Itineraries for Your Trip to Carlsbad
3 Days in Carlsbad for First Timers
Carlsbad sits between Oceanside and Encinitas on California's Pacific Coast, but those with kids know it as the home of America's first LEGOLAND® theme park. There's more than just plastic bricks awaiting you in this fun California beach town. My own family loves the laid-back vibes and awesome adventures we've had here, including biking south through to Solana Beach and Del Mar and then refueling with an order of California burritos.
Whether you like wine, theme parks, or beaches, here's how to enjoy three fun days in sunny Carlsbad.
Expect year-round sunny weather and ocean breezes, and heat in summer.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the beach.
Check out the rides, miniature LEGO® cityscapes and aquarium at the LEGOLAND California. Although the park is best suited for kids 2-12, anyone who has ever built a brick creation will enjoy themselves. Be sure to try out the Granny's Apple Fries, an iconic treat invented at the park.
For those not interested in a theme park, consider a day trip to the Temecula Valley, an up-and-coming wine region. Italian, Spanish and French varietals are the most celebrated here, including sangiovese and tempranillo. The oldest winery—and one of my favorites—is Callaway Vineyard and Winery.
Give whale-watching a try off the Orange County coast. It's where whales, dolphins, seals, and even flying fish can regularly be spotted. You never know what you'll see and being out on the water and seeing the rugged beauty of the coastline is worth it alone.
Although known today as the site of that famous Danish toy company's theme park, Carlsbad is rooted in a turn-of-the-century mineral baths inspired by German health spa culture. Learn about this history—and much more—on a quaint walking and food tour of this coastal village gem.
It's time to check out some of Orange County's most beloved surf spots—from the surfer's paradise of Huntington Beach to the iconic waves at Swami's Beach in Encinitas. Try your hand at surfing in Encinitas and top it off with some fish tacos, available at just about any taco joint.
For an intimate look at life in quaint California beach towns, bike your way down the coast to Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Cardiff. The mileage isn't far, but an electric bike propels you further and faster, so you can enjoy more of the coastline.
