If You’re in Southern California, Don’t Miss This Magical Spring Activity

We've almost made it through winter. And although Southern California isn't known for its dramatic seasons, the arrival of spring is always something worth celebrating. Here, spring is a time for renewal marked by fresh blossoms, a refreshed mindset, and new adventures.

And what better way to welcome this next chapter than with a visit to the scenic foothills of the Topatopa Mountains in Santa Paula? There, tucked in a lush garden, you'll enjoy tea with some truly enchanting company — a flurry of native hummingbirds, buzzing and darting all around you.

With their iridescent colors, fiery personalities, and famous sweet tooth, hummingbirds are nothing short of magical. Southern California has nine unique species, each with its own charm. Annas, Allens, and the dazzling Costas make up our region's full-time residents, but around this time each year, migratory species join their ranks, drawn by the explosion of seasonal flowers.

Thanks to its unique landscape, Santa Paula's Hummingbird Sanctuary is a particularly attractive oasis for these birds. Feet from where you'll sip your tea, a narrow creek slides through a lush grove of oak trees. Much like the hummingbirds, it's small but mighty. Its steady course is partly responsible for carving out the surrounding canyon. The resulting moisture and shade nurture this haven for plants and wildlife, providing for a dense population of hummingbirds.

No need to lace up your hiking boots for this wildlife encounter. Upon your arrival, you'll be treated to a service of delicious confections and refreshing tea. And as you satisfy your love of sweets, so will the hummingbirds around you. Though this may be your first visit, it certainly isn't theirs. Many of these tiny birds return to this verdant refuge year after year, meaning they're accustomed to you — their respectful human admirers. While you practice holding your teacup "pinkies-out," they'll be swirling in the trees overhead, entertaining you with their bold aerial feats, petty squabbles, and the whimsical hum of their wings.

With sweet floral scents in the air, early spring is the liveliest time of year at the Hummingbird Sanctuary— making it the perfect place to welcome the season. After all, even if Southern California doesn't have marked shifts in season, nature's rhythms are ever-changing for those who know where to look. In this case, the signs of spring aren't just the fresh blossoms but in the air itself, taking the shape of migratory hummingbirds whose shimmering colors seem very much like the flowers they dart between. And if you're in the area and are in search of more fun ways to celebrate spring, be sure to visit our itinerary planner for nearby recommendations!