5 Colorful U-Pick Flower Farms for Summer near San Francisco Bay Area

U-pick flower farms near the Bay Area are the perfect way to add a burst of color and sweet scents to your summer. These farms invite you to slow down, stroll through rows of dahlias, lavender, zinnias, and more, and pick your own bouquet to take home.

While California is famous for its spectacular spring wildflowers, summer holds its own special magic — especially at these farms tucked into valleys and coastlines just a short drive from the city. Many offer U-pick experiences, and some are even completely free to visit.

Here’s your guide to some of the most vibrant, photogenic, and visit-worthy flower farms in Northern California to visit in summer — all within a few hours of the Bay along with everything you need to plan your visit from timings and bloom windows to admission details and activities each farm offers.

What blooms in California in Summer?

Spring might steal the show with poppies and wildflowers, but summer is when sunflowers, lavender, dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds come to life. These flowers thrive in California’s dry, sunny conditions and bloom across June, July, and August — with some farms offering peak visits into September.

Tips for visiting U-Pick flower farms in California

Before you frolic through flower fields (and trust me, you will), here are a few tips to make your visit stress-free and full of good vibes.

• Wear the Right Shoes. Flower fields are beautiful, but they’re also, well… fields. Think dirt paths, uneven ground, and maybe some morning dew. Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals are your best friend — this is not the day for your cute white sneakers.
• Call or Check Social Media. Farm hours can change with the season, weather, or private events, so it’s always smart to double-check before heading out. The best way is to give the farm a quick call or check their social media pages — that’s usually the quickest way to see if the blooms are at their peak or if it’s a great time to visit.
• Stick to the paths. It’s tempting to get that perfect photo in the middle of a flower field, but many farms have marked paths for a reason. Stepping on blooms damages future growth (and messes with irrigation systems). Stay respectful and follow any signs or instructions while exploring.
• Bring the Basics. It’s summer, it’s sunny, and you’ll probably want to stay a while. Pack sunscreen, water, a hat, and maybe a little tote bag if you’re planning to shop.
• Say Hi to the Bees (From a Distance). Bees and butterflies love these flowers just as much as we do. They’re usually super chill and not interested in you, but if you’re sensitive to stings, just be mindful and give them space to buzz.

Best Summer U-Pick Flower Farms near the Bay Area

Here are some stunning flower farms within a 1–2 hour drive of the Bay Area that you can visit this summer.

Mezger’s Family Zinnia Patch, Woodland

If there’s one flower farm that surprised me, it was this one. I couldn’t believe a place like this existed — a flower field that’s totally free to visit and pick from. Yes, really!

Set in the countryside near Woodland, Mezger’s Family Zinnia Patch is a charming little spot overflowing with vibrant zinnias in all shades of pink, orange, red, and yellow. You’ll find row after row of blooms, and the best part? You’re invited to cut and take home as many as you’d like — for free.

There’s a beautiful spirit behind it too: the owners ask visitors to “pay it forward” by sharing some of the flowers with someone who might not be able to cut their own. It could be a neighbor, a grandparent, a friend — whoever comes to mind.

When we visited, there were a few pairs of scissors available, but I’d recommend bringing your own just in case. Also, bring a vase or container with water to keep your flowers fresh on the drive back. It’s such a simple, feel-good experience that left me smiling all day long.

Info at a Glance

📍 Location: Woodland, California
🕰️ Timing: Sunrise to sunset every day
💰 Cost: Free admission. Free U-Pick
🌸 Best Time to Visit: June-August
🚗 Parking: Available at the farm
💐 Flowers: Zinnias
🐶 Dog-Friendly? No official policy. But, usually dogs are asked to be kept on leash in farms.
🌿 Experiences: Flower picking
📅 Reservations: Not required

Earth Bound Farms, Carmel

We were on a weekend trip to Big Sur and Point Lobos when we decided to stop by Earthbound Farm — and I’m so glad we did. It was one of those spontaneous detours that ends up being a total gem. We visited in May, and the fields were glowing with rows of ranunculus and irises, blooming in every color. It honestly felt like a mini version of the Carlsbad Flower Fields! I’ve always wanted to visit Carlsbad during peak season, but planning a trip to San Diego at just the right time can be tough — so finding something this beautiful so close to home felt like a win.

The farm offers U-pick flowers, and there’s a cute little farm stand where you can buy pre-made bouquets, organic fruits and veggies, and freshly baked treats. We grabbed a hot chocolate and a croissant, found a cozy spot by one of their outdoor fire pits, and soaked in the peaceful vibe. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.

Fun fact: Earthbound Farm’s organic salads and greens are sold in stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. I had no idea when we visited, but now I notice the brand every time I go grocery shopping.

Info at a Glance

📍 Location: Carmel, California
🕰️ Timing: 7am to 8pm every day
💰 Cost: Free admission. U-Pick costs based on the number of stems you pick.
🌸 Best Time to Visit: April, May (for cooler weather + peak blooms!)
🚗 Parking: Available at the farm
💐 Flowers: Ranunculus, irises, lavender, herbs (varies by season)
🐶 Dog-Friendly? Yes – leashed pets are welcome outdoors
🌿 Experiences: Flower picking, coffee & croissants by the fire pit, shopping organic produce
📅 Reservations: Not required for U-pick or farm visits — just show up during open hours! For special events or flower workshops, check their website or Instagram.

Zannah Farms, Santa Rosa

I stumbled upon Zannah Farms by chance during a visit to a winery in the Santa Rosa area, and it turned out to be one of the most joyful surprises of the trip. We pulled in around 9:00 a.m. on a mid-July morning, and the farm was completely quiet — not another soul in sight. The flower fields were bursting with color, with rows of zinnias, dahlias, marigolds, sunflowers, and dozens of other blooming beauties swaying in the breeze. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. There’s a small gravel parking area just off the road, and from there, you can walk right up to the blooms or head to the DIY bouquet station.

U‑Pick isn’t available at Zannah Farms—but they have a delightful “Make Your Own Bouquet” station. You can build your own arrangement using freshly harvested stems from the farm’s blooms. It’s a DIY experience rather than picking straight from the field. They also have other experiences like flower crown making and photoshoots.

Info at a Glance

📍 Location: Santa Rosa, California
🕰️ Timing: 7am-8pm every day
💰 Cost: Admission is free. Flower arrangement workshops cost around $150 per person.
📅 Best Time to Visit: July through September for summer blooms
🚗 Parking: Free parking available at the farm
🌸 Flowers: Dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, roses, marigolds (varies by season)
🐶 Dog-Friendly? Yes
🌿 Experiences: Floral arrangement workshops, flower wearable workshops, photoshoots
📅 Reservations: You can reserve experiences on their website.

Park Winters Flower Farm, Winters

We stumbled into a little slice of floral heaven at Park Winters Flower Farm, tucked away in the charming town of Winters, California. It was a hot July afternoon when we visited, but the magic of this place made us forget the heat almost instantly.

As we wandered past rows of blooming flowers — cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers, and more — we found ourselves drawn to the beautiful barn at the back of the farm. And wow… what a gem! Inside, dried flowers hung like chandeliers from the ceiling, and colorful bouquets lined every wall and tabletop. It smelled like sunshine and petals.

You can pick your own flowers and bring them back to the barn, where the Park Winters team will turn them into a custom bouquet for you. Watching our handpicked stems get arranged into something stunning was such a fun, thoughtful experience — it really makes the visit feel special.

We were also lucky enough to meet Rafael Galiano, one of the founders of Park Winters. He shared how he moved from San Francisco to the countryside in search of a slower pace and a life closer to nature — and ended up creating this beautiful, welcoming space. Rafael walked us through the fields, introduced us to different blooms, and chatted with us about the story behind the farm.

💡 Hot tip: If you’re planning a visit between July and September, aim for earlier in the day. The Central Valley sun is no joke, and it can get really warm by mid-afternoon. A morning wander is your best bet for cooler temps and that perfect golden light for photos.

Info at a Glance

📍 Location: Winters, California
🕰️ Timing: 8:30am-12:30pm on weekends
💰 Cost: U-Pick costs around $35-40 per bouquet (check website for the most up-to-date pricing)
📅 Best Time to Visit: July through September for summer blooms (come early to beat the heat!)
🚗 Parking: Free parking available at the farm
🌸 Flowers: Zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, marigolds, and more (varies by season)
🐶 Dog-Friendly? No
🌿 Experiences: Flower picking, barn bouquet arranging, dried flower arrangements, brunch at the farm.
📅 Reservations: You need to reserve u-pick and other experiences on their website. You can also walk-in.

Tru2Earth Farm, Gilroy

Tru2Earth Farm might be smaller than some of the other spots on this list, but it’s full of fun choices when it comes to picking your own flowers and fruit! I visited in mid-July and was happily surprised by how many blooms were in season — bright dahlias, sunny zinnias, tall sunflowers, and more.

Beyond flowers, they also offer U-pick berries, like sweet strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an easy morning filling a bucket with colorful blooms and a basket with fresh fruit.

🌻 Bonus tip: If you’re visiting in mid to late July, make a quick stop at LJB Farms nearby to catch their sunflower field in full bloom. Two flower farms in one trip? Yes, please.

Info at a Glance

📍 Location: Gilroy, California
🕰️ Timing: Fri/Sat/Sun 9am-12pm
💰 Cost: U-Pick costs depending on what and how many you pick
📅 Best Time to Visit: July
🚗 Parking: Free parking available at the farm
🌸 Flowers: Zinnias, dahlias, sunflowers, cosmos and many more.
🐶 Dog-Friendly? Pets are not allowed in the picking area.
🌿 Experiences: U-Pick flowers, berries and veggies
📅 Reservations: No reservations required

Summer flower farms around the Bay Area are bursting with color and joy — and each one offers something a little different. You might find yourself picking ranunculus on the coast, filling your arms with zinnias at a community patch, or sipping coffee next to a flower barn while someone bundles your freshly picked blooms into a bouquet.

I hope this guide helps you plan a colorful, joy-filled visit to one (or more!) of these lovely farms. Don’t forget your clippers, water, and maybe a vase for the ride back — your summer bouquet adventure awaits!

If you’re looking for more adventures around the Bay Area, browse all my local getaways here. And if you’re someone who loves discovering the magic of the outdoors through the seasons, come hang out with me on Instagram @weekendwanderersinc — I share all kinds of nature-inspired getaways, local gems, and travel tips throughout the year! 🌿✨

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