The Best Beach Hotels in Carlsbad, California

With space and privacy to kick your feet up and say “ah,” the Beach Terrace Inn fills every moment with little luxuries. These former apartments have spacious rooms to lounge in when you’re not soaking in the rays at the pool. Should the private beachfront of this Carlsbad hotel not be large enough for your liking, Carlsbad State Beach, including Tamarack Surf Beach, is a seashell’s toss to the south. You could also hop on a train at the Carlsbad Village station across the street to explore the surrounding area.

Supreme California living for the budget traveler is the name of the game at Ocean Palms Beach Resort in Carlsbad. With its pool, hot tub, and fitness center, the hotel has it all, but don’t plan on hanging out in your apartment-like suite. Carlsbad City Beach is just across the street, beckoning you to dive in. As the sun sets on this top-rated hotel, you’ll wonder why you don’t just move in and wake up to the waves every morning.

South Carlsbad has something for the whole family, and you can access it all from the Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach. SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, and other attractions are a half-hour away, while Carlsbad Village’s best dining and shopping are within a 10-minute drive. Not sure where to head first? Think it over under the California sun on your suite’s patio, in the outdoor pool, or among the sand crabs along Carlsbad Beach.

Catch royal rays on the luxurious oceanfront pool deck at Cape Rey. Too much sun in your eyes? Perhaps a private cabana at this beachfront resort in Carlsbad will do the trick. Of course, the private balcony of your ocean-facing suite provides the right amount of shade and the perfect spot for whale watching. Prefer bath salt to sea salt? The Ocean Crest Spa uses custom-blended spa products for its full-body treatments and massages for unrivaled regal pampering.

Follow the I-5 20 minutes south of Carlsbad to be whisked away by the effortless charm of Cardiff by the Sea Lodge. This dreamy Carlsbad hotel has serene views of the San Elijo State Beach from its rooftop garden. With cozy fireplaces and jet tubs in some rooms and ocean or garden views, the hotel has everything you need for a relaxing stay. Add your favorite book or bottle of wine into the mix as the crashing waves and cooing gulls help you disappear into paradise.

Scheduling a business trip to SoCal? Treat your employees (and yourself) right with a stay at the oceanside Tamarack Beach Resort. The rooms include everything from coffee makers and refrigerators to DVD players and irons with boards. Hit an early-morning workout at the fitness center, then punch the clock and kick it with your co-workers with a game of pool in the rec room. Although there are conference and event spaces on-site, there’s a huge meeting space right across the street – Carlsbad State Beach.

With a state-of-the-art fitness center, two relaxing hot tubs, and sweeping ocean views that never get old, Carlsbad Seapointe Resort is paradise. However, the kids will likely ignore the beach and beg you to visit Legoland California instead. When you’re not buying another 100 mini bricks, take advantage of this Carlsbad beachfront hotel’s separate kiddie pool, playground, and host of fun activities for the little ones. It also provides free transportation to 7 Mile Kitchen, where a well-deserved bottle of wine awaits you.

With a steam room for the parents, a game room for the kiddos, and an on-site brewery and restaurant with local IPAs and chicken fingers, the Grand Pacific Palisades makes a family vacay a great one from start to finish. Directly across from the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch and only a few steps more to the beach, these upscale condos are fit for the whole family.

Stoked for your surfing trip to SoCal? Surfhouse Boutique Hotel in Carlsbad will give you the ultimate surf-inspired experience. Drop into Encinitas’s waves with a rented surfboard, or ride up and down the sand on a beach cruiser. Bum it on the beach, or bend into a yoga session as you get comfortable in the California lifestyle. Staying a little longer than most? Ask about the Surfhouse Van, and take your journey on the road for a few days.

We’ve got 100 reasons why Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort is a fantastic weekend getaway, 25 of which are its weekly activities. Anyone up for pizza bingo or karaoke? Casino night or wine night? How about farmers’ markets, cinema under the stars and a bon voyage party with live music? There’s a full schedule of activities; all that’s missing is you. If you just want some solo time on the beach, the staff will gladly provide you with beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, and boogie boards.