Things to do in Carlsbad

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Legoland California which includes rides

Carlsbad Attractions

There's something quite delightful about smaller cities. Whether you're traveling to Carlsbad for a weekend getaway or you're thinking of staying for longer, you'll easily fall in love with this place. In fact, with so many fantastic things to do and impressive sights to take in, you mightn't want to go home!

Discover the best sights in Carlsbad with some popular tours & day trips, or check out our list of {58 fun activities in Carlsbad fun activities in Carlsbad}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can rest easy and channel all your energy into planning an unforgettable vacation.

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Most popular activities in Carlsbad

Attractions

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LEGOLAND® California Resort

LEGOLAND® California Resort

Activity duration is 1 day
4.0 out of 5 with 477 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $84 per traveler
LEGOLAND® California Resort

Wildlife & nature

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Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures

Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures

Activity duration is 2 hours
4.4 out of 5 with 86 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $57 per adult
Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures

History & culture

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Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting

Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting

Activity duration is 3 hours
4.5 out of 5 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $75 per adult
Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting

Food, drink & nightlife

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Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting

Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting

Activity duration is 3 hours
4.5 out of 5 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $75 per adult
Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting

Adventure & outdoor

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Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
2.5 out of 5 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $12 per traveler*
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Recommended things to do in Carlsbad

Number of things to do
58
Things to do from
$8
Cheapest thing to do
Mission San Luis Rey Museum Admission
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Carlsbad

Free Things to Do in Carlsbad

A trip to Carlsbad doesn't have to hurt your hip pocket. You won't even need your wallet if you check out:

Craftsmanship Museum - Round up the whole family and enjoy a journey through history with one another.

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park - You'll feel like you've traveled back in time while roaming around this historic attraction.

Batiquitos Lagoon - There's something peaceful about being close to the water, so take your time here.

South Carlsbad State Beach - Dive into a great book or listen to a popular playlist while getting some sun.

Hosp Grove Trails - Bring your camera and let Mother Nature awaken awe and wonder in you.

Poinsettia Park - Refresh your mind and body by spending a little time with Mother Nature.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Carlsbad? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Carlsbad on a sunny day?
Soak up the sun with these outdoor experiences:


What is Carlsbad famous for?
Legoland California is synonymous with Carlsbad, so make it a priority to visit.
What should I not miss in Carlsbad?
If you can only explore one sight here, make it Carlsbad Premium Outlets.
Are there cheap things to do in Carlsbad?
If you’re on a budget, add the following thrifty tours and activities to your itinerary:


What can you do in Carlsbad for free?
You could put your cash in the hotel safe for the day, because these excellent attractions won’t cost you a dime:

  • Carlsbad Premium Outlets
  • Poinsettia Park
  • Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
  • Carlsbad Skatepark

Discover the most popular places to visit in Carlsbad

Image for LEGOLAND® California

LEGOLAND® California

4.5/5(1,286 reviews)

The world of LEGO® comes to life at this playground for the imagination.

LEGOLAND® California
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Carlsbad State Beach

4.5/5(504 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Carlsbad State Beach during your travels in Carlsbad? Wander the seaside or discover the area's sunsets.

Carlsbad State Beach
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South Carlsbad State Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at South Carlsbad State Beach during your trip to Carlsbad?

South Carlsbad State Beach
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Tamarack Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Tamarack Beach during your trip to Carlsbad? Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

Tamarack Beach
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Flower Fields of Carlsbad

4.5/5(118 reviews)

Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Flower Fields of Carlsbad, a lovely green space in Carlsbad. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the surfing spots.

Flower Fields of Carlsbad
Image for Carlsbad Premium Outlets

Carlsbad Premium Outlets

4.5/5(801 reviews)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Carlsbad Premium Outlets during your visit to Carlsbad. Stroll along the seaside in this family-friendly area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Carlsbad Premium Outlets
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Aviara Golf Club

5/5(1 review)

Play a round of golf in Carlsbad at Aviara Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as surfing. Stroll along the seaside or discover the beautiful sunsets in this family-friendly area.

Aviara Golf Club
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Carlsbad Lagoon

4.5/5(36 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Carlsbad Lagoon might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Carlsbad.

Carlsbad Lagoon
Image for SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium

SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium

4.5/5(24 reviews)

Take the kids to visit the sea creatures at SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium during your trip to Carlsbad. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or experience its great live music.

SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Carlsbad

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Carlsbad Village

4.5/5(230 area reviews)

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

Carlsbad Village
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North Beach

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

North Beach
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South Beach

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

South Beach
Batiquitos Lagoon Trail is an easy 3 mile roundtrip trail along the lagoon that’s popular among the locals in Carlsbad. There are plenty of benches to sit and admire the wetland. #LikeALocal

Aviara

4.5/5(142 area reviews)

While visiting Aviara, you might make a stop by sights like Poinsettia Park and Batiquitos Lagoon.

Aviara
Creeping crevice. December 2013 #localgem #beach At Torrey Pines

Olde Carlsbad

3.5/5(106 area reviews)

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

Olde Carlsbad
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Barrio

Barrio might not have many top sights, but Carlsbad State Beach and Carlsbad Lagoon are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Barrio
See our Where To Stay guide

Popular day trips from Carlsbad

Vista

Vista

San Diego Botanic Garden featuring a pond and a park

Encinitas

Oceanside

Oceanside

San Marcos

San Marcos