The gorgeous coastal city of Carlsbad could be greatest recognized for being dwelling to LEGOLAND California, however there’s a lengthy record of different enjoyable issues to do in Carlsbad.
Positioned in North County San Diego, 35 miles north of downtown San Diego, Carlsbad sits between different seaside cities, Encinitas and Oceanside. Its beautiful shoreline and bustling Carlsbad Village middle make this charming city a chief vacation spot for all types of enjoyable indoor and outside actions, all 12 months spherical.
I’ve been a North County resident for ten years, and my household and I head to Carlsbad nearly each weekend. Right here’s my lowdown on the most effective issues to do in Carlsbad.
It can save you on tickets, excursions, and accommodations by way of my affiliations. When you make purchases by way of some hyperlinks on this put up, I could also be compensated. Our editorial pointers.
1. Spend The Day at LEGOLAND California
Handle: One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad
It’s most likely honest to say that LEGOLAND California cemented Carlsbad’s place on the household vacationer map when it opened again in 1999, though the city has grown exponentially since then. And because of our nice climate, this San Diego theme park is busy all 12 months lengthy with LEGO fans having fun with rides, reveals, and LEGO-themed points of interest.
2024 is a very nice 12 months to go to LEGOLAND California, as a result of the theme park is toasting its twenty fifth birthday and providing some nice ticket offers and new points of interest to rejoice. In spring, they’re launching Dino Valley, a brand new land that includes rides, a Coastersauras, and meet-and-greets with new characters.
This summer season will mark the primary LEGO parade, that includes superb floats and dwell leisure with loads of singing and dancing for the entire household.
There’s no must pay gate costs for LEGOLAND, however you’ll must crunch the numbers to see which methodology of saving cash is greatest. These are the 4 hottest tickets and sightseeing passes.
- LEGOLAND On-line
- aRes Journey (use promo code LEGO)
- CityPASS San Diego
- Go Metropolis San Diego (use promo code SDOJAN10SAVE)
2. Meet Marine Life at SEA LIFE Aquarium
The implausible SEA LIFE Aquarium is situated throughout the LEGOLAND California Resort, however you’ll be able to purchase separate tickets to go to the wonderland of marine life. Right here, you’ll be able to observe and find out about over 350 species and greater than 6,000 sea creatures due to the busy schedule of academic talks and up-close encounters with stingrays and different sea creatures.
My daughters significantly love peering on the cute resident octopus, who often unfurls and stares proper again! It’s additionally mesmerizing to stroll alongside the underground glass tunnel and stare upon sharks, sea turtles, and extra, glide above and round you. It’s one other enjoyable San Diego exercise for teenagers for possibly an hour plus lunch (the typical aquarium go to lasts slightly below an hour).
3. Journey the Slides at LEGOLAND Water Park (Seasonal)
The connected LEGOLAND Water Park is open each day in the summertime months and on choose dates all through the remainder of the 12 months, however it’s properly value a go to. It covers 10 acres of water enjoyable and options sandy seashores, seven implausible slides, rides, and LEGO-themed enjoyable.
You’ll be able to solely enter the Water Park through LEGOLAND, so your ticket should embrace a ticket that features the water park. All the time test the LEGOLAND calendar earlier than you go. The Water Park is on numerous dates beginning on March 16, 2024.
4. Keep In a single day at a LEGOLAND Lodge
When you’re searching for the last word expertise in your little LEGO fan, together with unique early entry to the LEGOLAND park, an incredible possibility is to remain on the adjoining LEGOLAND Lodge or LEGOLAND Citadel Lodge.
You’ll be able to select from themed rooms resembling Pirate, Journey, Kingdom, Associates, or NINJAGO, and friends take pleasure in a complimentary sizzling buffet breakfast, loads of LEGO play areas, and a heated pool. The primary profit, although, is with the ability to enter the park half-hour earlier than most people. Make sure you time your keep accordingly, because the theme park will not be open each day.
5. Discover Carlsbad Village
This bustling neighborhood is situated simply two blocks from the seaside and artfully combines the comfort of a vacationer vacation spot with the appeal of a small-town vibe.
The Village is the core of Carlsbad and appears to be increasing by the month. Comprising round one sq. mile round Carlsbad Boulevard, it’s filled with nice espresso outlets, charming boutiques, numerous present and décor shops, a phenomenal play space with a fountain, a farmer’s market, and glorious eating places.
You’ll discover eating places to fulfill all palates due to the eclectic number of cuisines out there within the Village, from Italian to sushi to French to Mexican, or simply good old school pub grub. You’ll be able to learn my record of the most effective Carlsbad eating places for concepts. There are additionally breweries, a vineyard, and a brand-new theater, making Carlsbad Village the last word vacation spot any time of week or 12 months.
You’ll be able to park after which stroll in every single place or catch the Coaster prepare to Carlsbad Village Station, proper within the middle of the village. And in case you go on a Wednesday, try the Carlsbad Village farmers market within the afternoon.
6. Take Your Decide from Carlsbad’s Stunning Seashores
Arguably, Carlsbad’s largest draw is its nearly eight miles of spectacular shoreline stretching alongside the Pacific Ocean. It technically contains eight totally different seashores — some rugged, some calm, some distant, and a few filled with households, however all lovely.
They’re nice for browsing, boogie boarding, tide pooling, taking part in seaside volleyball, jogging, or just strolling within the sunshine. You’ll be able to learn Katie’s detailed information to which seashores are greatest for numerous actions and select for your self.
There have been extra stones on some seashores lately, however an bold renovation mission is underway. Strolling or rollerblading the boardwalk main into Carlsbad Village is a good way to benefit from the seashores from up excessive. And look out for dolphins (and the odd seal), which we frequently spot frolicking within the waves.
7. Be taught to Surf
Handle: Lifeguard Tower 30 in Carlsbad.
Carlsbad is the right spot to discover ways to surf from native specialists. Head to So Cal Surf Classes, who have been in enterprise for over 17 years. They provide identical day classes the place potential for all ranges, together with personal classes, (for teenagers 5 and over), and group classes.
Wetsuits are included, and classes embrace brief instruction on the seaside after which 1.5hr/2hr together with your teacher within the water. You get one hour to make use of the gear totally free following the lesson.
The very best half is that in case you’re not up and browsing in your first lesson, the following lesson is free!
8. Decide Strawberries at Carlsbad Strawberry Firm
Handle: 1050 Cannon Highway, Carlsbad.
Among the many seasonal issues to do in Carlsbad, the family-owned Carlsbad Strawberry Firm has been rising strawberries of their picturesque and expansive fields situated alongside the I-5 freeway for 4 generations.
Strawberry choosing season runs from February to July, and also you merely pay for a bucket and fill it with as many strawberries as you’ll be able to choose. It’s an incredible outside household exercise, and the little ones find it irresistible, particularly as you’ll be able to as you choose!
The fields are busy throughout Fall, too, once they remodel right into a vastly widespread Halloween venue full with a corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and a Haunted Corn Maze at evening for the older youngsters.
9. See a Present at New Village Arts Theater
Handle: 2787 State Road # B, Carlsbad.
This newly renovated performing arts theater on State Road reopened in 2023 after the unique theater of over 20 years closed down following the pandemic.
The trendy new theater options an incredible bar and lounge space, and gives a packed roster of performs, musicals, talkback dialogue nights, and comedy and improv reveals. In addition they provide dinner and theater packages.
The theater has an intimate boutique vibe on account of its dimension and 99-seat auditorium and it’s the right addition to Carlsbad Village’s various nightlife.
10. Pattern Brews at Pure Venture
Handle: 2825 State Road, Carlsbad.
The open-air patio of this widespread brewery options a phenomenal Hong Kong Orchid Tree and is a good place to whereas away the hours within the sunshine whereas attempting Pure Venture’s famed brews.
It’s slap bang in the midst of the motion on busy State Road, throughout from the prepare station, and surrounded by many eating places. The brewery doesn’t serve meals however you’ll be able to take your personal in.
Pure Venture was based by two San Diegans whereas on a backpacking journey, and it really began life as a craft brewery in Costa Rica. After two years brewing within the jungle, although, the house owners moved the brewery again dwelling and so they now have 5 places in San Diego, together with Carlsbad.
11. Sip in Model at Witch Creek Vineyard
Handle: 2906 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad.
This cozy and trendy award-winning boutique vineyard is ideal for a girls evening out or date evening. Decked out with an enormous chandelier, fairy lit bar, picket high-top tables, and wine barrels stacked alongside one wall, it has a beautiful heat ambiance.
It’s additionally peppered with antiques, each for present and on the market. The vineyard has dwell music Thursdays – Sundays and Open Mic Night time each different Monday.
There’s additionally the Sleeping Tiger espresso bar close to the doorway, which serves scrumptious gourmand espresso and an incredible array of pastries.
12. Get Again to Nature at Batiquitos Lagoon
Handle: 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad.
Lower than 10% of wetlands are left within the US, however Batiquitos Lagoon, which lies on the border of Carlsbad and Encinitas, is considered one of them.
The idyllic 610-acre nature reserve is dwelling to over 65 fish species and greater than 235 chook species. A scenic 1.6-mile-long strolling/jogging path on the north shore runs west to east, which you’ll be able to entry from Gabbiano Lane.
The path is widespread with locals however by no means appears overcrowded. It’s additionally one of many widespread issues to do in Carlsbad for folks staying at Park Hyatt Aviara and 4 Seasons Aviara since each San Diego luxurious resorts border the lagoon.
It’s lined with regional vegetation and willowy bushes and is nice for little ones to discover as a result of it’s so flat that you could hold them in sight (you’ll be able to learn the complete record of issues to do in Carlsbad with youngsters). Batiquitos Lagoon exudes a surprisingly peaceable ambiance, contemplating you’ll be able to spot the site visitors on the freeway within the distance.
As soon as upon a time, it reached all the best way to the ocean, however landfill used to assist assemble the present I-5 freeway and coastal freeway resulted in it drying up and changing into a wasteland. Right now, due to an bold restoration mission by native residents within the Eighties, the lagoon is again to its former glory. A Nature Heart additionally homes shows, taxidermy, and a youngsters’s space.
13. Discover the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park (and the Peacocks)
Handle: 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad.
This charming historic ranch is totally obscured from the highway, however it’s positively a hidden gem. Based by the Fifties Hollywood actor, Leo Carrillo, the ranch was his retreat for a few years. He died in 1961, however the property is maintained by the Metropolis of Carlsbad and was opened to the general public in 2003.
The centerpiece is Carrillo’s lovely rancho-style home, however the outside idyl of the property is what actually makes it particular. The 27-acre ranch is a peaceable oasis set amongst towering bushes. It’s an exquisite place to discover however observe that some strolling trails and surfaces are uneven.
The outbuildings and barn are fascinating to tinker round in and look out for the resident peacocks who roam the property. They have a tendency to fly over the partitions, and we’ve typically noticed one strutting across the surrounding streets!
The park is free to enter, and there may be additionally a present store and customer’s middle.
14. Store at Carlsbad Premium Retailers
Handle: 5620 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad.
This buying haven is a high Carlsbad in San Diego and one of many metropolis’s hottest buying locations. You’ll snag nice offers on designer manufacturers together with Kate Spade, Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Michael Kors, Hole, and Skechers.
There are over 80 shops in all, and the spacious outside design with seating round fountains makes it a pleasing location, even on the loopy vacation sale days. There are many eateries if you want a buying break, together with Ruby’s Diner and principally quick meals model choices. The Retailers are situated proper off the I-5 and behind the Flower Fields.
15. Dine at Windmill Meals Corridor
Handle: 890 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad.
You will have noticed the enduring Windmill constructing situated proper as you exit the I-5 at Palomar Airport Highway — and now you’ll be able to eat there. Located proper throughout from the Carlsbad Retailers, this fashionable and spacious meals corridor topped with an outdated Danish-style windmill supplies an incredible break when you peruse the numerous points of interest Carlsbad has to supply.
There’s all kinds of delicacies decisions, from Thai to Mexican to Mediterranean to Chinese language. And there’s a full bar serving craft cocktails and beer to scrub all of it down with. For these with a candy tooth, the goodies on the Mini Donut store are to die for.
You’ll discover loads of indoor and outside bench seating, and the house owners not too long ago amped up the occasions calendar. Now you can choose from dwell music, Trivia Night time, Drag Queen Bingo, Open Mic Night time, and even Paint Your Pet Wine Night time!
16. Uncover the Museum of Making Music
Handle: 5790 Armada Dr, Carlsbad.
This distinctive (and moderately hidden away) museum showcases the historical past and science of music by way of a sequence of fascinating interactive displays and a formidable assortment of musical devices.
Adults will love the deep dive into the historical past of music and numerous fascinating tales, whereas the most effective half for teenagers is on the finish, the place they’ll get to play numerous devices, together with electrical guitar, keyboards, and drums (fortunately principally with headphones!).
The Museum of Making Music is a reasonably small however superbly laid out museum and positively value a go to.
17. Wander the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Handle: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad.
The Flower Fields are actually distinctive to Carlsbad, an incredible outside expertise for the entire household. Because of the flowering season, they’re solely open from March to Could, although, so that you’ll must get your timing proper.
You will have seen the Flower Fields, a well-known sloping discipline alongside Palomar Airport Highway that usually options spectacular rotating floral designs, however head contained in the gates of the ranch, and also you’ll encounter way more.
The fields include 55 acres of vibrant blooming flowers to wander amongst, and still have tractor rides, a maze, a rose backyard, an artist backyard, and an orchid greenhouse.
The Carlsbad Flower Fields even have a packed occasions calendar, together with dwell music, Flower Circulation Yoga, Sundown Wine Tasting, pictures and charcuterie workshops, and extra.
18. Get pleasure from Watersports at Carlsbad Lagoon
Handle: 4215 Harrison St, Carlsbad.
This beautiful lagoon (often known as Agua Hedionda Lagoon) is situated simply off the I-5 proper behind Carlsbad State Seashore. It’s the right place to get within the SoCal vibe and brush up in your watersport expertise.
The lagoon’s rental workplace has an array of motorized and non-motorized choices. Select from extra stress-free choices like a Pontoon or pedal boat, go for extra of a exercise with stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking, or pace issues up on a Wave runner or speedboat. You’ll be able to hop off and relaxation at idyllic little personal seashores across the lagoon whereas taking within the breathtaking surroundings. This actually is a basic Carlsbad time out!
Make sure you test Groupon as they typically have particular gives right here and at a handful of different Carlsbad points of interest.
19. Study Oyster Farming at Aquafarm
Handle: 4522 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad.
Whether or not you like or detest oysters, you’ll doubtless nonetheless discover a tour at Carlsbad Aquafarm fascinating. It’s the one oyster farm in Southern California, located alongside Freeway 101 behind the seaside.
Excursions will educate you on how Aquafarm farms their homegrown oyster inhabitants, and clarify their efforts to assist shield the pure ecosystem of the encompassing lagoon. An oyster shucking class is included on the finish, the place you may get to pattern the oysters.
20. Take A Guided Tour with Carlsbad Meals Excursions
A enjoyable lunch possibility is the Style of Carlsbad Meals Tour, a three-hour guided strolling tour by way of Carlsbad Village. The tour contains six food and drinks tasting places, and your native information provides you with an insider’s view of Carlsbad’s historical past, tradition, and structure alongside the best way.
The tour contains tasting pork and pineapple tacos at Carlsbad’s legendary Senor Grubbys, sampling delicacies at one of many Village’s hottest Italian eating places, tucking into the superb donuts at The Items, and for extra candy stuff, stopping for dessert at both The Strawberry Shack or Gelato Love, with crepes to complete. Wine tasting at Witch Creek Vineyard can be included.
The excursions run each day from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and embrace meals, beer and wine, and dessert tastings. It’s family-friendly, and you’ll even take your canine!
21. Up Your Golf Sport at The Crossings
Handle: 5800 Crossings Drive, Carlsbad.
You’ll be able to take to the hyperlinks at The Crossings 18-hole championship golf course in Carlsbad. The 6,835-yard Greg Nash-designed course options numerous choices and terrains, so it’s nice for newcomers and extra expert golfers searching for a problem.
The picturesque course is surrounded by native pure habitat and wildlife, and sits on 400+ acres of Carlsbad’s coastal panorama. The membership was named after the 5 bridges/crossings included into the design to stick to environmental and topographic circumstances.
The membership additionally gives golf classes with considered one of their PGA Professionals. Verify their web site for the entire numerous pricing choices.
22. Get pleasure from Sundown Drinks at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Handle: 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad.
This award-winning luxurious resort is well-known for its celebrated eating places, Ponto and Ember & Rye, however my ‘native’s tip’ is to move there for sundowners on the resort’s beautiful terrace. The big terrace overlooks the resort’s lush gardens, and since it’s raised, you get an incredible view out to the ocean and the sundown.
There’s loads of seating, some round firepits, and it’s a surprisingly informal place to loosen up and recharge with the youngsters. You’re welcome to both order from the resort’s elegant bar or purchase and eat meals from the in-house retailer. I like to recommend their pastries and nice espresso. There may be plenty of further seating inside to benefit from the refined setting in model.
23. Discover Carlsbad on Rented E-bikes
Handle: 2978 Carlsbad Blvd, #130, Carlsbad.
Carlsbad is usually flat terrain all through, so biking round is straightforward. However why not lease an electrical bike for additional ease as you are taking within the miles of seashores? Or seize a map and discover the paths additional afield on a self guided tour.
Carlsbad e-Bikes and Extra has plenty of rental choices, together with tandem e-bikes, stretch e-bikes, highway bikes, cruisers, and youngsters’ bike trailers. They even lease out golf carts in case you want 4 wheels to 2. You’ll be able to lease e-bikes and carts by the hour or day, and the workplace is within the middle of Carlsbad Village by the massive car parking zone.
24. Uncover the Thrill of K1 Velocity Go Kart Monitor
Handle: 6212 Corte Del Abeto, Carlsbad.
When you’re feeling the necessity for pace, head to K1 Velocity Go Kart Monitor in Carlsbad, the place you’ll positively get your repair of their high-performance, all-electric go-karts. This large indoor facility focuses on ‘Arrive and Drive’ racing. It’s a timed occasion that may embrace as much as 12 drivers, however as an alternative of racing for place, you race for the quickest time across the course, so drivers can begin the course at totally different occasions.
Grownup Karts attain as much as 45 MPH, and Junior Karts (for these 48 inches+) go as much as 20 MPH, so there’s something for all potential drivers. For these not eager to get behind the wheel, there are pool tables, a online game arcade, and prize machines, whereas the Paddock Lounge café serves up basic pub grub.
25. Watch a Film in Luxurious at Cinépolis
Handle: 6941 El Camino Actual & 3434 By way of Mercato, Carlsbad.
This luxurious cinema chain is ideal for a date or a enjoyable household outing. Cinépolis focuses on an upscale movie-going expertise and their motto says all of it: Wine, Dine, Recline. From the enticing full bar and accompanying restaurant if you enter the constructing, to the massive (and very comfortable) reclining leather-based seats within the theater.
You’ll be able to recline in consolation and order from a big meals and drinks menu (together with alcohol) on the contact of a button through the complete waiter service. Each seat has a small desk connected the place you’ll be able to eat from.
There are two Cinépolis theaters in Carlsbad, each situated in upmarket buying areas which additionally include loads of different eatery choices. Tickets value round $20 relying on the time of day, however most theaters have $10 Tuesday All-Day offers.
FAQs About Enjoyable Issues to Do in Carlsbad, CA
Get extra details about Carlsbad, CA, together with why it is best to go to, locations to see round city, the most effective seashores, and recommendation in your journey.
The place ought to I am going to the seaside in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad has nearly eight miles of beautiful shoreline and eight separate seashores to check out. Learn Katie’s detailed record to see which you need to go to.
What are the most effective locations to eat in Carlsbad?
That’s a tough reply, as there are such a lot of nice eating places – that includes all varieties of cuisines. The Carlsbad restaurant scene has seen a severe growth within the final 5 years. I’ve detailed my favorites on this record. Campfire is widespread and so is Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie.
Is Carlsbad value a go to?
Positively! Carlsbad has turn into world-famous for a lot of nice causes: LEGOLAND, the beautiful seashores, lovely Carlsbad Village the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in implausible eateries and discover nice boutiques and present shops, tons of family-friendly actions and locations to go to, and naturally, our well-known year-round sunny climate. It’s additionally solely a 30-minute drive from downtown San Diego and surrounded by different vibrant seaside cities, Encinitas and Oceanside.
How do you spend a day in Carlsbad?
Take your choose from any of the above! It’s really simple to do many in in the future as all the things is fairly shut by. Carlsbad Village is a good alternative for hanging out, strolling the gorgeous streets, and grabbing lunch or dinner. It’s additionally solely a block or so from Carlsbad’s sandy seashores and the start line of the scenic Carlsbad Seawall Stroll.
What’s Carlsbad well-known for?
Carlsbad is known for being dwelling to LEGOLAND California, together with the SEALIFE Aquarium and Water Park. Households flock right here year-round due to Carlsbad’s beautiful climate. Others love the seashores and implausible array of high-quality eating places. The Carlsbad Premium Retailers can be a favourite spot for vacationers and locals seeking to snag designer-label bargains.
What can I do in Carlsbad totally free?
It prices no cash to take pleasure in one of many city’s lovely seashores and stroll the vigorous streets of Carlsbad Village whereas basking in our (nearly) infinite sunshine.
What are your favourite issues to do in Carlsbad, CA, now?
