A Coastal Stop for Artful Finds at Crystal Cove

Set along the beach in Crystal Cove State Park’s Historic District, The Park Store is a charming spot to browse for thoughtful gifts and one of a kind coastal finds. The shop, along with The Gallery at Cottage 46, highlights artistic textiles and heirloom style decorative pieces that celebrate traditional crafts such as weaving, embroidery and block printing. 

The collection brings a colorful, cottage inspired touch to the home and reflects the simple beauty of life by the sea. Shoppers will find a well curated mix of local art, ocean inspired jewelry, coastal apparel, beach toys, gear and meaningful souvenirs, all inspired by the spirit and natural beauty of Crystal Cove.

Every purchase supports the Crystal Cove Conservancy, with proceeds reinvested into park preservation and the Conservancy’s education and conservation programs, making it easy to shop with purpose while taking home a small piece of the coast.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours may vary based on conditions. Call ahead to confirm. 949.715.0931

The Park Store is at Crystal Cove Conservancy, Cottage No. 5 and Cottage 46, Crystal Cove, Newport Coast.

Spring Returns to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

Tickets are now on sale for one of Southern California’s most anticipated spring traditions, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, opening Sunday, March 1, 2026. For 10 weeks, the annual attraction invites guests to wander 55 acres of Giant Tecolote ranunculus in full bloom, with sweeping fields of large, double-petaled flowers in vivid seasonal color.

From March 1 through May 10, nearly 80 million flowers will blanket the rolling hills of North San Diego County in 13 shades of red, pink, orange, yellow and white. What began in 1965 as a small ranunculus farm has grown into a beloved spring destination, drawing visitors from across the country to experience one of the most photographed floral displays in the United States.

The 2026 season introduces new local pop-up vendors, with rotating weekly shops including Lofty Coffee, Sugar Bear Sweets and Fox Point Farms, offering more ways to support local businesses while exploring the grounds. The Butterfly Encounter has been expanded with a new 1,000-square-foot greenhouse housing hundreds of butterflies, including exotic varieties such as the Blue Morpho and the Emperor Birdwing, giving guests a closer look at these striking species.

Live music and wellness programming return with performances by the Bayou Brothers, Cool Rush and Michele Lundeen, along with Sunset Meditation and Sound Healing sessions and Flower Flow yoga classes. Seasonal events and hands-on experiences include wine tasting, Joyful Flowers featuring the Japanese art of Ikebana, flower crown and basket workshops, Tea in the Garden and more.

Iconic attractions continue for 2026, including the American Flag of Flowers, tractor wagon rides, artist gardens, the sweet pea maze, Santa’s Playground, Carlsbad Mining Company and U-Pick Blueberries, available Mondays and Tuesdays based on availability.

Admission must be purchased online in advance. Tickets are $27 for adults, $25 for seniors 60 and older and military, $17 for children ages 3 to 10, and free for children under 3. Season passes are $57 for adults, $52 for seniors and $33 for children. Additional experiences include wagon tours for $8 for adults and $4 for children, and the Butterfly Encounter for $8 for adults and $4 for children. Group tours and private events are available year-round.

For tickets and details, theflowerfields.com

Visitor Information: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is at 5704 Paseo Del Norte in Carlsbad.

Spring SplashFest Brings a Taste of Spring to Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove

Great Wolf Lodge has locations across the country, and Orange County families can find one close to home in Garden Grove, about three miles from Disneyland Resort. This spring, the popular indoor water park resort is rolling out Spring SplashFest, a limited-time seasonal experience designed to bring the sunshine, warmth, energy and colors of spring to life. Running March 6 to April 26, Spring SplashFest offers families a guaranteed 84-degree getaway with zero chance of rain and a lineup of spring-themed activities that make the chilly outdoors feel far away. Guests are welcomed with bright, cheerful decor throughout the resort, including colorful umbrellas, splashy water droplets and playful water park-inspired details.

The spring theme continues with hands-on crafts and stories, interactive games such as Spring SplashFest Bingo, a splash-themed dance party and nightly story time. Families can also spot Great Wolf Lodge characters throughout the resort and stop by a spring-themed selfie station to capture the moment. The activities are designed to give families a fun break between water park sessions and add an extra festive touch to the indoor getaway.

To celebrate the season, Great Wolf Lodge is also introducing a limited-time menu at all 22 U.S. locations, including the Garden Grove resort. The seasonal offerings blend family favorites with bright spring flavors and include the Ranch Bacon Double Burger, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, Garlic Herb Roasted Prime Rib and a Fire-Grilled Skewer Trio with shrimp, beef sirloin and vegetables.

Dessert options include the Wolf Brownie Ice Cream Tower and Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie Milkshake. For adults, seasonal cocktails include the Tito’s Orangeberry Crush and Springtime Bourbon Peach Tea, while kids can enjoy the Firefly, a fruity blend of lemonade, strawberry puree and pineapple juice.

Along with Spring SplashFest, Great Wolf Lodge offers year-round attractions such as its indoor water park with slides and pools for all ages, Ten Paw Alley bowling, Northern Lights Arcade, Build-A-Bear Workshop, MagiQuest and more.

Great Wolf Lodge at 12681 S Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove.

For more information on Spring SplashFest and upcoming stays, visit greatwolf.com.