Fun in the Sun: A Family’s Guide to Carlsbad, CA

Legoland - I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about visiting Legoland again after not being too impressed as a kid. However, we were pleasantly surprised — we absolutely LOVED it! Legoland is perfect for younger children, and if your kids are into Lego, you might want to plan for multiple days. My kids couldn’t get enough of the build zones and playgrounds scattered throughout the park. In fact, they enjoyed these areas just as much (if not more) than the rides themselves. The play structures are fantastic, and I honestly think my kids could’ve spent the whole day building and playing.

Cardiff Beach Park — Located about 15 minutes south of Carlsbad, Cardiff Beach Park was our choice for family photos. The beach is stunning, with wide sandy areas and beautiful tide pools. There are also scenic trails leading to overlooks with breathtaking ocean views. It’s a must-visit, even if just for a stroll.

SeaWorld San Diego — A quick 30-minute drive from Carlsbad, SeaWorld is an easy addition to any itinerary. The Orca and Dolphin shows were a huge hit with my kids. My daughter, who was only two when we first went, still talks about getting splashed by a whale. It’s a memorable experience that combines animal encounters and family-friendly entertainment.

Carlsbad State Beach — We love spending the day at Carlsbad State Beach. It’s a fantastic spot with a large sandy area, perfect for building sandcastles and playing in the waves. The beach is clean and well-maintained. In our family hanger is a real thing, Carlsbad Village is just steps away, offering a variety of great dining options — ideal for a quick and delicious lunch break before heading back to the beach.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park — Just a half-hour drive from Carlsbad in Escondido, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a unique zoo experience. The included safari ride was a big hit with our kids, giving us a closer look at animals in a more natural setting. For an enhanced experience, consider booking one of the additional safari tours. My son was thrilled to see a platypus, which is rare outside of Australia. Don’t miss the Australia section — it’s fantastic!

San Diego Zoo — If you’re up for another quick trip, the San Diego Zoo is also close enough to Carlsbad to be worth the visit. The return of the Pandas was a highlight for us and made the day even more memorable. It’s a great way to add some extra fun for the kids while exploring the area.

Senor Grubby’s - doesn’t look like much from the outside, but don’t be fooled — this place serves the best burrito I’ve ever had! Even the kids’ quesadilla was so tasty, I’d happily order it for myself. If you're like me and have some kids that are crazy picky, we also discovered their French Fries are pretty yummy, so there is something for everyone.

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream — Handel’s Ice Cream is a must-visit. The homemade ice cream is rich, creamy and packed with unique flavors. Even though we have a Handel’s where we live, we always make a point to visit the Carlsbad location because they offer different flavors that we love.

Carlsbad Danish Bakery — The Carlsbad Danish Bakery is a dream for pastry lovers, especially if you’re a fan of Danish treats. Having lived in Denmark, I’m always searching for authentic pastries, and this place did not disappoint. We ended up visiting every day on one of our trips. If you enjoy almond flavor, try the Kransekage — it’s divine!

Froglanders Crepes and Yogurt — We only tried Froglanders because it took the location of our favorite chocolate shop... but we were glad we tried it! It is a delicious little dessert shop. The rotating crepe of the week is always unique and delicious. They also offer a Dole Whip option in their frozen yogurt section that tastes just like the classic Disneyland treat.

Pizza Port Brewing Company - Pizza Port Brewing Company is a fun spot with fantastic pizza and a lively atmosphere. Their mac & cheese bite appetizer is a crowd-pleaser, and the drink selection is great for local beer and root beer lovers. It’s definitely worth a stop while you’re in Carlsbad.