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Ultimate Guide to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival guide

In this blog post we’re sharing a full guide to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. We share when to visit, where to stay, what to wear, and a description of the four unique gardens/farms that participate in the festival each year.

Did you know that Washington state hosts the largest tulip festival in North America? Each spring in March and April, Washington’s Skagit Valley has acres upon acres of tulip and daffodil fields! They stretch across four farms that are all open to the public. In this blog we share everything you need to know to visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. While each farm has an abundance of tulips, they each have a completely different vibe. Read below to find out which farms are right for you!

Gwyn and Ami standing in front of the wildflowers during a California wildflower superbloom. Gwyn and Ami are an LGBTQ+ couple that creates travel, hiking, and outdoor adventure content.

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We’re Gwyn and Ami. Based in Spokane, Washington, we’re your guides to the Pacific Northwest and beyond!

We’re adventure travel experts, and our blog is all about helping you find the best hikes, weekend getaways, and national park adventures in the United States and abroad. You can find more on Instagram @gwynandami.

Guide to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

How to get to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Tulip Valley farm flower picking - Skagit valley tulip festival. Spring activities near Seattle Washington

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival takes place in Mount Vernon, Washington. The festival is about 1.5 hours north of Seattle, 30 minutes south of Bellingham, and roughly 1.5 hours south of Vancouver, BC. The closest major airports are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Because the tulip fields and gardens are spread across wide, rural farmland, the easiest way to get around is by car. Public transportation in this area is limited, and rideshare options can be inconsistent during peak bloom season. When we visited in 2026, parking at all the gardens we visited was free (it’s included in the cost of the garden tickets), which made hopping between farms and fields incredibly convenient!

Need a rental car to get around? We find that Expedia usually has the best prices on rental cars.

When to visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

RoozenGaarde early blooms 2026 Skagit valley tulip festival


The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival typically begins in late March or early April and runs through the end of April. Bloom timing varies each year depending on the weather, but in 2026 the flowers arrived a little early, with color showing by mid‑March. Most farms feature both tulips and daffodils, with daffodils blooming first. When we visited on March 23, 2026, the daffodils were already at peak bloom, while the tulips were just starting to show their buds. Expect tulip blooms throughout April.

One of the best parts of visiting the festival is that the farms plant early-, mid-, and late‑season tulips, creating a long, staggered bloom window that can last several weeks. No matter when you go within the festival dates, you’ll find something flowering.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Bloom Status

Curious about this year’s bloom timing? Click the link below to see the farms’ day‑to‑day bloom updates during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

Where to stay near the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Where to stay near the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

It’s not uncommon to spend the entire day at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.The towns of Mount Vernon and La Conner are less than 10 minutes from the festival and have great lodging options. Here are a few that I recommend: 

  • Clarion Pointe Mount Vernon: Highly reviewed, comfy accommodations, and centrally located to the festival and to restaurants in Mount Vernon. 
  • The La Conner Inn: An adorable inn in La Conner, Washington. About 10 minute drive to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Within easy walking distance of the shops and restaurants in La Conner. 
  • Tulip Inn Mount Vernon: A more budget-friendly hotel that is named after the namesake tulip festival! This is also 10 minutes to the festival and a great location for easily walking to dinner in Mount Vernon. 

What to wear to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

What to wear to the skagit valley tulip festival in washington

When you visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, keep in mind that these are working farms with fields that can get muddy or dusty depending on the weather. Spring in the Pacific Northwest is known for frequent rain, and those showers often continue straight through tulip season. Waterproof shoes or rain boots (or any other footwear you do not mind getting a little muddy) are your best bet.

A good rain jacket is also a smart choice to keep you dry while exploring the fields. We like the XeroCloud rain jackets (for women and men) from REI. They provide robust 3-layer waterproof protection in a comfortable and lightweight shell.

Guide to the gardens: what to expect at the different Skagit Valley Tulip Festival farms

Below you’ll find a breakdown of what to expect at each of the different farms that participates in the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival!

Farm #1: RoozenGaarde

RoozenGaarde, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

RoozenGaarde is the largest and most iconic of the four tulip farms, with more than 60 acres of flower fields. During peak bloom, the landscape transforms into a sea of color that is absolutely breathtaking. Near the entrance, you will find a beautifully curated display garden filled with tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths. Along the paths, you will also come across several photo spots that are perfect for Instagram or for capturing photos with your family.

Once you finish exploring the gardens near the entrance, a short 5 minute walk takes you deeper into the tulip fields. This is where you can take in the sweeping rows of flowers set against the mountains in the distance. It’s important to note that visitors cannot walk through the rows of tulips at the farm, nor can they pick the flowers.

Farm #2: Tulip Valley Farms

Tulip Valley Farms, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival family friendly you-pick

Tulip Valley Farms has been rated the most scenic tulip farm in the world, a title bestowed upon them by the famous Dutch tulip growers. The farm covers 15 acres and offers incredible views of the North Cascades, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. What makes this farm especially unique is how their tulips and daffodils are planted throughout their hazelnut orchards, creating a truly picturesque landscape.

This is also the most interactive of all the farms. Visitors are welcome to walk right through the rows of tulips and daffodils, though it is important to walk carefully to protect the flowers. You can even pick your own blooms to create a custom bouquet. Just request a u-pick bucket at the entrance when you arrive.

Tulip Valley Farms also features an on-site food cart, a gift shop where you can design your own tulip festival t-shirts, and the sweetest mini highland cows that love attention.

Farm #3: Garden Rosalyn

Garden Rosalyn Skagit Valley

Garden Rosalyn is an adorable and compact garden. Although it covers only six acres, it has a lot happening within its small footprint. The displays feature a mix of beautiful and eclectic tulips and daffodils, including double bloom daffodils and frilly tulips. You can stroll around the windmill and the small pond, both of which are surrounded by vibrant blooms. The cozy layout makes this garden especially great for small families or anyone looking for an easy, low-stress stop.

Garden Rosalyn does not have a gift shop or on-site food options, so it is a quick and charming visit (perfect for kids, and GREAT for photos!) rather than a full-day stop.

Farm #4: Tulip Town

Tulip Town, Skagit Valley

Founded by Dutch immigrants, Tulip Town has been a Skagit Valley favorite since 1984. The farm features 6 acres of tulips with more than 55 vibrant varieties. One of the highlights here is the vintage trolley, which takes visitors on a scenic loop through the blooms and offers unique views of the fields without the extra walking. The trolley is included in the price of admission.

Tulip Town is also dog-friendly, so well-behaved leashed pups are welcome to explore alongside you. Guests can enjoy on-site food and espresso, as well as a relaxed beer and wine garden where you can relax while taking in the colorful surroundings. Tulip Town is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy tulips at a slower pace.

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