Experience San Diego Springtime in Full Bloom in Oceanside, California
With sunnier days and spring breaks approaching, Oceanside emerges as the perfect getaway to embrace the season’s renewal and beauty. Perfectly situated between metropolitan San Diego and Los Angeles, Oceanside is a quintessential coastal escape that also boasts a long history of local farms, growing some of the best flowers and food California has to offer. With botanical tourism on the rise, Oceanside offers a quiet escape to experience these vibrant displays firsthand.
Photo Credit: Visit Oceanside
Spring Blooms & Local Markets
Each spring, tourists flock to the popular Carlsbad Flower Fields to see spring blossoms, but visitors seeking a more intimate and authentic experience can explore Oceanside’s Mellano Farms, which offers gorgeous seasonal blooms all year long. The ranunculus was named the 2025 Flower of the Year, and the "queen of flowers," Michelle Castellano of Mellano Farms, lends her expertise to the world-famous Carlsbad Flower Fields, where she oversees the vibrant ranunculus displays in addition to the flowers grown at Oceanside’s Mellano Farms. In celebration of their 100th birthday this year, the family-owned and operated farm launched the Mellano Farms Certified Farmers Market, hosted every Friday from 2 PM to 6 PM. In addition to fresh cut flowers and seasonal produce, shoppers can find locally-made artisanal products and family-friendly activities. Once spring has come and gone, Mellano Farms welcomes the next season with u-pick strawberries and a watermelon festival in summer, then autumn festivities featuring sunflower fields and pumpkin patches.
Photo Credit: Visit Oceanside
Floral-Inspired Food & Drink
As San Diego County boasts over 5,000 farms, more than any other county in the US, Oceanside’s burgeoning dining and drinking scene is ripe with locally-sourced produce year round. This spring, Oceanside’s local artisans and brewers have embraced the season with unique floral-infused flavors. Try the Sunny Vibes Lager at Northern Pine, a Mexican-style lager with bright, refreshing notes. Sip on the Lavender Hard Sparkling Lemonade at Green Cheek Brewery, a zesty, floral twist on a classic. For those looking for something a little stronger, Golden Coast Mead offers a trio of Wildflower Sour, Wildflower Sweet, and Wildflower Dry Meads, highlighting the beauty of wildflower honey. Carruth Cellars features a selection of floral and fruity wines, perfect for sipping in the sunshine. For those with a sweet tooth, Little Fox Cups and Cones features seasonal floral flavors like Lavender Haze—a blend of lavender cream, butterfly pea flower, Meyer lemon zest, and a Meyer lemon swirl—or May Flowers, a tropical fusion of organic guavas, coconut milk, lime, and hibiscus sakura grenadine swirl.
Photo Credit: Visit Oceanside
Arts & Wellness
The Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) is featuring Matt Devine: Walk with Me, an immersive sculpture exhibition running from March 1 to July 6, 2025. This exhibition invites visitors to step away from the noise of modern life and experience the serenity of nature through Devine’s masterful sculptures. OMA continues to be a hub for creativity, showcasing work that reflects Oceanside’s dynamic and artistic spirit. Afterwards, rebalance, recharge, and reset at Sunny’s Spa with The Cove Ritual, featuring aromatherapy, dry warmth, and cooling mist treatments.
