14 Tips to Plan a Trip to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

The tulips have started to bloom in the Skagit Valley. If you have ever dreamt of walking by fields of tulips ala “dekha eik khawab” (I know, I have!), now is the time to plan your trip to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. The valley is an hour away from Seattle and two hours from Vancouver. We visited the tulip fields two years back and I have fond memories of an amazing trip. Sharing some tips which I felt made our visit enjoyable.

1. Time your trip well. The tulips are in bloom in the fields for only 3 – 4 weeks. The two main growers, Tulip Town and Roozengaarde, share regular updates on their website and through social media about the tulips bloom.
2. Don’t follow the GPS to get to the valley for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Instead follow these instructions on the festival website. You will beat the crowd.
3. Try going on a weekday to avoid the crowds (and a tourist head in all of your pictures). If you have to go on a weekend, either go really early in the morning or late in the afternoon (sunsets are beautiful). Do check admission timings for Tulip Town and Roozengaarde before you plan your arrival time.
4. You can stay overnight in the valley to have a beautiful early morning experience. The festival website has recommendations for local accommodations. Seattle’s Premier Outlet Mall is nearby too and if you have an Alberta ID, you don’t pay tax, so that’s 10% off right away.
5. Remember you are visiting family-run farms of the tulip growers. So show respect and be prepared. Wear boots (no heels ladies). Take US cash with you and if you don’t like the idea of porta-potties, keep the water intake down. Yes, there will be no change table for your kids. Be prepared to change diapers in the car. You’re at the farm, it’s all part of the experience.
6. If you have the time it’s recommended to visit both Tulip Town and Roozengarde. Tulip Town has beautiful rows and rows of colorful tulips and a tractor ride around the field. It’s also smaller so better suited for kids. Mine really enjoyed the tractor ride. Roozengarde has a more extensive and well-spread display garden. Their fields are huge and go over rolling hills. A beautiful site but be prepared to carry tired kids. We took a carrier for our baby. As the fields are muddy, most prams with smaller wheels will struggle.
7. If you miss the bloom in the fields, the display gardens are maintained for longer, so call the two growers and check your luck!
8. Both Tulip Town and Roozengarde have some snacks and drinks available, so you will be OK for a light lunch. If you have dietary restrictions, pack your own lunch or buy from the city.
9. Don’t step within the rows of tulips to take pictures. I know you have seen pictures of others doing this and you’re tempted also but it’s not allowed. Respect the rules.
10. Take a change of clothes for the kids. Even if the day is sunny, the fields might be wet.
11. If you wish to take pictures of a baby or toddler infront of the flowers bring a blanket, so that your child can sit on that.
12. Make sure your camera is charged and has space. You will be taking lots of pictures.
13. But do stop and take in the beauty through your eyes.
14. You can take some of the beauty of the valley home with you by ordering the bulbs that will be posted to you in the fall.

Hope you enjoyed these tips for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Read all about our trip to the valley two years ago here.