JILL WEINLEIN

After graduating from UCLA, JIll traveled the world looking for unique destinations. She’s been writing about her travels for almost 30 years in various publications.

She writes a weekly restaurant review for the Beverly Press and Park LaBrea News. It’s inserted into the Los Angeles Times every Thursday and delivered to subscribers from Hancock Park to Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills to the Wilshire Corridor.

Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa and Flower Fields Super Bloom

BY Jill Weinlein

The countdown begins for the most exquisite super bloom of flowers in Northern San Diego. The arrival of giant and small vibrant colored ranunculus annually announces Springtime in Carlsbad. These delicate flowers only bloom from the beginning of March to Mother’s Day in May each year. Now is the time to see the hills ablaze in a kaleidoscope of color at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

I recently checked into the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa before exploring the Flower Fields. The resort invited me to the debut of their reimagined Ocean Pearl Spa. Walking inside I immediately noticed the calming decor enticing guests to relax, refresh and rejuvenate while receiving a variety of sensory floral and marine-based botanical treatments. My Focus massage not only helped eliminate the tension from the drive from Los Angeles to Carlsbad, but also relieved stress as my massage therapist named Kay gently and firmly applied pressure along my back, neck, scalp and arms. I felt so relaxed after the 25- minute massage, that I walked down to hill to the Flower Fields to see and experience my 10 favorite activities and displays.

The best way to see all the colorful ranunculus planted in rows is on the tractor wagon tour. For a separate ticket, this informative ride enlightens visitors about the origins of the flowers, the history of the 55 acres of fields they are sprouting up in, and what else to see and do while at Carlsbad Ranch.

Be sure to stroll through the immersive fragrant and colorful “old fashioned” sweet pea maze to see a kaleidoscope of colorful blossoms with dead ends and a finish line.

Don’t miss the Poinsettia Greenhouse to learn about the history of this iconic holiday flowering plant. There are over 20 rare and unique varieties of this best-selling potted plant.

This year the attraction unveiled a brand new mural by well known artist Thao French. It’s a beautiful collaboration with the San Diego Museum of Art.

Look for the red, white and blue petunias on the side of the ranch (across from Costco) that are planted on a 300-foot by 170-foot hillside field in the colors and shape of the American Flag.

Another Greenhouse to explore is the beautiful Cymbidium Orchid area filled with different types and colors. They are available to purchase at Armstrong Garden Center.

Pick berries to bring home. The ranch has a two-acre U-Pick blueberry and later strawberry patch. The Flower Fields we will have signage if berries are available for picking that day.

Little ones love visiting Santa’s Playground, home to colorful and whimsical playhouses and a crooked treehouse. Many of these items, including the colorful mushrooms were acquired from the former Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead.

Take a walk through the Master Gardeners of San Diego County demonstration garden. There are 9 vignettes showcasing native plants, proteas, meadow grasses and a pollinator bed offering tips for sustainability.

Attend one of the workshops centered around art, flowers and health.

On select weekends, there is live music on a brand new stage, and picnic opportunities in the fields.

The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is offering Spring Break Savings & Packages through March for those who want to make an overnight trip  to see the beautiful flowers and be pampered unwind and relax.

The flowers are located right behind the Carlsbad Outlet Mall and Armstrong’s Nursery. Be sure to bring your camera as there are plenty photo opportunities. Go to https://www.theflowerfields.com. 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Ticket are $18 for adults and $16 for adults 60+. Kids 3-10 are $7. The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa is located at 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad. (760)827-2410.