26 Best Things to do in Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad is one of north county San Diego’s gems. This laid-back coastal town truly has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a chill vacation, a weekend filled with outdoor adventures, or something in between. As someone who grew up in San Diego, I’ve spent plenty of time exploring Carlsbad – and I still go back for visits frequently! In this guide, I’m going over the top things to do in Carlsbad during your trip.
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Is Carlsbad Worth Visiting?
Carlsbad is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re craving a relaxing day trip or a weekend getaway in a charming and lively coastal town. There are a ton of activities to enjoy in and around Carlsbad, including hikes and other outdoor adventures, museums, unique seasonal attractions, and more. Carlsbad also boasts plenty of amazing eateries and bars – I’ve included some of my favorites below. Of course, the beaches also can’t be beat.
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The Best Things to do in Carlsbad
Now let’s cover the top Carlsbad activities worth doing during your visit.
1. Soak Up the Sun at Carlsbad State Beach
Of course, a trip to San Diego County isn’t complete without some time at the beach. As you’re visiting, be sure to make your way to at least one of the most popular beaches in Carlsbad: Carlsbad State Beach (also known as Tamarack Surf Beach) or South Carlsbad State Beach.
Tamarack Surf Beach is walking distance from Carlsbad Village, whereas South Carlsbad State Beach is just about a 10-minute drive south. Since South Carlsbad State Beach is a bit more remote, it does tend to be slightly less crowded. That said, both spots are popular, especially in the summer and on holiday weekends!
Want to visit even more beaches during your vacation? Be sure to check out my guide on the best beaches in San Diego.
2. Explore the Coastal Cliffs at Cerezo Bluffs (Terramar Point)
Another popular beach spot worth checking out is Cerezo Bluffs (also known as Terramar Point), which is located just between the two beaches mentioned above. Here, you can see some of the most beautiful coastal cliffs in Carlsbad. On top of the cliffs, there’s a great walking path where you can take in the views without going down to the sand.
If you do want to visit the beach, there are stairs located on the north end of the bluffs. This is personally one of my favorite Carlsbad beaches, as the cliffs make for a gorgeous coastline. Bonus: this beach also has some of the best tide pools in Carlsbad! You’ll want to visit during low tide – I like to use this tide forecast website.
3. Pick Strawberries at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company
A fun seasonal activity is strawberry picking at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company. Explore the 25 acres of farmland and fill your bucket with delicious strawberries!
Guests can either purchase a bucket (which holds two pounds of berries), or pay a lower admission price if they just want to roam the fields without picking anything. Carlsbad Strawberry Company doesn’t take reservations, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. Visitors looking to avoid crowds should aim to go earlier in the day.
While fall visitors will miss the strawberry season, they can still visit the Carlsbad Strawberry Company pumpkin patch! It is typically open from the end of September through early November.
4. Visit The Flower Fields
If you’re visiting sometime between March to early May, one of the spots you have to visit is The Flower Fields. This seasonal attraction features over 50 acres of ranunculus flower fields – there are close to 80 million in bloom at the peak. There’s also a tractor available to give visitors rides (at an additional cost) to the different corners of the fields.
This spot is super popular, especially on weekends. You’ll want to reserve your tickets in advance online to ensure you’re able to get in.
5. Enjoy the Fun at Legoland
One of the top Carlsbad tourist attractions – especially for young families – is Legoland. As someone who grew up in San Diego, I can confidently say this is one of the best kid-friendly activities in Carlsbad. From the amazing Lego installations at Miniland USA to the interactive performances to the fun (and generally pretty mild) rides, there’s no shortage of things to do.
In addition to the main theme park, there is also the Legoland Water Park and the Sea Life Aquarium. An additional fee is required to visit these parks, and you can buy park hopper tickets to visit two (or all three) in one day.
Tip: if you’re looking to save a bit of money, tickets are cheaper when you purchase them in advance online, rather than in person at the front gate.
6. Walk Along the Carlsbad Beach Boardwalk
If you want to take in the views of the beach without getting in the sand, I recommend taking a stroll along the Carlsbad Beach Boardwalk (which is also referred to as the “sea wall”). This path – which parallels Tamarack Beach – is just under a mile long. It starts just south of Harbor Fish Cafe, and ends right at Lifeguard Tower 34.
You have two options: take the lower path that walks along the sand, or stay on top of the cliffs and walk the sidewalk that parallels Carlsbad Boulevard. There are a few stairs that connect the two paths along the way.
7. Explore Carlsbad Village
The lively Carlsbad Village is where many of the best restaurants, bars, cafes, antique stores, and shops in town are located. As you stroll around, you’ll notice plenty of colorful, picture-worthy murals, as well as some unique Victorian-style architecture. I’ll talk about some of the key sites and places to eat and drink in Carlsbad Village in the next few points.
8. Visit Shipley-Magee House and Park
One historic building worth walking by is the Shipley-Magee House, which is the home of the Carlsbad Historical Society. There is a small museum inside the house (which dates back to 1887) where you can learn about the life of the early settlers in Carlsbad. Note that hours are very limited – the museum is only open on weekends from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
Even if you aren’t able to go inside the home, you can spend some time strolling around Magee Park. The picturesque park has plenty of open grassy space, as well as a rose garden and herb bed.
9. Check Out Twin Inns
Another historic spot in Carlsbad Village is the Twin Inns, a Queen Anne-style mansion that was built in 1887 – you’ll see it pictured behind that Carlsbad sign below. It initially was built to be the home of Gerhard Schutte, a Civil War veteran who played a key role in the development of Carlsbad. In 1919, the mansion was built and converted into a restaurant and event space. This is now the site for Sun Diego Boardshop, a popular surf shop. Go inside to admire the interior, and pick up some sunscreen and swimsuits while you’re there!
10. Check Out Carlsbad Alkaline Water
A particularly unique spot to visit in town is Carlsbad Alkaline Water. Captain John Frazier (you’ll see a statue of him out front) drilled a drinking well here back in 1882, and locals quickly noticed the healing benefits of the mineral-rich water. Today, you can still visit the historic site to try the alkaline water for yourself. There are self-serve vending machines that are in operation 24/7, where you can fill up your own jug.
11. See a Show at New Village Arts
Theater lovers should take a look at the performance schedule at New Village Arts, an award-winning professional theater company located in Carlsbad Village. The theater produces both plays and musicals, with past performances including Singin’ in the Rain, Into the Woods, Around the World in 80 Days, and plenty more.
12. Shop at the State Street Farmers Market
If you happen to be visiting on a Wednesday, you’ll probably walk by the State Street Farmers Market, which operates in the heart of Carlsbad Village from the afternoon into the early evening (the hours depend on the time of year). You’ll find vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as eggs, meat, fish, cheese, and more. You’ll also see plenty of more specialty food items, including freshly baked bread and pastries, pasta, kombucha, granola, and hot, ready-to-eat food.
13. Get a San Diego Brewery Experience at Pizza Port and Pure Project
San Diego is known for its brewery scene, so any beer fan won’t want to miss out on the experience when visiting Carlsbad. You’ll find two of San Diego’s best breweries right in Carlsbad Village.
Pure Project (my personal favorite) has an industrial, jungle-inspired taproom serving up IPAs, sours, cream ales, blondes, and more. There’s a really lovely interior space, as well as an outside patio, complete with a fireplace.
Award-winning Pizza Port dates back to 1992, and is a staple in the San Diego Beer scene. The casual brewery has a rotating tap with a wide variety of options. It’s also a great place to go for a casual meal. Note that there is a location in Carlsbad Village, as well as one in Bressi Ranch, near Leo Carrillo Ranch (which we’ll talk more about below).
14. Grab Dinner and a Cocktail at Campfire
Campfire is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in San Diego, and is the top eatery I recommend to anyone visiting north county. The welcoming space serves wood-fired dishes and drinks inspired by gatherings around the campfire. The menu (which has vegan and vegetarian options) changes seasonally, but one item that’s always offered is the super popular roasted broccoli. Of course, they also have s’mores on the menu for dessert.
Even if you don’t end up going to Campfire for dinner, I recommend stopping by for a drink. The restaurant and bar offers innovative cocktails, including a couple alcohol-free options.
15. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream or Stella Jean’s Ice Cream
Anyone with a sweet tooth will want to stop by Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, which is located in the heart of Carlsbad Village. The ice cream shop offers an extensive list of flavor options, including classics like mint chocolate chip and coffee, as well as more creative flavors, such as bananas foster, cherry magnolia, and horchata. They even have multiple vegan/dairy-free options, including chocolate almond milk, pomegranate sorbet, and coconut milk. It’s popular, so expect to wait in line on weekends and in the summer.
Alternatively, make your way over to Stella Jean’s, which is also located in Carlsbad Village (just a little more tucked away!). The small-batch ice cream shop has a great lineup of creative flavors, including brown butter pecan, mango sticky rice, ube and pandesal toffee, and s’mores. They also have seasonal vegan flavors.
16. Do a Food and Wine Tour
If you consider yourself a foodie, you can’t go wrong with doing a food and wine tour through Carlsbad Village. On this 3-hour tour, you’ll learn about the history of Carlsbad as you enjoy local cuisine from six popular eateries in Carlsbad Village, including Cicciotti’s Trattoria Italiana & Seafood, Witch Creek Winery, and Strawberry Shack (subject to change – confirm with the tour company prior to booking!).
17. Check Out the Green Dragon Tavern & Museum
If you’re looking for free things to do in Carlsbad, you’ll want to check out the museum at the Green Dragon. This unique spot – which is located outside of Carlsbad Village, near The Flower Fields and Legoland – is inspired by an 18th century tavern in Boston of the same name. Once you walk inside, you are immediately transported to the east coast. The extensive museum portion of the property focuses on colonial American history, architecture, and culture.
If you’d like to stay for a meal, the tavern is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Green Dragon has an extensive menu, but is perhaps best known for its lobster rolls.
18. Visit the Museum of Making Music
A cool museum worth stopping by during your trip to Carlsbad is the Museum of Making Music, which is located right by Legoland. This museum has been open to the public since 2000, and serves to teach visitors about the history and cultural impact of professionals in the music industry. You’ll enjoy interesting exhibitions and educational programs, and may even get to see some live music performances.
19. Explore Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
For those willing to explore the outskirts of Carlsbad, Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park (about a 20-minute drive from Carlsbad Village) is a great place to visit. The 27-acre park (which is free to visit) features a 19th century hacienda, and is a beautiful place to stroll around and admire the architecture and landscapes. There’s a good chance you might even have a run in with a peacock!
While you can explore the park on your own, they also have free guided tours on weekends, as well as a free botanical walking tour on the second Friday of each month. There’s also a visitor center, which has a small gift shop, park information, and a few exhibits.
20. Relax and Recharge at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa
Anyone looking to truly relax should head over to Omni La Costa Resort and Spa to enjoy a spa treatment at the resort’s gorgeous property. The spa offers massages (I’ve done a custom massage here and loved it!) and body treatments, as well as facials, salon services, and more.
21. Walk Around Batiquitos Lagoon
If you want to get your steps in, make your way over to Batiquitos Lagoon, which is about a 10-minute drive south of Carlsbad Village. On the north edge of the lagoon, there’s an easy 3.4-mile out-and-back walking trail that parallels the water. As you walk along the wetlands, you’ll see plenty of wildlife and plants, and get beautiful views of the surrounding area. The trail starts at the end of Gabbiano Lane, where there are a few parking spots, as well as street parking.
22. Hike the Lake Calavera Loop Trail
Those looking for a longer and more challenging hike will want to head over to Lake Calavera, which is just over a 10-minute drive from Carlsbad Village. There’s a moderately-rated 4.8-mile loop trail that takes you around the lake and the greater preserve, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. The trail starts just off Peninsula Drive. There’s a small parking lot, and you can also street park.
23. Ride Around Town on an Electric Bike
A great way to explore Carlsbad and the surrounding area is on an electric bike. You can rent a bike for three-hours through Carlsbad E-Bikes & More, which is located in the basement of the Twin Inns building. The staff will be able to give you information on where you can bike in the area, depending on your itinerary and desires. You can go from stop-to-stop as you explore Carlsbad Village, or bike along the coast. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even ride your bike down to the coastal town of Encinitas, or up to Oceanside (Visit Oceanside has a helpful guide covering the bike route from Oceanside down to Encinitas).
If you end up biking south, be sure to check out my guide on the best things to do in Encinitas, CA! I’ve also created a post comparing Carlsbad and Encinitas to help you determine which destination to stay in.
24. Enjoy Watersports at Agua Hedionda Lagoon
If you’re looking to spend some time out on the water, head over to Agua Hedionda Lagoon (a 5-minute drive from Carlsbad Village) and rent equipment from California Watersports. The company offers a range of both motorized and non-motorized rentals, including waverunners, mini boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and more. The lagoon is the perfect place to adventure, as the water is calm, and typically a few degrees warmer than the ocean.
25. Learn How to Surf
Nothing says coastal Southern California like surfing! If you want to learn how to catch waves, try a two-hour private surf lesson at South Carlsbad State Beach (a surfboard and wetsuit is included!). A CPR-certified instructor will share some tips and tricks while going over safety and etiquette you need to know while out on the water. This lesson can host a group of up to six people.
26. Shop at Carlsbad Premium Outlets
If you need a bit of retail therapy, you’ll want to make your way to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, located near Legoland. You’ll find great discounts on goods from designers and name brands you know and love, including Kate Spade, Coach, Banana Republic, Gap, and so much more.
Where to Stay in Carlsbad
There are plenty of excellent hotels and house rentals in the Carlsbad area. Those that want to be near the beach and within walking distance of the best bars, restaurants, and shops should check out accommodations in Carlsbad Village. Two excellent, well-rated hotel options are Tamarack Beach Hotel and SpringHill Suites by Marriott – both of which are just steps from the beach!
If your priority is staying at a luxury resort, one spot where I’ve personally stayed and loved is Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. Another highly-rated resort is Park Hyatt Aviara. Keep in mind that both of these resorts are more tucked away, so you will need to drive to get to Carlsbad Village and other destinations in the area. Rideshares are readily available for those who don’t plan on renting a car or driving their own.
When is the Best Time to Visit Carlsbad?
As is the case with many other Southern California destinations, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Carlsbad. Those looking to spend plenty of time in the ocean will want to come by in the summer or early fall, when the weather is warm and the water is cool but refreshing. From late June through early October, you can expect temperatures to reach the low to mid 70s during the day. Keep in mind that the biggest influx of crowds will be in town in the summer, but you can benefit from fewer crowds (and continued great weather) in September and October.
If you aren’t prioritizing swimming and watersports, you can’t go wrong visiting at other times of the year. Even in the winter, daytime temperatures rarely dip below the low 60s, which means you can still comfortably explore outside. The one thing to keep in mind is that there is a higher chance you’ll experience some rainy weather in the late winter and early spring.
Is Carlsbad a Walkable City?
Carlsbad Village – which is the hub of the city – is super walkable. Guests can easily stay here and enjoy many of the main attractions and activities without needing to get in a car. That said, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do outside of Carlsbad Village that aren’t within walking distance. This includes Legoland, South Carlsbad State Beach, and The Flower Fields. However, if you don’t plan on driving or renting a car during your visit, you can still very easily get a rideshare to get to visit these spots and other attractions in the greater San Diego area.
How Far Apart are Carlsbad and San Diego?
Carlsbad is located about 35 miles north of Downtown San Diego (which is where the airport is located). If driving by car, it will take you approximately 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can get to Carlsbad from San Diego via train. The Coaster Commuter Rail goes from Santa Fe Depot to Carlsbad Village Station, which is the main Carlsbad train station. It’s conveniently located in the heart of the village. This ride takes a little over an hour.
Have an incredible time exploring the beautiful city of Carlsbad! Check out my other San Diego travel guides to help you plan your next vacation:
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