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The gorgeous coastal city of Carlsbad could be finest identified 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 seashore cities, Encinitas and Oceanside. Its gorgeous shoreline and bustling Carlsbad Village middle make this charming city a first-rate vacation spot for all types of enjoyable indoor and outside actions, all yr spherical.
I’ve been a North County resident for ten years, and my household and I head to Carlsbad virtually each weekend. Right here’s my lowdown on one of the best 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 publish, I could also be compensated. Our editorial tips.
1. Spend The Day at LEGOLAND California
Tackle: 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, despite the fact that the city has grown exponentially since then. And because of our nice climate, this San Diego theme park is busy all yr lengthy with LEGO lovers having fun with rides, exhibits, and LEGO-themed sights.
2024 is a very nice yr 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 sights 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 time will mark the primary LEGO parade, that includes wonderful floats and stay leisure with loads of singing and dancing for the entire household.
There’s no have to pay gate costs for LEGOLAND, however you’ll have to crunch the numbers to see which methodology of saving cash is finest. 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 unbelievable SEA LIFE Aquarium is positioned inside the LEGOLAND California Resort, however you possibly can purchase separate tickets to go to the wonderland of marine life. Right here, you possibly can observe and find out about over 350 species and greater than 6,000 sea creatures due to the busy schedule of instructional talks and up-close encounters with stingrays and different sea creatures.
My daughters notably 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 youths for perhaps an hour plus lunch (the typical aquarium go to lasts just below an hour).
3. Trip the Slides at LEGOLAND Water Park (Seasonal)
The hooked up LEGOLAND Water Park is open every day in the summertime months and on choose dates all through the remainder of the yr, however it’s effectively price a go to. It covers 10 acres of water enjoyable and options sandy seashores, seven unbelievable slides, rides, and LEGO-themed enjoyable.
You possibly can solely enter the Water Park through LEGOLAND, so your ticket should embrace a ticket that features the water park. At all times 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 on the lookout for the final word expertise on your little LEGO fan, together with unique early entry to the LEGOLAND park, an amazing possibility is to remain on the adjoining LEGOLAND Lodge or LEGOLAND Fort Lodge.
You possibly can select from themed rooms similar to Pirate, Journey, Kingdom, Buddies, 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 having the ability to enter the park half-hour earlier than most people. Make sure to time your keep accordingly, because the theme park shouldn’t be open every day.
5. Discover Carlsbad Village
This bustling group is positioned simply two blocks from the seashore 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 reward and décor shops, an attractive play space with a fountain, a farmer’s market, and wonderful eating places.
You’ll discover eating places to fulfill all palates due to the eclectic number of cuisines obtainable within the Village, from Italian to sushi to French to Mexican, or simply good old style pub grub. You possibly can learn my record of one of the best Carlsbad eating places for concepts. There are additionally breweries, a vineyard, and a brand-new theater, making Carlsbad Village the final word vacation spot any time of week or yr.
You possibly can park after which stroll in every single place or catch the Coaster practice to Carlsbad Village Station, proper within the middle of the village. And when you go on a Wednesday, try the Carlsbad Village farmers market within the afternoon.
6. Take Your Decide from Carlsbad’s Lovely Seashores
Arguably, Carlsbad’s greatest draw is its virtually eight miles of spectacular shoreline stretching alongside the Pacific Ocean. It technically consists of eight totally different seashores — some rugged, some calm, some distant, and a few filled with households, however all stunning.
They’re nice for browsing, boogie boarding, tide pooling, taking part in seashore volleyball, jogging, or just strolling within the sunshine. You possibly can learn Katie’s detailed information to which seashores are finest for numerous actions and select for your self.
There have been extra stones on some seashores in recent times, however an bold renovation undertaking is underway. Strolling or rollerblading the boardwalk main into Carlsbad Village is an effective 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
Tackle: Lifeguard Tower 30 in Carlsbad.
Carlsbad is the right spot to learn to surf from native specialists. Head to So Cal Surf Classes, who have been in enterprise for over 17 years. They provide similar day classes the place attainable for all ranges, together with non-public classes, (for youths 5 and over), and group classes.
Wetsuits are included, and classes embrace brief instruction on the seashore after which 1.5hr/2hr together with your teacher within the water. You get one hour to make use of the tools without cost following the lesson.
One of the best half is that when you’re not up and browsing in your first lesson, the following lesson is free!
8. Decide Strawberries at Carlsbad Strawberry Firm
Tackle: 1050 Cannon Street, 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 positioned 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 possibly can choose. It’s an amazing outside household exercise, and the little ones find it irresistible, particularly as you possibly can as you choose!
The fields are busy throughout Fall, too, after they remodel right into a vastly widespread Halloween venue full with a corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and a Haunted Corn Maze at night time for the older children.
9. See a Present at New Village Arts Theater
Tackle: 2787 State Avenue # B, Carlsbad.
This newly renovated performing arts theater on State Avenue reopened in 2023 after the unique theater of over 20 years closed down following the pandemic.
The fashionable new theater options an amazing bar and lounge space, and gives a packed roster of performs, musicals, talkback dialogue nights, and comedy and improv exhibits. In addition they supply 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 numerous nightlife.
10. Pattern Brews at Pure Challenge
Tackle: 2825 State Avenue, Carlsbad.
The open-air patio of this widespread brewery options an attractive Hong Kong Orchid Tree and is a superb place to whereas away the hours within the sunshine whereas attempting Pure Challenge’s famed brews.
It’s slap bang in the course of the motion on busy State Avenue, throughout from the practice station, and surrounded by many eating places. The brewery doesn’t serve meals however you possibly can take your personal in.
Pure Challenge 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 homeowners moved the brewery again dwelling they usually now have 5 places in San Diego, together with Carlsbad.
11. Sip in Fashion at Witch Creek Vineyard
Tackle: 2906 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad.
This cozy and classy award-winning boutique vineyard is ideal for a girls night time out or date night time. Decked out with an enormous chandelier, fairy lit bar, picket high-top tables, and wine barrels stacked alongside one wall, it has a stunning heat ambiance.
It’s additionally peppered with antiques, each for present and on the market. The vineyard has stay 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 amazing array of pastries.
12. Get Again to Nature at Batiquitos Lagoon
Tackle: 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 one in every of them.
The idyllic 610-acre nature reserve is dwelling to over 65 fish species and greater than 235 chicken species. A scenic 1.6-mile-long strolling/jogging path on the north shore runs west to east, which you’ll 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 maintain them in sight (you possibly can learn the complete record of issues to do in Carlsbad with children). Batiquitos Lagoon exudes a surprisingly peaceable environment, contemplating you possibly can 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. Immediately, due to an bold restoration undertaking by native residents within the Eighties, the lagoon is again to its former glory. A Nature Heart additionally homes shows, taxidermy, and a kids’s space.
13. Discover the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park (and the Peacocks)
Tackle: 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad.
This charming historic ranch is totally obscured from the street, nevertheless it’s positively a hidden gem. Based by the Nineteen 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 stunning 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 a beautiful place to discover however word that some strolling trails and surfaces are uneven.
The outbuildings and barn are attention-grabbing 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’s additionally a present store and customer’s middle.
14. Store at Carlsbad Premium Shops
Tackle: 5620 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad.
This purchasing haven is a high Carlsbad in San Diego and one of many metropolis’s hottest purchasing 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 nice location, even on the loopy vacation sale days. There are many eateries once you want a purchasing break, together with Ruby’s Diner and largely quick meals fashion choices. The Shops are positioned proper off the I-5 and behind the Flower Fields.
15. Dine at Windmill Meals Corridor
Tackle: 890 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad.
You will have noticed the enduring Windmill constructing positioned proper as you exit the I-5 at Palomar Airport Street — and now you possibly can eat there. Located proper throughout from the Carlsbad Shops, this trendy and spacious meals corridor topped with an outdated Danish-style windmill gives an amazing break whilst you peruse the various sights Carlsbad has to supply.
There’s all kinds of delicacies selections, from Thai to Mexican to Mediterranean to Chinese language. And there’s a full bar serving craft cocktails and beer to clean 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 homeowners lately amped up the occasions calendar. Now you can choose from stay 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
Tackle: 5790 Armada Dr, Carlsbad.
This distinctive (and somewhat hidden away) museum showcases the historical past and science of music by way of a collection 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 attention-grabbing tales, whereas one of the best half for youths is on the finish, the place they’ll get to play numerous devices, together with electrical guitar, keyboards, and drums (fortunately largely with headphones!).
The Museum of Making Music is a reasonably small however fantastically laid out museum and positively price a go to.
17. Wander the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Tackle: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad.
The Flower Fields are actually distinctive to Carlsbad, an amazing outside expertise for the entire household. As a result of flowering season, they’re solely open from March to Might, although, so that you’ll have to get your timing proper.
You will have seen the Flower Fields, a well-known sloping discipline alongside Palomar Airport Street that usually options spectacular rotating floral designs, however head contained in the gates of the ranch, and also you’ll encounter rather more.
The fields comprise 55 acres of vibrant blooming flowers to wander amongst, and now 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 stay music, Flower Circulation Yoga, Sundown Wine Tasting, images and charcuterie workshops, and extra.
18. Take pleasure in Watersports at Carlsbad Lagoon
Tackle: 4215 Harrison St, Carlsbad.
This attractive lagoon (also called Agua Hedionda Lagoon) is positioned simply off the I-5 proper behind Carlsbad State Seaside. 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 enjoyable choices like a Pontoon or pedal boat, go for extra of a exercise with stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking, or velocity issues up on a Wave runner or speedboat. You possibly can hop off and relaxation at idyllic little non-public seashores across the lagoon whereas taking within the breathtaking surroundings. This actually is a traditional Carlsbad time out!
Make sure to test Groupon as they typically have particular gives right here and at a handful of different Carlsbad sights.
19. Study Oyster Farming at Aquafarm
Tackle: 4522 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad.
Whether or not you like or detest oysters, you’ll probably nonetheless discover a tour at Carlsbad Aquafarm fascinating. It’s the one oyster farm in Southern California, located alongside Freeway 101 behind the seashore.
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 will 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 consists of six food and drinks tasting places, and your native information offers you an insider’s view of Carlsbad’s historical past, tradition, and structure alongside the best way.
The tour consists of 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 wonderful 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 also be included.
The excursions run every 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 Recreation at The Crossings
Tackle: 5800 Crossings Drive, Carlsbad.
You possibly can 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 newbies and extra expert golfers on the lookout 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 integrated into the design to stick to environmental and topographic circumstances.
The membership additionally gives golf classes with one in every of their PGA Professionals. Examine their web site for all the numerous pricing choices.
22. Take pleasure in Sundown Drinks at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Tackle: 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 lodge’s gorgeous terrace. The big terrace overlooks the lodge’s lush gardens, and since it’s raised, you get an amazing view out to the ocean and the sundown.
There’s loads of seating, some round firepits, and it’s a surprisingly informal place to chill out and recharge with the children. You’re welcome to both order from the lodge’s elegant bar or purchase and eat meals from the in-house retailer. I like to recommend their pastries and nice espresso. There’s a number of extra seating inside to benefit from the subtle setting in fashion.
23. Discover Carlsbad on Rented E-bikes
Tackle: 2978 Carlsbad Blvd, #130, Carlsbad.
Carlsbad is usually flat terrain all through, so biking round is straightforward. However why not hire an electrical bike for further ease as you’re 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 a number of rental choices, together with tandem e-bikes, stretch e-bikes, street bikes, cruisers, and youngsters’ bike trailers. They even hire out golf carts when you desire 4 wheels to 2. You possibly can hire 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
Tackle: 6212 Corte Del Abeto, Carlsbad.
When you’re feeling the necessity for velocity, 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 big 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 traditional pub grub.
25. Watch a Film in Luxurious at Cinépolis
Tackle: 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 engaging full bar and accompanying restaurant once you enter the constructing, to the massive (and very tender) reclining leather-based seats within the theater.
You possibly can 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 hooked up the place you possibly can eat from.
There are two Cinépolis theaters in Carlsbad, each positioned in upmarket purchasing areas which additionally comprise 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’s best to go to, locations to see round city, one of the best seashores, and recommendation on your journey.
The place ought to I’m going to the seashore in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad has virtually eight miles of gorgeous shoreline and eight separate seashores to check out. Learn Katie’s detailed record to see which you need to go to.
What are one of the best locations to eat in Carlsbad?
That’s a tough reply, as there are such a lot of nice eating places – that includes all sorts 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 price a go to?
Undoubtedly! Carlsbad has turn out to be world-famous for a lot of nice causes: LEGOLAND, the attractive seashores, stunning Carlsbad Village the place you possibly can take pleasure in unbelievable eateries and discover nice boutiques and reward 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 seashore cities, Encinitas and Oceanside.
How do you spend a day in Carlsbad?
Take your choose from any of the above! It’s really straightforward to do many in in the future as all the things is fairly shut by. Carlsbad Village is a superb alternative for hanging out, strolling the beautiful streets, and grabbing lunch or dinner. It’s additionally solely a block or so from Carlsbad’s sandy seashores and the place to begin of the scenic Carlsbad Seawall Stroll.
What’s Carlsbad well-known for?
Carlsbad is legendary for being dwelling to LEGOLAND California, together with the SEALIFE Aquarium and Water Park. Households flock right here year-round due to Carlsbad’s attractive climate. Others love the seashores and unbelievable array of high-quality eating places. The Carlsbad Premium Shops can also be a favourite spot for vacationers and locals seeking to snag designer-label bargains.
What can I do in Carlsbad without cost?
It prices no cash to take pleasure in one of many city’s stunning seashores and stroll the full of life streets of Carlsbad Village whereas basking in our (virtually) infinite sunshine.
What are your favourite issues to do in Carlsbad, CA, now?
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