Selfie lovers, rejoice. You now have 33 “cut-out” photo areas at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

The fields off Interstate 5 carved out such areas years ago so visitors could be in the midst of the dramatic rows of ranunculus. But people could still be seen breaking the rules by stepping over green tape that asks them not to trample the blossoms.

This year, the fields have expanded the number of selfie spots and it’s been a “huge success,” said Fred Clarke, general manager at The Flower Fields.

Win-win for the petals and the lovers of flora.

And with the abundance of rain (aka free irrigation), it has been a good growing season, and attendance is up slightly over last year.

“I have been here 18 years,” Clarke said, “and it is the best crop we have grown.”

With the 2024 theme of “Spring into Color,” the flower fields include 55 acres of Giant Tecolote ranunculus that are now in full bloom. But visitors can also see snapdragons, daisies, sweet peas, nasturtiums, orchids and a variety of other flowers.

Activities Saturday include:

  • Flower Flow Yoga, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
  • Pressed Flower Art Workshop, 9-11 a.m.
  • Mosiac Frame Workshop, 9 a.m. -noon
  • Picnic & Flowers, 11 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
  • Cool Rush band, 1-5 p.m.

On Sunday:

  • Painting at The Carlsbad Flower Fields with Leoangelo Art, 9 a.m. -noon
  • Floral Hoop Décor Workshop, 9 a.m.-noon
  • Picnic & Flowers, 11 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
  • Cool Rush band, 1-5 p.m.

Upcoming highlights are Kid’s Day on May 5 and Mother’s Day on May 12 — the last day of the flower season at the fields will include colorful Ballet Forklorico dancing by students from Rancho Buena High School.

Kid’s Day features BMX performances, bubble making, ballooning and face painting.

In addition, adjacent to the fields, children can visit the Carlsbad Mining Company where people can find polished gemstones using the miner’s old method of sluicing water through boxes of sand. They can also enjoy Santa’s Playground and the sweet pea maze.

Mother’s Day hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There will be increased shade structures, expanded semi-private picnic spaces, reserved parking, and a private entrance for the Picnic & Flowers on the holiday.

Participants will have complimentary wagon rides, an extended menu featuring kid-friendly bites, live music, and a dedicated family-fun zone with interactive games.

Each family on Mother’s Day will receive individual boxes with a diverse tasting menu, including kid-friendly options. Food items will include a range from Cucumber Chive and Chickpea Smash sandwiches to a variety of seasonal side salads, a deconstructed charcuterie basket and a fruity dessert.

Other activities in the coming weeks are Sunset Wine Tasting & Music, Meditation and Sound Healing Workshop, Flower Crown Workshop, Charcuterie workshop, Graze at the Fields, Drawing sunflowers and a Brownie and Daisies.

Single ticket admission is $23 for adults, $21 for seniors 60+, and military; $14 for children 3–10, and free for children under three. Season passes are $48 for adults, $44 for seniors 60+, and $28 for children 3–10. Group tours are available.

Buying one adult ticket and getting one free child ticket is available on Mondays through the end of the season.

Tickets are available here.

Visiting on weekdays is considered the best time to visit to avoid crowds.