If you’re looking for a California vacation that isn’t the craziness of LA or downtown San Diego, check out top things to do in Carlsbad! Even as a San Diego local, Carlsbad might seem farther up the coast – but it’s the perfect place to enjoy a staycation. There are plenty of transportation options to get to this seaside town.
Is Carlsbad, CA worth visiting? From 7 miles of beautiful beaches to world-class shopping and dining, Carlsbad definitely has it all. Located in North County San Diego, the history of Carlsbad, is rich and colorful, from its founding by Spanish explorers in the 16th century to the present day.
Here are our top 11 picks for things to do in Carlsbad:
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Visit Legoland California Resort
Legoland always comes to mind when you are in North County San Diego. It’s one of the best theme parks in San Diego if you have kids under 12. Without the absolute mayhem that is Disneyland, Legoland is less crowed and actually pretty cool to see at all ages. This theme park offers rides, shows, miniland USA, and a water park all themed around Lego toys. If you’re visiting from out of town, don’t forget to check out the Lego-themed hotel as well!
Looking for a fun and unique pool experience? The pool at the hotel is the perfect place to unwind after an adventurous day. It has a heated pool with LEGO bricks so you can build your masterpiece while you swim. The Legoland Hotel pool offers food and beverage service by the pool. Cabanas are also available for rent as well as swim-in movies, seasonally.
Stroll along Carlsbad State Beach
San Diego has some of the best beaches in California. Also known as Tamarack Beach – Carlsbad State Beach is located right in the heart of downtown. t’s the best spot to spend your afternoon. It’s walking distance to Carlsbad Village and you can expect it to be less crowded the further south you go. Rent an e-bike and take the city by storm.
Pack your surfboard, beach towel, and sunscreen, and head down to Carlsbad State Beach for a day of sun, sand, and surf! You can go for a swim, take a walk on the shoreline trail, or enjoy an afternoon picnic with friends and family.
Does Carlsbad have a boardwalk? Does the pope live in the Vatican? The Carlsbad boardwalk is 4-mile paved road runs along Tamarack Beach. It’s positioned higher up and closer to the road than other regular boardwalks making it a killer experience.
Go shopping on Carlsbad Village Drive
Just a few minutes walk from Carlsbad State Beach, is Carlsbad Village, full of quaint boutiques, jewelry stores and antique shops. Shout out to Hey Flower Man for beautiful bouquets and 75° & Fuzzy for our people that never feel too old for dress up. We’re telling you; Carlsbad is an underrated experience!
If you’re planning a staycation check out things to do in Carlsbad with the city’s event guide. It’s jam packed with holiday festivities, sip and paint nights, improv shows, music, and so much more.
Visit Campfire
Campfire is designed as a place where you can gather around a fire, enjoy honest food, and share it with friends. Come for a romantic date or with a group of friends and feast like nowhere else. The charred chicken, chili cocoa nib relish, yogurt roasted eggplant is an out of this world entry. For more must try restaurants check out Visit Carlsbad.
Get Active on the Beach
Outside fitness is part of any San Diego experience (that’s why we live here), but especially in the Carlsbad culture. There are several surf schools located along the coastline that can teach you everything you need to know about surfing. You can also check out yoga on the beach. Great news for beginners – everyone here will fall on the uneven sand so it’s guaranteed to be embarrassment free. You should also grab your buddies and a volleyball and spend a couple hours in the sun.
Visit the famous Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Probably the most Instagramable worth of things to do in Carlsbad are the Flower Feilds. The 50-acre Carlsbad Ranch features rows upon rows of colorful Ranunculus flowers in bloom from March through May. Take a wagon ride or stroll through the flowers and take in the stunning scenery. You can take a tour through the fields, and you’ll even get to meet the growers and learn about how they maintain these beautiful flowers. If your looking for things to do in Carlsbad in the Spring, this is a fun family activity that everyone will love!
Go whale watching
Say hi Bailey and Destiny for us! Just kidding, according to Finding Dory, those whales are off California’s Monterey Peninsula. BUT! You can find other whales in Carlsbad from December to mid-April. During this time, gray whales migrate up and down the California coast. Save yourself some dough and check out Groupon for whale watching guides.
Shop till you drop at The Forum Carlsbad
The Forum Carlsbad is a high end shopping center with over 100 shops and restaurants. With major retailers like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as smaller boutiques and specialty stores, you’ll look your best after an afternoon here. You can’t leave without enjoy some of San Diego’s best Mexican food and top notch courtyard seating at Casa De Bandini.
State Street Farmers’ Market in Carlsbad
Venturing into the heart of Carlsbad on a Wednesday? If so, the State Street Farmers’ Market is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Check out the vibrant atmosphere of the State Street Farmers’ Market in Carlsbad every Wednesday. The best of Carlsbad is out with fresh and artisanal offerings. Open from 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm (spring/summer hours), the market has fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, cheese, eggs, nuts, and honey. We are also going to holler at Brodino Broth Company at the market for their organic superfood infused bone broth, scratch made soups. In addition to warming up with some amazing soup, we have you covered with more on what to do in the Fall in San Diego.
We also love that (sorry Downtown) Carlsbad has ample parking available in this village.
Go golfing at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
San Diego is know for its top notch golf courses. Golf enthusiasts from around the world come to play at the award-winning Omni resort and spa. With two championship golf courses, you’ll get to perfect your swing while enjoying the stunning scenery of southern California. La Costa also offers a variety of dining options, so you can refuel after a long day on the course. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just looking for a fun day out, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is home to many things to do in Carlsbad.
Batiquitos Lagoon: A Coastal Sanctuary in Carlsbad
Discover the natural beauty of Batiquitos Lagoon, a coastal wetland between southern Carlsbad and Encinitas. Spanning 610 acres and surrounded by a vast 55,000-acre drainage basin, the lagoon stands as one of the last remaining tidal wetlands in southern California. Pretty fricken cool.
At the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center you’ll find programs and guided walks. For our animal lovers, you’ll be obsessed with this habitat for their array of birds, insects, plants, fish, and mammals. Check out the 1.75-mile nature trail along the lagoon’s north side. A place for the people, it offers a wheelchair and stroller-friendly pathway.
