Here are the best things to do in Carlsbad, CA – where there are beautiful beaches, amusement park, shopping places, seasonal events, and many more!
About Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad is a coastal city in San Diego County, California. It’s between LA and San Diego, but a bit closer to SD. I live in San Diego, and often visit Carlsbad for many reasons.
How To Access To Carlsbad From San Diego
By Car
You need to go up north on freeway I-5, it takes about 45 mins from San Diego Airport.
By Train
You can get a train “Coaster” from Santa Fe (Downtown San Diego), and take off at Carlsbad Village station or Carlsbad Poinsettia station.
How To Access To Carlsbad From LA
By Car
It takes 1.5h to 2h from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) or Downtown L.A.. Be noted that you might find a traffic in Summer.
By Train
You can get Surfliner to Oceanside, and then get a ride on Coaster or bus to Carlsbad.
Carlsbad Flower Fields
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This is one of famous things in Carlsbad, The flower fields! It opens only about 2 months in Spring though, it’s very popular!
You need to buy a tickets and you can get it online.
- Ticket : Online Purchase Available
- Kids Friendly / Family attraction
- Food venders inside
- Parking : Free
Lego Land California
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Lego Land is popular for kids! The ticket is not cheap, however it’s always one of the most famous destinations in San Diego for a family.
Beautiful Beaches in Carlsbad
There are some State Beaches in Carlsbad, and you can have a beautiful ocean view and sunset there. Yes it gets crowded in Summer, because people love these beautiful beaches, of course me too!
Carlsbad State Beach
Carlsbad State Beach is located closer to Carlsbad Village.
- Park Hours 6:00am- 11:00pm
- Dogs are prohibited
South Carlsbad State Beach
This beach is closer to Carlsbad Poinsettia station.
- Park Hours : Dawn to sunset
- Dogs are prohibited on beach, Dogs allowed only in campground.
Carlsbad Premium Outlet
If you love shopping, Carlsbad Premium Outlet is where you need to go! There are a lot of shops from sportswear brand to high-end brand, kitchen stuff, furniture, etc.
- Tory Burch
- Kate Spade
- Michal Kors
- Coach
- Banana Republic Factory
- Polo
- Nike
- Calvin Klein
- Carters
- GAP factory
- Le creuset
- and more!
Noted that you should expect long lines on holiday season.
Windmill Food Hall
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If you drive around Carlsbad, you will see a windmill even from freeway I-5. There is a food hall where you can enjoy pizza, burger, taco, sushi, boba, Thai food, etc.
Carlsbad Village
You can walk to Carlsbad Village from Carlsbad Village Station. It’s a mall where you can find restaurants, cafes, shops, and etc. Personally i like the shop named Mermaids where you can find beach vibes products! I bought a cute sticker!
Carlsbad might be not known by many people, although there is beautiful beaches, seasonal events, shops, and more to enjoy!
