Carlsbad, a city in California located near San Diego, is often nicknamed as “The Village by The Sea” due to its renowned beaches like the South Carlsbad State Beach and Tamarack Surf Beach. Moreover, Carlsbad is known for housing the Sea Life Aquarium and a waterpark.
Among other attractions, Carlsbad is home to LEGOLand California, and the Flower Fields where tourists can walk among acres of flowers. There is also the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, where stunning peacocks roam free.
Carlsbad is often described as having the charm of an old city in Europe, while maintaining its fun coastal Californian atmosphere. It has many restaurants and is famous for its pleasant weather, making it an ideal location to sit back, enjoy a nice meal, and look out at the stunning beachfront views.
Here’s our list of the best and most fun things to do in Carlsbad, California
The 97 Most Popular Things To Do In Carlsbad, California
97. The Royal Joust
3.0 (1 review)
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
96. Legoland Drive
3.0 (2 reviews)
95. Coast Cruise
5.0 (2 reviews)
Credit: solyanka, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
Web Address: https://legoland.com/california/
94. Imagination Zone
4.5 (2 reviews)
Location: Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
Web Address: http://legoland.com/
93. Carlsbad Historical Society
5.0 (3 reviews)
Credit: Marian Bohus, Google Maps
Location: 258 Beech Ave Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 434 9189
Web Address: http://carlsbadhistoricalsociety.com/
92. Pirate Reef
4.0 (5 reviews)
Location: 1577 MarBrisa Cir Carlsbad CA
91. Terramar Beach
4.7 (6 reviews)
Credit: Chris Hunkeler, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Carlsbad CA
90. Denk Mountain
5.0 (6 reviews)
Credit: Carson Chiavatti, Google Maps
Location: Horned Lizard Trail Carlsbad CA
89. The Lego Movie World
4.9 (8 reviews)
Credit: Justin Symington, Google Maps
Location: Carlsbad CA
Web Address: http://legoland.com/
88. Emmet’s Flying Adventure – Masters of Flight
4.6 (8 reviews)
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
Web Address: https://legoland.com/california/things-to-do/theme-park/rides/emmet-s-flying-adventure-ride/
87. Buena Vista Lagoon
4.8 (9 reviews)
86. Copper Creek Falls
4.3 (9 reviews)
Location: Carlsbad CA
85. Oceanside Pier
4.7 (10 reviews)
84. Front Porch Gallery
4.8 (10 reviews)
Credit: Mathijs de Wit, Google Maps
Location: 2903 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 795 6120
Web Address: http://frontporchgallery.org/
83. Safari Trek
3.4 (11 reviews)
Credit: wiredforlego, License, Flickr
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
82. Downtown Vista
4.5 (13 reviews)
Location: 134 100 S na Ave Vista CA
81. Carlsbad-Oceanside Art League
4.6 (16 reviews)
Credit: Alexandra, Google Maps
Location: 300 Carlsbad Village Dr # 101 Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 434 8497
Web Address: https://northcoastalartgallery.com/
80. Double Peak
4.9 (19 reviews)
Credit: Jim Mullhaupt, License, Flickr
79. Lego City Deep Sea Adventure
4.6 (20 reviews)
Credit: Steven Bacon, Google Maps
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
78. Tide Beach Park
3.9 (21 reviews)
Credit: Galyna Gutsol, Google Maps
77. Dino Island
4.7 (25 reviews)
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
76. Vista Historical Society
4.6 (28 reviews)
Credit: Ankit Patel, Google Maps
Location: 2317 Old Foothill Dr Vista CA
Tel: 760 630 0444
Web Address: https://vistahistoricalsociety.com/
75. Lego Technic Coaster
4.8 (31 reviews)
Credit: wiredforlego, License, Flickr
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
Tel: 877 376 5346
Web Address: https://legoland.com/california/things-to-do/theme-park/rides/lego-technic-coaster/
74. DUPLO Playtown
4.6 (35 reviews)
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
73. Grafted Cellars
4.7 (43 reviews)
Credit: Grafted Cellars, Google Maps
Location: 2379 La Mirada Dr Vista CA
Tel: 760 295 6612
Web Address: http://graftedcellars.com/
72. Lake Calavera Preserve
4.6 (44 reviews)
Location: Oak Riparian Park 4625 Lake Blvd Oceanside CA
71. Calavera Lake
4.5 (45 reviews)
Credit: alicezeppelin, License, Wikimedia commons
70. LEGOLAND California Water Park
4.2 (53 reviews)
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
Web Address: https://legoland.com/california/things-to-do/water-park/
69. LEGO Ninjago: The Ride
4.6 (53 reviews)
Credit: A.S.K Tutorials And More, Google Maps
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
Tel: 888 690 5346
Web Address: https://legoland.com/florida/things-to-do/theme-park/rides-attractions/lego-ninjago-the-ride/
68. Agua Hedionda Lagoon
4.4 (58 reviews)
Credit: ABM California, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Lagoon Pl Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 804 1969
Web Address: https://aguahedionda.org/
67. San Dieguito Heritage Museum at the Heritage Ranch
4.5 (59 reviews)
Credit: Jay Clark, Google Maps
Location: 450 Quail Gardens Dr Encinitas CA
Tel: 760 632 9711
Web Address: http://sdheritage.org/
66. Batiquitos Lagoon
4.7 (62 reviews)
Credit: Pacific Southwest Region, License, Wikimedia commons
65. Buccaneer Beach
4.5 (69 reviews)
Credit: Tanner Yates, Google Maps
Location: 1530124900 Oceanside CA
64. San Dieguito River Park – Santa Fe Valley Trail
4.7 (82 reviews)
Credit: Steve Ramirez, Google Maps
Location: 8173 Del Dios Road San Diego CA
63. Carlsbad State Beach
4.8 (83 reviews)
Credit: Visitor7, License, Wikimedia commons
Web Address: http://parks.ca.gov/
62. Rancho Buena Vista Adobe
4.9 (85 reviews)
Location: 640 Alta Vista Dr Vista CA
Tel: 760 639 6164
61. Rancho La Costa Reserve
4.7 (99 reviews)
Credit: Markus Stampfli, Google Maps
Location: La Costa Oaks San Marcos CA
60. Carlsbad City Beach
4.9 (106 reviews)
Location: 3001 Ocean Street Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 434 2820
59. La Costa Canyon Park
4.6 (110 reviews)
Credit: David D’Ambrosio, Google Maps
Location: 3018 Pueblo Street Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 602 4690
Web Address: https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/38/7400
58. Rancho Guajome Adobe
4.8 (127 reviews)
Credit: Justin Symington, Google Maps
Location: 2210 N Santa Fe Ave Vista CA
Tel: 760 724 4082
Web Address: http://sandiegocounty.gov/parks/ranchoguajomeadobe.html
57. Buena Vista Audubon Society
4.6 (130 reviews)
Credit: J.J. Springer, Google Maps
Location: 2202 S Coast Hwy Oceanside CA
Tel: 760 439 2473
Web Address: http://bvaudubon.org/
56. Twin Oaks Golf Course
4.2 (141 reviews)
Credit: Twin Oaks Golf Course, Google Maps
Location: 1425 N Twin Oaks Valley Road San Marcos CA
Tel: 760 591 4700
Web Address: https://jcgolf.com/san-diego-golf-courses/twin-oaks/
55. Encinitas Ranch Golf Course
4.5 (147 reviews)
Credit: Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, Google Maps
Location: 1275 Quail Gardens Dr Encinitas CA
Tel: 760 944 1936
Web Address: https://encinitasranchgolf.com/
54. Castle Hill
4.5 (172 reviews)
Location: The Hideaways 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
53. Calavera Nature Preserve
4.5 (181 reviews)
Location: 4028 Peninsula Dr Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 434 2826
Web Address: http://preservecalavera.org/
52. Discovery Lake
4.8 (226 reviews)
Credit: shmyla siddiqui, Google Maps
Location: 650 Foxhall Dr San Marcos CA
Tel: 760 744 1050
Web Address: https://san-marcos.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/164/1078
51. El Camino Country Club
4.3 (258 reviews)
Credit: El Camino Country Club, Google Maps
Location: 3202 Vista Way Oceanside CA
Tel: 760 757 2100
Web Address: http://elcaminoclub.com/
50. State Street Farmers Market
4.6 (259 reviews)
Credit: Jason Rosenberg, License, Flickr
Location: 2907 Streetate Street Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 453 7076
Web Address: https://carlsbad-village.com/events/farmers-market
49. Hidden Canyon Community Park
4.6 (266 reviews)
Credit: Rebecca Fuller, Google Maps
Location: 2685 Vancouver Street Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 602 4684
Web Address: https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/32/7400
48. Alga Norte Aquatic Center
4.7 (286 reviews)
Location: 6565 Alicante Road Carlsbad CA
Tel: 442 339 5777
Web Address: https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/64/7401
47. Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation
4.7 (286 reviews)
Credit: Karen Vranjes, Google Maps
Location: 7380 Gabbiano Ln Carlsbad CA
Tel: 442 320 7009
Web Address: http://batiquitoslagoon.org/
46. Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation (Discovery Center)
4.7 (287 reviews)
Credit: Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation (Discovery Center), Google Maps
Location: 1580 Cannon Road Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 804 1969
Web Address: http://aguahedionda.org/
45. Magee Park
4.4 (287 reviews)
Credit: Orignaux Moose, License, Flickr
Location: 258 Beech Ave Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 602 7513
Web Address: https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/46/7400
44. Calavera Hills Community Park
4.6 (288 reviews)
Credit: Teresa Dominici, Google Maps
Location: 2997 Glasgow Dr Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 602 4680
43. Stagecoach Community Park
4.6 (307 reviews)
Location: 3420 Camino De Los Coches Carlsbad CA
Tel: 442 339 2690
Web Address: https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/22/
42. San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center
4.6 (320 reviews)
Location: 2710 Manchester Ave Cardiff CA
Tel: 760 634 3026
Web Address: http://sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/SanElijo.html
41. iFLY Indoor Skydiving – San Diego Oceanside
4.8 (356 reviews)
Credit: iFLY Indoor Skydiving – San Diego Oceanside, Google Maps
Location: 3178 Vista Way Oceanside CA
Tel: 760 606 4359
Web Address: https://iflyworld.com/oceanside/
40. Pirate Shores
4.6 (360 reviews)
Credit: ..Russ.., License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
39. Aviara Community Park
4.7 (397 reviews)
Credit: Rebecca Fuller, Google Maps
Location: 6435 Ambrosia Ln Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 434 2826
Web Address: http://carlsbadca.gov/
38. The Wave Waterpark
4.4 (404 reviews)
Location: 101 Wave Dr Vista CA
Tel: 760 940 9283
Web Address: http://thewavewaterpark.com/
37. Oak Riparian Park
4.6 (431 reviews)
Credit: Visit Oceanside, Google Maps
Location: 4625 Lake Blvd Oceanside CA
Web Address: https://ci.oceanside.ca.us/gov/ns/parks/amenities/parks.asp
36. Hosp Grove Park
4.5 (465 reviews)
Credit: Roman Margold, Google Maps
Location: Jefferson Street Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 696 9696
35. Buena Vista Park
4.6 (500 reviews)
Location: 1601 Shadowridge Dr Vista CA
Tel: 760 726 1340
34. Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum
4.7 (521 reviews)
Location: 2040 N Santa Fe Ave Vista CA
Tel: 760 941 1791
Web Address: http://agsem.com/
33. Grandview Surf Beach
4.6 (538 reviews)
Credit: Bryce Bradford, License, Flickr
Web Address: http://encinitasca.gov/index.aspx
32. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens
4.6 (547 reviews)
Credit: Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, Google Maps
Location: 1270 Vale Terrace Dr Vista CA
Tel: 760 945 3954
Web Address: https://altavistabotanicalgardens.org/
31. Holiday Park
4.4 (566 reviews)
Location: 1055 Chestnut Ave Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 602 7513
30. Terramar Point
4.7 (590 reviews)
Credit: Saumil Shah, Google Maps
Location: 5399 County Hwy S21 Carlsbad CA
Web Address: http://terra-mar-point.keeq.io/
29. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
4.7 (728 reviews)
Credit: scerruti, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln Carlsbad CA
Tel: 442 339 5042
Web Address: https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/48/7400
28. San Dieguito Park
4.7 (728 reviews)
Credit: Noel Meza, Google Maps
Location: 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr Del Mar CA
Tel: 858 755 2386
Web Address: https://sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/SanDieguito.html
27. The Crossings at Carlsbad
4.5 (741 reviews)
Credit: Bovlb, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 5800 The Crossings Dr Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 444 1800
Web Address: http://thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com/
26. Poinsettia Park
4.6 (824 reviews)
Location: 6600 Hidden Valley Road Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 268 4784
Web Address: https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/44/
25. North Ponto Beach
4.6 (843 reviews)
Credit: Sam Trenholme, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 6039 6325 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 720 7001
Web Address: http://parks.ca.gov/
24. Annie’s Canyon Trail
4.8 (893 reviews)
Credit: Mohammad Ahmed, Google Maps
Location: 498 450 Solana Hills Dr Solana Beach CA
Tel: 760 436 3944
Web Address: https://thenaturecollective.org/location/annies-canyon-trail/
23. Sunset Park
4.7 (997 reviews)
Credit: Bill Gracey, License, Flickr
Location: 909 Puesta Del Sol San Marcos CA
Tel: 760 744 9000
22. K1 Speed – Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities
4.6 (1,050 reviews)
Credit: K1 Speed – Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities, Google Maps
Location: 6212 Corte Del Abeto Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 929 2225
Web Address: https://k1speed.com/carlsbad-location.html
21. Carlsbad Strawberry Company
4.2 (1,070 reviews)
Credit: Rob Bertholf, License, Flickr
Location: 1050 Cannon Road Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 603 9608
Web Address: https://carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/
20. Fun Town
4.6 (1,140 reviews)
Credit: jill, jellidonut… whatever, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
Web Address: http://legoland.com/
19. Alga Norte Community Park
4.8 (1,249 reviews)
Location: 6565 Alicante Road Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 434 2826
Web Address: https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/10/7417
18. Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
4.7 (1,295 reviews)
Credit: juanita reyes, Google Maps
Location: 8833 Harmony Grove Road Escondido CA
Tel: 760 632 4212
Web Address: https://elfinforest.olivenhain.com/
17. Double Peak Park
4.8 (1,324 reviews)
Credit: Jim Mullhaupt, License, Flickr
Location: 900 Double Peak Dr San Marcos CA
Tel: 760 744 9000- -3500
Web Address: https://san-marcos.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/803/1080
16. Carlsbad State Beach
4.8 (1,351 reviews)
Web Address: http://parks.ca.gov/
15. Brengle Terrace Park
4.6 (1,361 reviews)
Location: 1200 Vale Terrace Dr Vista CA
Tel: 760 639 6151
Web Address: http://vistarecreation.com/
14. Boomers Vista
4.1 (1,363 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Flickr
Location: 1525 W Vista Way Vista CA
Tel: 760 945 9474
Web Address: http://boomersvista.com/
13. Buccaneer Park
4.5 (1,860 reviews)
Location: 1506 S Pacific Street Oceanside CA
Tel: 760 435 5041
Web Address: http://ci.oceanside.ca.us/
12. Tamarack Surf Beach
4.7 (2,051 reviews)
Web Address: http://visitusa.com/california/beaches/orange-county/carlsbad-citybeach.htm
11. Oceanside Harbor Beach
4.7 (2,219 reviews)
Web Address: https://ci.oceanside.ca.us/gov/pw/harbor/default.asp
10. SEA LIFE Aquarium
4.5 (2,890 reviews)
Credit: Coughdrop12, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: LEGOLAND California Resort 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 786 0034
Web Address: https://legoland.com/california/things-to-do/sea-life-aquarium/
Our Top picks
9. Carlsbad Ranch
4.6 (146 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 431 0352
Web Address: http://theflowerfields.com/
8. Museum of Making Music
4.7 (598 reviews)
Credit: Bigsby double-neck guitar, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 5790 Armada Dr Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 438 5996
Web Address: https://museumofmakingmusic.org/
7. Miniland USA
4.7 (700 reviews)
Credit: jill, jellidonut… whatever, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
Tel: 877 376 5346
Web Address: https://legoland.com/florida/things-to-do/theme-park/rides-attractions/miniland-usa/
6. South Carlsbad State Beach
4.6 (1,044 reviews)
Web Address: http://parks.ca.gov/
5. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
4.6 (1,626 reviews)
Location: 7201 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 438 3143
Web Address: http://parks.ca.gov/southcarlsbad
4. San Diego Botanic Garden
4.7 (2,623 reviews)
Location: Quail Gardens Drive and Ecke Ranch Road Encinitas CA
Tel: 760 436 3036
Web Address: http://sdbg.org/
3. The Flower Fields
4.6 (5,202 reviews)
Credit: moonjazz, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad CA
Tel: 760 431 0352
Web Address: http://theflowerfields.com/
2. Oceanside Municipal Fishing Pier
4.7 (10,700 reviews)
Location: Pier Oceanside CA
Tel: 800 350 7873
Web Address: http://visitoceanside.org/oceanside-pier
1. LEGOLAND California
4.5 (29,123 reviews)
Location: One Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA
Tel: 888 690 5346
Web Address: https://legoland.com/california/
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Carlsbad, California! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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