Carlsbad (California)

Carlsbad is the third largest city in San Diego County. The city has a relaxed beach town atmosphere away from the urban madness of LA and SD, but close enough for easy access. It has a 7 mile stretch of mostly undeveloped coastline with nice beaches, secluded coves and picturesque cliffs that are well maintained and accessible. Its northern neighbor is the second biggest city in San Diego County, Oceanside. South of Carlsbad is the affluent beach town of Encinitas.
Carlsbad is a favorite destination for families and foreign tourists, especially Germans.
For families with children, Carlsbad's biggest draw is Legoland California, a theme park based on the popular toy line with sculptures made of the little plastic bricks and lots of Lego-themed rides. The downtown Carlsbad Village by-the-Sea area is a nice place to spend the day shopping and eating at an eclectic mix of places. For now the area has kept a charming mix of the Old California single story development - giving its European Village feel - with the modern amenities of a modern city.

By car

Carlsbad is located about 30 miles north of San Diego on Interstate 5. The Coast Highway (County Route S21) passes through Carlsbad as well.

By rail

Carlsbad is served by Amtrak via its Pacific Surfliner service between Los Angeles and San Diego, however only a limited number of trains calls here. Another option are the more numerus commuter Coaster trains between Oceanside and San Diego, run by NCTD. There are two stations in Carlsbad, located at 2775 State St near downtown and located at 6511 Avenida Encinas, between Palomar Airport Road and Poinsettia Lane.
There's also regional Metrolink trains from Los Angeles to nearby Oceanside, from where it's possible to either take a bus or taxi to Carlsbad.

By plane

• Palomar AirportCarlsbad's local airport is open to general aviation. In the past, it has served commercial commuter flights but this is no longer the case.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the closest major airport to Carlsbad. From SAN, you may take San Diego Transit's Route 992 bus to the Santa Fe Depot, connect to the COASTER, and get off at the COASTER stations at either Carlsbad Poinsettia or Carlsbad Village.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is the next closest major airport; the nearest Amtrak/Metrolink stations are in Santa Ana, Tustin, and Irvine.

The North County Transit District provides public bus service within Carlsbad.

• Legoland California

  phone: +1 760 918-5346
  address: One Legoland Dr
  Sister park to the Danish park themed to the phenomenally popular toy line. Strikingly accurate Lego sculptures, thrill rides, a pair of water parks, and more.

• Flower FieldsFor six to eight weeks each year - from early March through early May, almost fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are in full bloom.

• Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland Resort

  phone: +1 760 918-5346
  address: 1 Legoland Drive
  An aquarium with touchpools, play areas, and lots of interactive exhibits for children.

• Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa

  phone: +1 760 434-1887
  address: 2802 Carlsbad Blvd
  Hot baths in Carlsbad.

• Carlsbad State Beach

  address: from Cannon Road north to Pine Street
  One of the area's nicest beaches. In warm weather there may be stingrays, so walk carefully. The area also has an R/C Gliderport along the cliffs.

• Carlsbad Village Street Faire

  phone: +1 760 931-8400
  address: Grand Ave from Carlsbad Blvd to Jefferson St
  900 vendors and an international food court.

• Carlsbad PipelineBeachwear and accessories.

• Carlsbad Premium Outlets

  address: off Carlsbad Village Drive
  Upscale outlet center.

• St John Outlet

  phone: +1 760-585-9781
  address: 5617 Paseo Del Norte
  St John Knit, Outlet. Boutique style store with range of St John signature collections and great prices.

• BenihanaPart of a chain of Japanese restaurants. Their food is good, and they prepare it entertainingly right in front of you.

• Captain Keno's

  phone: +1 760 753-4555
  address: 158 N Coast Highway 101
  Large portions. $3 breakfast all day, $3 spaghetti after 4.

• Claim JumperSouth of town on I-5. Part of a chain of tasteful Old West themed restaurants featuring large proportions of good food. Especially recommended is the steak.

• Coyote Bar & GrillMostly featuring Southwestern and Mexican food, a wide range of tequilas, and live bands.

• Daily News CafeRelaxed breakfast and lunch cafe near the beach. They have Reubens on Sunday.

• Fish House VeracruzLocated near the train station. Fresh seafood.

• Tip Top MeatsEuropean market with a restaurant in the back that serves European foods. The lines can be long but its a local favorite.

• Las OlasMexican Reseraunt in the heart of Carlsbad.

• CesseysMexican restaurant near the beach that has cheap good Mexican food.

• Jay's GourmetPizza and seafood and seafood pizza.

• Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill

  address: at the Carlsbad Company Stores near Palomar Airport Rd. & I-5
  A chain of unique restaurants spanning California and several other western states which has its roots in the San Diego area and is headquartered in Carlsbad. Try an Original Fish Taco.

• Yoshino Japanese Deli

  address: 2913 State St
  Very good sushi and poke bowls at reasonable prices.

Gluten-Free Dining: If you are on a gluten-free diet you are in for treat. The following restaurants are located in Carlsbad Village and are walking distance from the train station: Pizza Port offers delicious gluten-free pizza and carries gluten-free beers and ciders. For Mexican dining try Garcia's, Norte, and Las Olas all of who can provide gluten-free options. Several Italian restaurants will substitute gluten-free pasta including Caldo Pomodoro and Vigilucci's. O'Sullivan's Irish Pub offers bangers and mash plus traditional corned beef (ask for no whiskey sauce). The Coyote Bar and Grill has an excellent roasted half chicken and other menu options that can be made gluten-free.

• Pizza Port Carlsbad

  address: 571 Carlsbad Village Dr.
  Beer enthusiasts will want to check out this place, which was featured in the Beer Advocate's Top 50 places to drink beer in America. The pub is family-friendly, and the California-style pizza is a local favorite. They also host local beer-tastings and microbrew events.

• Vinaka Cafe

  phone: +1 760 720-7890
  address: 300 Carlsbad Village Dr #211
  Fresh coffee, tea and food in a comfortable coffee shop atmosphere. It's upstairs in the center of the Village Faire shopping center.

• Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

  phone: +1 760 434-7020
  address: 3075 Carlsbad Blvd
  Charming beach-side vacation resort.

• Carlsbad Seapointe Resort

  address: 6400 Surfside Ln
  A seaside resort located adjacent to Carlsbad State Beach. Each condo has full kitchens, fireplaces and balconies with views. Two ocean view pools, lighted tennis and basketball courts, a putting green and fitness center.

• Four Seasons Aviara Residence Rentals

  address: 7210 Blue Heron Pl
  Studios with mini kitchens up to two bedroom three bath full condos

• Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

  phone: +1 760 448-1234
  address: 7100 Aviara Resort Dr
  Formerly the Four Seasons Aviara, this is a fine luxury resort, which features a golf course designed by Arnold Palmer.

• Grand Pacific PalisadesA resort overlooking the California flower fields, less than a mile from the beach. Across the street from a pedestrian entrance to Legoland.

• Homewood Suites by Hilton

  phone: +1 760 431-2266
  address: 2223 Palomar Airport Rd
  An all-suite hotel with fully-equipped kitchens. Complimentary hot breakfast daily, dinner with beer and wine Monday-Thursday, and high-speed Internet.

• La Costa Resort & Spa

  address: 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd

• Motel 6 Carlsbad Downtown

  phone: +1 760 434-7135
  address: 1006 Carlsbad Village Dr

• Quality Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 760 931-1185
  address: 751 Raintree Dr
  Hot breakfast, Hi-speed Internet, parking, outdoor heated pool, fitness center, in-room fridge/microwave all included in rate. Walking distance to beach.

• Residence Inn San Diego Carlsbad

  phone: +1 760 431-9999
  address: 2000 Faraday Ave
  Suites with full kitchens.

• Seabreeze Vacation Rentals

  phone: +1 760 828-0797
  address: 3150 Ocean St

• Sheraton Carlsbad Resort

  phone: +1 760 827-2400
  address: 5480 Grand Pacific Dr
  Panoramic Pacific Ocean views from hotel and its 20 Grill & Wine Bar. Expansive free-form swimming pool and unique, marine-based treatments in its spa.

Camping

Carlsbad State Beach. A beautiful area south of town on the Pacific Coast Highway. Reservations required most dates.

• Oceanside
• Vista
• San Marcos
• Escondido
• Encinitas
• Temecula