California has some of the most beautiful and diverse terrains on Earth. Usually, its natural wonders go overlooked by those who only spend their time in large urban areas.
However, California’s natural beauty is more prominent than ever, with awe-inspiring places to visit, both large and small. One such area is Carlsbad, home to mesmerizing shorelines with cliffs, rocky beaches, and warm sand.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
Aside from the water activities, the sunny city is brimming with family-friendly and entertaining attractions that’ll make your vacation worth remembering.
If you’re looking for ways to spend your time in this gorgeous city, check out this list of things to do in Carlsbad, CA!
Our Recommended Carlsbad Hotel
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad
✔️ Ocean view rooms
✔️ Near popular attractions
Carlsbad Tours To Try
Things to Do in Carlsbad
1. Tamarack Surf Beach
Tamarack Surf Beach, also known as Carlsbad State Beach, is located just south of Tamarack Avenue, to Frazee Beach, near Carlsbad Village Drive.
As its name suggests, Tamarack Surf Beach is known for its pristine surfing and swimming conditions, making it an ideal spot for a hot summer day at the beach.
On top of that, you can find several surf schools near the beach, where you can learn how to surf and then practice on the beach itself. You can also rent surfboards from these schools!
You and your loved ones can also go scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, and beachcombing. Tamarack Surf Beach also has a breathtaking view of the sunset, which you and your hubby can watch from the cliff at the north end of the beach.
Open from 5 am to 10 pm, the beach has lifeguards on duty, restrooms with changing rooms and showers, a picnic area, and a parking lot.
Last but not least, here are some beach regulations we thought you should know:
- No dogs allowed off-leash
- No fires (BBQs available)
- No alcoholic beverages
- No vehicles on the beach
2. Carlsbad Sea Wall Trail
There’s no better way to experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean than exploring the Carlsbad Sea Wall. This 1.9-mile stretch of beachside cliffs and bluffs is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
On one side, there’s the beach. On the other, there’s the Coast Highway, with parking on the streets nearby. You can enjoy a nice walk, jog, or run!
With an average of 26 minutes to complete, the trail offers spectacular views — especially at sunset when you can watch hundreds of boats pass by as they head out into the Pacific Ocean.
On top of that, you have one restroom at the start of the trail and another toward the end.
It’s worth noting that animals aren’t allowed on the trail itself. Therefore, it’s best to leave your furry friend at home if you plan to visit this trail.
3. Take a Swim at South Carlsbad State Beach
South Carlsbad State Beach is popular for surfers, swimmers, and divers. Located on the south, this beach offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy.
You can go camping, swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing, and picnicking. The spacious campsite on the bluffs is quite popular, especially in the summer.
You’ll be hungry after these activities, which is why The Camp Store is there to the rescue! Located near the entrance, the restaurant serves pizza and drinks with an ocean view.
You can also enjoy music from several local artists while you munch and take in the sights!
It’s worth mentioning that the parking lot can be pretty packed on the weekends and during holidays, so make sure you plan and arrive early enough! Alternatively, you can visit during off-peak hours, like midweek.
4. LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND is the perfect place to visit if your kids want to see their favorite characters come to life. This 128-acre theme park features over 60 rides and attractions, including the well-known Dragon coaster and several water rides.
The park also has an interactive water show called Pirate Falls, which features a pirate ship with Captain Jack Sparrow himself.
You can also visit Miniland USA, a giant diorama including landmarks from all over America — everything from Mount Rushmore to Cape Canaveral!
Adults and children can get a kick out of walking around and looking at all the details in each scene. It’s also educational — you can learn about famous people who made history in this country.
If you’re feeling hungry after all that activity, there are plenty of places within Legoland to grab some food too. This includes pizza joints & cafes serving hot dogs & hamburgers (and even vegetarian options).
Because you can’t possibly experience all of these fun activities in just one day, you can stay the night at the LEGOLAND California Resort, which has excellent family accommodations.
5. The Flower Fields
The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California is a must-see attraction. The fields consist of over 55 acres of beautiful Giant Tecolote Ranunculus that bloom from March to May.
You can spend the day walking through the fields and enjoying nature. There’s plenty of space for everyone, so don’t worry about crowds or lines.
If you don’t feel like walking, you can pay an extra $8 per adult and $4 per child for a tractor-wagon ride through the fields. (Kids under three are free.)
There are many things you can visit at The Flower Fields in California, including:
- American Flag of Flowers
- The Artist Gardens & Bird Aviaries
- Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse
- Historic Poinsettia Display
- Santa’s Playground
- Sweet Pea Maze
- Sea of Sunflowers
- Illusion Garden
- Butterfly Garden
6. Leo Carrillo Ranch and Historic Park
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is a 27-acre park on the 4-mile-long Rancho Carrillo Trail, a part of the Citywide Trails System. The park was once owned by actor Leo Carrillo, who spent much of his life there during the 1920s and ’50s.
The ranch has been around for more than 100 years and has been passed down from generation to generation. Today, the city of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Department own and operate it as a public park. Take a picnic lunch with you. There is plenty of room to enjoy the scenery while you eat.
The site boasts many buildings that date back to the 1930s and 1940s, including a barn, a guest house, and a cottage. Nowadays, visitors can tour these buildings and learn about their past through exhibits and displays.
Once you arrive, you’ll get an overview of the place through self-guided walking tours and a 13-minute introductory film. If you go on a Saturday, you can join a guided 90-minute walking tours.
7. Batiquitos Lagoon Hiking and Nature Center
Batiquitos Lagoon Hiking and Nature Center is a nature preserve in Carlsbad, California. The preserve is owned and operated by the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, established in the 1980’s to help protect and restore the lagoon ecosystem.
You can experience nature in many ways at the Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center. For starters, you can hike the trails.
Several trails through the park lead you past lagoons and marshes. You can rent kayaks or paddle boards from the nature center to get in the water.
You can also bird watch! There are about 185 species of birds that live here year-round, including egrets, hawks, and eagles.
8. The Forum Carlsbad – Shopping
The Forum Carlsbad is the perfect place for families, couples, or friends to spend their day shopping, dining, and enjoying the best that Carlsbad has to offer.
Here are some of our favorite things to do at The Forum Carlsbad:
- Visit Sur La Table & Kitchen Store: Sur La Table & Kitchen Store offers everything from cookware, dinnerware, and cookbooks to kitchen gadgets and gourmet food items. You can also take cooking classes there!
- Dine At The Cheesecake Factory: This restaurant serves delicious food and even better desserts, including their famous cheesecakes!
- Geppetto’s Toy Store: Time goes out the window when you step into Geppetto’s toy story. Browse through toys of all kinds, stuffed animals, and board games. We had a great time here and can’t wait to go back!
9. Museum of Making Music
The Museum of Making Music is a charming museum that celebrates all things music. The museum is located in Carlsbad, California and it’s been open since 2000.
There are many things to do at this museum, including hands-on activities, concerts, and workshops. Once inside, you’ll find exhibits about different aspects of music history, such as jazz music, rock ‘n roll, and classical music.
You can explore various instruments from different eras such as guitars from the 1960s, pianos from the 1920s, and even cymbals from ancient Egypt!
The museum also has rare pieces of sheet music and old recording equipment dating back as far as 1900s America. All of this is on display at this interactive museum, which will entertain you for hours on end!
The best part? You can participate in all kinds of activities at this museum, including making instruments or recording songs using state-of-the-art technology!
10. Rent a Kayak at the Carlsbad Lagoon
Carlsbad Lagoon is a serene oceanfront destination with sandy beaches, picnic areas, and boat rentals. Also known as Agua Hedionda Lagoon, the Carlsbad lagoon is located east of the freeway and is home to a large variety of wildlife, including many birds and fish.
The Carlsbad Lagoon is one of the most popular destinations for water sports activities in California.
You can rent kayaks and paddleboards at the marina and paddle around the lagoon or along its shoreline. You can also fish from these vessels if you like.
Additionally, there are plenty of places where you can rent Jet Skis, pontoon boats, and even WaveRunners! If you’re feeling adventurous (and brave), you can even take surf lessons at one of their surf shops!
Lastly, the Carlsbad Lagoon offers picnic areas where you can relax with friends or families while enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean.
11. Carlsbad Village Theater
Across from the Coaster Train Station in the well-known Carlsbad Village commercial district is where you can find this historic theater. The Carlsbad Village Theater, now known as the New Village Arts, first opened in 1927 and has been showing movies since then.
In 2000, it underwent a major renovation, including new carpets, curtains, chairs, a movie screen, a title curtain, stage lighting, and a customized sound system.
Today, you can find different types of events happening at this venue including live music shows and comedy acts.
Pro Tip: Check out their calendar online when planning your trip so that you don’t miss out on all the fun things happening there!
12. The Crossings at Carlsbad – Golf
The Crossings at Carlsbad is a premier meeting, conference, and wedding venue in Carlsbad, CA. Minutes from San Diego, their golf course offers an ideal location for many types of events.
Whether you’re looking for a place to play a game of golf with friends or host an event, The Crossings at Carlsbad Golf Club has something for everyone. This includes:
- Golf Course – The 18-hole Championship Golf Course is rated as one of the top courses in Southern California. The course features beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding hillsides.
- Wedding Venue – The Crossings at Carlsbad Golf offers several ceremony locations and reception venues, perfect for anyone’s special day!
- Meeting & Event Spaces – The Crossings at Carlsbad Golf offers an indoor space that can accommodate a large group of guests. You can find a variety of meeting rooms with full catering service available through a professional catering team!
- Ocean View Dining – A high-end restaurant is located onsite at the golf course and offers breathtaking ocean views. There’s also an outdoor bar area where you can enjoy refreshing drinks.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for a fun place to visit in California, we recommend Carlsbad. There are so many things to do there!
If you have kids, they’ll love all the rides at Legoland or paddle boarding at the lagoon. Adults can golf or surf at one of Carlsbad’s many beaches while enjoying ocean-view dining at local restaurants afterward.
All in all, Carlsbad offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation!
Travel Planning Guide
🚙💨 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around in California, no matter where you’re visiting. Public transportation can only get your so far, even in big cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🛌 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites, but you can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the our California Packing List or Disneyland Packing List to get all the info on packing.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to California?
For finding cheap California flights from around the world, I recommend Skyscanner. I’ve also had pretty good luck with Kayak.com.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.