Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA - Carlsbad Attractions
Things to Do in Carlsbad
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.
Food & Drinkfromper adult$75
Aquariumsfromper adult$79
Rentalsfromper adult$65- fromper group (up to 4)$60
Surfing Lessonsfromper adult$170
Food & Drinkfromper group (up to 3)$565- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$21
On the Waterfromper adult$57
Adventure Toursfromper adult$80
Surfing Lessonsfromper adult$149
Other Top Attractions around Carlsbad
What travelers are saying
- Go765317San Bernardino, CA3 contributionsWe had a great time. I took two boys, 7 and 9.
We went for 2 days on a weekend. The aquarium is small but So Nice and amusing. It's best to start earlier or pay a fee to reserve rides. Some of the attractions may have long wait times/lines. I saw one that was 90 minutes. The boys ate snacks, played their games while waiting and only grumbled a little. They especially enjoyed the driving school, dunes, kids power tower and the technic coaster. The coast cruise was relaxing. I used my card for all purchases. No cash accepted at any of the places I visited. Overall it was a pretty great experience.Written March 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AJStMinnesota58 contributionsThis was a fun thing to do on a rainy day. From miniature dollhouses to airplanes to ships to combustion engines there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Allow about 2 hours to explore. Free, but donations are accepted. The docent on duty was very friendly.Written March 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- vickytravels2024Marana, AZ11 contributionsWe were closer to the Tammarack area of this long stretch of beach. There is paid parking so you can walk to the beach easily. The beach was almost empty. Sadly there was a lot of trash on the shore and being washed up. Even so it was beautiful.Written March 12, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rebecca12 contributionsThe food. Daily News Cafe is awesome for somewhere to eat. The best pizza is Pizza Port and great craft beers and atmosphere. Very family environment.Written June 21, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stay26230022778San Marcos, CA3 contributionsOur children attended the daycare right above the park nearly 2 decades ago. We used to come here all the time and had picked peacock feathers in the late spring time. The park was full of (easily see 15 - 20) peacocks at that time, often with their train standing up and rattling. Even saw some Albino ones. And sometimes they went up the hill to visit the daycare as well. Though nowadays, while the park is still nice, probably nicer now with more work done, but the peacocks are hard to find - we heard the honk/kraa/meow a couple of times, perhaps from the same peacock. Kind of sad to see the vanishing of the lovely creatures the park once to have plenty of.Written April 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Oso OsitoMunich, Germany29 contributionsThis museum is small, but tons of fun. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, the museum has so many different (and unique!) instruments from all over the world, there are touch screens with so much information packed into them on each section of the museum, and there are a handful of different areas where you can play with many different instruments yourself!
Each touchscreen corresponds to about 5-15 different musical instruments or items and you can click to find out info on those items, read about the history related to that group of items, listen to music created with those instruments, and more. At the end of the walk, there is a room with tons of instruments to play and also a giant touchscreen with a globe on it. You can click around the globe and hear what traditional and modern music sounds like in different countries! This was one of my (Becca's) highlights.
The spaces to play with the instruments were so much fun, especially as there are some really unique instruments in the bunch!! We particularly loved the harp guitar, the theremin, and the synthesizer board.
We could have stayed in this museum all day, hahaha. If you love instruments and/or know how to play several instruments, we would suggest at least 1-2 hours, if not 3-4 hours or more!! :)Written October 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - J O3 contributionsThis is the place for gorgeous photos. The fields are in full bloom end of April-mid May. Go early, as this location gets super busy later in the day. It can also get pretty warm walking around the fields. Don't miss out on the strawberry shakes! They are yummy! Make sure you have lots of time to explore all the gardens. They have a tractor ride around the whole field for those who don't want to walk it.Written May 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Henry’s TakeSan Diego, CA1,010 contributionsTrail Series, Part 19
“Some days it gets completely crazy, and I feeling like howling at the moon. Then sometimes it feels so easy, like I was born with a silver spoon.
Other times you just can’t reach me, seems like I’ve got a heart of stone. Guess I need my solitude, and I have to make it on my own.
Well I guess I’m going A.W.O.L., disconnect my telephone. Just like Greta Garbo, I want to be alone.”
Van Morrison
If we’re being honest, aren’t there times when we need a moment to unplug from the noise and clatter of this world and just…be? Absolutely nothing demanding our attention except the moment we are living just then.
While there are many ways and places you can foster this kind of personal retreat, one of them can be found along the “Batiquitos Lagoon Trail” in Carlsbad, California.
I counted no less than 34 unique benches along the length of this approximately 1.5 mile trail, and all of them beckon you to sit awhile…and just listen. To the birds, to the sound of the breeze rustling through the leaves on the trees, or maybe just to the sound of your own breathing.
While walkers, runners, and leashed dogs are all welcomed on this trail, bicycles are not.
For those interested, a clearly posted QR code provides access to a self-guided tour and a Nature Center is free and open to the public on the West end of the trail.
All 3 entrances to this trail can be found along Batiquitos Drive and each feature a convenient parking lot.
The trail is nearly entirely unpaved, so your enjoyment of it will be reduced if you access it after it has rained.
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
#trailofsolitude
#justmetimeWritten September 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Gen HGlendora, CA1 contribution4.5 stars. Clean, cool, calming and educational environment. Perfect for a quick reset from Legoland or the Waterpark. We expected it to last longer and I don’t think you need to plan your day around visiting the aquarium. But it is worth the visit and cost when you get the Park Hopper tickets.
My 4 year old could have stayed longer than 2 hours but her 9 year old sister was done pretty fast.Written July 31, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SMZLoudonville, United States49 contributionsDecent amount of stores with good prices! Kept us busy for 3 hours when we had a free day! Right off the highway so not too much of a distance from where you are staying or going for the rest of the dayWritten April 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robert HEl Dorado Hills, CA11 contributionsVery expansive community park with numerous tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and well-maintained grounds.Written March 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- moviegal226Las Vegas, NV4,318 contributionsIf you're looking for a foodie's farmers market more so than a traditional farmers market, then this is your place. Yes, there are a handful of produce stands and the usual crafts, olive oils, baked goods, mail order meat services, but the Carlsbad Village Farmers Market does one thing better than most: their food tents! This is the place if you want cheap ethnic street food.
The vendor lineup includes all sorts of great stuff, from traditional farms to vegan goods. Oranges, apples, avocados, lettuce, artichokes, squash, roasted nuts and nut butters, honey, fresh bee pollen, fudge, coffee, oatmeal, all sorts of organic designer mushrooms, fresh raw seafood, hummus, homemade Kefir yogurt and butter, fresh pressed juices, free range chicken and eggs, berries, herbs, artisan goat cheese, homemade pasta, and all types of cookies, pastries and breads were on offer the day we visited. There are tons of vegan options, gluten free options, low carb options, soy free and sugar free offerings too, so folks with special dietary requirements can rejoice! You will not feel left out here.
Note that some of the vendors rotate each week, so check the market's website to make sure you won't miss your favorites.
We made a few purchases, including fresh strawberries, a fresh green juice blend, a container of vegan nut cheese, and a miniature sugar free apple pie. Everything was yummy and perfect to snack on while driving down the road.
This is a terrific place to grab lunch at any of the hot food stands too, and most of the vendors specialize in ethnic street foods (Indian, Ethiopian, Mexican, Korean, Spanish, Philippino, etc.). I purchased a small portion of freshly made paella that was delicious!
Note that parking is scarce so it's better to park a few blocks over and walk. Definitely worth a stop if you enjoy street markets.Written February 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
