California Super Bloom
WHERE TO SEE THE SUPER BLOOM- 7 PLACES NEAR LA, INCLUDING carrizo plain national monument
If you’ve been looking for a sign to go see the super bloom, this is it. All of our days of Seattle-like weather (aka non-stop rain) here in California are finally paying off in the form of one truly epic super bloom. So epic, in fact, that it can actually be seen from space. Like whaaat??! Truly putting the “wild” in wildflowers.
I’ve personally wanted to check out the super bloom since we moved to California and we knew that if there was ever a year to make it happen, this one was it. And while there are widlflowers wildflowering practically everywhere you turn at the moment (yup, even on the side of the freeway), there are a few particular spots that are known to have especially stunning showings of wildflowers.
One such spot, Carrizo Plain National Monument, actually happens to be located near a hotel that we’ve been wanting to stay at, Cuyama Buckhorn, so when we saw a last minute availability for a room just as super bloom season was beginning to peak, we knew it was meant to be. However, don’t worry if you don’t want to make a whole trip out of it. Carrizo Plains is actually a mere couple hours from LA so it’s totally doable as a day trip (we’ve actually talked about going back just for the day to see more of the flowers). Whether you go for a night, or just a day, it’s so worth it. And if a few hours drive isn’t in the cards for you, I’ve got you covered on where else you can go to see the super bloom near LA.
Below, I’m sharing more photos from the super bloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, where else to spot wildflowers in and around Los Angeles, plus tips and do’s and don’ts when visiting the fields.
WHERE TO SEE THE SUPER BLOOM IN AND NEAR LA
The great thing about the wildflowers is that you can really spot them just about anywhere- the side of the road, on your walk to get coffee, your backyard, near the beach, parks around LA, the hillsides along the freeway. Obviously these aren’t official super bloom spots and some of these can be hard spots to stop and take them in or snap photos of them, or maybe you only see one or two kinds of wildflowers versus several, so here are a few specific spots you can go in your search for the super bloom. FYI- some of these places may be currently closed, have restrictions or have very limited visiting hours (thanks to those of you who can’t seem to stay off the wildflowers and not pick them. *insert the eye roll emoji), so be sure to check their website for up-to-date information prior to visiting. Other things to take note of and that vary from park to park include- days and hours in which they are open, entrance fees, dogs may or may not be allowed, parking availability, tours and more. Distance from LA is a rough estimate and may vary depending on time of day you go, traffic and where in LA you’re coming from.
MALIBU
Most of the hills and fields of Malibu are usually blooming with some kind of wildflower(s) so you can really see them just about anywhere whether you’re driving through or stopping for a hike or a beach day, but a few specific spots to check out include- POINT DUME, POINT MUGU and MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK (all about 1-1.5 hours from LA).
Distance from LA: about 1.5 hours
Distance from LA: about 2.5-3 hours
Underrated in my opinion and definitely not as popular or crowded as some of the other spots on the list
Distance from LA: about 2 hours
WALKER CANYON (currently temporarily closed)
Distance from LA: about 2 hours
Distance from LA: about 2.5-3 hours
Distance from LA: about 3.5-4 hours
The farthest of the spots on this list, but also known as one of the best spots to see the super bloom.
*I know I mentioned it up above but just a reminder that, while it might not technically be a Super Bloom location, there are still so many other spots you can see the wildflowers this year thanks to all the rain that has helped them run wild (no pun intended). So if you don’t have time to make it to one of the “official” flower fields, don’t worry! You still have options. Maybe you just won’t see as many or as many varieties, but you’ll still see them. I’ve seen them on every hike, walk and drive we’ve done recently. In fact, we even saw an incredible amount of blooms while hiking in Palos Verdes. Truly, no shortage of flower viewing options!
FLOWERS YOU MIGHT SEE
A few of the wildflowers you might see during the super bloom include- California Poppies, Tidy Tips, San Joaquin Blazing Star, Hillside Daisy, Gold Fields, Shooting Star, Yellow Pincushion, Purple Owl’s Clover and Nightshade
BABY BLUE EYES
RANCHER’S FIREWEED
TANSY PHACELIA
DRUMMOND’S MILKVETCH
TIPS + THINGS TO REMEMBER
I feel like most of these things shouldn’t have to be said and yet it somehow never fails that there are some fools out there frolicking through the flowers and picking them like it’s their own personal bouquet farm. News flash-It’s not. So if you could stop ruining it for the rest of us (and the wildlife) that would be great. Just in case, here’s a little refresher on some basic do’s and don’t of viewing the wildflowers-
Never pick the wildflowers (I feel like this should go without saying, yet here we are)
Don’t trample on the wildflowers (or picnic in them, or film a tiktok in the middle of them, or dance in them or lay on them…if it’s in or on the wildflowers, and will damage or destroy them, or ruin them for others to enjoy in any way, just don’t do it, k? K!)
Also, don’t let your dog run through the wildflowers.
Always stay on designated trails (fyi, just because something is an empty dirt patch or doesn’t have flowers growing it, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a trail)
Only drive and park on designated roads and lots
Don’t smoke in the parks
Pack in, pack out. Leave no trace behind, and please, for the love of all that is holy, do not litter!
Keep in mind that a lot of these areas are without restrooms, gas stations, spots for food and water and sometimes even cell reception so be prepared and bring plenty of food and water with you (but remember, don’t litter!) and download any necessary maps beforehand
Be mindful of weather. It can change quickly so be prepared with layers, hats and sunscreen. Also, a lot of these areas have dirt roads so be mindful of closures and flooding from rain as well as the limitations of your vehicle (aka you don’t want to end up stuck on some road in the middle of nowhere with no cell reception).
If you’re getting out of your car to explore, bring open toed shoes since there can be snakes, lizards, etc.
Visit on weekdays and/or off hours if you can to avoid overcrowding
For more tips and safety measures, I recommend checking here.
For the most up-to-date flower report, be sure to check out the Theodore Payne Foundation Wild Flower Hotline. They release new reports every Friday, March through May, with all the latest info.