Lovely Lavender Fields To Check Out The 2024 Bloom

Rows of purple, fragrant flowers are a treat to see and smell. But when lavender is in full bloom, destinations around the world celebrate their flowers with everything from lavender-flavored ice cream to yoga sessions amid the fields.

From Provence to Albuquerque, here’s where you can check out the prettiest lavender-filled fields during this season’s bloom.

When Does Lavender Bloom?

In the Northern Hemisphere, lavender blooms in the summer months, typically from mid-May until August in the United States.

For instance, the peak bloom at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Farm, a 25-acre lavender farm in Albuquerque, is expected to be late June or early July. Farmers then harvest the lavender when flowers are about half to three-quarters of the way open, which is typically mid-July, depending upon growth. Lavender paints Provence and the south of France purple in the summer, with July typically the best month to visit.

In Australia, lavender blooms year-round in Kooroomba, which, about an hour from Brisbane, Queensland, doesn’t experience a true winter, making it ideal for these sun-loving flowers.

Places to See Lavender Blooms in the U.S.

While lavender is synonymous with Provence, there’s an abundance of flower fields in the U.S. where you can check out this season’s lavender blooms.

Here’s a list of popular places to see and experience the lavender blooms in the U.S.:

1. Los Poblanos in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Farm harvests its lavender for everything from gin to lotions and incorporates the flower into treatments at its spa. This summer, the farm will host an outdoor music series from May through September every Wednesday evening with creative cocktails from the Rio Grande Valley Rescue Truck.

2. Washington

In Thurston County, the Thurston Bountiful Byway is a 60-mile loop in the Pacific Northwest that connects farms and locally owned shops, and lavender fields are in peak bloom in July and August, beckoning visitors to stroll through the fields. Some highlights include the Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm, where 13 varieties of lavender blooms, and the Schirm Loop Homestead Lavender Farm where you can see views of Mt. Rainier in the backdrop. While in the area, get a coconut-lavender lemonade at Shiplap Shop and peruse the Olympia Farmers Market.

Over on the Long Beach Peninsula, the Willapa Valley Lavender Farm hosts a free music festival among the fields. For those who want to grow their own lavender, the farm also leads tours, teaching newbies how to propagate, grow, plant, and harvest lavender, as well as how to dry and distill oils.

3. Versailles, Kentucky

See a field of lavender at a fairytale-like castle in Kentucky. The 5th Annual Lavender Festival at the Kentucky Castle is June 20-22.

4. Bucks County, Pennsylvania

At Peace Valley Lavender Farm just outside of Philadelphia, visitors can pick their own bunch of lavender for $8 to $12. Then, head across the street to go for a walk or bike ride at Lake Galena.

5. Springfield, Missouri Area

Warm summers and rich soil make lavender fields in Springfield pop. Some places to see the blooms include Black and Blue Berry Farm, which serves iced lavender lattes, Lavender Falls Farm hosts dinners with live music and sells lavender-infused goodies, and Swank Lavender Farm lets guests cut their own bundles of lavender.

6. Sonoma County, California

June is Lavender Month in Sonoma County, and, while you can buy lavender products from many of the farms here year-round, the harvest season is when they open up to the public for tours and events like the Wellness Seminar Series among rolling purple hills at Monte-Bellaria di California.

7. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Opening for their first season, La Grange Lavender Co will offer U-pick options and has recipes on its site so you can bring home your fresh bundles of lavender to make everything from lavender sugar cookies to a simple syrup with the flower to be used in cocktails or teas. The farm will also offer art classes and workshops, plus lead yoga sessions amid the fragrant lavender fields.

Places Outside of the U.S. to See Lavender Bloom

1. Provence, France

Provence is perhaps the most famous destination for all things lavender. One of the best ways to experience the lavender fields here is to take a stroll along the Chemin des Lavandes (Lavender Road) in Sault. The 2.4-mile trail winds through Provence’s gorgeous, lavender-scented landscapes.

2. Tasmania, Australia

One of the world’s most famous lavender farms is Bridestowe Lavender Estate where manicure fields are beneath the backdrop of Mount Arthur. The best time of the year to see (and smell) the lavender is during the Festival of Flowers that happens from Dec. 1 to Jan. 31, which is the peak bloom period. However, the estate is open year-round and the visitor center is stocked with lavender oil, dried flowers. Visitors can also take home flower honeys, artisan jams, loose leaf lavender teas, and try lavender ice cream.

Tasmania is also home to the Lavender Goat Farm, where guests can hand-pick fresh lavender bloom and see how lavender oil is distilled.

3. Near Brisbane, Queensland

Kooroomba, a lavender farm and vineyard in the Fassifern Valley at Mt. Alford, about an hour from Brisbane, grows up to half dozen types of lavender, including a French Lavender that flowers nearly year-round. Visitors can come to enjoy the lavender wafting in the air, snap photos, enjoy lavender meals at the on-site restaurant, and pick up some souvenirs from the gift shop. The estate also has a lovely chapel perfect for weddings and a boutique winery for vino tasting.

4. Hokkaido, Japan

Not only is Japan a primo spot for cherry blossom viewing, but Furano’s lavender fields draw crowds starting in late June, and the perennials peak from mid July to early August. In addition to visiting the fields, tourists can try delicacies like lavender ice cream or and juice, watch fireworks above the lavender fields, and take a ski lift to the top of a hill to see a ski slope turn into a lavender field. Stay in a luxury condominium nearby at Fenix Furano or Fenix West.

5. Dunedin, New Zealand

Stay in a B&B on a lavender farm at Lavender Row. The farm grows, harvests, and distils lavender to make essential oils. Guests can stroll through the fields, picnic among the lavender, and take a tour of the lavender distillery.