11 Best Places in California to See Wildflowers in Spring 2026

This year, California has blossomed in a way that even long-time residents are amazed. The abundant rains of the fall and winter of 2025–2026 have transformed many corners of the state into veritable seas of flowers. Edhat told about ten corners of wild nature where you can admire spring flowers, and NBC News added another wonder to this list – the riot of flowers in Death Valley.

Carrizo plain national monument

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This vast, almost wild plain in southeastern San Luis Obispo County is sandwiched between two mountain ranges—the Temblor and the Caliente. In 2026, thanks to a warm winter and good rainfall, the bloom began very early here—as early as early February. The valley turned into a continuous carpet of orange and yellow flowers, contrasting sharply with the dark mountains around—a truly epic spectacle.

There are almost no people here, no cafes, and no crowds—just nature in its purest form. The best time to visit is February through April. Many come specifically to photograph sunsets over the flower fields. The roads are unpaved in places, so it's best to travel in an SUV or check the weather forecast in advance.

On the subject: Where to see superblooms in California: 7 best places

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

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This preserve in the western Mojave Desert is a classic California destination if you're looking for fields of orange California poppies. In good years, it's a golden ocean stretching to the horizon and smelling delicately sweet. The 2026 season started in mid-February and is scheduled to last until May—so far, things are looking very promising.

There are convenient walking trails, observation platforms, and even a visitor center. The place is very popular, especially on weekends, so it's best to arrive early in the morning when the light is soft, there are few people, and the heat hasn't yet reached its peak. The reserve strictly enforces the rules: don't stray from the trails, and don't pick flowers.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

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California's largest state park is a true desert, which comes alive after the rains and is covered in hundreds of species of flowers. This year, shrubs and various cacti (fishhook, barrel, and cholla) are in particularly beautiful bloom, creating vibrant spots against the backdrop of cliffs, canyons, and dry riverbeds.

Right now, the flowers are in full bloom at the higher elevations and in the canyons. The best spots are Badlands, Cut Across, Short Wash, and Fonts Point. The park is huge, and you can drive through it all day. The flowers wilt quickly in the heat, so if you're planning a trip, don't delay. This is a place for those who appreciate contrast: the harsh desert and suddenly an explosion of color.

Joshua Tree National Park

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A park on the border of two deserts—the Mojave and Colorado. The famous, strange Joshua trees here coexist with vibrant spring flowers, creating a truly unusual, almost otherworldly landscape. In 2026, the blooms began early—in the lowlands as early as January and February—and are now moving higher up the slopes.

The season lasts until summer: first the lowlands, then the mid-elevations along Park Boulevard, and then the Black Rock area. Ideal for those who enjoy unusual views and photography. Arrive in the morning—it's hot during the day, and the morning light makes everything especially beautiful. Trails vary from easy to challenging, so bring water and comfortable shoes.

Catalina Island

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This island, 35 km from Los Angeles, is a completely different world: a mild Mediterranean climate, ocean views, and unique plants (more than 400 species, seven of which grow nowhere else). Blooming begins on the southern slopes—love's arrows, poppies, lupines—and then moves into the canyons and to the north. Later, cacti with bright yellow flowers bloom.
Spring on the island means fresh sea air, flowers, and views of the Pacific Ocean. You can get there by ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro. Trails here cater to every taste, from easy strolls to challenging hikes.

Garrapata State Park - Calla Lily Valley

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A secluded valley in Garrapata State Park near Big Sur. Here, thousands of white calla lilies bloom along Dude Creek. The result is a delicate, almost fairytale-like landscape: white flowers, vibrant greenery, the sound of the ocean, and a hidden beach at the end of the trail. In 2026, the peak season was in late February and early March, and it's still in full swing.

The trail runs along the coast—short but very picturesque. The place has become incredibly popular on Instagram, so it gets crowded on weekends. Arrive early and be careful—don't trample the flowers or leave litter. This is one of the most romantic spots on the central coast.

Point Mugu State Park

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This park in the western Santa Monica Mountains is one of the most beautiful in Southern California. From March to May, the slopes are covered with poppies, lupines, and various types of lilies, and the peaks offer stunning views of the ocean and coastal hills.

Trails wind through the hills and along the coast—you can spend the entire day strolling, admiring the flowers and seascapes. It's a great day trip from Los Angeles or Ventura.

Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve

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A preserve in the southern Santa Ana Mountains of Riverside County. From March to May, poppies, hollyhocks, clarkias (of the carnation family), lupines, and spurges bloom here. The area is characterized by vernal pools (temporary lakes formed after rains) and old adobe houses.

The reserve is quiet and uncrowded—an ideal place for those who want to truly appreciate rare plants and the peace and quiet. Trails lead through meadows and pools, and there are picnic areas.

Mount Diablo State Park

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This park overlooks the East Bay and is located near San Francisco. The hills and meadows bloom with a vibrant and varied palette: in Mitchell Canyon, acacias, myrtles, poppies, fairy lanterns, and butterfly lilies are particularly beautiful. In spring, the slopes transform into colorful carpets, and the peaks offer stunning views of San Francisco Bay. Mitchell Canyon is a prime spot for photography and strolls.

Figueroa Mountain

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Mount Figueroa is located in the Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara County. From February to April, its slopes are covered with poppies, lupines, love's arrow buttercups, and other wildflowers. Sometimes, fields of flowers stretch to the horizon.

There are several excellent walking trails here, ranging from easy to challenging hikes. In good years, like 2026, it's a veritable sea of ​​flowers. The roads are seasonal and unpaved in places, so be sure to check their condition beforehand.

Death Valley

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Don't miss the super bloom in Death Valley National Park—the hottest and driest place in North America, located in southeastern California right on the border with Nevada. Typically, the area is dry and lifeless: only about 50 mm of rainfall annually, sand, rocks, and temperatures approaching 50°C (122°F). But from November 2025 to January 2026, more than 63 mm of rain fell—an annual average in two months. As a result, the desert was covered in a continuous field of pink, purple, yellow, and white flowers. According to the National Park Service, this is the most vibrant and extensive bloom in the past ten years, comparable only to the legendary 2005 and 1998 blooms.

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Flower seeds in Death Valley can lie in the ground for decades, awaiting winter rains and a warm spring. Flowering is currently in full swing in the lowlands and will continue until mid- to late March. At higher elevations, blooms will begin later—in April to June—but less abundantly.

The best viewing areas in the park are Badwater Road, Mud Canyon, and Beatty Cutoff Road.

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