Travel Guide

Road Trip: California's Flower Fields

04/14/2021

Road trips—they’re all the rage right now. There’s just something about kicking back in your car, rolling down the windows, and making pit stops to explore new sights. And now that Spring is officially in full swing, the best sights are flowers, flowers, and more flowers. Our favorite trip? A four-stop tour through California—known for its lush floral fields, gardens, and one very well-known national park. So, here’s your guide on exactly where to go, and what to pack and wear for the ride… because there will be pictures, of course.

1. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

Start your trip at Antelope Valley’s poppy reserve. Poppies, the Golden State’s official flower abound here and the reserve is a feast for the eyes. Imagine a sunny morning, the orange blooms, and you in cheerful palette to match.

SHOP THE LOOK, clockwise from top left:
Malgosia Floral Dress
Arion Muscle Tee
Flora Denim Miniskirt
Panelle Slip-On Sneaker

2. Descanso Gardens

Your next stop is in La Cañada Flintridge, Los Angeles County, to visit the famed Descanso Gardens. This 150-acre botanical garden features fruit trees, streams and ponds, and yes, flowers. Take a picture in their Japanese garden, the oak forest, or check out their collection of rare and unique breeds of the Camellia flower.

SHOP THE LOOK, clockwise from top left:
Ursina Knit Hoodie
Toni Silver Earrings by Jenny Bird
Eleonora Paisley Skirt
Parise Cork Sneaker

3. Joshua Tree National Park

No trip to California is complete without a visit to Joshua Tree. This must-see destination is known for its interesting and iconic trees, but it’s also home to several varieties of wildflowers. The beavertail cacti, one of the most unusual looking plants we’ve seen, tops our list of what to seek out while there.

SHOP THE LOOK, clockwise from top left:
Jie Eyelet Top
Shani Mixed-Media Jacket
Hartley Sneaker
Tedi Elastic Waist Pant

4. Carlsbad Ranch

Your floral hunt ends here—with a bang, or a colorful explosion of blooms, that is. 50 acres of ranunculus flowers are on display in every color—it’s like a field of rainbows. Set on a hillside overlooking the Carlsbad coastline in San Diego, this floral attraction is a must on this road trip. But don’t wait too long, it's only open for a limited time—from now until Mother's Day.

SHOP THE LOOK, clockwise from top left:
Zee Batik-Print Dress
Parise White Sneaker
Dottie Strong-Shoulder Jacket
Toni Large Hoops by Jenny Bird