What to do in Carlsbad, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Carlsbad
Carlsbad
Agua Hedionda Lagoon at Carlsbad, San Diego, California
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A rainbow of colors at the Flower Fields.

Carlsbad Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Carlsbad has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Carlsbad is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Carlsbad to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Carlsbad Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Carlsbad.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Carlsbad attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Carlsbad

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What to do in Carlsbad


Discover the most popular places to visit in Carlsbad

Explore areas of Carlsbad

Around here fragrant magnolias are in full blum...

Carlsbad Village

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

While visiting Carlsbad Village, you might make a stop by sights like Carlsbad State Beach and Tamarack Beach.

Carlsbad Village
Carlsbad State Beach during summer in Carlsbad, California, USA

North Beach

If you're spending some time in North Beach, Tamarack Beach and Carlsbad State Beach are top sights worth seeing.

North Beach
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City Center

If you're spending some time in City Center, The Crossings at Carlsbad and Flower Fields of Carlsbad are top sights worth seeing.

City Center
South Ponto, Carlsbad, California

South Beach

While visiting South Beach, you might make a stop by sights like South Carlsbad State Beach and Tamarack Beach.

South Beach
Rows of pink red  ranunculus flowers in southern California United States

Olde Carlsbad

4/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Olde Carlsbad, The Shoppes at Carlsbad Mall and Hosp Grove Trails are top sights worth seeing.

Olde Carlsbad
aerial shot of a gorgeous summer landscape at Batiquitos Lagoon with blue waters, lush green trees and blue sky background with clouds in Carlsbad California USA

Aviara

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Set in the hills of southern Carlsbad, this resort neighborhood boasts stunning ocean and lagoon views, with the luxurious Park Hyatt Resort and the renowned Aviara Golf Club as its main attractions. Just 30 minutes from downtown San Diego, it's a golfer's paradise.

Aviara

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Carlsbad

Frequently asked questions

Is Carlsbad worth visiting?
Carlsbad offers a unique blend of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or regional cuisine, there are many things to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Carlsbad?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to LEGOLAND® California and Oceanside Beach. Then, explore other parts of Carlsbad for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Carlsbad?
LEGOLAND® California is one of the top tourist attractions in Carlsbad and deserves a spot on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Carlsbad?
Three days will be enough time to check out some popular city sights, like LEGOLAND® California, Oceanside Beach and Carlsbad State Beach. The average stay in Carlsbad is three days. If you have the time to extend your getaway, Temecula isn't far away.
Is Carlsbad a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Carlsbad. Several key sights, including LEGOLAND® California and Oceanside Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Carlsbad's best neighbourhoods, Townsite is 5 kilometres away from downtown, while Olde Carlsbad is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Carlsbad with kids?
What to do in Carlsbad for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Carlsbad, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Buena Vista Audubon Society & Nature Centre or Rancho Guajome Adobe.
Are there free things to do in Carlsbad?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Carlsbad. If you're looking for inspiration, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Oceanside Beach is a must for anyone wanting to save on their travel adventures.

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