TL;DR: The 3 best lavender farms in California are Araceli Farms, Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm, and 123 Farms. Here are the key takeaways:
- Araceli Farms is a charming six-acre lavender farm in Dixon, perfect for a May weekend trip from the Bay Area.
- Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm (a.k.a. Golden State Apothecary), just north of Santa Barbara, is an idyllic location for private picnics, photoshoots, and small celebrations.
- 123 Farm at Highland Springs Ranch, just west of Riverside, is the largest organic lavender farm in Southern California. Visit in June, during the lavender festival, and book a room for a romantic getaway.
Lavender has long been used to lift spirits, ease anxiety, and encourage restful sleep. And besides its medicinal uses, it’s an attractive flower that smells great and is beautiful to see growing in bulk.
Luckily, thanks to California’s Mediterranean climate, lavender grows across the Golden State.
Visiting lavender farms is the perfect Mother’s or Father’s Day outing. It could also be a fun trip with friends or a good romantic picnic date.
So, give yourself a natural boost this summer by visiting a lavender farm in California at peak bloom, when bright purple flowers fill the warm air with perfume.
By visiting these farms, you might even learn more about this amazing plant, try lavender scones, or practice yoga amidst the blooms.
From the Bay Area to the Central Coast and Southern California, we’ve found the best California lavender fields to visit, photograph, and shop for farm-made lavender treats.
Note: this article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.
California Lavender Farms Map
Most Beautiful Lavender Fields in California
Araceli Farms
Address: 7389 Pitt School Rd., Dixon, CA 96520
How to get there: From San Francisco, take I-80 north toward Sacramento. Take exit 60 on Midway Rd. After about three miles, turn left onto Pitt School Rd and the farm will be on your left.
Contact info: (707) 640-1047, AraceliFarms@gmail.com
Peak bloom: Mid-May to the end of June
Cost: $5 per person
Araceli Farms is a six-acre farm in Dixon that produces its own organic lavender culinary and beauty products. The charcoal lavender soaps and elegant flower-shaped candles make great gifts.
The owner, Justina Salinas, took the gamble to plant lavender only five years ago and it’s been paying off. Visit during the blooming season for U-pick lavender, or for a photo shoot to pose amongst the rows and rows of purple blooms.
If you’re looking for a lavender farm near the Bay Area, Araceli Farms is just over an hour’s drive from San Francisco, making it a good day trip or weekend trip.
Lavender Bee Farm
Address: 764 Chapman Lane, Petaluma, California 94952
How to get there: From downtown Petaluma, head west on Western Ave., then take a right on Chapman Ln.
Contact info: (707) 789-0554, lavenderbeefarm@yahoo.com
Peak bloom: June
Cost: Free
Sonoma is famous for its wineries, but don’t miss this gorgeous lavender and honey farm on the outskirts of Petaluma.
Lavender Bee Farm started as a hobby but quickly became a thriving business as word spread of the exceptional honey being produced on the organic farm.
You can visit the gift shop or take a farm tour during the peak bloom in June (by appointment only). This would be another great lavender farm to visit on a day trip from San Francisco, as Petaluma is only an hour from the city.
Highland Springs Ranch
Address: 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Cherry Valley, CA 92223
How to get there: From downtown Los Angeles, head east on Highway 10 for 72 miles. Take exit 90 onto Cherry Valley Blvd and turn left. Turn right on Beaumont Ave, left on Brookside Ave, then right onto Highland Springs Ave.
Contact info: (951) 845-1151
Peak bloom: Mid-June
Cost: Between $12 and $15 for adults, $6-$7.50 for children aged 6-12, and free for those five and under.
At 20 acres, 123 Farm at Highland Springs Ranch is the largest organic lavender farm in Southern California. And not only that, but this resort has been in operation since the 1920s and Albert Einstein was once a regular visitor.
Every year, the farm holds a huge lavender festival from May to July to celebrate the harvest. During the festival, you can try lavender ice cream or lavender lemonade, tour the fields in a wagon, listen to live music, or simply stroll between the rows of flowers.
Located east of Los Angeles, you can also stay on this farm amid the olive groves, ancient oaks, and lavender fields. It would be a great romantic getaway.
Clairmont Farms
Address: 2480 Roblar Ave., Los Olivos, CA 93441
How to get there: From Solvang, head north on Alamo Pintado Rd., then turn right on Roblar Ave.
Contact info: (805) 688-7505, info@clairmontfarms.com
Peak bloom: June
Cost: Free
With lavender fields framed by centuries-old olive trees, Clairmont Farms in Central California feels like a trip to Provence. This is the best lavender farm near Solvang and is a great addition to a Santa Ynez Mountains wine tour.
The farm is open to the public every day and offers tours free of charge. Take a look around, snap some photos, then relax under the shade of an oak tree with a picnic.
Clairmont Farms also has a boutique next to the fields where you can pick up a white chocolate lavender scone mix (yum!) or one of their aromatherapy products.
Deerhaven Herb and Flower Farm
Address: 8854 Martin Rd, Santa Cruz, California 95060
How to get there: From Santa Cruz, take Highway 1 north, then turn right onto Bonny Doon Rd. After four miles, take a right onto Martin Rd.
Contact info: (831) 427-1919, deerhavenlavender@gmail.com
Peak bloom: End of June
Cost: $10
Deerhaven Herb and Flower Farm is a lavender farm near the San Francisco Bay Area where the Santa Cruz Mountains meet the sea. It’s a magical spot that’s also close to some great beaches and hikes in Santa Cruz.
These lavender fields are ideal for a day trip from San Francisco or as an add-on to a Santa Cruz itinerary.
Deerhaven only opens to the public one weekend per year, just before the farm begins harvesting lavender, so keep a close eye on the farm’s Instagram page for this year’s dates.
The family-owned farm also makes its own small-batch soaps in the traditional way, which you can also find at Ethos in Santa Cruz.
Bluestone Meadow
Address: 2025 Carson Rd., Placerville, CA 95667
How to get there: From Placerville, head east on the 50 to Schnell School Rd., then right onto Carson Rd.
Contact info: (530) 621-1830, info@bluestonemeadow.com
Peak bloom: Mid-June
Cost: $5 per vehicle
Located between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe, Placerville is a great weekend destination from the Bay Area for wine tasting, gold rush history, and lavender.
Bluestone Meadow grows 2,500 lavender plants on five acres of farmland, high in the Sierra foothills.
Visit in the peak bloom month of June for the Lavender Blue Festival when you can pick bouquets, buy lavender-scented gifts, or learn about growing your own crop from the “Lavender Guy” who is on hand for all lavender-based questions.
The festival also features a lavender labyrinth and a kid zone with animals and games. Dogs kept on a leash are also welcome.
Cache Creek Lavender
Address: 3430 Madrone St., Rumsey, CA 95679
How to get there: From San Francisco, take I-80 north toward Sacramento and exit 56 for I-505 north toward Redding. Take exit 21 for Highway 16, turn left on Manzanita Ave, then right on Madrone St.
Contact info: (530) 796-2239, lavender@cal.net
Peak bloom: Mid-June
Cost: Free
Cache Creek Lavender is a small farm with a comprehensive store selling 21 different lavender products, including a popular body butter, essential oils, and a hand sanitizer that you’ll actually enjoy using.
If you’re visiting the nearby Cache Creek Casino, it’s an easy side trip to Cache Creek Lavender for a relaxing day out.
Unusually for a lavender farm, admission to its annual lavender festival is free. It’s a fun event with a barbecue, live music, and a craft tent.
The farm also hosts small weddings and elopements. You can say your vows right between the rows and dance the night away in the grange after your ceremony.
Pageo Lavender Farms
Address: 11573 Golf Rd, Turlock, CA 95380
How to get there: From Fresno, take the 99 north and exit on Golden State Blvd, then after two miles turn right onto Golf Rd.
Contact info: PageoFarms@gmail.com
Peak bloom: Mid-June
Cost: Free
Visit Pageo Lavender Farm in June for a picnic in the sunny lavender fields. Order your lunch box, which includes a beverage, dessert, and a lavender gift, 24 hours before your visit.
The farm shop has all kinds of lavender products for sale, from pastel-hued bath bombs to lavender tea.
If it’s your dream to marry in lavender fields, Pageo Farms is also a charming wedding venue. Outside of wedding season, Pageo Farms also hosts wine tasting and other events that you can find on their website.
Fork & Plow Lavender Farm
Address: 43601 Sorensen Rd. Aguanga, CA 92536
How to get there: From Temecula, head east on Highway 79 to Aguanga, take Cahuilla Rd., then go right on Sorensen.
Contact info: (951) 972-9526, forkandplowlavender@gmail.com
Peak bloom: Mid to end of June
Cost: From $8
Fork & Plow Lavender Farm offers Yoga on the Farm, where you can deeply inhale the scent of lavender instead of smelly yoga mats for a refreshing change.
If you’re seeking lavender fields near Los Angeles, Aguanga is about two hours east of downtown.
U-Pick is available for three weekends in the summer when the bloom is at its peak. Check the farm’s website for this year’s dates.
The farm also offers a picnic menu, including a selection of fresh cheeses, crackers, and lavender honey.
If you’re here for photography, be aware that the farm charges $35 for a photography pass. However, there’s no need to buy a pass if you’re only snapping away with your camera phone. The photography pass is in addition to the U-Pick ticket.
Monte Bellaria di California
Address: 3518 Bloomfield Rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472
How to get there: From Sebastopol, take Highway 118 south to Bloomfield Rd.
Contact info: (707) 829-2645
Peak bloom: June 25 through July
Cost: $5 tour
See rolling hills covered in purple at Monte di California in Sonoma County. Take a self-guided tour of the farm before stopping in at the farm shop to take home a lavender souvenir. Pre-paid, timed tickets are required to limit numbers.
Farm tours include a visit to the beehives and the distillation equipment. No dogs are allowed on the farm, so keep your pooch at home.
Picnic tables by the pond are available on a first-come-first-served basis. And if you’re visiting for the ‘gram, the farm has a great new feature: dressing room tents for your wardrobe changes.
Matanzas Creek Winery
Address: 6097 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95404
How to get there: From Santa Rosa, take Bennett Valley Rd., for approximately 10 minutes.
Contact info: (800) 590-6464, lavender@matanzascreek.com
Peak bloom: Late June to early July
Cost: Free
Another Sonoma County gem, Matanzas Creek Winery is a vineyard with a spectacular terraced lavender garden.
If you’re into wine, reserve a tasting session, then sit and sip by the fragrant flowers. In addition to the lavender garden, you’ll get gorgeous vineyard views. Matanzas Creek Winery specializes in Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc varietals.
And there’s no need to drink if that’s not your thing, you can also make a reservation with Matanzas Creek for a picnic table or the Bocce ball court. Kids are welcome, just not in the tasting areas.
Blue Barn Lavender Farm
Address: 32425 De Portola Rd., Hemet, CA 92543
How to get there: From Temecula, take Rancho California Rd. to Glen Oaks Rd., to Mesa Rd., to De Portola Rd.
Contact info: (714) 362-4807, info@bluebarnlavenderfarm.com
Peak bloom: Mid-June
Cost: Contact farm for photography session costs
Blue Barn Lavender Farm is open for a few weeks during peak bloom in June for U-Pick or by appointment for photography shoots.
If you’re looking for lavender fields in San Diego, Blue Barn Lavender Farm is under two hours from downtown San Diego.
The only certified organic San Diego lavender farm, Keys Creek Lavender Farm, was sold in 2021 and there’s no update on whether it will reopen to the public. Therefore, Blue Barn is your best bet if you’re looking for a farm to visit near the city.
Sunsets are glorious on this farm, making Blue Barn Lavender Farm one of the best lavender fields in Southern California for photographers. Contact the farm for an appointment, and either bring your photographer, take your own shots, or book a session with the farm.
Golden State Apothecary
Address: Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm, 1902 Tularosa Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436
How to get there: From Los Angeles, go north on the 101 to Buellton, take exit 140A, then follow Highway 246 to Tularosa Rd.
Contact info: (805) 395-6568
Peak bloom: June
Cost: $30 per person
Golden State Apothecary, also known as Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm, is a beautiful lavender farm in Central California that you can enjoy without the crowds.
For $30 per person, and by appointment only, you and your friends can rent the whole field for a few hours for a picnic or private photo shoot. This would make a great spot for a small celebration or even a proposal.
The owners will also set you up with farm-made treats including lavender lemonade and fresh fruit. And as a bonus, this farm is organic and kept trimmed by the goats and sheep roaming the property, which you’re welcome to pet.
Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm is about an hour northwest of Santa Barbara or just under three hours from Los Angeles. It would make a great day trip from Los Angeles, with a stop in Los Olivos, Solvang, or Santa Barbara.
Lavender Festivals in California
Ojai Valley Lavender Festival
Catch several lavender farm vendors in one place at the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival at Libbey Park in downtown Ojai in June each year.
Central Coast Lavender Festival
Meet Central Coast lavender producers and take part in fun activities at the Central Coast Lavender Festival (this year combined with the Olive Festival) in downtown Paso Robles this July – check on their website for this year’s date.
Highland Springs Resort Lavender Festival
Located outside Los Angeles, the Highland Springs Resort Lavender Festival is a big lavender festival in California with plenty of dates available between May and July.
Lavender Day & Antique Craft Fair
Summers Past Farms, 30 minutes east of San Diego, holds an outdoor lavender plant and gift sale in June, which features 40 artisans and live music.
Best Time to Visit Lavender Fields in California
The peak lavender season for California lavender fields varies depending on where the farm is located, but plan to visit in June or July.
Most farms will update visitors on peak bloom times on their website or social media pages, so follow the farm you want to visit to get the exact dates.
Tips for Visiting Lavender Fields in California
- If you’re visiting to take photographs, a simple white dress looks stunning against the purple blooms.
- Take a change of shoes if you’re going for a boho look, farms are dusty.
- Take advantage of the golden hour, the late afternoon light before sunset, to have a warm glow for your pictures.
- Lavender attracts bees and other insects, so take care while walking around.
- Some of these farms require appointments in advance, call before you go to avoid disappointment.
FAQs About California Lavender Farms
Where are most of the lavender farms located in California?
Lavender fields are located across California, with most found in Northern California and the Central Coast.
In Northern California, head to Sonoma or Solano counties. There are Central Coast lavender fields around Ojai, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz as well. Southern California lavender fields can mostly be found east of Los Angeles and northeast of San Diego.
Where are the biggest lavender farms in California?
In Southern California, 123 Farms at Highland Springs Resort in Cherry Valley has the biggest lavender fields. With six acres, Araceli Lavender Farm in Dixon is one of the largest lavender fields in Northern California.
How long does lavender bloom in California?
California’s lavender fields bloom for one to two months in June and July. Lavender hits its peak in mid-to-late-June and is harvested soon after. By the end of July, most farms have harvested and pruned back their plants to neat domes.
Is lavender native to California?
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region of Western Europe but grows well in California’s climate. It’s a low-water plant, making it an ideal crop for growing in a drought-stricken state.
What types of lavender grow in California?
Feeling inspired by your lavender fields trip to grow your own lavender plant? There are 20 species of lavender and many more varieties, all of which grow well in California. Lavender likes sunshine, dry air, and dry soil, so don’t overwater your plant.
Most lavender grown for commercial use in California is Grosso lavender, also known as French lavender, which is processed for lavender essential oil.
Plant French lavender by a path in your garden so you can enjoy the sweet smell as you brush past. If you want dried lavender, pick it in the morning and hang it in a cool, dark spot.
If you want to grow edible lavender, English lavender is a good choice. Add it to anything that goes well with rosemary or try making lavender lemonade.
What to Pack When Visiting California Lavender Fields
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Tripod or selfie stick
- Good walking shoes or flat sandals
- Bug spray
- Daypack or travel purse
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah McDonald
Sarah McDonald is a travel writer based in the Bay Area. She writes for the national parenting website Red Tricycle and on her own family travel blog, Tiny Trailblazers. She loves exploring California’s outdoors and has a weakness for a national park gift shop.
Sarah enjoys sharing her Bay Area expertise with readers curious to try popular restaurants and off-the-beaten-path adventures in California. When she’s not writing reviews and travel guides, you’ll likely find her trying to keep up with her kids on a hiking trail or deciphering the menu at a new restaurant.
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Hi Mimi- We are a newer lavender farm located just north of Paso Robles, CA. Would love to have you out sometime! We will be open for a lavender U-Pick Experience in May!