Visiting NJ Holland Ridge Farms During Peak Tulip Bloom 🌷 The Closest Thing to Keukenhof

A Blooming Adventure at Holland Ridge Farms in New Jersey

This past April, I had the pleasure of visiting Holland Ridge Farms in New Jersey during its most spectacular season—peak tulip bloom. It was a much-anticipated trip for me and my family, and the moment we stepped onto the sprawling fields of vivid colors, we knew it was worth every second of the drive to get there.

I visited the farm with my mom, dad, sister, and her boyfriend. What made this trip special wasn’t just the stunning visuals of thousands of tulips in peak bloom, but the cherished moments spent around my loved ones as we wandered this VERY picturesque landscape.

Tulips are my mother’s favorite type of flower so she was really excited about visiting the farm. As for me, I was also excited because Holland Ridge Farms offers visitors a glimpse into Dutch culture right from the fields of a New Jersey-based farm!

It’s now been two years since I last stepped foot in The Netherlands so having an opportunity so close to home to experience what I never got to see during my trip to Amsterdam was a real treat.

I visited The Netherlands off-season so I didn’t technically get to see the famous Dutch tulip fields at Keukenhof during my day trip to Zaanse Schans.

The closest I got to seeing fresh tulips was my visit to Bloemenmarkt: a floating tulip/flower market situated on houseboats in the canals of Amsterdam.

In this blog post, I’m excited to take you through my experience at Holland Ridge Farms, share some stories, and offer tips for anyone considering a visit to one of the most Instagram-worthy places in the Garden State. Be sure to check out the photos sprinkled throughout this post to get a real taste of what a day at the farm looks like!

Arriving at Holland Ridge Farms

Holland Ridge Farms is located in Cream Ridge, a quaint area in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It’s an easy drive from major cities like New York City and Philadelphia, making it a perfect day trip for both locals and tourists. The moment we pulled into the parking lot, I could feel the excitement building as I caught glimpses of the sprawling tulip fields stretching out as far as the eye could see.

We arrived mid-morning, which in hindsight, I would highly recommend. By arriving early, we beat the largest crowds and had plenty of time to leisurely enjoy everything the farm had to offer. Plus, the lighting during the morning hours was ideal for photos—soft and golden, making the flowers practically glow against the bright blue sky.

I could see the anticipation in my mom’s eyes as she reached for her phone, already planning which tulip field to explore first. My dad, always the practical one, reminded us to grab a farm map from the entrance kiosk, which turned out to be incredibly useful throughout the day.

The Colors of Spring: Fields of Tulips

The tulip fields at Holland Ridge Farms are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Imagine row after row of tulips in every color imaginable—vibrant reds, yellows, purples, pinks, and even unique variegated varieties. I couldn’t help but stand in awe for a few minutes, trying to take in the sheer beauty of it all.

Each section of the farm was dedicated to a different color or variety of tulip, making it feel like we were exploring a different painting with every turn. My sister, an avid flower enthusiast, was especially excited to hunt down some of the more unique tulip varieties alongside her boyfriend. I followed, camera in hand, in full photography mode, capturing every angle I could.

As we wandered, I found myself getting lost in the beauty of nature. There’s something so calming about walking through fields of flowers, with nothing but the sound of birds and a gentle breeze to keep you company. At one point, I looked back and noticed my mom standing still, surrounded by tulips, just soaking in the moment. It was a rare, quiet pause in the middle of an otherwise busy life, and I could tell she was savoring it.

Picture-Perfect Moments

One of the best parts of visiting Holland Ridge Farms is the endless opportunities for taking incredible photos. The farm is thoughtfully designed with plenty of paths between the rows of flowers, making it easy to wander without damaging the tulips. Every few feet, there seemed to be another perfect photo spot.

There were adorable staged bicycles stationed throughout the farm, decorated with fresh-cut tulips for a photo op moment. We couldn’t resist stopping to take photos in front of a few of them.

All five of us were in our element. My sister and I took some truly mesmerizing close-up shots of individual tulips, capturing the intricate details of their petals and the way the light played on their colors. I was in photography heaven at this farm.

Picking Your Own Tulips

One of the unique features of Holland Ridge Farms is that visitors are encouraged to pick their own tulips (“U-Pick”). With clippers in hand, we were ready to create our own custom bouquets. Each tulip costs $1 per stem, and let me tell you, resisting the temptation to pick a bouquet big enough to fill a vase the size of our car was a real challenge! The tulips are so fresh, they last a long time too!

We spent a good chunk of time walking through the fields, carefully selecting tulips to take home. My mom, with her expert eye for flower arrangements, helped me pick a mix of colors that would complement each other beautifully. My sister, on the other hand, was determined to find the most unusual tulips in the bunch. She ended up with a bouquet that looked like something straight out of a floral catalog—some of the tulips had streaks of orange, purple, and red, giving them a painted look. I got my mom a bouquet at the end of the visit with everything she picked.

The actual process of picking tulips is surprisingly meditative. It felt nice to slow down, take in the sights and smells, and engage with nature in a hands-on way. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about walking through a field of flowers and knowing you get to take a little piece of that beauty home with you.

My family unanimously agreed these white ones were our favorite!

The Farm Animals and Petting Zoo

After spending the morning in the tulip fields, we decided to check out the farm animals. Holland Ridge Farms has a small area where you can watch the animals graze. As a lifelong animal lover, I couldn’t resist stopping for a few minutes to admire the cows. 🐄

There were chickens, sheep, cows, and other animals for visitors to watch. We took our time strolling through the gated area. It was a nice break from the flower fields and gave us a chance to sit and relax for a bit. We couldn’t have spent more than 15-20 minutes at this part.

The animal section of the farm was especially popular with the younger kids on the farm, but even as adults, we had a great time. There’s something about being around animals that brings a smile to my face.

Food Trucks and Picnic Areas

After a full morning of wandering the tulip fields and visiting the animals, we were more than ready for lunch. Fortunately, Holland Ridge Farms has an array of food trucks stationed near the main picnic area, offering everything from classic Jersey food trucks like hot dogs and pretzels to more specialty options like gourmet grilled cheese and ice cream.

We grabbed lunch and found a spot at one of the picnic tables overlooking the fields. There’s something about eating outside, surrounded by nature, that makes even a simple meal feel special. My dad, ever the fan of local fare, grabbed a Jersey-style Italian sausage sandwich and insisted it was the best he’s had in a while. I got a classic gyro drenched in hot sauce and tzatziki, just the way I like it. We also got refreshing pineapple smoothies!

Perhaps the most exciting part of our break for food was my chance to get classic Dutch Poffertjes!

They’re Dutch mini pancakes- you may remember them from my blog post where I discussed all of the different flavors I tried while traveling in Amsterdam. Eating these brought back so many memories!!! They tasted exactly how I remember them! 🥞

Sitting in the shade, watching other visitors wander the fields with their bouquets in hand, it felt like time had slowed down for a little while. It was a simple pleasure, but one of those moments you know you’ll remember for a long time.

Tips for Visiting Holland Ridge Farms

If you’re planning a visit to Holland Ridge Farms, here are a few tips that I found helpful during our trip:

1. Buy Tickets Online in Advance: Tickets tend to sell out during peak bloom, so I’d recommend buying them online a few weeks before your planned visit. It guarantees your entry and saves time at the entrance.
2. Arrive Early: As I mentioned earlier, arriving in the morning not only lets you beat the crowds, but it also gives you better light for photos.
3. Dress Comfortably: You’ll be walking a lot, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes. The fields are beautiful, but they’re still a farm, so expect some dirt and uneven terrain.
4. Bring a Camera: Whether you’re using a DSLR or just your smartphone, you’ll want to capture the beauty of the tulip fields. There are endless opportunities for amazing photos, so don’t forget to bring extra batteries or chargers!
5. Plan for Time to Pick Tulips: If you’re interested in picking your own tulips, set aside some time for it. It’s a leisurely activity and adds a fun, interactive element to your visit.
6. Stay Hydrated and Wear Sunscreen: Especially if you’re visiting on a sunny day, be sure to bring water and protect yourself from the sun. The fields are wide open, and there isn’t much shade in the flower areas.
7. Make It a Full-Day Trip: Between the tulip fields, the farm animals, the food trucks, and the scenic picnic areas, there’s plenty to keep you occupied for a whole day. Don’t rush through it—take your time to enjoy everything the farm has to offer.

Final Thoughts on Our Family Day at Holland Ridge Farms

Visiting Holland Ridge Farms was the perfect spring outing for our family. The combination of stunning flower fields, fun activities, and quality time spent together made it a day to remember. It’s one of those places where you can’t help but feel connected to nature and the beauty of the world around you.

As I look back on the photos from our day at the farm, I’m reminded of how important it is to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of a tulip in full bloom, the joy of picking your own flowers, or the laughter shared with family as you wander through a field of endless beauty, these moments are the ones that make life truly special.

If you ever find yourself in New Jersey during the spring season, I highly recommend a visit to Holland Ridge Farms. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Have you ever visited a tulip farm before? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below! And if you’re planning a trip to Holland Ridge Farms, feel free to ask any questions. I’d be happy to help you plan your own blooming adventure!