We love all the seasons here on The San Francisco Peninsula, but spring in particular is a sight to behold. Seasonal rain brings a spectacular display of lush greenery and wildflowers. We've spotlighted a few of the areas that are worth the trip for a perfect springtime selfie!
Tip: Please remember to recreate responsibility and stay on designated trails in order to preserve our open spaces and respect our neighbors.
Wildflowers on the California Coast
Here is a fun selfie idea! One of the first signs of spring on the Peninsula is when the yellow mustard fields bloom. And when we say yellow, we mean YELLOW! During the winter months, resting farm fields are blooming with wild mustard plants that create the most remarkable display of neon yellow you have ever seen. Simply take a drive south on Highway 1 from Half Moon Bay through Pescadero — you can’t miss them! One suggestion, make sure you find a safe place to pull over and park before wandering into the fields, and make sure you are not invading private property. Springtime (February – April) on the coast is absolutely gorgeous and worth the visit for the perfect selfie spot!
Filoli Historic House & Gardens
Beauty, nature, and history harmonize at Filoli Historic House & Gardens located in Woodside, CA, which makes it one of the best places to take selfies! All the seasons at Filoli are impressive, but one of the most breathtaking is during the spring months. Striking flowers appear from the soil with a bright design and color. There are so many different flower gardens, paths, and fields to choose from for a colorful seasonal selfie! During the season, over 75,000+ bulbs start to bloom creating an amazing backdrop for photos. Filoli is a great family-friendly place to visit for a relaxing day of exploring vibrant flowers.
Cherry Blossoms
When you are walking, driving, hiking, or just out and about during springtime on the Peninsula, it’s hard not to notice the falling petals from the blooming trees that come down like snow. This happens all throughout the region, but one “Instagram-worthy” spot is Central Park and the Japanese Tea Garden located in San Mateo at 50 East 5th Avenue. The garden features a granite pagoda, tea house, koi pond, and bamboo grove. It is a beautiful, peaceful location to experience year-round, but be sure to visit in the early springtime months to capture a mesmerizing display of cherry blossoms. You may visit the garden Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM or Saturday & Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Gamble Garden
At the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, they call springtime “the party of the year!” There is no brighter display of various colors and varieties of fabulous flowers than that of this historic house and garden located in Palo Alto. There are so many ways to experience this garden, from weddings and events to the perfect spot for a first kiss or a glamorous social media photo session. You will forever be impressed with the array of plants that bloom here each season. Admission to this garden is FREE every day and is located at 1431 Waverley Street, Palo Alto.
Whether you are simply driving through our region or visiting for a few days, we highly recommend you take the time to stop and smell the flowers this season. We would love to see your spring selfies, and we encourage you to follow and tag us @thesfpeninsula.
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