No need to trek all the way to France to see endless rows of lavender fields (though Provence is totally on my bucket list!) California lavender fields are equally as stunning and some are open to the public to visit!
This summer I FINALLY made it to a field before they closed for the season so I could live out my dreams of frolicking amongst the lavender like the wannabe boho wander babe I am. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite lavender farm in California to visit (along with a list of other top fields in the state) plus must-know tips before you go.
Top 8 Enchanting Lavender Fields in California To Visit
>> Got a question about visiting lavender fields in California that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and I’ll be happy to help!
Where To See Lavender Fields In California
All The Other Farms Open To Visitors!
There are lavender farms all over California. Many aren’t open to the public but some are! If you are in Northern California I HIGHLY recommend you visit Araceli Farms for all the reasons I mentioned below. But it’s a long way to travel if you live in Central or Southern California so here are other top farms in the state you can visit:
1. Highland Springs Ranch / 123 Farms
Location: Cherry Valley (between Temecula and Big Bear Lake)
Highlands Spring Ranch boasts having the largest organic lavender fields in the state. They’re known for their annual lavender festival each July, along with a sheep-shearing festival and a beer festival! It’s the best lavender festival California has.
The ranch has rooms for rent plus a pool and spa. Low-key already putting this spot on my California hotel bucket list to visit in the future!
2. Keys Creek Lavender Farm
Location: Valley Center, closer to San Deigo
Keys Creek Seems to be mostly an event and wedding venue but they have pop-up glamping tents on Airbnb sometimes if you wanted to book an overnight stay on select days. I do believe you can go visit, but this year (2020) they are closed to the public for the pandemic.
3. Cache Creek Lavender
Location: Rumsey, between Yuba City and Clearlake
Cache Creek has a yearly lavender festival in June that’s open to the public to attend for the weekend. They sell goodies like lavender lemonade and lavender ice cream, along with U-Pick options and wine tastings. The farm also allows weddings.
4. Pageo Lavender Farms
Location: Turlock, between Modesto and Merced
Pageo Lavedner Farms is another farm that offers photo shoots and prices range from $30-$50, but you have to request to book versus easily booking online at Araceli Farms. Their property does look beautiful with a rustic silo and tons of trees. They also offer property for weddings.
5. Monte-Bellaria di California
Location: Sonoma
California’s renowned Russian River Appellation boasts more than just acclaimed wineries. Nestled within its rolling hills lies a haven for lavender lovers – Monte-Bellaria.
Here, sprawling fields erupt in a breathtaking sea of purple during bloom season. Visitors can embark on self-guided walks, capturing the fragrant beauty in photos, or unwind with a picnic amidst the vibrant blooms.
Before leaving, a visit to the farm store is a must. From fresh, cold-pressed olive oil to a variety of bee-derived products, take home a piece of the farm’s bounty to extend the fragrant memories of your visit.
6. Araceli Farms: My FAVORITE Lavender Field
I couldn’t have imagined a better lavender farm for me and the girls to visit this summer. Araceli Farms is outside Dixon in Northern California, in between the Bay Area and Sacramento, making it easy to visit from either metro area.
There are a few things that make Araceli Farms different than the other lavender farms in California. First, it’s founded by Justina, a young Latina woman (love me a young female entrepreneur chasing her dreams!) She also grows 7 different beautiful lavender varietals, more than I saw listed on other farms.
She told us that these plants are different colors and earlier in the season the field were purples and pinks! Much more fun for photos.
On that note, Araceli Farms offers private Araceli Farms photoshoot sessions that you can easily book online! Which many other farms in the state do also allow you to photograph the fields for a fee, they all seemed to be only within opening hours mid-day.
Which just sounds like a hot AF mess and not that great of photos since direct sunlight in a field = no fun. But at Araceli, you can book a time slot as early as 6am for sunrise, and as late as 8pm for sunset.
We booked a sunrise timeslot and I also asked to have a bundle of lavender left out for us to shoot with. The peace of mind of not having to worry about props, getting through a ticketing process that early or shooting around families (little kids are notorious for photobombing you!) was fantastic. It just made the whole visit more relaxing.
The air was cool, the light was soft and we had the whole field to ourselves.
If you aren’t looking to book the fields out privately for a shoot, don’t worry, you can still visit the farms during normal opening hours! It’s not free but tickets are just $5, picnics are encouraged and I’m pretty sure she also sometimes sells lavender ice cream. I’ll be bringing my husband next summer for a general admission visit! Parking is easy, too.
7. Matanzas Creek Winery
Location: Santa Rosa
Sonoma County’s Bennett Valley boasts a fragrant gem at Matanzas Creek Winery. Established in 1991, their terraced lavender gardens create a stunning welcome for June visitors.
These meticulously farmed fields not only provide a picturesque backdrop but also contribute to the winery’s commitment to the local ecosystem. Once the lavender reaches peak bloom, it’s hand-cut and used entirely to craft the winery’s bath, body, and home products, offering a delightful way to bring the essence of the fields home.
8. Bees N Blooms
Location: Sonoma County
Immerse yourself in a sensory experience unlike any other at Bees N Blooms, home to California’s largest Lavender Labyrinth. Wander through fragrant rows of eight distinct lavender varieties, each boasting its own unique aroma.
Beyond the purple haze, discover a vibrant display of additional flowers, all contributing to the farm’s diverse ecosystem. Buzzing with life, honeybees flit amongst the blooms, while the tree nursery and organic vegetable garden offer a glimpse into other facets of sustainable agriculture at Bees N Blooms.
When Do Lavender Fields Bloom In California?
Blooming time may vary based on the farm, growing conditions that spring, and their location (California is a HUGE state after all!) But in general, expect to find blooming lavender fields from early May to early July. If you are visiting Araceli Farms in Northern California, I recommend coming in the second half of June so you can see the area’s sunflowers blooming, too!
Mark your calendars right now (seriously, I do this to not forget about blooming seasons!) and if possible, subscribe to the email newsletter of the farm you want to visit to stay updated about the season and events (like brunches in the fields or live music weekends!)
What To Wear To A Lavender Field
First, channel your inner cottagecore boho babe and find the flowiest, most whimsical white dress you own. White pops SO DANG well again the purple lavender, I think it’s the best color to wear for a photo shoot in the fields. Also bring straw hats, straw baskets and picnic gear to truly capture that farm girl magic.
If you aren’t visiting for a photo shoot, keep in mind the temperatures will probably be hot so dress accordingly. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and flat sandals for walking.
I also recommend bringing water bottles to stay hydrated. Lastly, even though the bees were way more interested in the lavender fields than us, I always skip wearing perfume whenever I visit flower fields, just to ensure I don’t attract the attention of bees.
Are Bees A Problem At California Lavender Fields?
On that note, there are thousands of bees in the lavender fields. I’m terrified of bees but they left us alone and we didn’t get stung BUT if you are highly allergic to bees I don’t think you should visit lavender fields (or sunflower fields either.)
These are flower fields after all!!
I hope this helps you plan a fantastic summer visit to Araceli Farms, or another lavender field farm close to you! They’re so much fun to visit and I love supporting local farmers.
If you have any questions at all, leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and I’ll be happy to help! If your favorite local lavender farm isn’t on this list, drop a comment so everyone can see.
9 comments
Good day,
I was reading your article based on a friend’s recommendation to visit a lavender farm for a private photoshoot. I was excited to come across your article and read more! In the article, however, you referenced Justina, “a young woman of color.” I’m not certain if it’s your culture, but I found it hard to read your article past this reference. Could you explain why her color is relevant to visiting lavender farms? Rarely do I hear the phrase “woman who lacks color,” when referencing Caucasian women, so I presume it wasn’t necessary?
Many of our readers intentionally seek out small businesses run by BPOC or women-lead businesses to support with their dollars.
Greetings,
I found the article quite enjoyable and offering of the exact information I was looking for.
I would also like to add I found myself wanting to read the article more after your mention of the the Latina business owner. Araceli Farms is at the top of my list for when businesses open back up.
Thank you
I think this article is perfect! I was looking for photos of lavender fields because I just wrote a poem about dancing with someone I love in lavender fields. Now, not only I have a perfect visual, but a task to go to Araceli Farms (what a fantastic sounding name…) and experience this delight. How inspiring! I also appreciate mention of a Latina woman pursuing her dream. It’s very important for me to know that as I like to support women entrepreneurs with vision and flare. And because it’s a minority, it adds charm and mystery. I need to go there like immediately. Thank you so much for this gift!
Great article, especially enjoyed the mention of a young Latin woman entrepreneur. Well written article.
There is a great lavender farm in Paso Robles -California Lavender Honey Farm, they have not just the lavender field but also bee farm, unique Bee Museum, organic vegetables and educational tours
valuable article. It’s realy helpful who living in California. I also visited some of this lavender fileds. Your pictures are awesome.
I found this article so helpful! I was wondering if you can give the details on this photo shoot information because on the website it says that they don’t offer a photographer. I’m not really wanting to hassle to bring props etc. so I was wondering what you did exactly or who you used??
Hi, Araceli farms price list is not $5 this year. It has been increased to $18. Please update the blog. It mislead me at first even though I booked the tickets.
Thank you!