Top Things to Do in Carlsbad
Things to Do in Carlsbad
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Carlsbad.
Top Attractions in Carlsbad
Amusement & Theme Parks
Admission tickets from ₱6,003.34
Department Stores • Shopping Malls
Natural History Museums • Science Museums
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
1
*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 travelers are saying
- hartjuliannagNapa, CA4 contributionsAmazing beach. Sand so soft you can walk barefoot without any concern for your feet. It’s like visiting the best beaches in Mexico without actually needing to leave the country. 10 out of 10 highly recommend.Written 13 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TyrrellsadventureGlendale, AZ79 contributionsFrom our location it was so easy to walk to Carlsbad Village. At first I thought all the shops would be along Carlsbad Blvd. There are a few shops and places to eat and then there is a little shopping area called the Village Faire. There were some cute shops in there and places to eat. If you need to use the restrooms there is a code you have to get from one of the shops. I loved Linda’s Gifts. They have something for everyone and beautiful gift wrapping if needed. When we travel I always find something for my charm bracelet but this is the first time I could NOT find a charm anywhere! Don’t stop your shopping here because there are great little shops all along State street that sell very unique items. That’s where I did all my shopping. I always support small businesses when I can. To remember Carlsbad I bought a “strawberry” charm off of eBay. Try the Strawberry Shack and you will understand.Written 20 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 411AnonymousSan Juan, Puerto Rico24 contributionsWe visited in early May, near the end of the blooming season. Several of the fields were still incredibly beautiful. We visited with 4 people, ages 49 - 75. We rode the wagon and walked around some, including walking on the paths in the fields. We bought some uce cream. Lots of photo ops. The visit was about 3 hours long, which was plenty of time, but we did not see everything.Written 24 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bethany R2 contributionsWe stayed at the main Legoland Hotel for 4 days, and the family enjoyed the water park, aquarium, and theme park. The aquarium was amazing and had a great variety of sea life. The Legoland park and rides were perfect for younger kids but adults might notice how worn out some of the Lego displays are. The Legoland miniature cities in particular could use some serious updating (or at least sun protection). While some staff were incredible (King- our valet always had a huge smile on his face and kept the kids laughing while adults figured out logistics. In fact, all the valets really had a great attitude and took pride in their job. Our server, Jasmine, at the "Dragon's Den" in the Castle Legoland Hotel was also particularly wonderful), others seemed ill-informed of policies or where things were. Some of the staff were downright unhelpful with comments such as "I don't know where that is" with no follow-up, or "I guess I could make that if you really want it" at bars. Moreover, staff at the hotel didn't not give proper information regarding park entry which caused some logistical issues for our family.
Overall, 4 stars because the park is great for small children and they won't notice the issues adults are running into or are seeing. Great place for kids to make memories but not as much fun for parents.Written 26 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - urbanguyRichmond, VA4,325 contributionsI was very pleased to see that, currently, this is the #1 ranked "thing to do" in Carlsbad. If you're in the area, it's a "MUST."
There is something here for everyone, young and old, alike. Miniature merry-go-rounds that work, boats/ships, airplanes, cars, wooden "everything," engines, creations with matchsticks, doll houses, and even more. The engines work! The volunteers will turn on the engines for you. What these artisans have done with wood and metal is quite amazing.
A not of "warning:" they are only open several days a week. But, when they are, this amazing place is free!Written 9 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - phvi2617Anaheim, CA360 contributionsThis is an awesome museum run by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). On the surface, this is a musical instrument museum, but it's really about how the American music products industry has developed amid societal and technological changes.
Along with all the various instruments, there are interactive displays that show how the instruments are made as well as how they've adapted over the years, for instance how Steinway built heavy-duty pianos that were parachuted to troops in WWII to boost morale.
There are also several areas where you can try out instruments yourself. It isn't a big museum, but musicians and music lovers will find plenty to explore and appreciate.Written 27 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - travelingCAgalSan Diego, CA669 contributionsNice ranch and history but many of the buildings were closed on a weekday. I had been here four years ago and enjoyed seeing the inside of the ranch house. I was told by docents that the only way you get to see the inside is if you go on a tour (check schedule). It wasn’t like that a few years back but I’d suggest doing so because you aren’t getting the full experience unless you get to see the interior of the buildings including the stables, etc. I liked that the movie they show at the visitor center is closed captioned! Nice gift shop, too.Written 5 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Durga MDubai, United Arab Emirates1,047 contributionsThis is not a large mall but I would show a mid size outlet.
The location is convenient.
There are good array of shops with decent discount.
The food options are plenty.Written 23 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - WanderlustingforlifeCalifornia160 contributionsInteresting place to check out! Great for kids that are mature and interested in crystals/gemstones.Written 14 December 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- urbanguyRichmond, VA4,325 contributionsI have a "must" for your visit here. Stop off at the Nature Center and pick up two things: (1) the "Trail Map" and (2) the "Self-Guided Trail Guide" to the 26 "stops" along the way. The text is clear, concise, and informative.
The entire trail is only 1.6 miles long. This is a great place to walk if you have an hour or two. If you have binocs, bring them (we didn't). But, in spite of that, we had a great observation of an osprey picking up a fish on its third dive in the lagoon water. Neat!Written 2 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - sondra renwanzOceanside, CA28 contributionsOur grandkids loved the touch tank, the close encounter tunnel and being inside it listening to helpersWritten 28 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ExquizeRiverside, CA646 contributionsWe went here after a trip to LEGOLAND in October. They had very large pumpkins, hay rides and a corn maze. It was my mom and I along with 4 kids between the ages 8 and 10. The corn maze was huge and I’m not sure why we thought we could get through it. After pretending to be in “children of the corn (he wants you too Malachi!)” we were still stuck in the corn maze after a hour and a half. My mom was about to pass out so fortunately my youngest daughter found the way out! Although we went out through the entrance as far they know we made it through the corn maze!Written 1 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dianna H5 contributionsA great farmers market! We sat inside a restaurant drank a beer and watched everyone set up their stands! Finished our beers and headed out to shop! Got some amazing Zucchini bread and banana chocolate chip bread! Enjoyed smelling all the beautiful flowers for sale as well!Written 18 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Patty8888Encinitas, CA942 contributionsFirst of all, The Forum is attractive. The sidewalks have irregular pebble designs through them, there’s nice landscaping throughout, sculptures and water features dot the campus, and nice music plays from above.
Secondly, there’s a great array of shops and restaurants so almost any personal or household item you might want can be found there.
Bottom line, it’s a nice place with lots of businesses to meet your needs.Written 12 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MominOCOrange County, CA4,599 contributionskinda sad overall. You can't really talk to them about the wine you are tasting. They are very careful to follow procedures. We shared a tasting to decide on a glass to share. We enjoyed the Pinot Noir. Cute wine bar atmosphere. Street parking.Written 4 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carlsbad
- The top attractions to visit in Carlsbad are:
- South Carlsbad State Beach
- Carlsbad Village
- The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
- LEGOLAND California
- Craftsmanship Museum
- The best outdoor activities in Carlsbad according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- South Carlsbad State Beach
- Batiquitos Lagoon
- The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
- Sea Life Aquarium
- Alga Norte Community Park
- The most popular things to do in Carlsbad with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Craftsmanship Museum
- Museum of Making Music
- South Carlsbad State Beach
- Batiquitos Lagoon
- Carlsbad Village