If you love sunflowers and want a fun day trip from NYC, Holland Ridge Farms in New Jersey is the place to go.
Every fall, the farm hosts its U-Pick Sunflower Fall Festival, where you can wander through endless rows of sunflowers and snap as many selfies as you want at their photo props. The giant Dutch shoes were one of my favorites.
It’s truly one of the best places to see sunflowers in New Jersey. With only 1.5 hour drive from New York City, it’s a super easy escape when you need a break from the usual weekend routine.
I had the best time at the farm and can’t wait to go back. If you’re wondering whether the Holland Ridge Farms is worth visiting for sunflowers, here’s everything you should know before you go.
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When is Sunflower Season at Holland Ridge Farms
The U-Pick sunflower season at Holland Ridge Farms usually runs from mid September through mid October. This year, it’s September 12th to October 13, 2025.
I went in late September and there were sunflowers of all different sizes to choose from. Some rows were filled with big, grown sunflowers that were just as tall as me, while other rows had baby ones just starting to bloom.
I had so much fun walking around the fields choosing the prettiest sunflowers to take home.
How to Get to Holland Ridge Farms from NYC
Address: 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Getting to Holland Ridge Farms is pretty simple whether you drive or take the weekend bus. Since it’s only about an hour and a half from New York City, you’ve got options that make this day trip easy to plan.
Driving to Holland Ridge Farms
If you’re driving, Holland Ridge Farms is about 1.5 hours from New York City. Parking is free, and if you don’t have a car, it’s easy to rent one for the day through Discover Cars or Expedia.
There’s also a dedicated handicap lot in the center of the farm for placard holders, with gator shuttles that take you right to the main areas.
Getting to Holland Ridge Farms via Bus
While there’s no regular public transportation, you can still get to Holland Ridge Farms via Megabus!
The last time I checked, bus tickets are $20 one way. It’s super convenient because you can just hop on the bus at Port Authority Bus Terminal and they’ll drop you off right at the front gate!
The bus only runs Fridays through Sundays, leaving NYC at 9:30am and arriving at the farm by 11:00am. The return bus departs at 3:00pm, so you’ll have a good chunk of time to explore the farm without feeling rushed.
Holland Ridge Farms Tickets and Prices
The tickets to enter the farm are timed-entry. These go on sale on the farm website toward the end of summer for the fall festival.
You’ll need to arrive during your chosen starting time, but once you’re in, you can stay as long as you like until the farm closes at 6pm.
While tickets are non-refundable, you can move it to another date. Just make sure to change it before 9am of the ticket date.
| Ticket Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Admission | $17 per person (ages 3+) | Smaller crowds and flowers are half price on weekdays |
| Weekend Admission | $20 per person | The farm is busiest on weekends. Direct bus services from NYC available for those without a car. |
| Flowers | $1 per stem (sunflowers, gladiolus, dahlias, wildflowers) | Buckets and clippers are provided. On weekdays, flowers are half price at 50 cents each |
Weekdays are best for smaller crowds, but weekends are the only option if you’re taking the bus.
Holland Ridge Farms Day Trip Checklist
Think fall style but still comfy enough to walk around in. There are photo setups all over the farm, so if you love taking pictures, it’s worth planning an outfit you’ll feel good in.
What to Wear
- A cute outfit you won’t mind sitting or kneeling in the fields with
- Sweater or jacket to layer with, because it can get a little windy
- Ankle boots or sneakers that can handle a little dirt and mud
- A wide brim hat for both shade and style
What to Bring
- An easy to carry water bottle to stay hydrated while wandering the fields
- Sunscreen (this is my go-to facial sunscreen!)
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer or wet wipes for when you’re done picking
Things to Do at Holland Ridge Farms Sunflower Festival
There’s a lot more to the farm than just walking through the fields with your bucket. Between the photo setups, rides, animals, and food, you can easily spend a few hours here without running out of things to do.
Whether you’re going with friends, family, or even solo with your tripod, there’s something for everyone. Beyond wandering the sunflower rows, here’s what else you can look forward to:
Flower Fun
The main draw is picking your own sunflowers, but you’ll also find dahlias, gladiolus, and wildflowers. Buckets and clippers are provided, so it’s easy to fill them up.
Around the fields you’ll spot swings, arches, and other props, perfect for some instagram worthy photoshoots!
Rides and Views
Take a wagon ride for a loop around the farm, or try pony, horse, or carriage rides on weekends. For something different, book a private gator ride which includes access to the windmill.
Be sure to climb up to the windmill’s view deck for one of the best photo spots on the farm. It’s $5 on most days, but free on Wednesdays.
Feeding Zoo
Families with kids will have plenty to do beyond the flowers. The feeding zoo is always a hit. For just 25 cents, little ones can give the farm animals treats. Honestly, it’s fun for adults too!
Rent a Picnic Pad
If you want a home base to relax, rent a picnic pad. They come with cider and cookies, and are available for 1.5-hour blocks at $100 on weekdays or $150 on weekends. It’s a nice option if you’re spending the day with friends or want a set spot to gather.
Shopping
Before you leave, stop by the shop for Dutch-inspired souvenirs and Holland Ridge Farms merch. From small trinkets to seasonal items, it’s a fun way to take a little piece of the festival home with you.
Food and Drinks at Holland Ridge Farms
You definitely will not go hungry here while enjoying the sunflowers!
On weekends, you have a bakery barn that sells seasonal treats like kettle corn and cider donuts. Blend Bar from Hamilton will also be there to serve beer, wine, and cocktails! Pair it with the picnic pad, and it’s the perfect fall outing with friends and family!
Food Trucks at Sunflower Festival
There’s an entire area dedicated to food trucks and they’re there every day from 9am-6pm.
The lineup of trucks changes daily, with the most food trucks on weekends. If you want to know what food truck is available, check out the farm’s food truck calendar!
When I visited, I was craving pierogies and it really hit the spot.
Is Holland Ridge Farms Good for Families or Groups?
Yes, for sure!
The farm is stroller and wheelchair friendly, with accessible restrooms and plenty of space to spread out. Kids will love the animals and pony rides, and it’s easy for groups to hang out together.
They even host school field trips, so you know it’s suitable for big groups.
Tips to Avoid Crowds & Get the Best Photos
- Visit Holland Ridge Farms on a weekday when it’s less crowded so you can enjoy the farm at your pace. Plus, you’ll save on the entrance fee.
- If you’re going alone, bring a lightweight tripod with a Bluetooth remote so you can take as many photos as you want on your own.
- And if you want your pictures to really pop, plan your outfit around the sunflowers. Yellows, whites, and earthy tones always look good. The day I went was a bit windy, so I wore white pants with an earthy tone top and loved how it looked in the fields.
- One last thing, make sure to respect the farm and only walk along the pathways. It keeps the flower fields looking beautiful for everyone.
Is Holland Ridge Farms Worth Visiting?
Yes, for sure. It’s such an easy fall escape and works no matter who you go with; family, friends, or even alone if you bring a tripod.
When I went, I left with a bunch of sunflowers in my arms and that happy, content feeling you only get from being outside in the crisp fall air.
Once I got home, I even tried my hands at arranging the flowers. Let’s just say I definitely need to level up that skill a bit. If you want to do the same, pick the smaller sunflowers!
It’s simple, it’s pretty, and it’s the kind of day that feels special without a ton of planning. And since it’s only about 1.5 hours from NYC, it’s easy to reach. With the dedicated bus service on weekends, even if you don’t drive, it’s still doable.
If you end up loving it, Holland Ridge Farms also has a U-Pick tulip fields in the spring (Spring Spectacular) and winter (Winter Wonderland), so you can make it a seasonal tradition.
Are you ready to visit? You can grab a direct bus ticket to Holland Ridge here!
More Fall Day Trips from NYC
If a day at the sunflower fields sounds like your kind of fall outing, you’ll probably love these too. These are all easy to reach from NYC, so you can plan a whole season of fall outings!
- A day trip to Cold Spring – a cute riverside town that’s perfect for a crisp fall day
- Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers – a stunning garden (that’s free) just a short ride to Yonkers