The term "superbloom" became part of the vernacular in 2019 when, after a particularly wet winter, SoCal enjoyed an explosion of wildflowers. Since then, locals, myself included, have been waiting to see when the next superbloom will be.
Well, wonder no more fellow SoCal residents: 2022-2023 winter was record-breaking wet and the inevitable blooms are now here. Drink your allergy meds, spray those nostrils and slather on some sunscreen and head out, RESPONSIBLY, and enjoy the flowers. Unfortunately, this post is so late that it won't be of any use this year. Maybe it will be of use to you in the future.
Between Pismo Beach and Maricopa
Be mindful of the roads, the posted signs, etc. These flowers are truly wild and should be protected. Keep in mind that though the plains doesn't have an entrance fee or kiosk, there is also no parking lot or bathrooms. There is one visitor center closer to the west side of the plains. Since you're already here, you might as well go take a peek at Soda Lake. I heard it made an appearance this year after drying up years ago.
When there's a superbloom, you don't even need to go to the Preserve to view California Poppies covering entire hillsides in California - the first time we went, we exited from the 14 freeway, drove towards any orange-colored hill and pulled over. If you make the drive all the way here, you might as well time it with the Annual Poppy Festival because it is humongous and is filled with a lot of great food vendors and artisans.
My first time here, it was literally just a field of flowers, a gift shop (garden and flower stuff mostly) and flower competitions. Next time, they had more activities, live entertainment and some foods. The following visit, they have special private dining events, and tons of photo opportunities for your instagram pleasures. And now I see they even have more offerings! This here is an easy way to view flowers. Across the street is a great food hall too.
The Huntington
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino CA 91108
Used to be commonly known as "The Huntington Gardens & Library" which is very accurate as there are many different gardens in this estate. There's a Japanese Garden complete with a tea house, a Chinese Garden complete with bridge, a bamboo forest, a desert garden among others. Their famous Rose Garden has their world-famous tea room which is now open again for tea parties - yey! The library is home to ancient books and the Art Gallery hosts a rotating exhibit along their permanent collection.
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1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge CA 91011
This beautiful garden is a great place to visit at any time of the year because they always have something going on. In the fall, they have Jack-O-Lantern festival. During the Christmas holidays, they have Festival of Lights. In the spring, you will see it covered in petals and natural colors.
301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia CA 91007
A beautiful garden ran beautifully. There is a Queen Anne type horse stable and dog house, mini waterfalls, forests, historic buildings and free-roaming peacocks! When we visited in June, the flowers were still in full bloom and the entire garden was dressed in beautiful colors. Maybe because they also have wesome orchid and aquatic gardens.
6300 Balboa Blvd, Lake Balboa CA 91406
This park has a man-made lake that is seeded with fish for recreational fishing. And in the springtime, the hyacinths and cherry blossoms lining the lake are abloom.
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