Our Favorite Flower Fields in California

One of the highlights for residents of Antelope Valley is the period from February to May when the California poppies are in full bloom. Fields are awash in intense orange with accents of other flora such as lupine, cream cups, and goldfields. Although the extract of the flower can be smoked it has a far milder effect than that of the opium poppy seed. Unfortunately, it is prohibited by law to take any o...

These rolling hills covering 15-acres encompass an entire piece of art made of over 58,000 glowing orbs illuminated by fiber-optics. It was envisioned and realized by artist Bruce Munro. Buy tickets online. (Submitted by Yvette Jones)

This sprawling flower garden at Carlsbad Ranch is awash in a rainbow of colors. There are a few main attractions here including the greenhouse "Tecolote Giant Ranunculus" full of cymbidium orchids and acres of fields arranged in spectacular blocks of blooming hues. The admission price is high because the fields bloom and are open to visitors for only a small window of time - from March 1 to May 14.

Because it is such a cute cactus the cholla has been nicknamed the "teddy bear" cactus. Naturally, that doesn't mean you want to touch, much less hug it. Unlike a soft teddy bear this one is prickly! This trail is pretty flat so it's more like a leisurely stroll rather than a strenuous hike. Keep a fair distance from the cacti so they don't stick you! Lat/Long: 33.925441, -115.92885

You don't have to travel to Provence to experience the sublime scent of freshly grown lavender. Head to this lavender farm in summer to see and smell the harvest of these delicately fragrant purple blooms. This is the largest organic lavender field in California, growing more than 90 varieties of lavender. Plan your visit some time in June or July and don't forget to visit the cafe where you can try a va...

Established in the late 1800s, this was once the center of agriculture in the city. It has seen everything - from horses to camels to brothels. Today, the ethereal landscape has over 20,000 bushes of 200 rose varieties. Hours are from 8:30 AM to dusk. Admission is free but parking is around $12. (Submitted by Brenda Rios)

An entire field awash in the warm golden glow of sunflowers seems like something you'd only see in a magazine or on your Windows Spotlight lock screen. As long as you visit the Sunflower Farms in July you're almost guaranteed to witness their miraculous bloom. Postpone your trip any later than that and you'll miss this short-lived event. (Submitted by Monse Zamora) PLEASE NOTE: The Solano County She...

Zucchini? Yellow squash? Nope, this is a luffa (or loofah)--a gourd that, when mature, will turn into one of those cylindrical sponges you get in fancy spa kits. The Luffa Farm in Nipomo boasts super-soft (rather than the typically coarse) loofahs which are supposedly gentle enough to use on a baby's bottom. Check 'em out!

Since 1986 Talley Vineyards has been crafting wines, mainly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The farm which has over 174 acres of land with six vineyards produces 30,000 cases of wine annually. They're also set up nicely for wine tastings. To see the different wine tasting options available visit the website. (Submitted by Maria Sanchez)