Lavender Season in California: Farms, Festivals & When to Go
June 7, 2026 · 7 min read
California's lavender season is short, photogenic, and surprisingly spread out — from Paso Robles wine country to the Inland Empire foothills to the Santa Rita Hills near Lompoc. Here's when the fields peak, which festivals are worth the trip, and where to cut your own bundles.
When is lavender season in California?
California lavender blooms from late May through mid-July, with peak timing varying by elevation and microclimate:
- Central Coast (Paso Robles, Lompoc, Santa Barbara) — Coastal fog and mild summers push peak bloom to late May and June. Lavender thrives alongside wine grapes in this region.
- Inland Empire & Beaumont foothills — Higher elevation at places like 123 Farm means bloom typically starts in early June and can last through mid-July with cooler mornings.
- North Bay (Santa Rosa area) — Late May through July. The Mediterranean climate around Santa Rosa suits lavender well, with Bees N Blooms running an extended bloom season.
- Sierra Foothills (Grass Valley) — Cooler nights extend the season at elevation. Expect late June through early July at farms like Sun Smile Farms.
- Central Valley (Galt area) — Hot summers mean a faster, earlier bloom — late May to mid-June before the heat pushes plants past peak.
Lavender blooms fast and fades. A stretch of 95-degree days can take a field from peak to past-prime in under a week. Check the farm's Instagram or subscribe to their email list before making the drive.
Lavender festivals in California 2026
Eight lavender festivals run across the state from May through July, spanning wine country, the hill towns of the Inland Empire, and the Central Coast.
A one-day celebration pairing two of the Central Coast's signature crops. Local olive oil producers and lavender growers set up alongside food vendors in downtown Paso Robles. Good starting point if you're doing a wine country weekend.
An extended farm-based event at Bees N Blooms in Sonoma County. Cut-your-own lavender, honey tastings, and pollinator education throughout the season. The long run means more flexibility — check the farm for specific activity weekends.
One of the largest lavender events in Southern California. 123 Farm's Beaumont fields host u-pick lavender, artisan vendors, live music, and farm-made lavender products across six weeks of weekends. Book early — timed entry tickets sell out.
The companion event to 123 Farm's Beaumont festival, held at Highland Springs Ranch in Cherry Valley. Same season window but a distinct setting among the hills east of Beaumont. Good option if Beaumont dates are sold out.
A weekend festival in the remote Cache Creek canyon of Yolo County. Lavender fields, artisan market, and a serene drive through wine and ranch country to get there. This one rewards the effort — bring a cooler for fresh bundles.
A single-day festival in the picturesque Ojai Valley, already a destination for its organic farms and arts scene. Local lavender growers, essential oil demos, and crafts in a walkable small-town setting.
A one-day urban festival celebrating the lavender grown in Santa Barbara County's coastal microclimates. Culinary lavender demos, fresh bundles, and lavender-infused food and drink from local vendors.
A farm-based festival in the Santa Rita Hills wine appellation near Lompoc. Three Saturdays of events with u-pick lavender, wine pairing, and views over the coastal hills. Pairs naturally with a Santa Ynez Valley wine trip.
U-pick lavender farms by region
Bay Area
Lavender u-pick near the Bay Area is limited but well worth seeking out. Brentwood's Farmer's Daughter Produce offers lavender alongside other cut flowers — check their harvest calendar before visiting.
- Farmer's Daughter ProduceBrentwood
Central Valley
Call ahead to confirm lavender u-pick availability before visiting.
Sierra Foothills
Grass Valley's elevation keeps lavender blooming later into the summer than the valley floor — a good fallback if you miss the earlier coastal season.
- Sun Smile FarmsGrass Valley
Call ahead to confirm lavender u-pick availability before making the drive.
Southern California
The Inland Empire foothills host the most concentrated lavender u-pick experience in Southern California. Tanaka Farms in Irvine offers lavender seasonally alongside its year-round produce u-pick operation.
- Stone Soup Farm & Heritage OrchardOak Glen
- Tanaka FarmsIrvine
Tips for visiting lavender farms
- Go early in the day. Lavender fragrance is strongest in the cool morning hours. Fields are also less crowded before 10am, and you'll get better photos.
- Book timed entry when required. Popular farms like 123 Farm sell out quickly on weekends. Buy tickets at least a week in advance — walk-ins are often turned away at peak bloom.
- Wear light colors. Bees work lavender fields hard during bloom. They're not aggressive but dark colors attract more attention. Light grays and whites are best.
- Harvest stems long. When cutting your own bundles, cut as low on the stem as possible — longer stems dry better and make better arrangements. Rubber-band bunches of 10–15 stems together before they warm up.
- Bring a reusable bag. Fresh lavender bundles are fragile and aromatic. A tote bag or paper bag keeps bundles upright better than plastic, and you'll want that scent contained in the car for the drive home.
- Ask about culinary vs. ornamental varieties. Farms growing “true” lavender (Lavandula angustifolia — Hidcote, Vera, Munstead) are best for cooking and sachets. Lavandins (Grosso, Provence) are bigger-blooming but slightly camphor-forward — better for sachets than in the kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
When does lavender bloom in California?
Late May through mid-July, depending on region. The Central Coast and Bay Area tend to peak in late May and June; the Inland Empire and Sierra Foothills run from early June through July; the Central Valley blooms earliest but fastest, typically late May to mid-June.
Where is the best lavender festival in California?
The 123 Farm Lavender Festival in Beaumont is the largest and most well-organized. For a more intimate farm-based experience, the Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm Festival near Lompoc is exceptional — especially if you pair it with a wine trip.
Can I cut my own lavender at California farms?
Yes — most lavender farms offer u-pick or cut-your-own as part of the festival or farm experience. Bring scissors if you have them (farms usually provide some, but supply runs thin on busy weekends). You'll typically pay by the bunch or by stem count.
Are there lavender farms near Los Angeles?
Yes. The 123 Farm events in Beaumont and Cherry Valley are roughly 90 minutes from LA. Tanaka Farms in Irvine offers lavender seasonally and is much closer for Orange County and South LA residents.
Is there a lavender season near San Francisco?
The closest options are Bees N Blooms in Santa Rosa (about an hour north) and Farmer's Daughter Produce in Brentwood. The Cache Creek Lavender Festival in Rumsey is a scenic two-hour drive into Yolo County wine country.
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