Bring on the spring fever with the help of local festivals, strawberry picking and fresh flowers. Update your California spring bucket list with the help of these exciting outdoor activities.
Visit Bennett’s Honey Farm
Tucked away into the tranquil Ventura County countryside, Bennett’s Honey Farm is one of the best destinations to experience the smells, sights and flavors of springtime. Thanks to the bees, the local wildflower fields are transformed into beauty, self-care and pantry staples. From flower to bee to hive to jar, Bennett’s Honey Farm produces all-natural products that are not only nutritious but also downright delicious. Whether you enjoy robust tastes or notes of citrus, honey creates one-of-a-kind, flavorful bouquets of the surrounding springtime environment. So, to check another outing off of your California spring bucket list, visit Bennett’s Honey Farm for some shopping, sightseeing and maybe even a scenic train ride throughout the beautiful honey farm. From honey BBQ sauce and lip balm to body lotion, sometimes the best way to celebrate the new season is by treating yourself to something sweet. For more information, visit bennetthoney.com.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
From early March to mid-May, 55 acres of flower-filled fields at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch come to life to welcome in springtime in Southern California. Just passing by the flower fields while driving on the San Diego highway is breathtaking. But, for an even more colorful experience, be sure to wander through the flowers to take in their sights and scents up close. Guests can get lost in giant floral mazes for hours while soaking up the sun. Wagon ride tours are another relaxing way to explore the radiant rows of blooming buds. From brightly colored butterfly gardens to 1,500-sq.-ft. greenhouses bursting with orchids, poinsettias and sweet pea blossoms, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are truly like something out of a fairytale. The flower fields will be open for public viewing March 1 through May 14 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is $18 for adults, $7 for children ages 3 to 10, and free for guests under 3 years of age. For more information, visit theflowerfields.com.
Bonus: In honor of this springtime phenomenon, the neighboring Cassara Carlsbad serves up a limited-time cocktail: the Flower Power Sour, made with Cali Fino Blanco Tequila, grapefruit juice, aquafaba, lemon juice, agave nectar and bitter hibiscus syrup.
Dana Point Whale Festival
Be sure to take a spring day trip to Dana Point for the annual Dana Point Festival of Whales on March 4 to March 6 to find out why this seaside spot is the world’s premier destination for whale watching. The annual return of the California gray whales as they pass by the coast during their awe-inspiring annual migration draws crowds of tourists to Dana Point Harbor every year. The weekend begins with a welcome ceremony at The Festival of Whales and Ocean Institute on Friday, March 3. This springtime celebration will feature special guests, captivating California gray whale displays and plenty of food trucks. Then, on Saturday, March 4, at 10 a.m., there will be a parade full of larger-than-life sea animal-inspired balloons, marching bands and decked-out floats. All day long throughout Downtown Dana Point, guests can also anticipate street fairs, local beer tastings, clam chowder cook-offs, classic car displays, live concerts and, of course, plenty of whale watching. Finally, on Sunday, the final day of the Dana Point Festival of Whales, guests will be entertained by music, a spirit garden and BBQ at Baby Beach. This event is free to attend. For more information, visit festivalofwhales.com.
U-Pick at Carlsbad Strawberry Company
There’s nothing sweeter than strawberry season. From February to July, California becomes home to the freshest strawberries imaginable. At Carlsbad Strawberry Company, guests can get into the spirit of springtime while immersed in 25 acres of lush strawberry fields. Perfect for a romantic date or a girls’ day in the sun, not only is strawberry picking a must-have activity on any stellar California spring bucket list, but your bounty can bring some spring back home for even more delicious fun. Whether you prefer to eat your strawberries plain by the handful or incorporate them into a recipe, your hand-picked strawberries can be transformed into everything from scratch-made sweets to fresh fruit salads. No matter how you decide to use your harvest, a bucket full of sweet strawberries makes the perfect springtime snack. The strawberry fields at Carlsbad Strawberry Company will be open for U-Pick beginning in early February from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pricing is dependent on bucket size: $10 for a small bucket and $20 for a large bucket. For more information, visit carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com.
Dandelion Days
Check off your seasonal to-do list and celebrate spring in historic Downtown Jackson all day on March 18 and March 19 at the annual Dandelion Days Celebration. This family-friendly event kicks things off bright and early with the help of a pancake, ham and egg breakfast at the Jackson Civic Center at 7 a.m. Afterwards, there will be an outdoor bazaar and street fair offering collectibles, arts and crafts alongside other local goodies. In addition, there will be two days of live music on two stages and plenty of carnival rides to keep the party going all weekend long. Guests will also be able to get into the rich community flavor of Jackson through lots of fun food and a large beer and wine garden. Dandelion Days is the perfect place to get outside, commemorate spring and explore all that adorable Downtown Jackson has to offer. This event is free to attend. For more information, visit jacksonlionsclub.org.
California Super Bloom
Though California is known for having some of the most stunning native wildflowers, its Super Bloom, which is expected for 2023, is something to behold. During a Super Bloom–which typically starts in February and can last through July, depending on the region–a bounty of flowers comes to life, thanks to increased rainfall. A must for anyone’s California spring bucket list (especially photographers), beautiful locales like Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Death Valley are great for taking it all in.
Fresno County Blossom Trail
Jump in the car and enjoy a ride along the Blossom Trail in the Central Valley. Visitors can admire and photograph blooming orchards from the shoulder of the road (the orchards are private property and not open to the public). Viewing is available from mid-February to mid-March, and a host of events are slated to take place in honor of the Blossom Trail (which may include a bike ride, a 10K, a car show, an art show and more, as in previous years). For more information (and updates on 2023 Blossom Trail happenings), visit www.goblossomtrail.com.