I share EVERYTHING you need to know if you want to see the Almond Blossoms in California. For about 3 weeks each year, California’s Central Valley erupts in beautiful pink and white flowers on the Almond Trees.
When to see the Almond Blossoms
Almond Trees in California typically start blooming in mid-February and end their bloom by mid-March. The almond trees further to the south (near Bakersfield) bloom earlier due to warmer weather, and the almond trees further to the north (near Sacramento) bloom later due to the cooler weather in the north. If it’s an unusually warm year (like in 2022), the blossoms may begin in early February and be gone by March 1. So there’s a little bit of guess work, luck, and checking of instagram daily to figure out the best time to go. Ultimately, you’ll want to be flexible to time it right.
Where to see the Almond Blossoms
1. Bakersfield
Bakersfield is the closest major spot to see the Almond Blossoms if you’re coming from Los Angeles. One of the best spots to see Almond Blossoms in Bakersfield is near the intersection of Coffee and Snow Road. You’ll also find more blossoms along 7th Standard Road towards Santa Fe Way. See map below.
2. Along Highway 99
You’ll see tons of Almond Blossoms from your windshield simply by driving along the main highway that runs through the middle of California’s Central Valley. So even if you don’t plan on stopping anywhere, or getting off the highway, you can drive the Highway 99 from Los Angeles to Sacramento instead of the Interstate 5 for more beautiful almond blossom scenes.
3. Visalia
Primarily known as a hotel-town for visiting Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Parks, Visalia also has plenty of Almond blossoms to see in addition to 120 other blossoming fruit trees. Here’s the map to help you find the blossoms in Visalia.
One of my favorite spots on the Visalia Blossom trail is in Traver. To get there exit Hwy 99 at Merritt Drive From the overpass look to the west for an expansive view of blossoms – acres and acres from above. The intersection of Rd 36 and Ave 360 has almond blossoms on all 4 sides.
4. Fresno
Fresno County has put together a 62 mile blossom trail route with an “orange blossom” option. California grows more Oranges than Florida, so it’s also neat to see all of the orange trees. We found the most Almond Blossoms around Reedley to the south, and between Centerville and Sanger to the north.
5. Modesto
Modesto has developed two almond blossom driving routes in to something known as the “Almond Blossom Cruise.” There’s a west route that you can drive in about an hour. Or an east route that takes 2-3 hours to drive. The east route is my favorite. Make sure to visit Rodin Farms, an almond farm that encourages you to walk INSIDE their almond orchard.
If you’re planning to visit Modesto, you might consider checking out my guided audio tour with turn by turn directions and a description of what you’re seeing. You can find my tour of the Modesto Almond Blossoms via the Wayfarer App available for Apple IOS or Android.
6. Yolo County
Located just to the west of Sacramento, Yolo County has some excellent almond blossoms, particularly if you are visiting late in to the bloom season. Our favorite orchard is across the street from Seka Hills Olive Mill and Tasting Room. Here’s the Yolo County map to help you navigate the blossoms here:
