Where to Swoon Over Superblooms of Wildflowers in the East Bay
Where to Swoon Over Superblooms of Wildflowers in the East Bay
Yeah, we whined a bunch about our soggy winter, but now we are reaping the beautiful benefits of all that rain: superblooms of wildflowers in the East Bay! There are spectacular shows of golden poppies, purple lupine, verbena, and other wildflowers all over the Bay Area. If you are as obsessed as we are with Instagram-worthy fields abloom, you can spend several weekends in April and May exploring floral destinations.
Lucky for you, we know where to go for the best wildflowers in the East Bay.
As gray skies give way to blue, take any of these six wildflower hikes in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. While you’re out there, consult the East Bay Parks Wildflower photo guide and see how many varieties you can find. Just don't pick or trample, please.
Enjoy the 2023 Superbloom!
1. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Every spring, wildflowers dot this 6,096-acre historic park in Antioch. Tiptoe through the buttercups, lupines, poppies, and paintbrushes.
2. Coyote Hills Regional Park
Stroll along this Fremont shoreline park of marshland and grassland dotted with colorful pops of orange monkey flowers, yellow star thistles, brass buttons, purple geraniums, and blue dicks. Also visit the bird and butterfly nectar garden next to the visitors center. For information about naturalist-led educational programs, call (510) 544-3220.
3. Briones Regional Park Wildflowers in the East Bay
Mucking through a little mud will be worthwhile when you visit the best wildflower trails in Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County. You get hills, views, and blooms! The Greenbelt Alliance organizes wildflower rambles each spring. There are several trailheads, including from the Reliez Valley area of Lafayette.
4. Mount Diablo State Park
Mt. Diablo is so well known for its spring blooms that local naturalists created a dedicated Facebook page called Wildflower Watch. Bring your camera to capture yellow fiddlenecks, blue eyed grass, red maids, California poppies, and mission bells. Popular sightseeing trails include Mitchell Canyon and Falls. Park at the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area in Clayton.
5. Sunol Regional Wilderness
Green hills, waterfalls, and wildflowers make Sunol a sensational spring destination. This 6,859-acre park in Alameda County is rich with moderate loop hikes and steep challenging treks. Canyon View Trail, which starts near the visitor center is especially popular for its easy botanical views.
6. Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Check out the flower power in Castro Valley’s 3,314-acre park, located just 20 minutes from downtown Oakland. Natives include pink and purple thistles, crimson columbines, and baby blue-eyes. Just don't let your dog nibble the pretty petals at this pooch friendly park.
Show us your wildflower superbloom photos! When you post on your social media, tag @abioproperties so we can get a peek and share with our audience. And if you are interested in East Bay homes for sale near the regional parks or open spaces mentioned in this post, contact us at 888-400-ABIO (2246) or [email protected].