Things to do in Carlsbad

Top Things to Do in Carlsbad

Things to Do in Carlsbad


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Top Attractions in Carlsbad

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Go765317
    San Bernardino, CA3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Confido13
    Edinburgh, UK12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I took my children (boy 8 and girl 6) who both loved it, but it was also fascinating for adults and there is something for everyone. Ornate doll houses, matchstick models, fully functioning miniature cars, boats, planes and steam engines, two small scale Gatling guns, etc, etc. There was a really friendly and knowledgeable docent who showed us some of his favourites. And the whole thing runs on voluntary donations! What a place.

    Note: Apple Maps directs you to an adjacent office building and the outside of the museum is hard to spot. Don't give up - it's there!
    Written 10 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vickytravels2024
    Marana, AZ4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KTCHart
    117 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stood in line only about 10 minutes to get in. The flowers were gorgeous! They has old tractors pulling carts that you can ride in.
    Written 9 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rebecca
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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 21 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Oso Osito
    Munich, Germany5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This 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 10 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John R
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Put this beauty on your bucket list. Beautiful history of Leo Carillo. Watch the film, hit the visitor center and take your time on a peaceful and rewarding stroll
    Written 27 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SMZ
    Loudonville, United States28 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Decent 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 day
    Written 20 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Henry’s Take
    San Diego, CA118 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Trail 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
    #justmetime
    Written 10 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gen H
    Glendora, CA1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    4.5 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 31 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • moviegal226
    Las Vegas, NV4,344 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If 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 22 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • StigJim
    Alliance, OH551 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ordinarily, we might not go to a city park on vacation, but the Trip Advisor ratings made us curious. It turns out that this park really does seem to offer something for just about everyone. It is clean and well maintained and apparently is very popular with the locals. A great example of what a multi-use municipal park can be.
    Written 17 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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