California has no shortage of seasonal blooms and one of my favorites to visit every year are lavender fields. There are several lavender fields in Northern California – many of which are dog-friendly. We’ve rounded up all our favorites below with everything you need to know for visiting and how to capture the perfect pictures in the fields.

When to Visit Lavender Fields in Northern California

Anytime between mid-May and mid-July is a good time to visit lavender farms in California, but June is peak lavender season. I suggest checking the farms’ websites and socials when planning your visit. Many of them share updates on Instagram so you know exactly what the field looks like before visiting. After July, most of the lavender is harvested and you won’t get to see the purple flowers until the next summer.

Tips for Visiting a Lavender Field

Visiting a lavender field is a dreamy, sensory-rich experience—and with a bit of planning, it can be just as enjoyable for your dog too. First, check if the farm is dog-friendly (many are, like the one’s I’ve outlined below), and review any leash policies.

Plan your visit during cooler morning or evening hours to avoid overheating. Dress in breathable clothes, wear comfy shoes for walking uneven paths, and pack essentials like sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and water for both you and your pup. Bring doggy waste bags, a collapsible water bowl, and even a lavender-safe pet bug repellent to help keep your furry friend comfortable. I’d also recommend dog booties in case the field is covered in burs (Capay Valley).

Expect stunning purple rows buzzing with bees, soothing floral scents, and lots of photo ops—just be mindful of your dog’s paw sensitivity and keep them off the delicate plants. Many fields also offer farm-made goods and shaded picnic spots, making it the perfect relaxing outing for you and your pup.

Five Dog-friendly Lavender Fields in Northern California

1. Araceli Farms

7389 Pitt School Rd, Dixon, CA 95620

Friday: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00am-2:00pm

Araceli Farms is one of the most popular and easily accessible lavender farm located in the Sacramento valley, near Dixon, CA. With timed tickets, you get to spend 1 hour sniffing the lavender and frolicking in the fields. One of the advantages of this farm is that they allow private photo sessions in the morning and evening hours.

The field looks different almost every day and with 7 different varieties of lavender, bloom times look different. So if you are looking for the field to be in bloom at a certain time then it’s recommended to check their instagram stories @aracelifarms to see what the field looks like before you purchase a ticket.

FAQs

1. Open to the public: No, they are by reservation only. They open in June during Lavender bloom.
2. Private photo shoot: Yes. $90 per hour for evening time slots
3. Advanced reservation: Yes, 1 hr time slot
4. Parking: When you enter on Midway you will see the two designated areas where cars are to be parked.
5. Dogs welcome: Yes! They love dogs and animals and ask if you bring your pet that you clean up after your pet, do not take your pet inside the barn, be careful with bees and make sure they have enough water, and carry them through the lavender field or ensure they are not damaging the plants

2. Matanzas Creek Winery

6097 Bennett Valley Road Santa Rosa, California 95404

Monday–Thursday: 11 AM–3:30 PM
Friday–Sunday: 10 AM–3:30 PM

Nestled in the tranquil Bennett Valley of Santa Rosa, Matanzas Creek Winery has offered guests a lavender escape since planting its terraced gardens in 1991. Spanning over three acres, the fragrant fields bloom each June in vibrant shades of purple, creating a breathtaking setting for wine tasting, yoga sessions, summer concerts, and more. As you meander along the lavender-lined pathways, the air fills with heady floral scents—perfectly complemented by their celebrated Sauvignon Blanc on the veranda. The estate not only invites casual exploration but also enhances the sensory experience with bocce, picnic spots, and a dog‑friendly atmosphere.

What sets Matanzas Creek apart is their dedication to sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship. They hand‑cut lavender at peak bloom, then dry it in a dedicated barn before transforming it into a curated line of products—from soothing body butter, essential oil roll-ons, culinary lavender, to lavender‑infused home fragrances—available at the onsite Lavender Market. The winery even hosts a popular “Days of Wine & Lavender” celebration each June—an event featuring guided harvesting demonstrations, chef‑driven lavender cuisine, live music, and barrel‑select wine tastings.

FAQs

1. When is the best time to see the lavender in bloom?The prime blooming season runs through June, with flowers reaching their peak mid‑month. That’s also when the “Days of Wine & Lavender” event typically takes place.
2. Do I need reservations? Wine tastings and estate experiences (including garden strolls) are available daily by reservation; walk‑ins are welcome on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
3. Can I purchase lavender products on-site? Absolutely! The Lavender Market, open daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, offers a variety of handcrafted items—from culinary products to bath & body goods—using estate-grown lavender.
4. Are dogs allowed? Yes! The winery is dog-friendly in both the tasting room and grounds. Just keep them leashed and clean up after them.
5. Are there special events involving lavender? In addition to the annual harvest celebration, Matanzas Creek hosts seasonal events like yoga in the lavender fields and their “Golden Hour” sunset series with live music

3. Bees N Blooms

3883 Petaluma Hill Road Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Friday – Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm

Mid-May to mid-July is the time when all the lavender at Bees N Blooms is blooming with bright purple radiance, and they open the farm to the public for Lavender Daze. The lavender varietals are planted in a labyrinth shape made up of 7 circles with each one featuring a different varietal. Reservations are required during the blooming season.

Admission is $15 per person on most dates and kids 12 and under are free with an adult. Tickets can be used any time during open hours on the day and can be purchased through their online store. Lavender Sunset Evenings are on selected Wednesdays from 6 PM to 9 PM for more private photo sessions and the perfect lighting.

FAQs

1. Open to the public: On weekends during blooming season and on select Wednesdays for photoshoots.
2. Private photo shoot: Yes. $50 per hour for evening time slots and reservations must be made 3 days in advance. Book here.
3. Advanced reservation: Yes, tickets can be purchased online for Farm Days and you’ll need to submit their contact form for private photo sessions.
4. Parking: Varies based on what event you’re visiting for.
5. Dogs welcome: Well-behaved dogs are welcome on open-farm days, but not at private events. If you do bring a dog, they ask that you keep them on leash at all times—they have cats, chickens, geese, and ducks that may be out and about. Please bring supplies to clean up after your dog. And please do not allow your pet to use the turf areas in the Labyrinth or North Pavilion as a bathroom. To prevent food crop contamination, dogs are not permitted in the vegetable garden at all. Dogs are also not permitted in the U-Cut field.

4. Capay Valley Lavender

20470 Co Rd 79, Capay, CA 95607

Wednesday – Sunday 8:00am-2:00pm
Saturdays 6:00pm-9:00pm

Capay Valley Lavender Farm is a twenty-six acre farm of lavender, herbs, and olive trees in Capay, CA. They open to the public each Spring, close during the hottest Summer months, and open again in the Fall. Each season offers a unique experience for lavender lovers and farm fans alike. The Farm is organic, so you can be assured that you or your family/pets will not be exposed to harmful chemicals and it’s advised to wear comfortable walking shoes.

During lavender season they offer the opportunity for you to stroll the fields, take photos, and cut your own bouquet. Picnic tables are set up under shade trees surrounded by the lavender fields. You can visit during their U-pick afternoon hours or catch the perfect lighting for photos during their Golden Hour Sunset Strolls on Saturdays in June. If you want to have the field to yourself, you can book a private photography session for $100 for 3 hours between 6-9pm.

FAQs

1. Open to the public: Yes, hours vary.
2. Private photo shoot: Yes. $100 for 3 hours from 6-9pm and reservations can be made online.
3. Advanced reservation: You can RSVP for farm events here.
4. Parking: Yes, available on-site.
5. Dogs welcome: Dogs are allowed (part of the family, right?) but they ask that they be on a leash.  Capay, their Welsh terrier, loves to play with visitors and can be seen roaming the fields.

5. Pageo Lavender Farm

11573 Golf Link Rd, Turlock, CA 95380

Wednesday – Thursday 10:00am-4:00pm
Friday- Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm