A Local's Guide to Carlsbad, CA: The Beach Town You Didn't Know You Needed to Visit

Visit the Flower Fields: If you are visiting Carlsbad from early March to early May, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are a must-see. In addition to admiring the beautiful flowers, there are activities for the whole family like a maze, butterfly garden and tractor ride.

Insider tip: the best time to visit to avoid crowds are weekdays. The Flower Fields are the most crowded Friday–Sunday. If you do visit on the weekend, be sure to go early, as the afternoons can get crowded.

If you have kids, enjoy a day at Legoland. In my opinion, Legoland is best suited for younger children in the 3–10-year-old range. However, older children may still enjoy the waterpark.

For an inexpensive and beautiful activity, take a walk along the beach wall. If you prefer, kick off those shoes and walk in the sand along the water!

Show yourself some love with a Spa Day at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. For more detailed information and advice, check out my trip report on the Omni La Costa: Spending a Relaxing Day at Omni La Costa Spa.

A unique and family-friendly activity is a trip to the Carlsbad Aquafarm. See how they grow and harvest Carlsbad oysters and mussels. You'll take a 30-minute tour and then have a 30-minute shucking class and oyster tasting experience!

Catch a live performance at the New Village Arts Theater. This small local theater is a great place to watch a show after catching an early dinner. Season 22 features The Color Purple, Doubt and the 39 Steps, among others.

In the mode for adventure? Visit Carlsbad Watersports, where you can rent a wave runner, mini boat, paddleboard, kayak, Aqua cycle or more!

No trip to Carlsbad would be complete without spending a day at the beach! There are plenty of beautiful beaches to visit. For a list of Carlsbad beaches by location, see this website:

Spend some time walking around Carlsbad Village. Here you will find great shopping and restaurants! On a hot day, stop off at Handel's Homemade Ice Cream to grab a cone. Find yourself a one-of-a-kind souvenir at the many local shops. Plus, you can feel good about supporting the many small businesses operating out of Carlsbad Village! Depending on the time of your visit, there are some fun and unique events that take place in Carlsbad Village.

If you are visiting in May or November, be sure to see the Carlsbad Village Street Faire. If you are in Carlsbad on a Wednesday, stroll through the State Street Farmer’s Market. Starting March 13, 2024, to October 30, 2024, the market is open Wednesdays from 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm. In June, see Art in the Village, which is a free, open-air art show.

Lastly, if visiting in July–August, catch a movie under the stars at Flicks at the Fountain. Bring a low-back chair and blanket and arrive early to claim a spot. They start seating at 6:00 pm. You can bring a picnic or take-out from many of the surrounding restaurants to enjoy while waiting, as the shows start around 8:00 pm.

Day Trips:

Carlsbad is located in North San Diego County. While there is plenty to explore in Carlsbad, day trips to other areas of San Diego make for a very well-rounded trip! If you have a car, consider visiting La Jolla or Coronado. Some great locations you can visit by train include Solana Beach, the Gaslamp Quarter (downtown San Diego) and Little Italy. For train information, visit: The COASTER commuter train.

There are so many great restaurants in Carlsbad — this list is anything but complete but does feature some of my favorites with a wide variety for all travelers.

• Windmill Food Hall: If you're with a group and everyone wants something different, this is the place to come. There is something for everyone! From Thai, to burgers, sushi, Mediterranean, Pizza, Mexican, Pho and more! They also have a coffee shop called Corner Coffee and Mini Donuts that opens early at 7:00 am, while the rest of the food hall opens at 11:00 am.

• Campfire: Family-style dining where you share the dishes. This is a favorite for my friends and I to share a meal and drinks. We love to order the porridge bread, carrots, broccoli, brisket and s’mores. Their cocktails are also delicious.

• Jeune et Jolie: Not just a typical French restaurant, but an experience that's hard to describe. According to their website, they offer "a culinary experience celebrating the moment, reimagining French cuisine through the vibrant lens of our Southern California landscape..." Their menu consists of four courses, with guests selecting their own dishes. Everything I've tasted has been delightful, especially the Poisson — a delicious sea bass dish.

• Nick’s on State: You really can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. Some favorites are the Asparagus Fries, The Local Market Salad and the Center Cut Filet. Leave room for dessert. You must try the Buttercake! They also have a great breakfast.

• Blue Ocean Robata and Sushi Bar: This is a great restaurant to get sushi and Japanese cuisine. All of their sushi is fresh and delicious. A favorite is the Marine Boy. The Caramelized Eggplant is a must-try. It is so delicious.

• Shorehouse Kitchen is the best for breakfast. Try their mimosas with fresh-squeezed orange juice and their Iberian Mocha. My favorite breakfast item is the Brioche Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

• Carruth Cellars is a nice spot for wine tasting. They don't serve food, so it is a good place to go before or after dinner. However, they do allow you to bring food in, so if you'd like to eat while you sip, grab takeout from a surrounding restaurant.

• The Camp Store is a fun location for the whole family. Their pizza is delicious. I particularly love the Honey Raye. They have live music every day!

• Another great spot for the whole family is Park 101. This barbecue restaurant is kid and dog friendly. The smoked meat is so delicious! Try the tri-tip!