Discover Carlsbad Food Tours – A Taste of Carlsbad
Discover Carlsbad Food Tours: Taste the Food, Hear the Stories, Live the Local Experience
If you’ve ever wondered what makes Carlsbad Food Tours one of the most unique experiences in North County San Diego, the answer is simple: great food, fascinating stories, and a genuine love for the community.
Since 2014, Carlsbad Food Tours has been introducing visitors and locals alike to the flavors, history, culture, and hidden gems of Carlsbad Village. What started as an idea inspired by a memorable food tour in Carmel has grown into one of Carlsbad’s most beloved visitor experiences.
Meet the Founders: Cherimarie & Brad
Cherimarie Poulos
Founder & CEO
Cherimarie “Cheri” Poulos is a California native, retired Registered Nurse, entrepreneur, and passionate local ambassador. After a rewarding 34-year nursing career, Cheri combined her love of food, travel, history, and community to create Carlsbad Food Tours.
As a longtime Carlsbad resident, Cheri has deep roots in the community. Her passion for sharing the stories behind the city’s restaurants, people, and history has helped thousands of guests discover why Carlsbad is such a special place to visit and call home.
Brad Poulos
CFO & Marketing Director
With more than 30 years of marketing experience, Brad Poulos helped transform Cheri’s vision into a successful business. Together they combined hospitality, storytelling, and marketing expertise to create an experience that feels both educational and delicious.
How Carlsbad Food Tours Began
The idea for Carlsbad Food Tours was born during an anniversary trip to Carmel in 2013. After experiencing a culinary walking tour, Cheri realized that Carlsbad Village had all the ingredients necessary for a similar experience:
- Outstanding restaurants
- Rich local history
- Coastal charm
- Unique architecture
- A walkable downtown village
Upon returning home, she researched the concept, trained with industry experts, and began building relationships with local restaurants and business owners. By May 2014, Carlsbad Food Tours officially launched.
What Makes Carlsbad Food Tours Special?
More Than Just a Food Tour
Carlsbad Food Tours isn’t simply about eating great food—it’s about experiencing the city through the eyes of a local.
Guests enjoy a guided walking adventure through Carlsbad Village while learning about:
- Local history
- Architecture
- Art and culture
- Historic landmarks
- Family-owned businesses
- The stories behind the food
The philosophy is simple:
Food tastes better when you know the story behind it.
Eat Like a Local
The tour introduces guests to some of Carlsbad’s most beloved eateries and culinary artisans. Tastings vary but often feature locally owned restaurants, specialty shops, and family-run businesses that showcase the unique flavors of Carlsbad Village.
Learn more:
Why Visitors Love the Experience
Whether you’re visiting Southern California for the first time or you’ve lived in Carlsbad for years, the tour offers a fresh perspective on the city.
Guests frequently discover:
- Hidden local gems
- New favorite restaurants
- Historic buildings and landmarks
- Insider recommendations from local guides
The experience is designed for visitors, couples, families, solo travelers, and corporate groups alike.
Supporting Local Businesses
One of the core missions of Carlsbad Food Tours is supporting the local economy.
The tours help:
- Introduce new customers to local restaurants
- Promote family-owned businesses
- Encourage repeat visits to tasting locations
- Create partnerships among local merchants
Many guests return to their favorite stops after the tour, helping strengthen the vibrant Carlsbad Village business community.
Why Carlsbad Is the Perfect Food Tour Destination
Carlsbad offers a unique combination of:
- Seven miles of beautiful coastline
- Historic architecture
- Mediterranean climate
- Award-winning restaurants
- Rich agricultural heritage
- Strong Italian and Hispanic influences
Often called the “Village by the Sea,” Carlsbad combines old-world charm with a modern coastal lifestyle that makes it ideal for culinary exploration.
Learn more about the city:
Awards & Recognition
Over the years, Carlsbad Food Tours has earned recognition from both local and national organizations, including:
- Featured on MSNBC’s Your Business
- Featured by Visit Carlsbad
- Certificate of Excellence recognition from TripAdvisor
- Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award
- Recognition among top food tour experiences in the United States
Private Group & Team Building Tours
Looking for a unique group activity?
Carlsbad Food Tours also offers private and custom experiences for:
- Corporate team building events
- Family celebrations
- Birthday parties
- Bachelorette groups
- Holiday parties
- Conference attendees
These tours combine great food, local culture, and memorable experiences in a fun and relaxed setting.
👥 Private Group & Team Building Tours
Our Mission
At Carlsbad Food Tours, the mission is simple:
To serve happiness by providing exceptional customer service while sharing a passion for Carlsbad, its people, its history, and its food.
Every tour is designed to help guests connect with the community while creating lasting memories around the universal language of food.
Join Us for a Taste of Carlsbad
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your hometown or a visitor searching for the perfect Carlsbad experience, Carlsbad Food Tours offers an unforgettable way to explore the Village by the Sea.
Book your culinary adventure today at CarlsbadFoodTours.com and see why guests leave saying they feel like a local after just three hours. 🍴🌊🍷
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Discover Carlsbad
Taste the Food. Hear the Stories. Live the Local Experience.
Eat Your Heart Out in Carlsbad