Carlsbad California Vacation Guide

Beaches, Legoland, Music Museum and Flower Fields

Carlsbad California is a beach community roughly halfway between San Clemente and San Diego. Though Carlsbad weather is nearly perfect, there's plenty of other reasons to visit. Amtrak stops here and can take you north to San Clemente or south to San Diego for a day trip.

Carlsbad Village

This redeveloped shopping district lies in the area between the freeway and the beach, with Carlsbad Village Drive going right down the middle. Here, you can browse antique shops, art galleries, gift shops or surf shops. There are restaurants and a Starbucks as well.


Carlsbad Beaches

The entrance to Carlsbad State Beach is at Tamarack Ave., west of Carlsbad Boulevard. The beach is sandy and rocky with bluffs along the back. You can fish, swim and surf here. There are also restrooms.

Carlsbad Beach California

Carlsbad State Beach


A ways to the south is South Carlsbad State Beach, where there are blufftop campsites.


Legoland California

Legoland California This amusement park is a major draw to the area for families with little ones.
Click here for discount Legoland tickets

More about Legoland Carlsbad.


The Carlsbad Flower Fields

Take a little stroll through the Carlsbad Flower Fields. if you're there at the right season.


Museum Of Making Music

Located at 5790 Armada Drive, not far from Legoland, this museum is a must for music lovers. There are interactive displays ranging through the history of music, with hundreds of vintage instruments. A special room allows teens and adults to try out some instruments with headphones on. Get tickets for the Museum Of Making Music


Carlsbad Restaurants

There's nearly 100 restaurants in Carlsbad, suiting all tastes and budgets. For a casual, inexpensive fish & chips lunch sitting outdoors by the beach, the Harbor Fish Cafe is right there in the center of things.

There's a Ruby's Diner off of Palomar Mountain Road if you want some breakfast on the way to Legoland. BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse has a great selection of gourmet burgers and sandwiches. There's also an Islands in Carlsbad.

And there's French, Italian, Armenian, Mexican, and of course seafood restaurants to choose from.


Carlsbad California Hotels

Click here for special deals in Carlsbad


Carlsbad California Hotels Are you looking for hotels near the beach or Legoland or somewhere in between? A resort or budget hotel? Some of the more popular Carlsbad area hotels include the Hilton Garden Inn, the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, the West Inn & Suites and the Beach Terrace Inn.


Carlsbad Vacation Rentals

For a more extended stay, check out the current listings for Carlsbad California Vacation Rentals.

Carlsbad Beach lifeguard tower at dusk

Carlsbad State Beach Lifeguard Tower



Agua Hedionda Lagoon

Located at 4215 Harrison Street, this lagoon features the Snug Harbor Marina where you can enjoy fishing, boating and water skiing. A boat ramp, restrooms, food and bait is available at the marina.


Batiquitos Lagoon

These freshwater wetlands have been restored. It's just south of Carlsbad and features trails and birdwatching.





View Southern California Beaches in a larger map

Map Of Carlsbad California





Carlsbad Events & Festivals

Annual happenings in Carlsbad include The Village Faire and Art In The Village.

Art In The Village is a summer fair held each August. Art lovers can view works from around 150 artists, with some giving demonstrations and lessons. There is also some live music (acoustic) to accompany your strolling and browsing.

The Carlsbad Village Faire happens in early November. This is a really big event, with over 850 vendors. There are all kinds of food vendors and kiddy rides to round out the perusing of arts, crafts, antiques and clothes. Free shuttles operate from the Westfield Shoppingtown Plaza and the Poinsettia Coaster Station.




Latest Beach News In Carlsbad California

November 2011

Friends Raise Money For Carlsbad Beaches
At the Halloween Spooktacular fundraiser at San Elijo State Beach, The Friends Of Cardiff & Carlsbad State Beaches were able to raise $9500 to go towards the local beaches. This money will help with improvements, family events and more.




Further Resources:

Carlsbad weather

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