Best Places To See Wildflowers in California in 2024
If you’re looking to see some of the best wildflowers and super blooms, you’ll want to head to California. The hills and valleys in California are home to a variety of beautiful flowers that bloom throughout the year.
There are so many different types of wildflowers here that it can be hard to know where to start! That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of our best places to see wildflowers in California in 2024. For our local Spring flower hotspots, don’t miss the post on Where To Find Spring Flowers in the Bay Area.
Wildflowers in California: JOSHUA TREE
Joshua Tree is a wonderful place and our favorite to view the beautiful cactus blooms! The best time to see wildflowers here is in the spring, but you can also find a variety of flowers blooming throughout the year.
Between March and May, they bloom in the lower elevations and then spread to higher altitudes later. In high-elevation locations, blooms can be seen through June.
When: March-May
Where to stay: Joshua Tree Modern Stargazing House
ANTELOPE VALLEY CALIFORNIA POPPY RESERVE
This reserve is well-known for being one of the best places to see wildflowers in California. It’s home to a variety of different wildflowers, including the state flower, the California poppy.
Located just 75 miles north of Los Angeles, the reserve has rolling hills that are carpeted in brilliant poppies throughout March and May. During this period, many other wildflowers are blooming on top of California poppies. This is one of the top places to see wildflowers in California!
Because the Poppy Reserve is located in the western Mojave Desert, be sure to dress warmly for possible highs throughout the day and low temperatures at night.
When: March-May
Where to stay: Inn with free breakfast 9 miles from AVCP Reserve
California Wildflowers: POINT BUCHON
A brilliant seaside poppy meadow called Point Buchon is a wild stretch full of poppies in the springtime. During the blooms, there are generally only 275 hikes allowed each day, so prepare ahead of time.
With the sea as the backdrop, you’ll see magical poppy-covered slopes. Point Buchon needs to be on your list of the best places to see wildflowers in California.
When: Feb-April
Where to stay: Inn with the most incredible ocean views
CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT
After a dreary winter, look for a burst of color on the Carrizo Plain! In great quantities, you’ll observe hillside daisies, goldfields, and blue valley phacelia here.
Bring food, water, layers, a full tank of gas, and a downloaded Google Maps, or use All Trails since it’s pretty remote. Also, there is no trash collection in the monument, so be sure to carry out what you bring in.
When: Feb-May
Where to stay: Inn with free breakfast
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Even though summer is one of the hottest in the world in Death Valley, there are stunning super blooms of bright-colored wildflowers in the spring after heavy winter rains.
The greatest possibility of it happening is between February and July when it covers low to high elevations. The spring is also a wonderful time to visit because temperatures range from 60 to 70 degrees.
When: February-July
Where to stay: Inn at Death Valley
WALKER CANYON LAKE ELSINORE
Walker Canyon is known for its super blooms, like the one in 2019. You’ll be in complete awe as you hike down the Walker Canyon Trail to see poppies blanketed all along the valleys.
When the blooms are at their fullest, we recommend visiting early to avoid traffic jams, no parking, and crowds.
Note: Stay on the path and don’t trample the poppies to get the ideal photo.
When: Feb-April
Where to stay: Inn at Lake Elsinore
LAKE TAHOE
During Spring, Lake Tahoe comes alive with a beautiful display of wildflowers which include Mariposa lily, yellow plantain buttercup, and blue lupine among many others. The Lake Winnemucca, Miracle Mile, and Mount Rose Wildnerness are all excellent locations to view wildflowers.
When: April-July
Where to stay: Stunning Timber Lodge in Lake Tahoe
GORMAN HILLS FLOWER FIELDS
The Gorman Hills Flower Fields are a little-known treasure, located not far from the famous Antelope Valley poppy fields, and they provide an explosion of color every summer after a wet winter.
When: Feb-April
Where to stay: Inn by Gorman Hills
ANZA BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK
This huge state park is located just 85 miles from San Diego and is home to one of the finest spring displays in California. Being a desert only adds to the stunning contrast between the vivid poppies and the dry environment.
Remember, this is the United States’ second-largest state park, so be prepared with plenty of water, food, fuel in your car, a map, and sunscreen. This is at the top of our list of best places to see wildflowers in California.
When: Feb-April
Where to stay: Inn in Borrego Valley
EASTERN SIERRAS
The rich blooms of the Eastern Sierra are enhanced by the vast open ground and the variety of flowers that appear in the spring.
There’s also a significant window in which they may appear, depending on the weather. In higher areas, the blooms begin in Spring and continue through September.
When: March-September
Where to stay: Resort and Spa with incredible views
FIGUEROA MOUNTAIN
Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, there are sometimes fantastic superbloom displays at the Figueroa Mountain road just past the Neverland Ranch.
To get there, just keep driving past the cattle guard until you see a dirt road turn out with a red hiking sign that says Midland School Trails. This is the start of the beautiful wildflower trail.
You’ll find wild hyacinths, shooting stars, buttercups, milkmaids, Johnny-jump-ups, chocolate lilies, scarlet Indian paintbrush, goldfields, purple fiesta flowers, popcorn flowers, and poppies there.
San Luis Obispo is one of the closest major cities here and there’s plenty to see and do after you’re done exploring the wildflowers.
When: Feb-April
Where to stay: Vintage Aesthetic Hotel
Super blooms of wildflowers are something to behold. If you’re looking for an amazing California wildflower experience, be sure to check out one of these locations during the right time of year!
No matter which spot you choose, you’re guaranteed a beautiful view. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as well as snacks, just in case you get lost in the beauty for a while.
Wildflowers are best seen up close and personal, so take your time enjoying them! Who knows when the next superbloom will happen?
Get out there and see them for yourself! And remember, Wherever You Go, Don’t Forget to Wander.
