There’s nothing quite like walking through a fragrant field of lavender. In Southern California, there are a few farms where you can do just that! Many farms also sell their own lavender products, and some allow you to pick your own lavender to take home with you. If you’re thinking of visiting any of the lavender fields in Southern California read my guide below for more information about the various lavender farms to visit.
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Lavender Fields in Southern California
Are you looking from California lavender fields? Whether you’re looking for lavender fields near Los Angeles, a San Diego lavender farm (or something closer to the area), or near Santa Barabra, you’ll find all the info here.
Updated May 13, 2021
Lavender Season California
Wondering when is lavender season? The lavender farms in California typically begin to open for the public in late May to early June. Some varieties start blooming in May while others bloom in June. It’s important to check out the website or check media for bloom updates on the lavender field, California peak season can vary a bit with the weather.
Lavender Fields in Southern California
Fork & Plow Lavender Farm – Aguanga
Fork & Plow is a gem! If you’re looking for a lavender farm in Temecula this one is just outside, in the city of Aguanga. Their events are charming and book up quickly so make your reservations fast!
2 hours southeast of Downtown LA
1.5 hours north of San Diego
43601 Sorensen Rd.
Aguanga, CA 92536
2021 season: June 12th – July 3rd
Opening hours: 9 am – 4 pm select Saturdays only
Admission/Fees:
Picnic Boxes – starting at $18
Farm Pass + U-Pick – from $10 each person
Lavender Field Photography session – from $50 for a one-hour private session
Advanced reservations are required
Fork & Plow Lavender Farm is located approximately 30 minutes from Temecula. The farm is open for “U-Pick Lavender” and you can pre-order a picnic. You must have a reservation so make sure to book ahead. Outside food is not allowed.
123 Farm – Cherry Valley
123 Farm is a popular lavender field. California residents flock to this lavender flower field each season! If you’re looking to take home California lavender be sure to check out their gift items for purchase. More information below.
1.5 hours east of Downtown LA
1 hour north of San Diego
10600 Highland Springs Ave
Cherry Valley, CA 92223
2021 season: May 14th – August 1st
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am-6 pm, closed Mondays, except Memorial Day
Admission/Fees:
Adults – $12-15
Seniors (65+) – $10-13
Students (13-17 years) – $10-13
Children (5-12 years) – $6-7.50
Free Under 5 years old
*All guests are required to purchase tickets online prior to their visit. Tickets at the door are $3 more than online.
*Admission is free during pre-bloom, May 14th-23rd.
123 Farm is one of the closest lavender farms to Los Angeles that is open to the public. It is also the largest certified organic lavender farm in Southern California with over 20 acres of lavender. 123 Farm mainly grows Provence, Vera, and Munstead. The Provence and Vera varieties typically begin to bloom in mid-June and the Munstead usually begins to bloom around the end of May.
Lavender products, along with food and beverages are sold on-site. 123 Farm hosts other events throughout the year including an olive festival, sourdough festival, and sheep shearing event.
Clairmont Farm Lavender Co – Los Olivos
Clairmont Farm Lavender Co is located in Los Olivos, near Solvang, and is a quaint working farm. If you’re in the area stop by, check out the gift shop, and snap some photos of the lavender.
40 mins west of Santa Barbara
2 hours northeast of Downtown LA
2480 Roblar Avenue
Los Olivos, California, 93441
2021 season: The farm is open all year long but their peak bloom season usually ends around mid-late July.
Opening hours: Thursday – Sunday, 11 am-5 pm
Admission/Fees: No entrance fee
You are welcome to visit, shop, and use the picnic area.
Clairmont Farm is a family-owned organic lavender farm located in the Santa Ynez Valley. They grow Grosso and Provence variety of lavender. The fields have a beautiful backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains and large 300-year old oak trees on the grounds. Visitors are welcome to walk the fields, have a picnic, and shop in their boutique. They are a kid-friendly and dog-friendly farm.
Frog Creek Farm – Ojai
Frog Creek Farm is located in Ojai. Check out the farm as part of a day trip to Ojai or a weekend getaway.
1 hour west of Santa Barbara
1.5 hours northeast of Downtown LA
10924 N Ojai Rd
Ojai, CA 93023
2021 season:June 19th & 20th and July 3rd & 4th
check Frog Creek Farm on Instagram for more details
Opening hours: 9 am-1 pm, select Saturdays and Sundays (see above). No appointment is necessary.
Admission/Fees: No entrance fee
‘U-pick’ $8 per bundle, $10 pre-cut bundle
View this post on Instagram
The Frog Creek Farm property sits on seven acres and the lavender farm itself is one acre and has 600 plants. Lavender products are sold on-site. You can contact the owner, Christel for additional information regarding a lavender field photoshoot, private events, and tours.
Ojai Lavender Farms – Santa Paula
Ojai Lavender Farms is located in Santa Paula, the neighboring city of Ojai. Their 2021 season has not been announced but they are expecting to open sometime in June.
1 hour south of Santa Barbara
1.5 hours north of Downtown LA
11550 Topa Vista Road
Santa Paula, CA 93060
2021 season: temporarily closed
Opening hours: TBD
Admission/Fees: TBD
Located in the Upper Ojai Valley is Ojai Lavender Farms, an eco-friendly farm using sustainable and organic methods for growing and harvesting lavender. The farm grows many varieties including Grosso, Provence, French Grey, Royal Velvet, Hidcote Giant, Golden Lavender, Phenomenal, Vera, Sweet, Fred Boutin, and Sweet.
Keys Creek Lavender Farm – Valley Center
Keys Creek is a privately-owned organic lavender farm that grows many varieties of lavender. They distill and use lavender in their products. The farm is unfortunately closed for the season.
2 hours southeast of Downtown LA
1 hour north of San Diego
12460 Keys Creek Road
Valley Center, CA 92082
2021 season: currently not open to the public however you can enjoy a virtual tour of the property.
Opening hours: N/A
Admission/Fees: N/A
What to Bring to Lavender Fields Southern California
If you’re visiting one of the lavender fields in California you’ll want to take a few things with you. Sun protection is a must! Consider bringing a hat and wearing sunscreen. Be aware that there are usually a lot of bees on the field so if you’re allergic do take your EpiPen and consider wearing some bee repellant. Some farms sell beverages but do consider taking a water bottle with you. You’ll be in the hot sun and will want to stay hydrated.
If you’re planning to cut your own lavender during a ‘u-pick’ session you may want to take your own clippers, a basket, and gardening gloves if you prefer.
Optional if cutting lavender:
Clippers
Wicker Basket or Purse
Gardening gloves
Lavender Field Photoshoot
Looking to shooting some pics or even have a full-on lavender photoshoot? Check out the lavender field’s policy or book a photography session if needed. Keep reading for tips to get that lavender farm in California aesthetic.
Timing
If you booked a lavender field photography session or just planning to snaps some pics while walking in the fields you may want to plan out your session. Consider booking a time that is either in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t so strong. Some farms only operate during the day so keeping your back to the sun will help avoid harsh shadows. Candid shots work well especially if your eyes are sensitive to the light and tend to squint.
What to Wear
Think about what you’re going to wear. Bright colors such as yellow, orange, and pink give your photos pop. If you want to stand out consider colors that compliment the purple and blue tones. Jewel tones like bright blue and emerald green can blend into the lavender. However, I find these tones work well when there’s a pattern.
Pastels give a more soft, whimsical look. And white is a great color for standing out but can also give you that cottagecore look. And light tones with delicate sheer fabrics such as lace and tulle can give it an ethereal look. Using props like a parasol, straw hat, straw basket, or lavender bouquet compliment just about any outfit!
Camera Angles
Last, play with the angles. If there are rows of lavender you can take photos in between the rows straight on so you can clearly see the rows. Or you can place your camera at an angle so that it appears that you’re behind the lavender. Try kneeling or sitting to get the lavender at various heights.
I hope you enjoyed this Southern California lavender farm guide. Enjoy the California lavender field you choose to visit!
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