Carlsbad, California: Theme Parks & Coastal Charm

LEGOLAND California Resort promises fun for all ages and is one of the best things to do in Carlsbad, California. Located just half an hour north of San Diego, the hands-on theme park is home to over 60 themed rides, interactive attractions, and shows for children between the ages of two and twelve, while SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park provide entertainment for the whole family.

LEGOLAND Water Park boasts LEGO Legends of CHIMA Water Park, which takes your imagination on an amazing journey with an amazing Lion Temple Wave Pool, terrifying crocodile swamp, and an interactive Build-a-Boat section, as well as Build-A-Raft River, and two sandy beaches. Shows and events at the park include Holiday Snow Days, Winter Nights, Jingle Jammers, and Mini Figure Trading, and guests have a choice of visiting for the day or staying longer in the themed LEGOLAND Hotel.

One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA, Phone: 760-918-5346

Watch a 2-minute video of LEGOLAND highlights.

South Carlsbad State Beach is a beautiful stretch of protected coastline that offers an array of outdoor activities to enjoy. White sand, coastal bluffs, and warm water make it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike – come and enjoy swimming, surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling, fishing, beachcombing, and picnicking. South Carlsbad State Beach is one of the top Carlsbad attractions.

The bluffs above the beach offer excellent camping, and the 220-site South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is very popular with easy access to the beach and amenities such as bathrooms with showers, electricity, and water, Wi-Fi, and a camp store.

Boasting an array of shops, restaurants, hotels, and many other services, Carlsbad Village is the heart and soul of Carlsbad. It is located in the downtown commercial area of Carlsbad and is easily accessible on foot, which is, in fact, the best way to explore the area and all it has to offer. If you are wondering what to do in Carlsbad today, this is a great place to start exploring.

Stop in at the Witch Creek Wine Tasting Shop for a sample of some of California’s best vintages or enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafés dotted around the area. Visit the Alt Karlsbad Hanse House on Carlsbad Boulevard, a famous landmark that is the site of the first mineral water spa in the village dating back to the 1880s, and a good place to indulge in a mineral spa treatment or massage. Stroll through the Carlsbad Village Farmer’s Market held on Wednesdays and pick some fresh local fruits and vegetables or enjoy a drink at one of several buzzing bars and hot night spots that draw lively crowds in the evenings.

Carlsbad Village Association, 2788 State St., Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-453-7076

If you are traveling with kids:

The Museum of Making Music is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the music products industry. Established in 2000, the museum features an array of special exhibitions and it hosts innovative concerts and educational programs, features that focus on providing cultural enrichment as well as preserving musical heritage.

Permanent interactive exhibitions are organized in chronological order and showcase the historical milestones, popular music, and instruments of several different eras, include vintage instruments and audio and video clips. Twice a year, special exhibitions are presented alongside modern music presentations and workshops that highlight the music of both local talent and renowned international and national musicians. The Museum of Making Music is open Tuesday through Sunday, and group tours can be organized in advance.

5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-438-5996

Sea Life Aquarium is a family-friendly interactive sea aquarium located on Legoland Drive in Carlsbad. The aquarium is home to more than 5,000 sea creatures that represent over 200 species, some of which include clownfish, octopus, rays, sea horses, and sharks. Children are given the opportunity to touch some of the animals, including crabs and sea stars. Other potential animal encounters include watching the animals being fed as well as dive shows.

The aquarium welcomes school groups, other groups such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and corporate events and birthday parties that include a meal at the aquarium’s Ocean Journey Cafe.

Legoland California Resort, One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-918-5346

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is a municipal park that sits in a 27-acre canyon and one of the best things to do in Carlsbad, California. Opened in 2003 and designated as a Historic National Landmark, the park is a former working ranch that was at one time owned by actor Leo Carrillo. In addition to the beautiful natural landscape, the park includes a reflecting pool, old windmills, adobe buildings, and other historic buildings.

The park is home to many plants such as birds of paradise, bougainvillea, and agave as well as various kinds of trees. There are also many peacocks that walk around the park and add to the unique ambience.

New Village Arts Theatre is a performing arts theater that presents dramatic and musical productions. With a seating capacity of 99 people, the intimate theater hosts productions arranged by a local ensemble group. This group is made up of 14 actors, designers, directors, and stage managers. Some of the past productions have included As You Like It, Golden Boy, and Into the Woods.

The theater offers several education outreach programs including Mondays with Sammie, and visits to schools led by the Junior Ensemble. The theater works with a local youth acting program called Kids Act, which offers acting classes for children.

2787 State Street # B, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-433-3245

Cape Rey is a lovely resort on Carlsbad Beach, offering stunning Pacific Ocean views from most of its lovely guest rooms and suites. The resort, which was originally opened to the public as the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa, showcases New England-style decor and offers 215 guest rooms, showcasing amenities such as custom-designed beds, flat screen televisions, minifridges, and microwaves. Upgraded rooms offer separate living and dining spaces, with some offering private balconies. Resort guests can dine at Chandler's Restaurant and Lounge, which serves up locally-sourced coastal fare, or enjoy drinks at its intimate cocktail lounge. Other resort amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-service spa, and a spacious oceanfront outdoor pool and fire pit, with direct beach access provided for all guests immediately across the street.

1 Ponto Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011, Phone: 760-602-0800

Take a culinary and history tour of the village of Carlsbad with Carlsbad Food Tours. Facilitated by gourmand tour guides with a love and passion for Carlsbad and its best eateries, tours wind their way through Carlsbad’s most scenic and historic neighborhoods where you will learn about the history of the village and get to taste some of the best food on offer.

Tours take you to locally owned and operated specialty food shops as well as ethnic and local eateries where you can meet the chefs and artisans and sample their wares. Visit Carlsbad’s Urban Wineries to sip award-winning wines grown in California and stop in at favorites such as Gregorio’s Italian Restaurant, Café Topes, Witch Creek Winery, Cafe Panini, and Chocolate Bar (always a winner!). Tours are available Tuesday through Saturday, and ticket prices include all food and wine tastings.

1778 Callisia Court, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-990-0690