM is the calmest you'll find the fields all weekend. By 11 AM the overflow parking lot is typically full.
Mother's Day is the busiest day of the year. If your goal is photos without crowds, do Friday or Saturday morning — not Sunday afternoon.
Wear comfortable shoes. The terrain is uneven and the fields are bigger than they look from the parking lot.
No pets. The Flower Fields don't allow pets, emotional support animals, drones, balloons, or bicycles. (The exception was a one-day-only dog event on Wednesday, May 6.)
Tickets are time-stamped. Pick your arrival window carefully — you can't show up an hour earlier or later and expect to get in.
When does the season actually end? Sunday, May 10, 2026 is the final day. The fields won't reopen until March 2027.
Can I buy tickets at the gate? No. All tickets must be purchased online in advance — there are no on-site sales.
Are the flowers still blooming? Yes. As of this week, over 20 acres of ranunculus and the full 5-acre sunflower field are in bloom.
How much time should I plan? Most visitors spend 1.5–2.5 hours. Add another 30–45 minutes if you're doing the Butterfly Encounter or a wagon ride.
Where do I park? General parking is free at 5704 Paseo Del Norte. Reserved parking bundles are available on weekends and recommended for Mother's Day.
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