The Best Travel Guide to Carlsbad, California (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

All Travel Guides

United States

Carlsbad

Provided by: Kyle Sprague / Shutterstock.com

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

North America United States Carlsbad, California

Overview

Carlsbad, California The guide was updated: 2024-11-19

Nicknamed 'Village by the Sea,' Carlsbad enjoys seven miles of tidy, serene beaches along the Pacific coastline. This makes it perfect for swimming, sunbathing and surfing, all paired with a mild climate. Furthermore, Carlsbad has three lagoons, a lake, an aquarium, museums and shopping districts. As if that was not enough, the town's proximity to San Diego and Los Angeles provides a multitude of additional options within a short drive.

Facts

Population:	113,018 (2024)
Currency:	$1 U.S. = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	The San Diego Union-Tribune: www.sandiegouniontribune.com Carlsbad Patch: www.patch.com/california/carlsbad San Diego Reader: www.sandiegoreader.com The Coast News: www.thecoastnews.com
Website:	visitcarlsbad.com www.carlsbadca.gov
Opening hours:	Most stores are open seven days a week, 10am to 5pm, or later. Bars and clubs tend to close around 2am.
Tourist information:	Visit Carlsbad 400 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA

Read more

Section in Carlsbad, California

For an area just over 39 square miles, the amount of time it would take to fully explore the Carlsbad area is astounding. From hundreds of attractions to shopping of all types and bustling beaches to quiet lagoons, Carlsbad is a vacation spot that is more than just a 'Village by the Sea.'

Legoland California

Legoland California

Over 22,000 builds and 57 million bricks make up the park's collection of models ranging from a full-scale Star Wars 'X-wing' to miniatures of many U.S. cities. With rides, shows and restaurants, Legoland California is 128 acres of family fun.

The Flower Fields

The Flower Fields

Open from early March through early May., the fields of Carlsbad, California transform into a breathtaking spectacle of colors with blooming flowers. If you happen to be in the city for the season, make sure to go for a stroll across the fields or join a tractor ride through the area. A magnificent place for getting your photo taken or simply taking in the seemingly endless landscape of colors.

Copper Creek Falls Hike

Copper Creek Falls Hike

A little further outside of the city of Carlsbad, you can find the ruins of an old copper mine that was active during World War I, set next to a beautiful creek with waterfalls. The mines can be reached via a short hike from the main road in San Elijo and the paths are signposted.

So Cal Surf Lessons

So Cal Surf Lessons

Since 2004, the Carlsbadians of So Cal Surf Lessons have been teaching the art of riding the wave. Year round, you may learn to be 'one with the board' from safe, qualified, CPR and First Aid trained instructors, some of whom are professional surfers.

Carlsbad Skateboard Park

Carlsbad Skateboard Park

The world's first skate-park was completed here in Carlsbad in March of 1976. Get your knee and elbow pads, don your helmet and rip up the park that gave birth to a worldwide sport that everyone learned to love.

Tamarack Beach

Tamarack Beach

For a family-friendly, easily accessible beach, Carlsbad State Beach, also known as Tamarack Beach, is a safe bet. With spaces proper for many aquatic activities, accessible picnic areas, restrooms, showers and water fountains, this beach and nearby campground, are a great option for anyone hoping to enjoy the Carlsbad coastline.

Terramar Beach

Terramar Beach

If mild seclusion and stellar surf are high on your list of beach requirements, Terramar is for you. With soft sand and small, delicate reefs, this piece of coast produces wonderful waves. Due to the limited visibility of the access, this may be your best chance for a quiet day enjoying the beach. Be sure to arrive prepared for the time you plan to spend, as there are no restrooms or nearby stores.

Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas La Costa

Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas La Costa

For a tweak to your definition of 'Dinner and a Movie,' try this innovative theater experience. With seat-side waitstaff and full restaurant at your beckon call, electric, reclining leather seats with footrests and 21+ showings that boast a full bar, this is an experience to remember and, for some, an experience that will make you forget that you could ever see a movie any other way.

Sea Life Aquarium

Sea Life Aquarium

An amazing, interactive experience of the world's waters and their inhabitants, large and small. Sea Life Aquarium provides families with the opportunity to explore and learn about the exciting sea life.

Aviara Golf Club

Aviara Golf Club

The Park Hyatt Aviara Golf Club, designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, is celebrated as one of the best resort courses in the U.S. by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. This course offers stunning views over the Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Preserve, blending natural beauty with luxurious, modern amenities.

Champions & Legends Golf Courses

Champions & Legends Golf Courses

The fabulous Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, a true paradise, offers two 18-hole PGA Championship courses. The Champions & Legends courses offer tees for all skill levels and 30 years of golf tradition, so make sure to pay it a visit if you are into golf.

Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa

Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa

Voted number 1 for 'Best Massage' for three consecutive years, this spa, seated on the edge of downtown Carlsbad, uses and sells the same alkaline water that helped put its city on the map. It's also aptly located on the Historic site of the original artesian well.

Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center

Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center

As the host of many seminars, festivals and programs year-round, the Discovery Center has facilities for numerous water and land-based activities. The exploration of its three lagoons with its mud flats, marshes and deep waters, is a must for Carlsbad visitors.

Carlsbad Village Faire

Carlsbad Village Faire

Known as the largest single-day street fair nationwide, the bi-annual Carlsbad Village Faire hosts vendors of a myriad of unique wares, cuisine from around the world, a children's area and live entertainment in the beer and wine garden produced by The Rotary Club of Carlsbad. It takes place the first Sunday in May and the first Sunday in November in the Downtown Village of Carlsbad.

Museum of Making Music

Museum of Making Music

Galleries, interactive exhibits and an ongoing concert series will educate you, in a unique and fun way, about the history of music and musical instruments. Come experience and explore America's musical history and finesse.

K1 Speed

K1 Speed

The flagship K1 racetrack is the largest indoor go-kart racing track on the West Coast. With 60,000 square feet of track, housed within a 75,000 square foot building, the fun is nonstop and endless. You are going to love it.

Load more