Many know and love California for its ideal summer temperatures, vast topography and unique culture. As a newer resident of Arizona, I have only just begun to explore our neighbor to the west, and I am already taken aback by the beauty this state possesses. On my most recent trip, I had the pleasure of experiencing a city about an hour from Orange County, Carlsbad. When you think of Carlsbad, the first thing that may come to your mind is the small, coastal community vibes of Carlsbad Village, a strip of charming beach and retail shops, restaurants and bars, all mere steps from the five-mile beach.
During my stay, I was accommodated by the lovely Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort & Spa, which is conveniently situated a few blocks from the beach and a quick drive to Carlsbad Village. Their restaurant, Candlers at Cape Rey, offers views of the Pacific Ocean and is the perfect spot for a cocktail and bite while basking in the beauty of the coast.
I wanted to explore the character of Carlsbad, so I went right to the heart of it, Carlsbad Village, where I dined at the delightful seafood restaurant Bluewater Grill, where my sister and I indulged in fresh oysters, crispy calamari and mouth-watering crab cakes. The rest of the day was filled with perusing the local retail shops and the occasional stop-in at bars like Crackheads and 264 Fresco for the occasional cocktail. It was a day filled with laughter, exploration and wonder.
ICONIC Recommends: If your sweet tooth strikes, stop by The Goods doughnut shop, chef’s kiss!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: A MOMENT OF ZEN: CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ AT L’AUBERGE DEL MAR
The next morning, my sister and I woke with excitement for the day we had ahead of us. In just a few short hours, we would be entirely surrounded by miles of wistful wildflowers at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. The breathtaking sight can be compared to the ICONIC opening scene of the blockbuster film Wicked when the children are seen running through an endless field of technicolor flora.
We spent the majority of our day biking through the darling neighborhoods of Carlsbad. We returned to our room and got ready for our magical evening ahead. After a short 10-minute Uber ride from the hotel to the fields, we arrived. The immediate fragrance of the flowers gave me a warm welcome. Fresh aromas mixed with a rainbow of flowers lined in fields as far as the eye could see; it was nothing short of breathtaking.
We attended a welcome cocktail hour with a charcuterie spread, live music and craft cocktails. We were encouraged to explore the other attraction they have at The Flower Field: The Butterfly Exhibit, which is a must-do when you visit. When you walk into the enclosure, butterflies flutter all around you, the vibrancy of their wings captivating your attention. It was serene to be a calm observer of their beauty.
For those who want a more exciting interaction with these majestic creatures, you are given a sugar swab that can be used to attract the butterflies; once they are on your swab, you can gently place the butterflies on you. I placed one on my temple, where it stayed for a couple minutes before flying back with its butterfly companions.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: SIX OF THE BEST INTERNATIONAL CITY GARDENS WHERE YOU CAN ESCAPE
Around sunset, we were escorted to the heart of the flower fields, where a chef-prepared meal was made for us. The amber rose hue of the sun setting kissed the floral fields, enhancing their saturation and making you feel as if you’ve been transported to a place where joy engulfs you. It was a setting where the beauty could make any worry or stressor of outside life melt away, transitioning your focus solely to the beauty of this fantastic planet.
Flowers often serve as a reminder to be present, their fleeting beauty reminding us that there are no guarantees in life, only the guarantee of the moment being lived right now. Being surrounded by millions of flowers reminded me of that. I was able to be completely present. I engaged in meaningful conversations, strengthened connections with familiar faces and forged connections with new friends.
The Flower Fields in Carlsbad are nothing short of blissful and sublime. I highly recommend you plan a trip. It was truly a life-changing experience.
©2026 ICONIC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
"*" indicates required fields
