Tiptoe Through the Tulips of Washington is a whimsical journey into one of the most breathtaking spring spectacles in the U.S. — the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Here's a look at what makes it so enchanting and how to plan the perfect visit.
Skagit Valley, in northwestern Washington State
(about 1 hour north of Seattle)
Early April to late April, though bloom times vary slightly each year depending on weather.
Vast fields of vibrant tulips in every color imaginable: crimson reds, electric yellows, soft pastels, and dramatic purples.
Rows upon rows stretching to the horizon with snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Charming farms like Roozengaarde and Tulip Town, offering curated gardens, windmills, and photo ops.
You’re walking along muddy rows with the scent of fresh earth and flowers in the air.
Every direction you look is bursting with living color.
Kids giggling, couples holding hands, photographers lying in the dirt for the perfect shot.
Somewhere between the rows, you forget everything else and just exist in color and calm.
Arrive early to avoid crowds and get soft morning light for photos.
Wear waterproof boots — it’s often muddy!
Check the Bloom Map on tulipfestival.org before heading out.
Stop at local bakeries, antique shops, or enjoy a farm-fresh lunch at a Skagit Valley café.
Don't skip the daffodil fields — they bloom slightly earlier and are just as magical.
Visit La Conner, a quaint nearby town with waterfront shops and art galleries.
Drive the scenic Chuckanut Drive for incredible views of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands.
If you love flowers, consider pairing the trip with a stop at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle.
Interdum et malesuada fames