Carlsbad

Carlsbad’s legacy as a tourist hot spot dates back to the 1880s, when a local farmer tapped into mineral springs and a spa town was born. Today—thanks to a theme park, golf courses, a nice beach, and notable restaurants—Carlsbad has become a popular family destination in San Diego County.

Family-Friendly Carlsbad

Thirty-five miles north of downtown San Diego, Carlsbad offers family-friendly adventure everywhere you look. The biggest presence, no doubt, is LEGOLAND California Resort, which encourages imagination and interactive play for kids—typically for ages 2 to 12, but really for anyone who loves those iconic plastic bricks. It features classic theme park rides, a sprawling Star Wars Miniland, a water park, an aquarium, and two themed hotels (the LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel). Older kids, meanwhile, may gravitate to nearby attractions like the Alga Norte Community Park (with a lighted skate park for skateboards) or the K1 Speed go-kart track. Come spring, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch make for a lovely afternoon for all ages, with 50 acres of colorful ranunculus blooms.

Once here, you can take a break from driving—the city’s all-electric free visitor transportation program will pick you up from a participating lodging property and take you to the area’s top attractions, such as LEGOLAND, the beach, and Carlsbad Village.

Surf and Skate Culture in Carlsbad

The city is known for its rich surf culture, stemming from the 1960s, when the sport began to gain popularity along the West Coast. It's the birthplace of the Morey Boogie Board, invented by Tom Morey in 1971, whose innovative approach to wave riding made the activity more accessible. There is also no shortage of renowned surf spots here: breaks at destinations like Tamarack and Terramar, Ponto Jetties and Carlsbad State Beach attract both seasoned surfers and newcomers (when visiting Carlsbad State Beach, be sure to check out The Camp Store, a surfers’ hangout where you can grab a bite and see live music).

Early risers should check out First Light Surf Club, an organization that meets up to ride morning waves with a focus on mental health. Local surf shops like Offshore Surf Shop, SurfboardBroker, and Witt’s Carlsbad Pipeline and schools such as SoCal Surf Lessons and Surfin Fire solidify Carlsbad's status as a surfer’s haven.

If you are more of a skater than a surfer, this is a destination as well—as the hometown of Tony Hawk and Shaun White, Carlsbad has been a skating hotbed since the early days of the sport, and many of the surf shops also cater to skaters. Perfect your half-pipe technique at Carlsbad Skate Park (great for beginners) or the previously mentioned Alga Norte Skate Park.

Spas, Golf, and Camping in Carlsbad

And what about those mineral springs? The site where that farmer uncovered the alkaline waters is now the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. The Spanish Colonial–style getaway sits on 400 rolling acres outfitted with 17 tennis courts, eight separate pools, a stunning spa, and two legendary golf courses. A few miles away, the Park Hyatt Aviara has its own golf course (designed by Arnold Palmer) plus a huge spa, fine dining, and a kids’ club. For a back-to-nature getaway, stay at South Carlsbad State Beach Campgrounds: Tucked among the bluffs, the seaside campsites offer ocean and sunset views.

Carlsbad Shopping

Also close to the water, Carlsbad Village has more than 100 unique shops packed within a few walkable blocks. Don’t miss State Street, dotted with such trendy boutiques as Humble Olive Oils and Revolution (just off State St. on Carlsbad Village Dr.). Pick up colorful glasses, vases, and ornaments at Barrio Glassworks Mercantile, and drop by the locally beloved Aranelle, a locals’ favorite for women’s fashion and accessories since 2001. For artisan decor and home goods, be sure to stop into Mikaeli Rug, which features handmade rugs and textured pieces with global flair. Feel like expressing your own flair? Swing by Handled Pottery Studio, where you can browse finished ceramic pieces or even take a pottery-making class.

Where to Eat in Carlsbad

State St. is also home to alluring restaurants, like the local ingredients charred to perfection on Campfire’s wood grill or fresh seafood at Bluewater Grill. If you are looking to splurge and can make reservations in advance, Carlsbad has two Michelin-starred options: Jeune et Jolie, which offers a four-course menu of elevated French cuisine, and Lilo, where innovative small plates and impeccable service keep the 24-seat chef’s counter full.

Just down the road from Jeune et Jolie you’ll find Nick’s on State, an upscale-casual favorite offering gourmet comfort fare—think juicy burgers, meatloaf, and craft cocktails—in a buzzy patio setting. For a modern take on Italian in the Village, stop by 264 Fresco, where house-made pastas are served on an inviting deck overlooking the street. If a more clubby feel with entertainment appeals, wander into the warm, art-filled ambience of Le Papagayo—an eclectic, Mediterranean-inspired dining spot with live music.

Learn About Coastal Wetlands at a Lagoon

A few miles down the coast, at Agua Hedionda Lagoon, is the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation's Discovery Campus, which welcomes visitors—especially school-age children—to learn about the watershed, conservation, and the local ecosystems. Through hands-on exhibits, gardens, and animal “ambassadors,” grown-ups and kids alike will gain a first-hand understanding of the complexities and beauty of this 400-acre body of water, which is one of the threatened coastal wetlands on the Southern California coastline.

The lagoon—which many locals call Carlsbad Lagoon—is also a perfect spot for on-water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.

Carlsbad Running Events

It’s not all relaxation, nature, and culinary pleasures though—this city holds a special place in the hearts of serious runners. The oceanfront Carlsbad 5000, held at the end of March, is a flat-and-fast all-day event that can include everyone from toddlers to Olympians. January’s Carlsbad Marathon and Half-Marathon are equally popular, thanks to a breezy course and ocean views.

Certified Autism Centers in Carlsbad

Carlsbad is proud to be home to several Certified Autism Centers, making it a welcoming destination for travelers of all abilities. Attractions such as LEGOLAND California Resort and the Agua Hedionda Discovery Campus, plus the Museum of Making Music and others have earned certification for their staff training and inclusive visitor programs, ensuring that families with autistic family members can enjoy a safe and supportive Southern California getaway.