While many people go "leaf peeping" in the Autumn, now is the time to plan your trip to view the world's most gorgeous flowers in the springtime. There's no better way to celebrate the season than by appreciating the blooming gardens around the globe. From flower festivals to travel-worthy gardens, we've rounded up the 10 best destinations to visit this Spring to see gorgeous flowers.
The magnificent flower park located right next to Mount Fuji is a must-visit this Spring. The Shibazakura is a flower that, as it grows, covers the entire ground, making a vibrant pink lawn with views of the mountain for a backdrop. It's a magical view that's once in a lifetime for most travellers. Another place to view the scene is at the Fuji Shibazakura Festival in the town of Fuji Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture, from April 13 to May 26.
The cherry blossom trees are gorgeous during the springtime in Washington DC. Visitors will find the nation's capital is accented in pink for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place from March 20 to April 14. Looking for the best spots to snap a picture? Head to Tidal Basin or Memorial Loop for the best views. Local hotels are even getting in the spirit with unique cherry-blossom-inspired offerings. Throughout Spring, travellers can sip on cherry blossom afternoon tea and try the floral-infused pastries at The St. Regis D.C., indulge in cherry blossom crepes at The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, or get a massage at the InterContinental D.C.'s new spa (called The Wharf) to relieve stress with cherry blossom milk products.
If you drive between Kintamani and Bedugul in Bali, you will come across the vibrant marigolds growing in fields alongside the roads. The fields consist of hues of yellow, orange, and gold for a long distance. In Bali, the marigolds are typically used to make spiritual offerings, so they are prominent and meaningful in the region.
If you're active on social media, then you've most likely seen the colourful tulips in Lisse, Netherlands. In Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam, visitors can get up close and personal with the fields of tulips, ranging in colour from red, yellow, purple, magenta, and more. This Spring, the gardens are open from March 21 to May 19, with over 800 flowers to see. Travelling with kids? Keukenhof is also great for children since there are treasure hunts, petting farms, mazes, and a playground.
When Spring arrives, the Blue Ridge will once again transform into a lush green blanket filled with dazzling wildflowers. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a wide variety of wildflower trails to enjoy this Spring. The trails vary in difficulty, allowing visitors to take an easy stroll or get in a good workout with higher elevation and rougher terrain. Offering more than traditional views, visitors can also take advantage of the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, a 69-year-old tradition in April featuring professional guided walks and exhibits for a unique experience immersed in nature for flower-lovers.
The Wooden Shoe Farm in Oregon specialises in tulip and daffodil bulbs and is home to the annual Tulip Fest from March 23 to April 29 with more than 40 acres of beautiful blooming bulbs. Spring is the perfect time to visit Oregon and is a paradise for any photographer. For less crowds and great lighting, go to the farm during the sunrise. Travellers can even make a full trip out of it and drive 40 minutes to Portland, the state's largest city.
While most people look for the lavender in Provence, which starts blooming in late June, there are plenty of flowers to see in the Spring, like wildflowers and poppies. The best time to visit the region is from March to May when there are less crowds and the weather is mild. End the day of flower-gazing with a farm-to-table meal and glass of French wine. Be sure to make a trip to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a village where Vincent van Gogh lived and painted his flowers.
The 50-acre Flower Fields in Carlsbad opens up once a year in Spring from March 1 through May 10. Visitors can view the ranunculus, orchids, sweet pea blossoms, petunias, and more. A short drive from the fields is Rancho Bernardo Inn, a resort where guests can enjoy unique spa treatments that infuse the local florals. Pre-treatment, guests can forage in the garden with their therapist to gather seasonal herbs and fruits to be used in the spa treatment within a custom blended scrub. The best part? The remaining gathered ingredients are sent straight to the bar and crafted into a freshly infused cocktail to sip on by the spa pool in a private cabana.
From April 1 to 30, the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival brings tons of visitors to Washington. The festival is designed as a driving tour, to make it as easy as possible to view the scattered tulips throughout the valley. This festival is among the largest in Washington, attracting up to one million visitors every year, both American and international. The area covered by flowers is quite large, so you can always find a quiet spot without crowds.
About a two-hour journey from Tokyo, Hitachi Seaside Park is an expansive stretch of park with beautiful pale blue nemophila in the Spring. The nemophila flower's nickname is "baby blue eyes" since the flowers are round and transparent with a sky-blue colour. Climb atop Miharashi Hill for an indescribable panoramic view of the fields.
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