Here is my quick guide on how to see the famous California poppies in bloom this year! Among the variety of places one can visit the poppies, I highly recommend these two!
When:
Best time of year to visit: late March to early April
Best time of day to visit: around 10am. If you go too early (like I did) the flowers aren’t open yet. If you go too late in the day there will be more people to avoid in your photos!
What day I went: March 17, 2017 aka St. Patrick’s Day which I also decided to call St. Poppy’s Day (I try).
How do you know exactly when to go once late March arrives?
Pro Tip: Start checking the news around late March (specifically Southern California news outlets like The LA Times and The Press Telegram). Aside from your Instagram feed, the news usually reports when the first sign of blooms arrive. The moment you see this, plan to go that week because they don’t last long and you probably want to beat the crowd!
Where:
1. Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore
Location: Very near Interstate 15 (where all my pics were taken!)
2. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Official website: here
Location: Near the intersection of 150th St W & Lancaster Road – more detailed directions on the government official site
Have you been to the California poppy blooms? If so, what’s your favorite place to go? Was this post helpful? Comment below, I would love to hear from you!
PIN THIS!
One down. One to go.
Hope to visit the Antelope Valley site next spring.
I see the state park website gives blooming updates.
Nice shots!