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20 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA

carlsbad-california

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carlsbad “The Village By The Sea”

Spa-goers have flocked to Carlsbad since its mineral spring was discovered in the late 19th century. Today, you can visit the site of the original well, but you can do much more than just “taking the waters”—Carlsbad’s spas offer world-class services. Carlsbad is still a spa destination town: Carlsbad Mineral Spa and the famous Omni La Costa Resort and Spa.  Now Carlsbad has even more world class attractions to draw people to our city.  Here is a list of 20 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA:

Carlsbad, California is called “The Village by the Sea.” It is small, affluent seaside resort community about halfway between San Diego and Orange County. Carlsbad has the charm of an old European city and the atmosphere of a typical Californian coastal community. With seven miles of fine white sandy beaches and the near perfect climate, the village is a popular weekend destination and a great place to live. Best things to do in Carlsbad, California with kids include Legoland California, Sea Life Aquarium and South Carlsbad State Beach.

20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CARLSBAD:

South Carlsbad Beach

Carlsbad Beaches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Carlsbad State Beach is a beautiful stretch of protected coastline with white sand, coastal bluffs, and warm water.  The beach offers an array of outdoor activities to enjoy – swimming, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, scuba diving and snorkeling, fishing, shelling, and of course just hanging out. South Carlsbad State Beach is one of the top Carlsbad attractions. Carlsbad Village
The bluffs above the beach offer excellent camping, and the 220-site South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is very popular with easy access to the beach and amenities such as bathrooms with showers, electricity, and water and Wi-Fi.

Carlsbad Village

Carlsbad history

Carlsbad Village is the heart of Carlsbad. Located in the downtown village area of Carlsbad and is easily accessible on foot, which is, in fact, the best way to explore the area and all it has to offer. Carlsbad Village offers old world charms with new world conveniences. The Carlsbad Village Antique Mall boasts over 100 vendors selling countless treasures. Boasting an array of shops, restaurants, hotels, and many other services Carlsbad Village is the place to start your exploring.  For those who want to find housing in Carlsbad Village, you can use Airbnb or similar. By booking in advance, you can find favorable offers.”

 Wine tasting is another great way to sample the village. Stop in at the Witch Creek Wine Tasting Shop for some of California’s best vintages or enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafés around the area. Visit the Carlsbad Mineral Spa on Carlsbad Boulevard, Alt Karlsbad Hanse House is a famous landmark in the village and the site of the first mineral water spa, dating back to the 1880s, and a good place to indulge in a mineral spa treatment or massage.

Spa La Costa

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At the Spa La Costa, you’re invited to immerse yourself into a world that redefines and transcends the typical “day spa” experience. Here, at our tranquil and secluded retreat, we provide you with the means to while away the afternoon, long before or after your treatment is complete.

The Museum of Making Music

The Museum of Making Music is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the music products industry. The museum was established in 2000 and features an array of special exhibitions and it hosts innovative concerts and educational programs, features that focus on providing cultural enrichment as well as preserving musical heritage.
5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-438-5996

Making Music Museum

LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND California Resort promises fun for all ages, especially kids. Located in Carlsbad, CA the theme park is home to over 60 rides, attractions and shows.  And don’t forget about the fantastic themed LEGOLAND Hotel, a great place to stay while you are in town.
One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-918-5346

Legoland California

Sea Life Aquarium

Sea Life Aquairum

Sea Life Aquarium is a family-friendly interactive sea aquarium located on Legoland Drive in Carlsbad. The aquarium is home to more than 5,000 sea creatures, including clownfish, octopus, rays, sea horses, and sharks. Children are given the opportunity to touch some of the animals, including crabs and sea stars.
Legoland California Resort, One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-918-5346

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

a tree in front of a house

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is a municipal park that sits in a 27-acre canyon and one of the best things to do in Carlsbad, California. Opened in 2003 and designated as a Historic National Landmark, the park is a former working ranch that was at one time owned by actor Leo Carrillo. In addition to the beautiful natural landscape, the park includes a reflecting pool, old windmills, adobe buildings, and other historic buildings.
The park is home to many plants such as birds of paradise, bougainvillea, and agave as well as various kinds of trees. There are also many peacocks that walk around the park and add to the unique ambience.

New Village Arts Carlsbad

New Village Arts

New Village Arts Theatre is a performing arts theater that presents dramatic and musical productions.  It is an intimate theater with a total of 99 guest seats.  They hosts productions arranged by a local ensemble group. This group is made up of 14 actors, designers, directors, and stage managers. Every show is fantastic, season tickets are available and are a must have for locals.
2787 State Street # B, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-433-3245  Photo: New Village Arts Theatre
“Top Romantic Things to Do at Night in Carlsbad”

Carlsbad Village Farmers’ Market – Open weekly Wed 3-7pm

a bowl of fruit

Carlsbad Village Farmers’ Market is a weekly Wednesday farmers’ market that offers fresh organic produce, flowers, handmade arts and crafts, locally prepared hot and cold food, and plants.
Farmers’ market allows consumers to buy directly from farmers and helps to support the many small farming operations in the area. Carlsbad Village Farmers’ Market also free concerts performed by local musicians.
2788 State Street, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-453-7076

Carlsbad Food Tours – Daily Tours available 11:30-2:30pm

Carlsbad Food Tours

 

Take a culinary and history tour of the village of Carlsbad with Carlsbad Food Tours. Facilitated by gourmand tour guides with a love and passion for Carlsbad and its best eateries, tours wind their way through Carlsbad’s most scenic and historic neighborhoods where you will learn about the history of the village and get to taste some of the best food on offer.

Tours take you to locally owned and operated specialty food shops as well as ethnic and local eateries where you can meet the chefs and artisans and sample their wares. Visit Carlsbad’s Urban Wineries to sip award-winning wines grown in California and stop in at favorites such as Gregorio’s Italian Restaurant, Cicciotti’s Italian Restaurant, The Goods, Witch Creek Winery, Gaia Gelato, and Strawberry Shack (always a winner!). Tours are available 11:30am – 3:00pm, ticket prices include all food and wine tastings. Schedule your tour today with Carlsbad Food Tours
7310 Golden Star Lane, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-215-9433  Photo: Carlsbad Food Tours

Pedego Carlsbad – Open Daily 10-6pm

Pedgo Bikes Carlsbad

Pedego Carlsbad offers a unique and fun way to see and experience the coastal town – on an electric bike! Bikes a very popular way to check out the town. Simply call to book your tour, hop on your bike, and go.
355 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-729-2453
“Must See Places to Visit in Carlsbad, CA & Destination

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch – 20 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad Flower Fields

Carlsbad Flower Fields, over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of north San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year – from early March through early May – literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in southern California. 

The Flower Fields History

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Today, the fields are a direct result of over 85 years of floral cultivation that began when Luther Gage, an early settler and grower settled in the area in the early 1920’s. Mr. Gage brought Ranunculus seeds to the area and began growing them in his fields next to Frank Frazee’s small vegetable farm in South Oceanside. This started a business called “Luther Gage Giant Tecolote Ranunculus bulbs”. The name “Tecolote” came from the owls that nested on his property.
Carlsbad Flower Fields are noted for being one of the most beloved spring traditions in the area, the ranch opens annually in March for six to eight weeks showcasing the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus
Carlsbad Flower Fields

5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-431-0352  Photo: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
“New cool stuff to do Carlsbad

Walk the City Tour – Open Daily

Walk the city tours

Carlsbad, California an iconic beach town fully embraces California’s laid back, “life’s a beach” mantra.

Join us on a 90-minute walking tour through history, beginning in the 1880s through today, to experience the evolution of these two quirky and unique communities. Enjoy scintillating stories, amusing anecdotes, and tales of some of the eccentric and wonderful personalities that helped shape these communities into the charming beachside towns that they are today. Along the way, we will introduce you to some of our favorite hotspots, restaurants, and other exceptional local businesses.

We can’t wait to explore and stroll with you!

Phone:
760-783-9661
Address:
2775 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad, CA 92008

 Aviara Golf Club – – 20 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA 

Aviara Golf

The Aviara Golf Club is based at the Park Hyatt Hotel with magnificent views over the tranquil Batiquitos Lagoon nature preserve and offers an outstanding green and tee layout. Residing in what is known as the “Golf Manufacturing Capital of the World,” the Aviara Golf Club, designed by Arnold Palmer, features a par 72, 18-hole course made up of more than 7,000 yards of uniquely sculpted landscapes with rolling hillsides covered in native wildflowers and great bunker and water challenges.
7447 Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-603-6900 Photo: Aviara Golf Club
“Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA for Locals & Tourists

Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center 

Carlsbad Lagoon

Batiquitos Lagoon is a 526-acre coastal salt marsh with tidal mud.
The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center is dedicated to preserving and educating the public about the Batiquitos Lagoon. This lagoon, a coastal wetland and nature reserve maintained by the California Department of Fish and Game, has been designated as the Batiquitos Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area and is one of the few remaining tidal wetlands along the southern coast of California.
7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-931-0800
“Bucket List in Carlsbad”

Carlsbad Lagoon – Open daily

carlsbad lagoon

The Carlsbad Lagoon is a water sports center that offers a variety of activities and equipment rentals, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, stand up paddleboards, and wave runners. There are also speedboats available for rent. The center has trained instructors who can teach visitors how to do a variety of fun water activities including water skiing and wake boarding.The center offers several programs such as Camp H2O, which is a summer youth camp. Here children learn about many kinds of water activities as well as educational topics such as oceanography. The camp also includes games and barbecues on the beach.

4215 Harrison Street, Carlsbad, CA, Phone: 760-434-3089

GIA Museum – – 20 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA

Gemological-Institute-of-America-GIA

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Museum is devoted to researching and educating the public about the field of gemology, gemstones, and jewelry making, important activities in this area as the Gemological Institute of America is headquartered in Carlsbad. The GIA Museum features a variety of exhibits.5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA, Phone: 760-603-4000

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Alga Norte Community Park – 20 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA

Alga Norte Parkr

Alga Norte Community Park consists of 32 acres and is San Diego County’s largest state park. It features shaded picnic areas with barbecues, several basketball courts, three ball fields, a shaded playground, and an off-leash dog park.
The park’s aquatic center includes a 56-meter competition pool, several diving boards, a 25-yard instruction pool with 12 lanes, a children’s splash pool, and a fitness room.  This is a great place for swimming lessons for the kids.
6565 Alicante Road, Carlsbad, CA, Phone: 760-268-4777

Carlsbad Premium Outlets – 20 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA

Shopping in the Village

Carlsbad Premium Outlets is a shopping destination that features more than 90 high-end designer stores such as Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Cole Haan Outlet, and Calvin Klein, among others. The mall was designed around a central courtyard with fountains that have an Italian style.5620 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA, Phone: 760-804-9000  Photo: Carlsbad Premium Outlets

The Crossings at Carlsbad – 20 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA

 

Premier Spa & Golf in Carlsbad | Ocean Pearl & The Crossings

The Crossings at Carlsbad is a 6,835-yard public golf course and event facility. The 18-hole course sits between the Pacific Ocean and the nearby foothills and offers spectacular views. Covering an area of more than 400 acres, the course blends in with the natural habitat of the California coastal environment, and visitors can often see many kinds of wildlife here.
Created by well-known golf course designer Greg Nash, the course is appropriate for all levels of golf enthusiasts, from beginners to advanced players.
5800 The Crossings Drive, Carlsbad, CA, Phone: 760-444-1800  Photo: The Crossings

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