5 Things to do in Carlsbad CA
I'm Chris Erickson, a local Realtor here in North County, San Diego with Compass and The Beach Life Group.
So, you're looking for things to do in Carlsbad, California? Well, we’ve got you covered. Whether you're thinking of a move or already live in town, here are some fun things to do...let's jump right in!
BEACHES - There’s a ton of coastline here in Carlsbad and lots of beaches to hit up. At the north end is Tamarack and down south is Ponto. Both have a parking lot, but most of the other available parking will be on Coast Hwy.
If you’re looking to take a stroll, the Carlsbad State Beach has a beachside paved walkway and also an elevated sidewalk along Carlsbad Blvd. Terra Mar has some scenic bluffs which are great for those sunset pics. During holidays and sunny weekends, the beaches are usually packed, but the earlier you go, the better chance you have to get parking and a nice spot on the sand.
Local Tip - Get your California Annual Parking Pass and utilize the semi-secret parking lot at S. Ponto.
STRAWBERRY PICKING - The next stop is going to be the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, right off Cannon Rd. They have a little farm stand where you can grab some fresh strawberries and other produce, but they also have an option where you can pick your own strawberries. Show up, get your own basket, cruise around the fields, and get some berries fresh off the vine. It is a seasonal activity, so be sure to double-check before going.
Also, if you’re around during Halloween season, they have a pumpkin patch and a pretty awesome corn maze.
LAGOON PADDLEBOARDING - If you're into water activities, California Watersports is the place to go. You can rent a stand-up-paddleboard, a kayak, a jet ski, or a handful of other water vehicles. One fun option is to rent paddleboards, start at the beach area, paddle out along the shoreline, and explore the entire lagoon.
If you have your own paddleboard or kayak, you can jump in right off Park Dr. There’s parking and a beach where you can put your gear into the water. This beach also occasionally hosts classes, such as water yoga. It’s a beautiful place to be outside and enjoy the local lagoons.
Quick Tip - It can get windy, which makes the paddle back to the starting point a bit tough. So save some energy!
HIKING - The next stop is a bit of hiking and a nice cruise around a manmade lake. If you want to stretch your legs and get your blood pumping, head on over to Calavera Lake and enjoy the many trails it has to offer. There are a few places you can access the trails and park your car - Sky Haven Ln, Tamarack Ave, the end of Cannon Rd, and a few other trailheads/parking areas.
Once you get in, you can cruise around the Lake, head across the dam, and trek up the old volcano. There are a number of trails to choose from and once you get to the top, there are some gorgeous ocean views as it’s one of the higher points in Carlsbad. Calavera Hills is a great community for hiking.
Chris’s Hike Rating - Fairly easy and the views are worth it.
BREWERIES - The number five thing to do in Carlsbad is going to the breweries. North County is a hotspot for craft breweries, and there are a handful of them in Carlsbad. One of our go-tos in 92011 is Burgeon. It was started by fellow North County locals and they’re brewing up some good beers. They're known for their Hazy IPA, but they have a lot more than that. They have a pretty good local following and the tasting room is worth checking out.
If you want to hop over to the neighboring city to the west, Vista, they also have a number of breweries. If you have kids, Ebulliton is a nice spot. They have a fun indoor area with books and kid’s games. And, obviously, they have good beer there as well. They try to make it a family-friendly environment and sometimes also have live music for your listening pleasure.
GOLF (BONUS) - If you're into golf, there are a few golf courses around Carlsbad. La Costa Resort has a golf course. Aviara is a pretty big and well-known golf course. Another option is The Crossings, which I’d recommend. Out of the three, it's going to be the most affordable. There are some beautiful views and it's a decently difficult course, as well. It's cart only, no walking. There are holes where you have to drive the whole length before you get to tee off. It's definitely more fun the second time you play it because it's complicated and there are little nuances to the different holes. Good spot to tee off!
There you go! Five things (plus one bonus) to do in Carlsbad, CA.
We love helping people out. That's what we do in North County San Diego. If you are looking to make the move here, feel free to reach out. Call, text, or email. We’ve got you covered.
Chris Erickson
CALL/TEXT - 760-224-1700
EMAIL - CHRIS@CDERE.COM
DRE 01996646
Compass