Happy Spring 🌷 Tulip season is upon us and if you’re looking for an explosion of colorful blooms to explore in Washington State, then you’re in the right place! Washington is one of the largest tulip producers inside of the United States and The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the place to visit. But before you visit, you might have a few questions and quite honestly, their website doesn’t help answer all of them. So take it from an expert (I’ve visited the tulip fields for years) and get the scoop on everything you need to know before visiting The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in 2024.
What is it?
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the official month-long celebration of the millions of tulip blooms in Washington State.
When is it?
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs from April 1-30, 2024.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is on a weekday. There will be a lot less traffic, fewer people in the tulip fields, and less of a crowd in the parking area. The tulips are planted in phases, so different colors bloom at different times and blooms last around 2 weeks. Anytime you come you’ll see tulips, but you can check the bloom status here.
Over the years, I’ve been at various times during the season and personally love mid-season. The early blooms are slowly fading, the current bloom is fresh, and the new bulbs are just starting to pop to end the season. It’s the perfect range to see the full cycle of the tulips!
Although, if you come early in the season you’ll catch the end of the daffodil blooms from March!
What to Bring
Since the fields are usually muddy, you’ll want to bring shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty such as boots, sneakers, or rainboots. An umbrella and a light jacket as you’re likely to experience a light drizzle.
Visitor Info for RoozenGaarde
RoozenGaarde Display Garden: 15867 Beaver Marsh Road Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Tickets include parking and entry. Admission is $15 per person and children under 2 are free. No pets allowed. Buy your tickets in advance online for RoozenGaarde here.
Visitor Info for Tulip Town
Tulip Town: 15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Tickets include parking, entry, and a trolley ride through the fields. Admission is $15 for adults over 12, $7 for children aged 6-11, and free for children 5 and under. No pets allowed. Buy your tickets in advance online for Tulip Town here.
Photoshoots
If you’re planning to do a photoshoot at the tulip field – which I highly recommend, here are a few more tips.
- Wear a color that contrasts the bright colors of the tulips like blue
- Find a spot on the outskirts of the fields towards the back to get photos without people in them and you’ll capture the expansive fields in the background
- A tripod is highly recommended. Please note that drones are not allowed at the fields
- Wear rain boots but pack extra shoes to put on quickly for photos
- Bring water and snacks if you’re planning on a long day of shooting
- A large tote bag that you can lie on the ground and don’t mind getting dirty to hold all of these things
- Sunset is a popular time for golden hour in the fields
Buying Tulips
Don’t pick the tulips in the fields, there are bouquets of tulips available for sale and you can also buy tulip bulbs to plant at home!
