Spring road trip: Los Angeles to Almond Blossoms and Wildflowers!

Springtime in California is here and is calling your name to check out the almond blooms before it’s too late!

THEY ARE BLOOMING NOW:

Almond blooms are decorating Central California in white and light-pink colors from mid-February to mid-March. With this perfect day-trip distance from Los Angeles, it’s worth the quick drive!

I stumbled upon them by pure luck when driving on I-5. I saw the white fields flying by and I had to change my original plans to do a spring photoshoot instead!

BEST TRAVEL STOP:

It’s a good thing The Oases on I-5  was nearby to grab lunch, fill up my car for this adventure, and even shop for the perfect dress for my shoot - all in one spot!

Located between Los Angeles and Bakersfield this travel stop has:

✔️ The award-winning Outlets at Tejon that features more than 40 stores and brands

✔️ More than 30 restaurants and food options to choose from, offering everything from sit-down to fast-casual dining

✔️ There are 100+ fuel pumps

✔️ Dozens of EV chargers

✔️ 3 hotels

✔️ Convenience stores

✔️ Plenty of grassy areas for your pets

✔️ Ample facilities for both the traveling public and professional drivers.

And why would you stop anywhere else when this spot has everything one might need during their travels and more!

BONUS: Win a FREE getaway in California while shopping!

Whenever you make a purchase at the Outlets at Tejon or The Oases on I-5 make sure to either pick up a Tejon Passport and get a stamp for your purchases or simply email your receipts to [email protected] with your name and phone number.

Check out the Travel Tejon page for more details and prize info!

Needless to say, thanks to The Oases on I-5, I got my spontaneous spring shoot done before it was too late!

WHERE TO TAKE PICTURES:

“Valley Snow” is easy to spot when you are driving through Central California. Because almond orchards are on private property, bloom-watchers are asked to park on the shoulders of rural roads to photograph this beauty from their vehicles.

Make sure to ask farmers’ permission to take pictures on their private property.

And while you are in the area pick up some fresh fruit from The Little Purple Barn at Murray Family Farms!It is very important to remember not to break branches off the trees and to leave no trace. Prepare for bee encounters and lots of pollen and dust in the air, so if you have an allergy plan accordingly.

WHAT ELSE TO SEE:

As much as I love the flowers, the landscape of Central California is best during this time of the year: the green rolling hills are framing the highway and it’s hard not to make a stop to photograph them! Also, keep your eyes open for famous California poppies!

WHAT’S NEXT?

GO NORTH:

If you want to keep going north to see more of the blossoms, head over to Fresno to check out their famous Blooming Trails. The Annual Fresno County Blossom Trail is open from February to April, showcasing the peak time for almond, plum, apricot, peach, nectarine, apple, and citrus blossoms.

The Blossom Trail is self-guided and 62 miles long. You can either get their map online or you can pick one up at Simonian Farms, the official starting point of the driving tour. The drive is breathtaking, filled with views of groves, orchards, vineyards, and wildflowers. They even have events that are coming up, check them out here.

Location: 2629 South Clovis Avenue (Corner of Clovis & Jensen), Fresno, California 93725. Call: (559) 237-2294.

GO SOUTH:

How about seeing the famous California Poppies? Head to The Antelope Valley to see them blooming in all their glory! When this area of California gets enough rain it becomes flooded with a bright orange color. It’s quite a mesmerizing view, no wonder why the poppy is the official state flower!

The best time to visit is mid-February through the end of March, and even through mid-April and mid-May, in a good year!

The reserve is open from 8 am till 5 pm, it’s $10 per vehicle. Additional parking is available—for free—on Lancaster Road in front of the park. However, it's at least a half-mile walk to the park entrance depending on where you find a spot.

Keep on roaming!

Polina