Spring is a magical time in the Pacific Northwest, and nothing captures the season quite like the breathtaking fields of tulips at Tulip Valley Farms. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another year of vibrant blooms, here are some essential tips to make your visit to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free.
Book a Tour for a Relaxing, Eco-Friendly Experience
One of the best ways to experience the Tulip Festival is by booking a tour with one of our preferred tour agencies. By taking a tour, you reduce the number of cars on the road, making your visit more environmentally friendly while also eliminating the stress of driving in traffic. Here are some top tour options:
Show Me Seattle – Known for their expert guides and engaging storytelling, Show Me Seattle offers a curated experience with historical insights and behind-the-scenes details about the tulip farms. Each guests get 2 photos taken by their on-tour photographers!- Customized Tours of Seattle – Ideal for visitors who want a personalized experience, this company offers smaller group sizes and flexible itineraries tailored to your preferences. They will be offering tours to Tulip Valley Farms every Saturday in April!
- Tours NW – A great option for those looking for a comprehensive tour, Tours NW provides comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide to help you make the most of your visit. Contact them about how to book the perfect tour for you!
Driving to Tulip Valley Farms? Follow This Route to Avoid Traffic
We know you want to spend less time in the car and more time in the field, so if you choose to drive, we highly recommend taking the following route to avoid congestion on small-town and country roads:
- Take I-5 North or South (depending on your starting point).
- Exit Highway 20 West.
- Turn Left on Farm to Market/Best Road (there is a light).
- Turn Left on McLain Road.
- Turn Left on Bradshaw Road to arrive at Tulip Valley Farms.
Our five-acre parking lot ensures plenty of space, helping to keep cars off the road and making your arrival and departure smoother. Once you arrive, we encourage you to take a deep breath and let the scenery of the “World’s Most Scenic Tulip U-Pick” sink into your bones and let the stress of the outside world melt away.
Pack Smart for a Comfortable Visit
- Snacks & Drinks: Outside food and drinks are welcome at Tulip Valley Farms, so pack some refreshments to get you (and kids) through the drive and keep you fueled during your visit. You can even pack a picnic to enjoy IN the field at Tulip Valley Farms
- Extra Clothes: While our fields are less muddy than others, accidents happen—especially with kids! A change of clothes can come in handy.
- Dress in Layers & Bring an Umbrella: The Pacific Northwest weather can be unpredictable. Wearing layers and bringing rain gear will keep you comfortable, rain or shine. On a cool early spring morning, our team members can start with as many as 6 layers to stay warm. It can also be windy, so watch your hats!
Planning for “Peak Bloom?” Think Again!
Many visitors try to plan their visit around the so-called “Peak Bloom,” but the truth is, tulips bloom in early, mid, and late in the tulip season. This means that when early-season tulips are in full bloom, late-season varieties are still growing, and vice versa. The hazelnut trees and grass walkways keep the ground temperature cool, so our tulips often last longer than others, so there is always overlap between the earlies, mids, and lates.
U-Pick Tulip Tip: The best time to pick tulips is BEFORE they are bloomed or even have full color! Tulips are the only flower that will continue to grow after it is picked, so by picking your own tulips from Tulip Valley Farms before “peak bloom,” you will get to enjoy them even longer in your home!
For ultimate flexibility, we recommend purchasing an Any Day Ticket, which allows you to visit on any day without needing to reschedule. Alternatively, if your plans change, tickets can be modified online more than 24 hours in advance through our ticketing website.
Experience the Magic of Tulip Valley Farms
Be sure to get your tickets online to save money! Tickets purchased at the gate will be $3 more and you even get a discount if you purchase a 10-Stem U-Pick ticket online: online u-pick is $15 for 10 stems, at the field u-pick stems will be $2 each. In an effort to help all lines go quickly and smoothly, Tulip Valley Farms will be going CASHLESS in 2025; we accept all major credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Venmo and PayPal.
Be sure to follow us on social media @TulipValleyFarms where we will do regular Bloom Reports so you can see exactly what the field looks like on that very day!
Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or solo, following these tips will help you enjoy a smooth, relaxing, and unforgettable trip to Tulip Valley Farms. Book a tour for a hassle-free, eco-friendly experience, or follow our recommended driving route to skip the worst of the traffic. Either way, you’re in for a stunning floral display, nature’s beauty at her best, and a perfect springtime adventure.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the fields!
