If it involves a bevy of blooms, you’ve got our attention. With spring peeking around the corner and riots of pastel tulips starting to appear in florist shops and gardens alike, our minds are turning to some of the best shows on earth - when destinations around the globe burst into flower. Read on for some of our favorite floral festivals (plus the best places to stay to enjoy mother nature in all her glory.)

The Flower Fields

Carlsbad, California | March 1-Early May

For about eight weeks between March and May, 55 acres of ranunculus burst into a riot of color in Carlsbad, California, in north San Diego county. The blanket of blooms is planted in stripes according to color, and the result is a sort of rainbow ocean, just a few blocks from the Pacific. Spend the morning wandering through the fields, and the afternoon taking in the shops (and excellent Mexican food) along California’s Highway 101.

Where to Stay: The Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, perched on the cliffside overlooking the panorama of the Pacific at Ponto Beach.

Getting Around: Fly into San Diego Airport; North County, with its classic California charm, is about a 45-minute drive up the coast

Plan Ahead: The ranunculus bloom reliably annually between March and May, but you’ll want to buy tickets in advance. And while it’s not usually tanning temps in the Southern California spring, the long stretches of sand are perfect for strolling, and the weather is great for visiting nearby parks, like Legoland or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington, DC | Approximately the last week of March into the first week of April

Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki’s gifted the trees surrounding the Tidal Basin back in 1912 to signify the close relationship between the US and Japan, and more than a century later, the blooming of the 3,000 trees heralds the arrival of spring. While peak bloom (which means 70% or more of the trees are in flower) can happen within a several-week range, depending on the winter - a warm one means an earlier peak, while a cold winter can push the moment into the first week of April - the last week of March is generally a good time to target. Aside from the fabulous cultural sites on the National Mall, the Cherry Blossom Festival also brings events like a Kite Festival and Petalpalooza to the the capital.

Where to Stay: Many of DC’s big-name brands are tucked away from the Tidal Basin; the Pendry offers beautiful views and an easy walk to enjoy the blooms

Plan Ahead: The variability of bloom dates makes planning ahead a bit of a gamble, but this is a long weekend we’d schedule about six months in advance to ensure hotel availability

Tulip Festival Amsterdam

Amsterdam, The Netherlands | March 21-May 12

While the main event - the Keukenhof flower fields - are 40 minutes from downtown, the 79 acres are worth the trip as the centerpiece of any spring tulip-focused trip to Amsterdam. There are 7 million bulbs and almost 90 species of tulip on display, so yeah, it’s going to put the flower section at your local Trader Joe’s to shame. (Did we mention it’s also the largest flower garden in the world? There’s that, too.) This year is the 75th anniversary, which means the celebrations will extend into every corner of the city as well.

Where to Stay: We love the Pulitzer Amsterdam for a warm, canal-side stay; their lobby flower arrangements are nothing to sneeze at year-round either (allergies permitting, of course.)

Getting Around: The Keukenhof is 40 minutes’ car transfer from downtown, and traveling with a driver and private guide is the best way to circumnavigate crowds.

Plan Ahead: Amsterdam hotels will generally have minimum-night stay requirements and stricter cancellation terms during peak tulip season. This is a trip we’d generally advise planning 8-10 months out, though the reliable duration of the season means you can generally find space with a shorter lead time.

Sakura

Destinations across Japan | Approximately the last week of March

Let’s manage expectations right off the bat: This is not a trip you’re planning for this spring. Sakura, or the blooming of the cherry blossoms, is peak season for this already wildly and perennially in-demand destination. Website track anticipated bloom dates breathlessly while travelers hold their breath and cross fingers and toes their dates will line up with the riot of pink and white. Kyoto is arguably the most iconic city from which to base yourself, but the wave of blooms moves northward all the way up the nation as March moves into April.

Where to Stay: You’re spoiled for choice with excellent hotels across Japan. Four Seasons’ properties in Tokyo at Otemachi and Kyoto make for a seamless pair if you’re looking to double your chances.

Getting Around: Airlift to Japan from the US is getting better with each passing year, and traveling between destinations in the Land of the Rising Sun by shinkansen is one of international travel’s great pleasures.

Plan Ahead: We included the “Plan Ahead” note in this article specifically for Sakura. Planning a trip to Japan always benefits from at least 6 months’ lead time; for cherry blossoms, we recommend a year in advance at the very minimum; some suppliers are already booking up for Sakura 2026.

The Chelsea Flower Show

London, England | May 21-25, 2024

There’s a wild beauty and whimsy to English gardens, so it’s no wonder that they not only have a Royal Horticultural Society, but that once a year, the whole capital goes mad for four days of pocket gardens, bonsai trees, and topiary. The first two days of the show are reserved for VIPs, and the second two are open to the public; local businesses get in on the fun too, with Chelsea in Bloom and Belgravia in Bloom running concurrently with the show. Donning a kicky floral frock and taking in the newest developments in hedges and borders is a wonderful way to kick off the summer - just don’t bring your garden gnome along, as they’re famously verboten.

Where to Stay: If we’re sticking with Classically British, nowhere beats the newly-renovated Claridge’s. But there are few hotel markets in the world as saturated as London, meaning there’s truly something for every garden fan.

Plan Ahead: Tickets are limited, especially for the VIP dates - we recommend a minimum of six months’ lead time.

Provence Lavender Fields

Provence, France | Mid-June to mid-July

While the Easter color scheme may have you expecting France’s famous lavender fields to be bathed in purple starting in the spring, this fragrant flowering is a summer affair. Starting in June, the stalks start to assume their violet hue before bursting into final form generally around mid-July. While the fields have become a fixture on social media, a trip to the South of France is always more than just a picture, and a week-long visit can can include making a custom fragrance in Grasse, wandering a charming weekend market in Loumarin, and tracing Van Gogh’s footsteps in Arles.

Where to Stay: We love Villa La Coste for its on-property art walk, excellent wine, and prime Provencal location

Getting Around: Confident self drivers may enjoy the charming country roads that connect Provencal towns, but for the best experience (and freedom to order another glass of rose at lunch), we’re team driver/guide.

Plan Ahead: The size of the region and duration of the bloom mean there’s flexibility in scheduling a lavender visit, but don’t get complacent - destinations you’'ll want to pair with Provence, like the Cote d’Azur, book out 8-10 months in advance; with this year’s Summer Olympics in Paris, summer across France is already very limited.

Buy Yourself Flowers