The Perfect Carlsbad Day Trip: 1-Day Itinerary

As someone who grew up in San Diego, I’ve always considered Carlsbad – located in North County San Diego – to be the perfect destination for a chill day trip by the water. The Southern California beach town has a ton to offer, including outdoor activities, interesting museums, unique seasonal attractions, and a charming downtown area. It also has some incredible bars and eateries (including one of my all-time favorite restaurants in the county!). 

While there is an endless list of things to do in Carlsbad, I’ve narrowed things down and created the ultimate one-day itinerary. If you’re planning a visit, here is my Carlsbad day trip itinerary to help you explore the must-sees in the city. 

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The Ultimate Carlsbad Day Trip Itinerary

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do during your mini vacation in Carlsbad!

Note: at the bottom of this guide, I’ve included info on additional things to do in the area if you have additional time. I’ve also noted a few popular seasonal Carlsbad attractions that may be worth checking out during your visit!

Get Breakfast at Swami’s

Swami’s is a staple in the San Diego food scene, and is the perfect place to fuel up as you start your day. The Carlsbad location is conveniently located in Carlsbad Village. I’ve always loved their acai bowl and breakfast burritos, but the menu also features pancakes, waffles, omelets, benedicts, and more. 

Bike Along Carlsbad State Beach (Or Just Walk!)

One of the best ways to explore Carlsbad is on bike. You can rent electric bikes through Carlsbad E-Bikes & More, which is conveniently located in the heart of Carlsbad Village. From there, you can head south on Carlsbad Boulevard, and soon enough you’ll be biking along Carlsbad State Beach! 

Continue biking south along the boulevard to enjoy the other Carlsbad beaches. I highly recommend biking along South Carlsbad State Beach, where you’ll get great, unobstructed views of the water. It’ll take about 15 minutes to get from the bike shop to the north end of this beach. I also suggest stopping by Terramar Point (pictured below on the right) and taking in the views of the coastal bluffs. 

Don’t feel like biking? No problem! You can stroll along the Carlsbad Beach Boardwalk, which is a bit less than a mile long. It starts right by Harbor Fish Cafe and ends at Lifeguard Tower 34, taking you along Carlsbad State Beach and Tamarack Surf Beach.

If you want to keep walking once you hit the end of the boardwalk, consider walking to the opposite side of Carlsbad Boulevard, and walking along the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Northside Trail. This easy trail is under a mile, and takes you right along the water at the lagoon. 

Grab Lunch in Carlsbad Village

After spending some time near the water, make your way back to Carlsbad Village for lunch. Here are a few options to consider:

• The Plot Express: This casual plant-based eatery (pictured below on the left) is one of my favorites in Carlsbad Village. The gyro wrap is really great, but the cubano sandwich is hands-down their best dish (in my opinion!). There’s a nice outdoor dining space that is shared with other restaurants in the space.
• Fresco Cocina: This Mexican fusion spot (pictured below on the right) serves a great range of dishes, including empanadas, tacos, burgers, bowls, salads, and more. There are also options for vegetarians and vegans, and they have great cocktails if that’s what you’re after. I highly recommend getting the yuca fries to share, and if the weather is a bit cooler, the coconut soup is delicious!
• Board & Brew: This sandwich shop has been a staple in San Diego since 1979, when the first location opened in Del Mar. The casual eatery serves not only specialty sandwiches, but also salads and wraps, as well as beer. 

Stroll Through Carlsbad Village

Next up, it’s time to spend some time exploring Carlsbad Village. This lively downtown area is home to some of the best eateries in the city, and also has plenty of fun shops and antique stores to check out. There’s lots of photo-worthy wall murals all throughout Carlsbad Village, as well as beautiful Victorian-inspired architecture. 

One noteworthy spot in town is the Twin Inns, a mansion that dates back to 1887. While it now houses the Sun Diego Boardshop, this Queen Anne-style mansion was once the home of a Civil War veteran, before it was converted into a restaurant and event venue in the early 20th century. 

Another unique attraction is Carlsbad Alkaline Water. A well was drilled here in 1882 to access the mineral-rich drinking water. Today, you can stop by and fill up your own jug to enjoy the health benefits of this water. 

If you need a caffeine boost while exploring town, I recommend stopping by Better Buzz, a popular San Diego coffee shop chain. For those craving something sweet, check out Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. 

Visit Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park or the Shipley-Magee House and Park

Next up, you have two different choices. If you’d like to stay in Carlsbad Village (and not have to drive), you can check out the Shipley-Magee House and Park. Otherwise, you can head over to the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, which is located on the east side of Carlsbad (a 20 minute-drive from Carlsbad Village). 

The Shipley-Magee House and Park

The Shipley-Magee House is the home to the Carlsbad Historical Society, as well as a small museum dedicated to educating visitors on the lives of the early Carlsbad settlers. This museum (which is free to visit) is only open on weekends, from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Even if you’re visiting during off-hours, it’s worth stopping by to check out the beautiful Magee Park. There’s a rose garden, herb bed, and a large open grassy area. 

The Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

One of my favorite chill Carlsbad activities is exploring the beautiful Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park – which is free to visit! This 27-acre park has gorgeous natural landscapes, and is also home to a hacienda that dates back to the 19th century. If you’re lucky, you might see one of the peacocks on the property!

Stop by a Local Brewery

A day in Carlsbad isn’t complete without trying some local beer. One of my favorite breweries in San Diego is Pure Project, which has a taproom on State Street in Carlsbad Village. This modern taproom – which is decked out with tropical plants, inspired by the founders’ experience in Costa Rica – pours a great selection of blondes, IPAs, sours, and more. 

Another excellent option in Carlsbad Village is Pizza Port, which has been a core part of the San Diego beer world since the early 1990s. The laid-back brewery has a rotating tap with options for every preference. 

Enjoy Dinner at Campfire

Finish off your mini Carlsbad vacation with dinner at Campfire, which is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in the county. As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in dishes inspired by gatherings around the fire. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian-friendly options, and there are also some excellent cocktails and mocktails. Be sure to get their popular roasted broccoli to share!

Looking for even more day trip inspiration? Be sure to take a look at my guide on the best day trips from San Diego by train!

Additional Things to do in Carlsbad, California

If you have some extra time, here are more of the best things to do in Carlsbad during your visit. 

Join the Fun at Legoland

For those traveling with younger kids, one of the most popular family-friendly Carlsbad tourist attractions is Legoland. The main theme park has fun interactive performances, cool (but still kid-friendly) rides, and massive Lego installations. There’s also a water park and aquarium on the property, so there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy while visiting.  

Explore a Local Museum

Carlsbad has a ton of great museums, covering a range of interests. In addition to the small museum at the Shipley-Magee House, there is the Museum of Making Music, the Green Dragon Museum (which also has a tavern on-site), and the museum at the Gemological Institute. 

See the Flowers in Bloom at the Carlsbad Flower Fields

One of the most popular seasonal attractions in Carlsbad is The Carlsbad Flower Fields, which is well worth the visit if you’re planning a trip in the spring. The destination – which is open from March to early May – has more than 50 acres of ranunculus flowers to explore. If you plan on visiting, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance online to secure your spot. 

Pick Strawberries at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company

The Carlsbad Strawberry Company is typically open from the end of January to the middle of July, depending on the crops and the weather. Stroll through the 25 acres of fields to fill your bucket with delicious, freshly picked strawberries! If you’d prefer not to pick your own, you can also visit the farm stand to buy strawberries, which are always picked that day. 

Shop for Local Produce and Goods at the State Street Farmers Market

Every Wednesday in the late afternoon to early evening, you can shop at the State Street Farmers Market, located in the center of Carlsbad Village. Local vendors sell fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheese, pastries, bread, pasta, and more. 

Is Carlsbad Worth Visiting?

I think anyone and everyone would enjoy visiting Carlsbad. The downtown area is charming and energetic, and there’s no shortage of fun things to do in the area. Whether you’re looking to chill at the beach, go on a hike, visit some great bars and restaurants, or something in between, Carlsbad will have something for you!

How Much Time Should You Spend in Carlsbad? 

One day is a great amount of time to spend in Carlsbad. That said, if you have some extra time to spare, there’s always more to do! It’s a great destination for a weekend getaway or a longer beachside vacation. There are tons of great hotels and house rentals in the area too, so it’s easy to find a great place to stay. 

Where to Stay in Carlsbad, CA

If you are planning on staying the night before or after your day trip (or if you’ve decided to make a longer vacation out of your visit!), here are a few of the top hotels in the area:

• Tamarack Beach Hotel – A beachfront hotel in Carlsbad Village
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Another option in Carlsbad Village that is just steps from the beach
• Omni La Costa Resort & Spa – A luxury resort and spa that is about a 15 minute-drive south of Carlsbad Village
• Park Hyatt Aviara – A 5-star resort and spa located about 15 minutes from Carlsbad Village

How to Get to Carlsbad, CA

For those planning on driving, Carlsbad Village is located just off Highway 5. Take the exit for Carlsbad Village Drive, and drive west to get into town.

Alternatively, you can also easily take the train to Carlsbad. The Coaster Commuter Rail stops at the Carlsbad Village Station, which is conveniently located in the heart of town, within walking distance of the beach and many of the best restaurants, bars, and shops in the area.