sunflowers

Sunflower Fields to Visit Near Washington, DC

July 27, 2024

Summer in Washington, DC, brings an array of outdoor activities, but one of the most stunning ways to soak up the season’s beauty is by visiting sunflower fields. Sunflower fields around Washington, DC, offer a perfect summer outing for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to bask in the beauty of these cheerful blooms. Each spot provides its own unique experience, from expansive fields to interactive farm fun. So grab your camera, pack a picnic, and head out to enjoy the sunflower magic this summer. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s your guide to the best sunflower spots around Washington, DC this summer.

1. McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area

Located just about 30 miles west of DC, the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville, Maryland, is a must-visit for sunflower enthusiasts. Each summer, the fields are transformed into a sea of bright yellow sunflowers, stretching as far as the eye can see. The area is known for its expansive sunflower fields, which are a favorite among photographers and nature lovers alike. The sunflowers typically bloom from mid-July through early August, so plan your visit accordingly to catch them at their peak.

2. Butler’s Orchard

A bit closer to the city, Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland, offers a charming sunflower experience. This family-owned farm has been growing sunflowers for several years and opens its fields to the public during peak bloom. In addition to sunflowers, Butler’s Orchard hosts various family-friendly activities throughout the summer, including farm tours and pick-your-own produce events. The sunflower fields are usually open from late July through August, making it a great spot for a summer day trip.

3. The Sunflower Farm at Great Country Farms

For a more interactive experience, head to Great Country Farms in Bluemont, Virginia. Known for its agricultural adventures, this farm features a beautiful sunflower field that typically opens in late July. The farm offers various activities like hayrides, a petting zoo, and pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, making it a fun destination for the whole family.

4. Fields of Sunflowers at Burnside Farms

Located in Nokesville, Virginia, Burnside Farms is renowned for its impressive sunflower displays. Their sunflower festival, usually held in late July through August, is a highlight of the season. The farm hosts a variety of sunflowers, including different colors and sizes, providing a diverse and picturesque experience. With additional activities like a maze and food vendors, it’s a great spot for a day out with the family.

5. Historic Whitehall Farm

A bit of a hidden gem, Historic Whitehall Farm in Clinton, Maryland, offers a more tranquil sunflower experience. This smaller farm opens its fields to visitors during peak bloom, typically in late July. It’s an excellent spot for a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature, away from the hustle and bustle.

Tips:

Check their website or social media for visiting hours and sunflower bloom updates.
Consider visiting during the week to avoid larger crowds on weekends.
It’s a good idea to bring cash or check for entrance fees, as some smaller farms don’t accept cards.
Bring your camera for some memorable family photos.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as there’s a lot of ground to cover.
Pack some snacks and water, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring.
Arrive early to make the most of your visit and enjoy a less crowded experience.
Bring sun protection and stay hydrated as you explore the fields.

A Few Farms Further Away to Consider:
Gold Petal Farms: A picture-perfect flower field season opens with 100% pick-your-own flower fields! 7 acres of flowers to explore and select from with beautiful flower vistas to take unique and beautiful portraits along with a wealth of nature photography opportunities.
The Sunflower Garden
Misty Meadow Farm Creamery: Reader recommended with animals, ice cream and activities!
Emily’s Produce: You-pick fields, ice cream, market and more, happens to be on the way to the beach!
Clear Meadow Farms
Rocky Point Creamery: Ice cream + sunflowers. The even better part is 100% of proceeds from the sunflowers go to St. Jude.

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

August 18, 2023

It’s sunflower season! The blooms are ready to be marveled at, picked and photographed!

It is county & agriculture fair time! Carousels will be spinning at Arlington County, Prince William County & Montgomery County this weekend!

Friday
4:00pm-9:30pm: Food Truck Friday Block Party
Join for this monthly food truck fest of delicious food, great music, and an amazing community atmosphere. This event is a unique opportunity to try a variety of mouth-watering dishes, all made by Black-owned food truck owners.

5:00pm-8:00pm: Friday Night Fishing
Who doesn’t love a summer Friday night spent on the river? This Friday Night Fishing program is a free, family friendly, learn-to-fish program. It takes place along the Navy Yard on the Anacostia. Open to all ages. ARK, and partner Earth Conservation Corps, provide everything you need for you and your family to learn how to fish in a fun and educational environment.

6:00pm: Starlight Cinema Drive-in – Bad Guys
Welcome to another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema. These movie nights bring the community together and nurture community spirit with features that appeal to both children and adults. Free for the public to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal so feel free to bring a picnic, blanket and chairs, and enjoy the movies. Gates open 6 p.m. * Pre-movie children’s show 7 p.m. * Movie starts at dark •

7:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back on the Yards Park boardwalk! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

8:00pm: A League of Their Own at The REACH
Join for a FREE film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. Films start at sundown or around 7:45 p.m. A League of Their Own is a comic look at the true story of two sisters who join the first female professional baseball league, and their struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry.

Saturday
9:00am-5:00pm: The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Join for Potato Diggin’, Honey Crisp Apple & Peach Pickin’ & Sunflower Clippin’. Tickets include a full day of fun on the farm and access to the potato field & peach orchard. Potatoes are sold separately on site by the peck and half peck box.

10:00am-3:00pm: Dolley Day at Dumbarton House
Dolley Madison herself will be at Dumbarton House to share stories about her life and teach some of her favorite games! Additionally, there will be yard games and ice cream (one of Dolley’s favorite foods) available to add to the fun. The museum will be open for FREE self-guided tours with a special handout about Dolley.

1:00pm-5:00pm: Saturdays at the River Pavilion
Enjoy featured performances and activities with food and beverages available for sale at the River Pavilion. Youth Poet Laureate All Stars will perform with music by DJ B-Blast.

2:00pm-7:00pm: Chuck Brown Day
It’s that special time of the year when DPR celebrates the music and history of DC culture and the ‘Godfather of Go-Go’. This is the largest celebration of Go-Go at an even larger venue this summer. BYO chair or blanket and get ready to jam out with live performances.

Sunday
9:00am-5:00pm: The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Join for Potato Diggin’, Honey Crisp Apple & Peach Pickin’ & Sunflower Clippin’. Tickets include a full day of fun on the farm and access to the potato field & peach orchard. Potatoes are sold separately on site by the peck and half peck box.

Cool down at some splash parks– a few are listed below:
The Wharf: 999 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Color Burst Park: 6000 Merriweather Dr, Columbia, MD 21044
The Yards: 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003

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12 sunflower fields to visit this summer

July 23, 2022

Have your Instagram feeds started to be full of people standing in sunflower fields? Luckily you can also witness the same beauty in person. We have some pretty amazing fields in our area that you will definitely want to visit this summer! Some places require reservations, also visitors bring step stools to take photos higher up with the sunflowers. Most sites will let you know if they have blooms yet, late summer is usually the ideal time to go. In addition to the fields below, stop by some pick-your-own farms this summer.

Burnside Farms in Nokesville, VA has a field of 8 acres of various varieties of sunflowers that are in bloom. The Summer of Sunflowers begins late-July and runs through Labor day. You must purchase tickets to attend.

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area sunflower field in Poolesville, MD is one not to miss. This is a free field to visit.

Gold Petal Farms is in Chaptico, MD and has a living maze you can go through as well as a pick-your-own flower garden during the summer season.

Rocky Point Creamery is located in Tuscarora, MD and has 2 acres of sunflowers + (bonus) homemade ice cream!

Maryland Agriculture and Farm Park in Cockeysville, MD welcomes you to bring a picnic, and leave with a day of memories. Before or after picking and picnicking, explore more of what the Farm has to offer; trails, demonstration gardens, animals, history, and more. Sunflowers typically bloom in mid-late September.

Valley View Acres is in Middletown, MD and is open! They have an Annual Sunflower Festival:
July 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30 & 31, August 6 & 7, 13 & 14 from 10am-4pm. They are cash only.

Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, MD allows you to pick-your-own flowers and while you are there, pick some fruit. Make a reservation here.

A few further north to consider:
The Sunflower Garden
Misty Meadow Farm Creamery: Reader recommended with animals, ice cream and activities!
Emily’s Produce: You-pick fields, ice cream, market and more, happens to be on the way to the beach!

Clear Meadow Farms: Check their website periodically throughout the summer of 2022 for updates on the 2022 sunflowers

Sunflowers in Jarrettsville, Md: Estimated to bloom September 2022, follow their Facebook page for details