Where to see almond blossoms near Sacramento

Where to See Almond Blossoms near Sacramento

California is the world’s leading almond producer. The Golden State provides about 80% of the global almond supply, most of which derive from the Central Valley. Over 7,000 almond growers and processors call the Central Valley home. 

Sacramento is uniquely situated next to the Central Valley, and we get a front-row seat when the almond blossoms transform the region into a stunning sea of white and pink petals. In Northern California near Sacramento, the best places to see almond blossoms are in Yolo County and Modesto.

While you can see almond blossoms on the sides of the road, these are private farms that do not allow visitors. This article has the best public places near Sacramento where families can safely snap photos of almond blossoms without trespassing onto private properties.

When is Almond Blossom Season?

Almond blossoms are in bloom for a short duration. They start blooming in mid-to-late February, and the season concludes in mid-March. It’s a short window to check out almond blossoms. Pending weather, the end of February is typically a good time to view almond blossoms, as this is when many almond blossom festivals tend to occur, which usually line up with the peak of the almond blossom season.

Almond Blossoms near Sacramento 

Although almond blossoms dot Northern California throughout the Central Valley, many almond farms are on private property. You have to know where to go to be able to take photos and view these stunning blossoms in person. The last thing you want is to pack up the car with kids, drive an hour away, and not be able to bask in the blossoms. 

Note that you should not expect to pick almonds when almond blossoms bloom. These opportunities are only for viewing the trees at their peak and taking photos. 

The below options are the best ways to view almond blossoms publicly and safely near Sacramento without trespassing on private property. 

Where to see almond blossoms near Sacramento: Capay Valley Almond Festival and Seka Hills in Brooks
A free tractor ride at Seka Hills takes you to almond blossoms.

Where to See Almond Blossoms in Yolo County

1. Capay Hills Orchard Esparto (Yolo County)

Each year, Esparto has an annual Almond Festival to celebrate these gorgeous trees. As part of the 2026 festival, Capay Hills Orchard will offer free almond blossom orchard tours. The Capay Hills Orchard tours take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, and Sunday, February 22, 2026, coinciding with the Esparto Almond Festival.

You can stay as long or as little as you like when on the tour at Capay Hills Orchard. To support the farm, they will have almond products for sale.

Tip: Combine a free almond blossom tour at Capay Hills Orchard with Family Day at the Esparto Almond Festival on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Esparto Community Park. If you prefer to visit the orchard on Sunday, combine the visit with ‘A Country Celebration‘ on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Guinda, where kids can enjoy a 4H petting zoo.

Capay Hills Orchard Address: 24155 Co Rd 22, Esparto, CA 95627

2. Séka Hills Brooks (Yolo County)

Another option to see the almond blossoms in Yolo County is at the Séka Hills Almond Festival. In 2026, the festival will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Want to know what to expect? I wrote a whole separate article on a Guide to the Séka Hills Almond Festival.

One of the main draws at the event is the almond blossom tour rides. Groups get to enjoy the almond blossoms for about 10 minutes at a time. A tractor transports the groups to the almond blossoms. These tours cost a small fee and are available for purchase on-site only, on the day of the festival. In 2026, almond blossom tours are $5 per person for ages 3+. Kids ages 2 and under are free.

Make it a point to get the tickets for the tractor ride to the almond blossoms when arriving at Séka Hills as the first thing you do. They tend to run one tractor ride at the top of each hour.

Tip: Don’t miss the olive oil ice cream sandwich when attending the Séka Hills Almond Festival! I will also remind you again to grab those almond blossom tour tickets the second you arrive.

Séka Hills Address: 19326 County Road 78, Brooks, CA 95606

Where to see almond blossoms near Sacramento and when are almond blossoms in bloom.
Peak almond blossom season is short – don’t miss it!

Where to See Almond Blossoms in Modesto (Stanislaus County)

Stanislaus County has a self-guided Almond Blossom Cruise route. Pick up a free map at the California Welcome Center in Modesto for mapped-out public roads that wind through almond orchards. In addition to free maps, the California Welcome Center will also have coloring books for kids and almond activity guides. 

There are a handful of farms in Modesto that offer free self-walking tours to see almond blossoms.

If you want to make your almond blossom experience educational for kids, Visit Modesto has an audio tour that can be purchased as part of their annual Almond Blossom Cruise. The narrated tour spans 60 miles for 120 minutes and includes various local tour stops, stories, and almond facts.  

3. Roberts Ferry Gourmet Waterford (Stanislaus County)

While Roberts Ferry Gourmet has two locations, its Waterford location is the one that has the self-guided almond blossom walking tour. The almond butter milkshake is another big draw at Roberts Ferry Gourmet Country Store! Get a milkshake, stroll through the almond blossoms, and check out the Roberts Ferry Covered Bridge. 

The orchard sets out bright orange signs for its annual almond blossom walking tour so visitors know the exact route to follow to get the most out of their experience. The almond blossom self-guided walking tours are free!

Roberts Ferry Gourmet Address: 20493 Yosemite Blvd, Waterford, CA 95386

4. Rodin Farms Fruit Stand Modesto (Stanislaus County)

Rodin Farms Fruit Stand has impressive almond trees where visitors can freely roam through the gorgeous almond blossoms. Take photos and wander the almond blossoms at your leisure. 

If you don’t feel like walking to see almond blossoms and want to quickly jump out of the car, then this is a good option. These almond blossoms are right next to the parking lot, and are another free option.

Rodin Farms Fruit Stand Address: 5000 Oakdale Rd, Modesto, CA 95357

Tips for Peak Almond Blossom Season

If you want to know when the right time is to view the almond blossoms, I’d recommend timing it out with the above viewing options. The Capay Valley Almond Festival usually correlates with the peak of the almond blossoms. Visit Modesto also regularly provides almond blossom updates on their Instagram account. These are good resources for timing when to see the almond blossoms in bloom. 

Where to See Almond Blossoms near Sacramento
Kids will appreciate the beauty and education about almond blossoms.

Is It Worth Seeing Almond Blossoms with Kids?

Reasons to See Almond Blossoms

One of the main reasons to take kids to see almond blossoms is to get some new, beautiful photos. Kids in photos with almond blossoms peaking behind them make an idyllic setting. Photos aside, kids will learn about the importance of farm-to-fork in a more visual manner by strolling through almond blossoms. Plus, they can appreciate how so many almonds come from California.

The almond blossoms are in bloom for such a short and limited time that it makes it special to see them during almond blossom season.

Stroller-Friendly Orchards

Orchards tend to be stroller-friendly. However, in some places that transport you to the orchard, like Séka Hills, you won’t be able to take a stroller with you.

Make It A Day

Since almond blossom orchards near Sacramento require a decent drive, it’s best to combine a visit to an almond blossom experience with other things to do. Combine it with a family-friendly event or activity, but consider making a day of it, so you don’t drive a long distance for just a quick 10-minute stop through an orchard.

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