How To Spend A Day In Carlsbad California

Just a short drive or train ride from Los Angeles or San Diego, laid-back Carlsbad provides a sea-swept getaway. Visitors are drawn to the area for its beautiful stretch of coastline and gorgeous beaches, while Carlsbad Village offers numerous shopping and dining opportunities at a relaxed pace. Here are 15 places to visit with various activities in the city known as the “Village by the Sea.”

State Street Farmers Market
The State Street Farmers Market takes over Carlsbad Village every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., year-round. The pedestrian-friendly strip features close to 20 produce vendors, 25 packaged food vendors, a handful of artisans, and a half-dozen vendors serving up cooked meals. Shoppers might find fresh-cut flowers, seasonal fruits and vegetables, olive oil, dips, cookies, jams, or even cheesecake-in-a-cup. Many vendors offer samples to help shoppers select their purchases.
State Street Farmers Market, 2907 State Street, Carlsbad, CA, USA +1 760 453 7076

Barrel Republic
Barrel Republic is a popular beer bar in Carlsbad Village with open windows that face the bustling street. It’s unique not just for the sheer number of craft beers and ciders it serves—more than 50—but in how they are served. Guests receive a wristband, which allows them to pour their own beer from the numerous taps located around the pub. You can select which size glass you’d like to use, then choose your beer. Cicerones are available for those who need help deciding. Food includes hearty bar fare, such as mac and cheese, pickle chips, burgers, flatbreads, and more.
Barrel Republic, 2961 State Street, Carlsbad, CA, USA +1 760 841 8404

Campfire

Campfire offers meals cooked over—as the name implies—a flame. Meats and vegetables are obvious fares, yet the folks here also incorporate this focus into their craft cocktails. The menu is divided into a raw bar, or seafood, vegetables, and larger meat entrees. The roasted broccoli is a must, and any meal is perfectly finished with the quintessential campfire dessert: S’mores! Guests roast the marshmallows themselves at their table. An airy, rustic feel and solid wooden tables expertly blend the beach-town feel with a woodsy ambiance.
Campfire, 2725 State Street, Carlsbad, CA, USA +1 760 637 5121

The Carlsbad Flower Fields
The Carlsbad Flower Fields are in full bloom for about six to eight weeks each spring. Established in its current location in the 1960s, guests can take wagon tours of the property, try to escape a pretty sweet pea maze, purchase fresh-cut flowers, and gaze at a 50-acre field of vibrant Giant Tecolote Ranunculuses.
Carlsbad Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, CA, USA +1 760 431 0352

There are 50 acres of gorgeous Ranunculus flowers

Argyle Steakhouse

The gorgeous Park Hyatt Aviara offers beautiful views, a lush golf course, and expertly landscaped grounds. It’s a splendid place to stay, but you don’t have to book a room to enjoy the scenery. The Argyle Steakhouse is open for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on the weekends. Patio seating offers divine views of Batiquitos Lagoon, and happy hour is daily from 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Argyle Steakhouse, Park Hyatt Aviara Restaurant, 7447 Batiquitos Dr, Carlsbad, CA, USA +1 760 603 6908

LEGOLAND

Kids and fun-loving adults alike will want to hit up LEGOLAND, a theme park dedicated to the colorful building blocks. More than 60 rides and attractions are spread out over numerous areas, including the dinosaur-themed Explorer Island, Miniland USA, and the medieval-themed Castle Hill. Families can also visit the Sea Life Aquarium, add on a visit to LEGOLAND Water Park, or book a stay in one of the LEGOLAND California Resorts. Amenities include themed rooms, a heated pool, a scavenger hunt for kids, and early access to the park.
LEGOLAND, 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA, USA +1 877 376 5346
Craftsmanship Museum

The Joe Martin Foundation Craftsmanship Museum features a collection of model and miniature engines, as well as an intricate machine called the Do Nothing Machine that, well, does nothing. The facility also hosts a fully stocked machine shop, where guests can watch machinists at work. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except holidays. Admission is free, although donations are accepted (and tax-deductible).
Craftmanship Museum, 3190 Lionshead Avenue, Carslbad, CA, USA +1 760 727 9492

Hit the beach
It goes without saying that one of Carlsbad’s major draws is its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and many beaches. Carlsbad State Beach, sometimes referred to as Tamarack Beach, offers numerous water activities and fishing, plus a 4-mile paved path for walking, jogging, and cycling. Amenities include picnic areas, restrooms, and spigots for rinsing away the sand. South Ponto Beach is popular with families and surfers, and has public restrooms and showers. South Carlsbad State Beach features a campground that gets busy in the warm summer months. It is located near a Camp Store for sundries, and across from Cape Rey Hotel, where campers can stop by for a meal or, perhaps, if feeling particularly indulgent, a spa treatment.

Carlsbad is known for its gorgeous beaches

Museum of Making Music
The Museum of Making Music is located on the first floor of the non-profit National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). Here, guests can learn about and view musical instruments used in various genres throughout history. Some of the instruments are available to be played by visitors. Admission is $10, or $7 for students, seniors, and active military. Closed Mondays and select holidays, otherwise open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, with free parking.
Museum of Making Music, 5790 Armada Dr, Carlsbad, CA, USA +1 760 438 5996

The Chopra Center

The Chopra Center was founded in 1996 by author Deepak Chopra. Here, guests can engage in wellness activities including yoga and meditation, while the spa offers Ayurvedic treatments. The Center is located at the Omni La Costa Resort, which has its own spa. The Spa at La Costa features its own treatments, including scrubs, facials, massages, nail and hair services, and more.

La Costa Resort and Spa, 2100 Costa del Mar Road, Carslbad, CA, USA +1 760 438 9111
Lee Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

The former ranch of actor Lee Carrillo is a Historic National Landmark, and the 27-acre property has been open to visitors since 2003. The bucolic scene includes trees, roaming peacocks, windmills, and long-standing adobe structures. A walking tour, which guests can arrange with a guide or explore alone, provides both exercise and education.
Lee Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln, Carlsbad, CA, USA +1 760 476 1042

The Crossings at Carlsbad
Carlsbad boasts many lovely, sprawling golf courses. In particular, The Crossings is an 18-hole course designed by landscape architect Greg Nash, where players enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean. Each hole has five different teeing areas, which allow golfers to customize the course to their own skill level. A large clubhouse features a golf shop and dining options.
The Crossings at Carlsbad, 5800 The Crossings Dr, Carlsbad, CA, USA +1 760 444 1800

Visit a lagoon
Carlsbad has not one, but three lagoons. Batiquitos Lagoon is the largest of the three at 561 acres. A 1.3-mile trail draws joggers, walkers, and hikers, and guided tours of the area are available. Those with a license may also fish in select areas.The Buena Vista Lagoon is an ecological preserve popular with bird watchers, as it is home to more than 100 different species of birds. Agua Hedionda Lagoon is the smallest at 66 acres, and can be used for boating, water skiing, windsurfing, and fishing with proper permits.
Carlsbad Lagoon, 4215 Harrison Street, Carlsbad, CA, USA +1 760 434 3089

The Gemological Institute of America Museum (GIA)
The GIA is dedicated to the study of gems, and also establishes standards of quality when it comes to the trade of gems and pearls. The Institute’s museum is open to the public during weekday business hours by appointment, and both self-guided and docent-led tours are available. Exhibits focus on both the science and physical beauty of gems and minerals, as well as intricate and dazzling jewelry. To book a tour, guests may email guestservices@gia.edu or call 1-800-421-7250, ext. 4116, or 1-760-603-4116.
The Gemological Institute of America Museum, 5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA, USA +1 760 603 4000

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