As summer reaches its peak, fields of sunflowers are beginning to bloom across the DMV, creating picture-perfect landscapes that are great for a day trip or a scenic drive.
These sunny spots not only offer stunning views and photo opportunities, but in some cases they also allow visitors to pick their own sunflowers, making for an idyllic summer outing.
We've compiled a few sunflower fields within driving distance of downtown D.C. that will help you get the perfect summer photo or bouquet.
Maryland:
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.
McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area
Address: 16898-16500 River Road, MD 20837
Hours: Anytime, no permit required
Distance from downtown D.C.: 29.3 miles
Each spring, The Maryland Department of Natural Resources plants sunflowers on the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area to provide a food source for mourning doves and other wildlife species.
Because the sunflowers in the area are for feeding wildlife and maintaining the ecosystem, you can't pick these sunflowers. The "cutting, destruction, or removal of any plants," including sunflowers, is strictly prohibited. Still, the area’s serene fields are the perfect spot for sunflower photos!
Find the 2024 sunflower map here. The sunflower fields are past their peak, so check the photo at the bottom of the website to see if you're interested in visiting.
Summers Farm
Address: 7503 Hollow Road, Middletown, MD 21769
When: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday from Aug. 17 through Sept. 8
Distance from downtown D.C.: 51 miles
Celebrate Summer Farms’ 5th annual Flower Festival with their 8-acre flower field. It has thousands of sunflowers and zinnias in bloom, and you can take frame-worthy photos as you walk through and pick your own flower bouquet. The event will have music, local beer and wine, and food directly from the farm.
Admission includes a wagon ride to the flower field, one free flower bloom of your choice (with more flowers available for purchase) and 45+ activities including a corn maze, tetherball, farmer golf, cornhole, Jenga, and more.
Prices and details can be found here.
Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival
Address: Farm Heritage Conservancy: 6960 Serenity Farm Road, Hughesville, MD 20637
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 31 & Sept. 1
Distance from downtown D.C.: 44 miles
Start off meteorological autumn by visiting the Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival. The farm has six acres of pick-your-own sunflowers, photo opportunities, hay rides, a local art show, vendors, a petting pen and more.
Prices and details can be found here. Don’t forget to bring your own shears!
Virginia:
Messick’s Farm Market
Address: 6025 Catlett Road, Bealeton, VA 22712
When: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Distance from downtown D.C.: 58 miles
Head over to Messick’s Farm Market to experience sunflowers in peak bloom! You can pick your own for $1.49 a stem, but Messick’s also offers pre-picked stems available for purchase. No tickets or reservations are needed.
More information can be found here, or on their Instagram.
Past events
Burnside Farms
Address: Nokesville Farm: 11008 Kettle Run Road, Nokesville, VA 20181
When: TBD, but expect 3-4 weeks of sunflower time in late July/early August
Distance from downtown D.C.: 41 miles
Visit Burnside Farms for over 70 acres and 30 varieties of sunflowers! The farm will be open for sunflower picking, viewing, and sunflower mazes. The farm’s iconic Sunflower Sunsets are not to be missed! For tickets and details, click here.
Great Country Farms
Address: 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 20 - Aug. 11;
Distance from downtown D.C.: 58 miles
Celebrate summer with Great Country Farms' "Summer of Sunflowers and Peaches"! Bring your own clippers or purchase some from the farm's market. Cut your own flowers for $1 per stem, then feed some goats and frolic in the play area.
If you'd rather photograph the sunflowers than cut them, the farm also has a sunflower photo contest that runs the length of the flower's season.
Check out the details here.
Want to know what's up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.
