As of yesterday, the famous Carlsbad Flower Fields are officially back in season. This work of nature is worth the 1-2 hour drive to the northern part of San Diego, perfect for a day trip or day date idea. The 50+ acres are available for the public's enjoyment every day of the week 9 AM - 6 PM through Mother's Day (Sunday, May 9th). According to the FAQ section, the best time to go is mid-March to mid-April, but blooming is dependent on the weather conditions, as you know. Although this is an outdoor event, no pets and no smoking are allowed on the grounds. Tip: Check the 10-day weather forecast online before making the trek.
Various events are scheduled for the next 2 months, which are included with the cost of admission (AKA FREE). Check the website for details, but here are some highlights:
- 4/10 Bluegrass Day with live music
- 4/10-4/11 & 4/17-18 Arts & Crafts
- 4/18 FREE Canon Macro Photography Workshop
By the way, last year there were 2-for-1 coupons available at the local libraries in Carlsbad (Georgina Cole Library Branch and Dove Library). I'm in the process of finding out if new coupons are available for 2010. This would make it a really cheap date idea! If you absolutely love flowers that much, the season pass is worth the $20, where the break even point is only 2 visits.
A camera is a must here. The last time I went was before I had a digital camera (about a decade ago), but it's definitely worth going to visit again! Maybe next month at one of the special events... This place not only is picturesque in itself, but also serves as a perfect backdrop for a Kodak Moment with your sweetheart (see second shot on right). Enjoy!
UPDATE 05/03/10: Click HERE to print a BOGO coupon (2-for-1), so now it's a really cheap date! Remember that the last day is Sunday on Mother's Day.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $20 Total.