Are you visiting Carlsbad, CA for the first time? Then you are in luck. From surfing the waves at South Carlsbad State Beach to browsing the antique stalls at Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall, you will find no shortage of things to see and things to do in Carlsbad California. “The Village by the Sea” is a fun-filled destination for singles, couples, families and everything in between.
Enjoy a barbecue at the Alga Norte Community Park
As the largest state park in San Diego County, Alga Norte Community Park has a lot to offer. With a plethora of family-friendly features and activities, including multiple ball fields, and barbecue areas, it promises a fun-filled family.
Enjoy nature at Lagoon Foundation Nature Center
If you want to experience some of the best natural beauty Carlsbad has to offer, a visit to the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center is highly recommended. Comprised of a lagoon, wetlands, and a nature preserve, the center is a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Play a round at Golf Club
If the thought of not being able to play a few rounds of golf on your vacation makes you break a sweat, do not worry. Carlsbad has several excellent public golf courses, the main one being Aviara Golf Club. Do not forget to pack your camera as well as your clubs – the views of the Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Reserve with its hills full of wildflowers are breathtaking.
Visit the GIA Museum
The GIA Museum is one of Carlsbad’s hidden treasures. The tour guides are knowledgeable, the exhibits are intriguing and it is completely free. If you have any interest in gemology or maybe just a secret magpie, you will not want to miss it.
Catch a performance at the New Village Arts Theater
If you like theater, do not forget to catch a performance at the New Village Arts Theater while you are in Carlsbad. The intimate setting of the theater is a joy, while the variety and quality of musical and dramatic performances put on by the local group are invariably outstanding.
Take the slides at the LEGO LAND water park
Visiting the main theme park LEGO LAND is necessary for anyone who wants to take a spin on one of the park’s 60 attractions. For those who prefer to slide rather than ride, there is plenty of water fun at the adjoining LEG OLAND water park.
Take a food tour
If there is one thing Carlsbad does very well, its food. Experience all the gourmet delights for yourself by taking a food tour. Not only will you be able to enjoy supremely good food at top-tier dining spots, but you will also learn more about Carlsbad’s food scene.
Pick up some produce at the Carlsbad Village Farmers’ Market
If you want to sample the best of fresh, local produce while in Carlsbad, there is only one place to head: Carlsbad Village Farmers’ Market. Open every Wednesday, it is the best place in town to shop for fresh organic produce, flowers, and handmade crafts.
Grounds of Leo Carrillo Ranch Historical Park
Natural beauty is something Southern California has in abundance, and Carlsbad is no exception. Located in a 27-acre canyon, the park is a wonderful field of swimming pools, windmills, and historic buildings, not to mention a haven for 101 types of flora and fauna, including peacocks, birds of paradise, bougainvillea and agave.
Interact with the fish in the Sea Life aquarium
A standard aquarium will allow you to observe the animals. A fantastic one will let you interact with them. The Sea Life Aquarium belongs to the second category. A fun-filled day awaits you and your family at this highly entertaining venue. Kids will love the opportunity to pet the crabs and starfish, while adults and children alike will enjoy the opportunity to marvel at the more than 5,000 sea creatures.
