Quick Summary: There is a good reason why Carlsbad is called "The Village by the Sea." This small, affluent community about half way between San Diego and Los Angeles has the charm of an old European city and the atmosphere of a typical Californian coastal resort community. With seven miles of fine white sandy beaches, great restaurants and the perfect climate, the city is a popular weekend destination and a great place to live. Best things to do in Carlsbad with kids include Legoland California, Sea Life Aquarium and South Carlsbad State Beach.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

LEGOLAND California

© LEGOLAND California

South Carlsbad State Beach

© Courtesy of sherryv smith - Fotolia.com

Carlsbad Village

© Courtesy of pikappa51 - Fotolia.com

Museum of Making Music

© Museum of Making Music

Sea Life Aquarium

© Courtesy of Melastmohican - Fotolia.com

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

© Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

New Village Arts Theatre

© Courtesy of aerogondo - Fotolia.com

Cape Rey

Carlsbad Food Tours

© Courtesy ofKit Leong - Fotolia.com

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

© Courtesy of Alekss - Fotolia.com

Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center

© Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center

U-Pick Carlsbad Strawberry Company

© U-Pick Carlsbad Strawberry Company

Aviara Golf Club

© Courtesy of vectorfusionart - Fotolia.com

Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center

© Courtesy of TransientEternal - Fotolia.com

Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum - MECM

© Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum - MECM

Carlsbad Lagoon

© Courtesy of Andrea Izzotti - Fotolia.com

GIA Museum

© Courtesy of dipling - Fotolia.com

Rancho Carlsbad Golf Course

© Courtesy of FRANK - Fotolia.com

Carlsbad Premium Outlets

© Carlsbad Premium Outlets

The Crossings at Carlsbad

© The Crossings at Carlsbad

Carlsbad Village Farmers' Market

© Courtesy of aewitmer - Fotolia.com

Alga Norte Community Park

© Courtesy of Lynne Ann Mitchell - Fotolia.com

K1 Speed Carlsbad

© Nomad_Soul/stock.adobe.com

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