Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Southern California
Natasha Kayes
Author
Here on the West Coast, we very rarely experience the harsh winters that characterize many other parts of the country, and it is commonly said that “it never rains in sunny Southern California,” however we do get our share of cool, wet weather in many areas – even snow! And summers, while perfect for beach days and watersports, can be hot and dry, with green hillsides and lawns fading to brown. Don’t get me wrong, it is pretty much always beautiful here, but springtime brings a certain bit of magic, with clear blue skies, crisp air, vibrant greenery, and colorful wildflowers spreading over hills and valleys. The season is almost upon us and to celebrate, here are some of the best things to do in Southern California in spring.
Flower Blooms In Southern California
We grew up hearing “April showers bring May flowers,” and while the months may vary a bit by year and locale, the late winter rains certainly bring stunning displays of colorful blooms (and in recent years, super blooms!) to many areas of Southern California. Here are some of the most incredible places to see them.
1. Carlsbad Flower Fields
- Location: Carlsbad, CA
- Popularity: Very popular, especially on weekends.
- Price: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and military, $9 for children (Season passes also available)
One of the dreamiest and most anticipated Southern California spring activities is a visit to The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. Open to the public from March to May each year, this must-see farm presents visitors with 50 acres of vibrant ranunculus flowers - wide rows of colorful blooms that seem to go on forever. You can spend hours walking through the fields and other beautiful gardens, visit the orchid greenhouse and bird aviary, take a wagon ride, wander through the sweet pea maze, and of course, take spectacular photos. Grab a pizza, salad, tacos, coffee, or ice cream, and enjoy a little picnic with a view!
2. California Poppy Reserve
- Location: Antelope Valley, CA
- Popularity: Very popular, especially late March to early April during peak viewing period
- Price: $10 per vehicle, $9 per vehicle with senior on board, $5 per vehicle with DPR Disabled Discount Card
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, located at the northern end of Los Angeles County, is another one of the best and most popular places to see vibrant wildflowers each year. The vast fields and rolling hills become carpeted with bright orange poppies, interspersed with scattered purple, white, and yellow blossoms. Enjoy the view from the parking area or explore 8 miles of hiking trails. If you are looking for amazing and cheap things to do in Southern California in spring, this is a fantastic choice.
Botanical Gardens In Southern California
There are so many botanical gardens and arboretums throughout Southern California, each with its own unique designs, features, and landscapes. It is hard to narrow down the best gardens to visit, but here are a few outstanding ones to get you started.
3. Descanso Gardens
- Location: La Canada-Flintridge, CA
- Popularity: Very popular on weekends.
- Price: $15 for adults, $11 for seniors and students, $5 for kids ages 5-12, Free for children under 4 and under
Descanso Gardens is a gorgeous place to visit any time of year, but naturally, spring brings the most color and variety. During spring months, enjoy an incredible field of tulips, irises, poppies, wisteria, roses, daffodils, flowering trees like magnolias and cherry blossoms, and more. The gardens also feature scenic lawns, a Japanese garden, forests, streams, and ponds. Do you have kids on spring break? The little “ride-on” train ride and easy walking trails make this one of the best family things to do in Southern California in spring.
4. Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens
- Location: San Marino, CA
- Popularity: Popular, especially weekends (but so spacious it does not often feel crowded)
- Price: $29 for adults, $24 for seniors/students/military, $13 for youth (4-11), Free for child (0-3)
There is no bad time to visit this incredible place, but surrounding yourself with natural beauty in spring is a no-brainer, and Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens has plenty of it, from every shade of vibrant green you can imagine to purple wisteria and cherry blossoms in the Japanese garden, native California blooms, and many other pops of stunning color - and that is not to mention the amazing structures and sculptures throughout this SoCal treasure. You’ll want to plan a whole day trip to explore this massive garden.
5. Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
- Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
- Popularity: Hidden gem
- Price: Free
The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is a special place with 15 specialty gardens, 33 acres of natural terrain, awesome walking trails, amazing overlooks, and family-friendly attractions. Not only does the park come alive with colorful wildflowers, but there is no admission fee and little ones will love the whimsical Kids’ Adventure Garden where they can explore the cutest treehouse and lots of other fun surprises.
Parks To Visit In Southern California This Spring
When it comes to free things to do in Southern California in spring, a day at the park is a perfect choice, especially when that park has something special to offer, such as the ones we have chosen here. Whether you seek out little hidden gems or vast state parks, you will find nearly all of these scenic spaces transformed in spring – more green and colorful than ever.
6. Lake Balboa Park
- Location: Van Nuys, CA
- Popularity: Very popular on weekends
- Price: Free
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at this man-made lake surrounded by Japanese cherry blossoms in early spring, purple Jacarandas in late Spring, grassy lawns, and diverse waterfowl, including beautiful Mallard ducks raising their young. At Lake Balboa, there are endless activities for the entire family. Rent an adorable swan pedal boat on the lake, do some fishing, rent (or bring) bicycles or pedal carts, go for a hike, take a relaxing stroll along the water, and enjoy a picnic while you take in the views.
7. Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve
- Location: Carpinteria, CA
- Popularity: Hidden gem
- Price: Free
The trails and views throughout the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, just south of Santa Barbara, are a beautiful breath of fresh air any time of year, but certainly more colorful when spring arrives. Lookout points offer picturesque views of the rocky coastline as well as Anacapa, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz islands. However, there is one particular view that makes this a must-visit park in the spring - the seal sanctuary and rookery on the shore. This section of beach is closed through the end of May to protect nearly 100 resident harbor seals who give birth and nurse their young here each year. From the bluffs above the beach, you can watch the adults and babies sunbathing and playing in the surf. Bring binoculars for close-up views!
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8. Chino Hills State Park
- Location: Chino Hills, CA
- Popularity: Most popular on weekends during spring
- Price: $5 per vehicle
Chino Hills State Park is a lush green hilly landscape dotted with bright California poppies and other wildflowers. Visitors enjoy scenic overlooks, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. There are many trails to explore, so you can practically have a different experience every time you visit.
Spring Hikes In Southern California
Come spring, we love to get out and enjoy nature with fun and exciting outdoor activities. This time of year is perfect for hitting the trail. So, make sure you have all of your hiking essentials and head to one of these iconic hiking trails.
9. Portuguese Point Loop
- Location: Palos Verdes, CA
- Popularity: Most popular in late spring and summer
- Price: Parking at Abalone Cove Park is free for 30 minutes, $6 up to 2 hours, $12 over 2 hours (free for seniors and handicapped)
The unbelievably scenic Portuguese Point Loop trail has it all - picturesque cliffs, wildflowers, and more. From the bluffs, you can enjoy epic views of the blue Pacific, Catalina Island, sunsets over the sea. You may even find yourself whale watching without leaving the shore. Climb down and explore Abalone Cove to discover tide pools, sea caves, a beach waterfall, sea lions, etc.
10. Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon
- Location: Mecca, CA
- Popularity: Popular, especially on weekends
- Price: Free
This may not be what most people think of as a perfect spring adventure because it is not a green or wildflower-filled hike (although you will see a variety of desert blossoms scattered over the landscape), but the weather in springtime is ideal for enjoying this challenging desert hike just south of Joshua Tree National Park. The Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon trail leads past colorful layers of rock, through a breathtaking deep slot canyon, towering rock walls and formations, and up a series of ladders to a vantage point with sweeping views. This is the perfect hike to include on a weekend getaway to Palm Springs.
11. Three Sisters Falls
- Location: Julian, CA
- Popularity: Busier on weekends and during late spring and summer
- Price: $5 Adventure Pass required
Waterfalls make some of the best spring hikes. Just outside of San Diego, near the small town of Julian, Three Sisters Falls is a bucket list-worthy seasonal triple-tier waterfall that is best visited in springtime. The 4.1-mile out-and-back trail to reach the falls is well worth the effort after a good rainy season when the water flows at its fullest.
Spring Picnic Spots In Southern California
One of the most relaxing and fun things to do in Southern California in spring is to pack a picnic and enjoy it in a beautiful place. There are, of course, endless options, but here are a few of our favorites.
12. Cachuma Lake
- Location: Santa Barbara, CA
- Popularity: Most popular for camping, boating, and fishing.
- Price: $10 per vehicle for day use
Nestled in the mountains north of the Santa Barbara coast, Cachuma Lake is a scenic reservoir that enjoys mild weather, sunny skies, renowned fishing conditions, boating and kayaking, and truly breathtaking views. The day-use area has gorgeous oak trees and well-spaced picnic tables overlooking the crystal blue lake. The lake’s location makes it an ideal detour on a road trip up the California coast.
13. Heisler Park
- Location: Laguna Beach, CA
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At the northern end of Orange County’s magnificent Heisler Park is a dreamy spot known as Picnic Beach. The grassy areas overlooking the beach have plenty of spread-out picnic tables - some delightfully secluded - and spacious lawns to spread out and enjoy a leisurely meal with stunning ocean views. You can also stake out a paved group picnic area or enjoy your lunch right on the sand. Make sure you explore a little, too, because this park is full of art, walking trails, tide pools, gardens, lookout points, and so much more.
14. Wilson Creek Winery
- Location: Temecula, CA
- Popularity: Hidden gem, busiest during summer and fall.
- Price: Free to visit and picnic in the garden; wine tasting starts at $25
A picnic at one of our picturesque wineries is one of the most romantic things to do in Southern California in spring. Temecula is known for its wine country that is reminiscent of Spain and Italy, and one of the loveliest and most unique spots is Wilson Creek Winery. This family-owned vineyard exudes warm hospitality and has beautiful spaces for a picnic. Stroll through the vines, do a little wine tasting, and enjoy an al fresco meal in the Lower Garden, a private cabana, or the Courtyard Bar and Grill.
Don’t let spring pass you by without exploring some of the most scenic and colorful spots in Southern California! How many of these places have you already explored? We would love to know your favorite places to go and things to do in spring. Share with us in the comments. If you are planning a road trip this spring (which we think is a splendid idea!), be sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List.
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