Seeing all the beautiful Instagram posts over my friends feeds and explore page reminds me of summertime in Connecticut where every year local farms and orchards let you pick the bright yellow flower in season to take in its glory. Now I think they’ll remind me of my new home in the Napa Valley. I have been busy exploring Northern California most specifically Yolo County and the SF Bay Area on a quest chasing the dream arrival of magical sunflower fields each summer for 5 years.
Finding stunning endless rows of golden sunflowers that stretch for days is a signal that everyone will love visiting places they have discovered near the Bay Area. I loved sharing my favorite locations many times so I narrowed down the exact favorites to give you tons of helpful easy breezy tips and tricks along with important advice for getting the best photos possible here.
Looking back to 2023 I decided to visit the patches on August 10th to check them out before they wilted in mid-August. I was already almost too late to find a little patch of flowers that weren’t in bad shape because we drove by miles of totally dead stalks on the way there. The next time I made an early start in June when the buds are still small to locate the top views. And finally now during the recent lock down period I organized my guides perfectly.
BEST SUNFLOWER FIELDS IN CALIFORNIA
Discover the best sunflower fields in California with top locations from Dixon and Winters to Costa Mesa and Half Moon Bay. Learn when sunflowers bloom, the best time to visit, and expert tips for finding hidden fields and capturing stunning photos. Explore famous farms, scenic backroads, and must-visit spots while avoiding common mistakes for the perfect sunflower experience.
When Do Sunflowers Bloom In California?
To make sure you catch the fields at the height of their awesomeness, Visit any local field in late June or early July during the peak sunflower season. As I mentioned before, my trip on August 10th 2023 was already too late, and I had to hunt for a patch that was still half alive. The next year in 2024, I visited in early June; some flowers were still a bit small, but at least they were alive and thriving. Fast forward to summer 2025, I visited on the last weekend of June, and it was PERFECT because the sunflowers were large and healthy looking, but not too tall yet. That’s why the end of June to early July is the best time to visit for the best flowers.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Sunflower Fields?
When hunting down a local field, the best time of day is sunrise or sunset on a weekday to avoid crowds, because if you go mid day it is going to be hot. I remember driving back from Lake Tahoe a couple summers ago and passed the Davis fields at high noon; they were PACKED with people and I knew everyone was roasting.
The California sunflower season usually peaks around June July, though it depends each year; generally between mid June and mid July you will see the yellow flowers in full bloom. Some bloom early while others are a little late, so I recommend visiting in early July. I went the first week and the timing was perfect for All these photos. By August, it is too sad to watch them slowly wilt away and die, unless you visit the farms listed below that blossom in the fall.
Where to Find The Best Sunflowers in California and Tips For Visiting
The Northern Californian area is full of glowing sun and the best sunflower patches. If you have ever driven from San Francisco toward Lake Tahoe, you probably noticed rows of gorgeous fields lined along the freeway.
The favorite places to find sunflowers are in Yolo County, specifically the towns of Woodland, Winters, Dixon, and Davis in that county. Most of them are less than 2hrs from SF and an hour from Napa Valley wine country. So, it’s worth the drive up to see literally endless miles of flowers. I have been to each place and have been verified by a trusted friend. If you are planning a visit from Southern California, plan a weekend trip and stay overnight in Sacramento. I have also listed a few farms that are highly convenient for SoCal folks.
You must time your trip for late June or early July. If you go too early, they are small and may not look healthy, or even worse, are already harvested. I learned that timing is everything.
To hunt for a field, I will give a great starting point like Currey Road, which is often crowded. If you are open to an adventure, take backroads towards many secluded spots like road 89. Just pull over to photograph one you like.
If you missed the summer season, a farm in Half Moon Bay blooms in September. these grow close together and are about 9 feet tall. They don’t make for that typical photograph, but are perfect if you want to catch late beauty.
For high quality photos, sunrise or sunset during the golden hour is ideal. I am not much of a morning riser, so I always go after the evening glow. During this year, I arrived around 8pm to capture the most delicate soft light. There is something magical about all the sunlight facing West as the sun descends below the horizon.
Whatever day you choose, avoid peak afternoon hours when the hot lighting is harsh. The famed GOLDEN HOUR is just right before the sky and light turn orange. For attire, I prefer practical shoes because of mud and water. If you don’t mind getting dirty, old boots are ideal. Flowy dresses or brightly colored clothing complement the yellow really well for a long reason.
Visiting any flower patch, much like California’s almond blossoms, must come with a disclaimer now. You must be aware of the significance of staying out of the plants because this is someone’s livelihood. You can introduce foreign things like bugs, pests, etc. Respect nature and Be sure to follow the basic guidelines below since people rely on their crops.
Lastly, above everything, be respectful to the farmers. Remember this is private property, so admire the beauties from the roadside and refrain from going deep into the dirt. Do not pick, trample, or trespass if there is a sign. If you wish to conduct more than an impromptu photoshoot, such as an engagement, maternity, or portrait session, then be sure to contact the land owner for approval.
Please be cautious and aware that Bees and bees are everywhere on the stems. Call Ahead if you are unsure about visiting a particular location; please call ahead to check. Many owners give their exact location and allow photography near them. You will find other farms that are open.
1. Fields at 8747 Currey Rd, Dixon California
For anyone seeking the best sunflower season that California has to offer, setting your heading toward a famous Field of Sunflowers is a great first starting point. I have shot photos here multiple times over the years because there is ample parking and tons of space on the dirt and grass to respectfully take your pictures.
However, when visiting the popular sunflower fields, you must always have a backup plan in mind; for instance, I went to the Currey Road sunflower fields and discovered the farmer had planted something else in that specific field. So while making your way to 8747 Currey Rd, Dixon is highly recommended, flexibility is key!
2. Kidwell Exit on Hwy 80 in Northern California
Driving that familiar route to Sacramento, You’ll see it far away from the highway because there is a large field nearby. They’re like a massive sea of yellow shining along the way. Because of this extreme visibility, taking the Kidwell Exit on Hwy 80 is usually super crowded since EVERYONE stops here. But if you are in a pinch on a road trip and can’t go out of your way, this is a good place to stop.
3. Road 26 & Road 89 Near Winters
We almost gave up trying to find a stunning patch in mid July while heading back to Napa a few summers ago. I saw this small field out the passenger side window and immediately got off the nearest exit. We found a safe place to park and pull off at the intersection of Road 26 and 89 in Yolo County. Because this area is more remote, we had the super quiet spot all to ourselves to wander around. I shot my favorite photos here at sunset, and they turned out amazing. Be aware that I wanted to mention the location has a ton of bees, much heavier than normal, so please practice caution. The grounds are also very muddy, so be sure to pack shoes that are comfortable for exploring.
4. Winters California
Anywhere around Winters California, people pass by tons of fields here. Find one you like and pull over for these Northern sunflower spots. I know that sounds vague, but whenever someone DMs me on Instagram asking for field recommendations, I send them this article and always reassure them that just driving the outskirts means you’ll find plenty of sunflowers. Without a particular location in town, taking a drive is no problem finding some along CA 89. Know before you go that the Peak season is mid June to mid July.
5. Andreotti Family Farms in Half Moon Bay
If you missed the peak summer blooms near Road 26 and Road 89, do not worry because you do not need to wait until next year to see them open up. Andreotti Family Farms in Half Moon Bay is a really cool sunflower farm in California that will offer fall visitors an also amazing option to pick your own Upick flowers.
They have 7+foot tall sunflowers during their season, which is short and usually just a few weeks in September. They sell tickets online, so check back on the site starting mid August to keep tabs on opening dates for the best Sunflower field the Area folks can visit. PS, if you are trying to get engaged, I once helped a young man get connected with the farm to help throw him a special little picnic moment to pop the question, so reach out to them if that’s what you’re aiming for.
I always do a day trip down from San Francisco to pick these giant flowers and then grab chowder bowls after. Know before you go to check the Website because the Peak Fall season extends through October and November for you Pick fun!
6. Tanaka Farms Hanna Fields Sunflowers Costa Mesa
if you missed the Northern California sunflower season, head to another SoCal favorite providing many activities because They may be the best fields Southern California has. If you’re looking for a Sunflower field in the Los Angeles area, the Hana Field by Tanaka Farms in Costa Mesa usually runs until August.
I personally loved visiting this farm during their open months of May and June; you can also do a u pick here, which is extra fun since You’ll have to bring your own sheers. Beyond the sunflowers of course, a visit with family in the summer and fall provides offerings like U pick strawberries, a pumpkin patch, and CSA boxes.
Orange County is a great place to see some beautiful poppy bloom and cherry blossoms in March, but Know before you go to Check out the Website regarding regular updates on crop status.
7. Murray Family Farms
If you REALLY dropped the ball and missed the typical sunflower season through June, July, August, or even September, you may be able to swing by Murray Family Farms in Bakersfield for an unexpected treat.
On my way to Big Bear a few Octobers ago, I was completely shocked to see their vibrant sunflower patch still blooming beautifully against the autumn sky. I absolutely love this market and always stop by on my road trips whenever the chosen route was toward Big Bear or Joshua Tree National Park. They have such tasty food to enjoy while taking in the bright yellow views.
8. Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Station
Exploring the Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Station offers a surprisingly delightful twist on our golden flower hunt. While most folks instantly associate this San Diego County destination with picking out the perfect autumn gourd, my past visits taught me that agricultural centers often cultivate unexpected late blooming patches to enhance their harvest festival atmosphere.
Finding these beautiful petals late in the year requires a bit of planning, which is exactly why I always tell friends to check recent visitor photos and updates on yelp prior to hitting the road. Scanning those fresh reviews ensures you capture the perfect family photographs without arriving to empty dirt lots, maximizing your weekend adventures.
9. Cloverfield Farms
Coming in at number 9 on the list is a nice little sunflower patch Located at 9055 Olmo Lane in Dixon, which is very near Davis. While I personally have not been to this specific location, a good friend went a few years ago and absolutely loved experiencing this beautiful California sunflower field.
The best part about Cloverfield Farms is that they warmly welcome visitors to enjoy so much play time exploring and taking photos right next to the plants, an activity that is sometimes strictly prohibited at other agricultural sites.
10. Swank Farms
On my recent road trip, I drove down to Hollister, which sits perfectly inbetween San Jose and Monterey, to visit Swank Farms. They have a fantastic annual festival and also welcome visitors to take tons of photos during their season of bloom. Unlike another farm close by, this location tends to lean more towards September and October to open up for the fall.
Along with the massive sunflowers, there is an incredible pumpkin patch that my family absolutely loved exploring. Just Know before you go that checking their official Website is the best way to catch the true Peak Fall colors.
11. Turkovich Family Wines
During my recent trips, I discovered This really cool little winery in YOLO County called Turkovich Family Wines. It happens to also own a beautiful sunflower field where they offer a fantastic tasting package every June.
You can buy Sunflower Field Passes or Private tastings which feature a special tasting of 5 of their best wines And then provide plenty of time to see the bright fields in person. I think it is such a cool way to merge an afternoon of getting to know the local terroir via both the blooming flowers and the fermented grapes.
12. Peltzer Winery
I always tell friends visiting the region that Peltzer Winery is an absolute must see. Located right on the famous Calle Contento Trail in the heart of Temecula Valley, their lush gardens have incredibly stunning sunflowers popping up during the warm season.
Come for a relaxing afternoon wine tasting just to view these tall and beautiful flowers, or you can easily book a completely private photoshoot directly in the fields for romantic engagements, gorgeous weddings, etc, and many other special events. I genuinely believe This is one of the absolute best sunflower fields in California simply because it is among the few spots that openly allow professional photos without any hassle.
13. Muller Joe & Sons Ranch, Woodland
I absolutely love the beautiful field of sunflowers up in Woodland because it is a great spot for photography. It is quite unlike a few other places since this one is hidden safely off the main freeway and is not very crowded.
When I went at sunrise, we were the only ones there, making it my absolute favorite and simply the best of the sunflower fields near the SF Bay Area. Just north of Dixon, the Muller Ranch farm in Yolo County grows these beauties among their traditional crops. Just across the way from their heirloom tomatoes, you will find a perfect stop and shop farmstand. The owners are extremely friendly, so if you DM their Instagram or give them a call, they will gladly confirm their address and allow you to take photographs across most of the property.
I highly recommend going at sunset when the lighting is incredibly soft and the bees are not as busy pollinating the flowers. Know before you go that the primary Location sits at 15810 Co Rd 95 in CA 95695 and you can reach them by Phone at 530. The Peak season arrives quickly, so take NOTE and Send a direct message to the Californiafarmsandranches page so they will text you the exact location as well.
14. Cloverleaf and Collins farm, Davis
If you love visiting flower fields in the area, you might want to check out the gorgeous field along the main freeway near Davis, CA. It is so hard to miss on a regular drive that I actually stumbled upon it, frantically took the nearest exit, and drove back just to see the sunflowers in all their morning glory.
I quickly realized this Location is quite popular among Northern Californians because it is big enough for several people to take photos at one time. Because one field gets heavily filled with water, wearing old boots is extremely helpful for exploring.
Know before you go that the primary address is 9055 Olmo Ln, and the precise map pin is 38.5079063. During Peak season, you can easily combine this trip with beautiful lavender farms nearby, specifically Araceli Farms.
15. Currey Road Sunflower fields
I stumbled upon this famous sunflower field by chance two summers ago while driving back to Sacramento from Napa. Right off the highway, there they were, beautifully basking in the bright sunlight. It was the first location I ever visited in California several years prior, but the only bummer was that I went in late August when the flowers were almost dead.
But when I returned with my camera a few weeks later, they had sadly dried up, practically weeping. I have been highly vigilant since then to ensure that such a disappointment wouldn’t happen again. This time around, thanks to some well timed planning, I caught the full bloom. This is another very popular destination that can get incredibly crowded, so please plan accordingly.
Take NOTE that these lands are private, so be extra cautious to do not trespass and just admire the sheer beauty safely from the road.
A quick TIP: Drive farther along Currey Rd to find a more secluded and beautiful angle. I had a little bit of walking to do before I found the perfect view, but it was absolutely breathtaking when I finally did. These crops are irrigated heavily because of the intense heat, so make sure to wear old sneakers or sturdy rain boots if you want to really explore.
Know before you go that the primary Location sits near 8747 in Dixon near latitude 38.4928281, and the absolute Peak season arrives quickly.
Where To NOT Find Sunflowers In California
If you are a sunflower avid lover on a mission to track down good fields in California, I can help you avoid being misled. Over the years, I realized that many guides on the internet and roundups are written by people who have never been there in season. I can tell you that these writers often use stock photos for flower patches they saw listed on other blogs that don’t actually have flowers.
My real-life experience will save your waiting time because I think M3 Ranches and Muller Ranch sites do not operate for the public anymore. I gave them phone calls over and over, and I even left voicemails but never got anything back. When I drove by too, I didn’t see much in the way of blooms. Don’t come here if you want a guaranteed view.
Photograph At Sunrise or Sunset (Aka Golden Hour!)
If you want to witness the flowers during their most beautiful moments, I suggest you arrive exactly at sunrise. There is something truly magical about seeing sunflowers with all of them facing East, literally meeting the sun as it is breaking over the horizon. I personally left San Francisco at 4:15am and made it to the fields by 5:30am for the sunrise, which allowed me to avoid the rush of people.
Plus, that early morning light is by far the best time to shoot in these sunflower patches. If you aren’t up for a long morning drive, you can still visit during the sunset in the evening, which is usually around the 8pm or 9pm window during the summer.
Whatever you do, I highly recommend that you DON’T photograph these blooms during mid-day. This area is always so sunny and HOT HOT HOT, with temperatures reaching up to 90 or 100 degrees in the summertime. Since you’ll be out in the middle of a field, remember that you’ll be sweating and your photos will have very harsh light.
Be Respectful While Visiting The Sunflowers
Whenever you are planning on going deeper into the fields or doing a big shoot like an engagement or longer portrait session, you must figure out who owns the land first. It is usually fine stopping by the end of a field for a quick photo shoot, but if you are flying a drone, you should give them a call. I haven’t heard of anyone saying no because they just like a heads up for any professional photoshoot or droning.
Please note to be respectable and don’t wander too deep into the fields or drive all over the farm. These sunflower fields are private land after all, so you must respect the farmers. Remember these fields are not public land, so Respect the fields and don’t damage the flowers.
Don’t drone for real because Droning is illegal on private property that isn’t yours. Farmers WILL call the cops on you Unless you have permission. To Dress the part, I plan to wear summer dresses and a straw hat as these Americana-vibing outfits for the ‘gram will be a huge fan.
Try one of these pieces for your next trip. Most importantly, Don’t pick sunflowers because They aren’t yours. Also don’t bring in real sunflowers from the outside; use only fake ones in the fields to avoid cross contamination.
Make A Weekend Trip Out Of It!
The light to photograph the best sunrise or sunset is much easier to catch if you spend the night at a hotel somewhere nearby. I highly recommend you stay overnight in Sacramento because this city is slowly growing on me with its fun breweries, cute cafes, and colorful murals.
You can Make a weekend trip out of it by booking the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento. It is the best hotel because I love Kimpton hotels since they are always so unique and well crafted. This one even has a pool which is perfect for those hot summer days after visiting the sunflowers.
Or if you want something a little more unique, you should try the Delta King Hotel which is a hotel on a riverboat.
If you happen to arrive in February, you must check out the local Almond Blossoms, but planning a trip from late May to early July every year guarantees the stunning lavender field at Araceli Farms will be completely open for exploring. We always bring unique props like our Best Souvenirs from Italy to take tons of creative photos that capture the pure floral beauty of the place during our evening shoot. Finally when you swing by later in August, make sure to head over to the nearby Mezger Family Zinnia Patch to perfectly round out your unforgettable California bloom weekend.
Final Thoughts
Having been to the most beautiful flower fields around the world, ranging from the iconic tulip fields in Holland to the aromatic lavender farms of Provence and delicate cherry blossoms all over, I can authoritatively say that California has some of the best sunflower fields anywhere.
This amazing state is a place where you can see many other flower fields including lavender fields, almond blossoms, cherry blossoms, and wildflowers during a superbloom, or even visit vibrant tulip fields in California. And yet, Sunflower fields remain one of the most beautiful sights you will see in California, making them a must visit for any nature enthusiast.
If you missed the summer bloom, you should definitely check out the farms that bloom around the fall time instead. Always Be respectful of the farms and nature and do not tresspass on private property. Hope you get to visit one of these farms and have as much fun as we did during our floral adventures.
Faq
Where are sunflower fields in California?
To find the most stunning sunflower fields in California, you should explore Woodland to see the Muller Joe and Sons Ranch or head toward Davis for the Cloverleaf and Collins farm. My travels often lead me to the Currey Road Sunflower fields in Winters, but you can also find the Family Andreotti in Half Moon Bay or visit Swank in Hollister. If you are looking for a station or pumpkin patch vibe in Southern California, Tanaka Farms in Irvine or spots in Escondido provide a great escape from the Bay area.
What season are sunflowers in California?
Sunflowers in California reach their peak bloom usually between early summer and late fall, though the exact timing can vary depending on the region. Southern locations might see vibrant fields sooner, while visiting in September guarantees a look at the fall conditions in other parts of the state. The weather and local region play a huge role in when these gold beauties finally reach their full height.
Is California known for sunflowers?
Sunflowers are a massive part of the agricultural landscape here, and California is known all over the world for these cheerful yellow faces. In Yolo County and across the Central Valley, you can see more than 50000 acres burst into a sunny exuberance of towering beauties each summer. There is truly no place better to witness such a vast region of bloom than this golden state.
