43 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA (By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Seasonal | Best Things | Beaches | Food & Drink | Sites & Attractions | Outdoor Adventure | Museums & Culture | Nightlife & Entertainment |

You’ll find a ton of fun things to do in Carlsbad, one of the best beach towns on the West Coast.

As a Carlsbad local, I’m here to share the best of it with you! Carlsbad has epic sunsets and some of the most gorgeous beaches near San Diego.

From the European-style charm of the Village by the Sea to the cozy suburban life inland, there’s so much to explore within this picturesque Southern California town. Don’t forget to figure out where to stay in Carlsbad before you go!

Let’s dive into my picks for the best stuff to do in Carlsbad.

Seasonal Things to Do

The Flower Fields

Get joyfully lost in a sea of rainbow flowers, one of the most unique spring activities.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 431-0352 | Website | Open March-May | Entrance: $23 adults, $21 seniors/military, $12 children

The Carlsbad Flower Fields near Legoland are famous for their colorful ranunculus flowers that bloom every spring. People from near and far visit to walk through this beautiful site. 

The fields host a variety of events you can attend to enjoy the flowers, including wine tasting, yoga, tea time, painting, and music. Then, in the off-season, watch them grow and sprout all over again. Go early in the season to pick your own blueberries and walk the sweet pea flower maze.

If you don’t want to pay admission but still want to enjoy the scene from a different viewpoint, check out the benches and walking path next to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Museum. You’ll find locals picnicking here while the sun sets over the flower field.

Carlsbad Strawberry Company

Pick up fresh strawberry baskets or handpick your own berries.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 603-9608 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily; year-round produce market; strawberry season February – July | Entrance: $17 per person (includes bucket), $10 per person (without bucket) & entrance fee for u-pick events

Another great field is the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, right off Cannon Rd. Stop by the field in the spring and summer to enjoy freshly picked strawberries or to pick your own (picking your own can be done from March through July).

Then, during the fall from September to November, the Carlsbad Strawberry Company converts the field into an amazing pumpkin patch and event space. Check out the apple shooting cannons, tractor rides, a bounce land for kids, a haunted corn maze with a secret saloon, and a sunflower maze.

Carlsbad Village Street Faire

Shop 800+ vendors, enjoy live music, a beer garden, a kids zone, and an international food court twice a year at one of the nation’s largest one-day street fairs. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 931-8400 | Website | First Sunday in May, 8 am – 5 pm and first Sunday in November, 8 am – 4 pm | Entrance: Free | Digital Map of Vendors

Visiting Carlsbad the first week of May or November? Stop by downtown Carlsbad Village (State Street, Grand Ave, and Roosevelt are the main areas) for the street fair! 

Twice a year, experience one of the nation’s largest one-day street fairs with 800+ vendors, live music, a beer garden, a kids zone, and an international food court all in one unforgettable day.

Best Things to Do in Carlsbad

Carlsbad Beach Boardwalk & Seawall

Feel the breeze as you stroll the paved oceanfront pathway and enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 438-3143 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free | Free Parking Lot at 3093 Ocean St.

The paved and fenced boardwalk in downtown Carlsbad boasts scenic views of the ocean. Right below it and parallel to Carlsbad State Beach is the seawall, another great walking path.

Both paths are about a mile long. If you’re looking for a nice stroll, this is a hot spot for dog walkers, rollerbladers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.

State Street Farmers Market

Shop fresh produce and baked goods in the heart of the vibrant village before having a picnic on the beach.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 453-7076 | Website | Hours: 2:30 pm – 7 pm Wed (slight hour changes seasonally) | Entrance: Free | Dogs Allowed

The State Street Farmers Market is one of the best farmers’ markets near San Diego. Farmers come from surrounding areas to bring unique varieties of fruits and vegetables, flowers, kombucha, and all sorts of baked goods. 

I guarantee you’ll find something you’ve never tried before! The market is nicely laid out with space to roam, and it even has live music performances. The best part? You’re only a few blocks away from the ocean for a farm-to-beach picnic. 

Legoland & Sea Life Aquarium

Play all day at a colorful theme park inspired by the iconic toy.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 690-5346 | Website | Hours: Legoland: 10 am – 7 pm Sun-Fri; 10 am – 8 pm Sat (hours change seasonally & during events – check calendar) | Entrance: $99 (1-day Legoland & Sea Life), $214 (Annual Pass)

The Legoland California Resort and Sea Life Aquarium are two of the most popular theme parks in California. They’re centrally located and are a kids’ paradise. They have vibrant and interactive hands-on learning exhibits, rides, and games. 

You’ll need to make sure you have an admission ticket to both Legoland and the Sea Life Aquarium, even though they are on the same property. If you happen to be visiting in summer, then don’t miss the incredible July 4th fireworks show!

🛎️ Need a Hotel? Stay overnight at the Legoland Hotel to experience uniquely themed rooms overlooking the Legoland California Resort park. It’s one of the best places to stay in Carlsbad.

Candle Bar

Design your own custom candle in the heart of Carlsbad Village.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 994-0330 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Mon-Thu; 10 am – 7 pm Fri-Sun | Candle making: Prices range from $24-36 | Reservations ideal for weekends and groups of 4 or more, walk-ins welcome

A local mother-daughter duo started Candle Bar in Carlsbad Village. This warm, inviting space celebrates your creativity with a hands-on custom creation process. 

First, pick your vessel and your fragrance(s). Then, you get to mix your wax and scent. Once the candle hardens, you can decorate the top with stones and shells for an extra charge. 

After you finish the candle-making process, give yourself at least 45-60 minutes extra for the wax to harden before you take it home. This is a great time to explore Carlsbad and grab a bite to eat. You can also come back to Candle Bar on a different day for pick-up.

Hat Bar 

Craft a custom hat with Carlsbad flair.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 994-0330 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Mon-Thu; 11 am – 7 pm Fri; 10 am – 7 pm Sat; 10 am – 6 pm Sun

Candle Bar recently expanded next door to introduce Hat Bar! This means you can now craft both a signature scented candle and a personalized hat in one fun, creative outing!

This spot is ideal for travelers seeking interactive souvenirs or locals looking for celebratory activities. Hat Bar lets you decorate all types of hats with ribbons, patches, chains, and more. But Hat Bar isn’t standard – it takes customization to the next level. Use the local Carlsbad decals so your creation truly captures the spirit of your trip.

Agua Hedionda Lagoon

Boat, fish, and paddle around a saltwater lagoon near the ocean.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 804-1969 | Website | Open Daily | Entrance: Free 

Not far from Carlsbad State Beach lies the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, an ecological reserve full of fish (including the intriguing jumping mullet fish).

This is a great spot with calm water for fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and motorboating. 

Water sports are a highlight here, but the lagoon is also a great place to hike or walk around with a trail that leads to the beach.

👉 Looking for more activity ideas? Check out our mega list of unique things to do in San Diego for more fun.

Calor Sauna Studios

Heal from the inside out at Carlsbad’s first red-light therapy studio.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (442) 500-2055 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm Tue-Thu & Sun; until 6 pm Fri-Sat | Entrance: 50 min sauna session, $20 (first time only), then $49 single session; packages available, plus cold plunge add-on

Calor Sauna Studios is a new private infrared sauna and contrast therapy studio located in the heart of Carlsbad Village. It perfectly captures the city’s slower-paced lifestyle. After a beach walk or workout class, unwind in your own red-light room with essential oils, peaceful music, and customizable lighting. 

Calor’s gentle saunas warm you from the inside out. They’re ideal for sensitive skin like mine, and help ease inflammation, sore muscles, and stress. You can fully relax in privacy, even go nude if you’d like. 

This modern yet cozy spot is the perfect Carlsbad ritual for those seeking balance, wellness, and a little indulgence. Cold plunge add-ons are available, too.

Carlsbad Premium Outlets

Snag the best bargains on your favorite brands at this outlet mall with over 60 popular stores.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 804-9000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Mon-Thu; 10 am – 8 pm Fri-Sat; 11 am – 7 pm Sun

If you visit Carlsbad and love a great deal, then take a trip to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. The Carlsbad Outlets include over 60 stores with up to 60% off retail prices. 

It has a great selection of name brands, including Nike, Vans, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Adidas, and Tory Burch. Plus, there’s a Ruby’s Diner.

This outdoor mall has plenty of parking and seating, and dogs are allowed. After you shop, stay a while for people-watching, have coffee, or grab a bite to eat. 

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Admire Spanish colonial-style architecture amidst a relaxing golf and spa retreat. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 438-9111 | Website | Hours: Spa: Mon-Thurs 8:30 am – 6 pm; Fri-Sun until 7 pm; Golf: 6:45 am – 7:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free, be sure to book treatments or tee time prior 

The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is one of the longest-standing hotels in Carlsbad. This spot is great for travelers willing to spend a little more for a luxurious experience. 

The grounds of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa are pristine and have a top-rated golf course, a luxurious spa, and a pool. I can vouch for their amazing paraffin wax foot pedicure.

It also has diverse restaurants along with a specialized fitness and nutrition retreat (the latter of which took the place of the previously renowned Deepak Chopra retreat).

Carlsbad Beaches

South Carlsbad State Beach

Hang cliffside for epic views and catch some rays while swimming, surfing, and picnicking.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 438-3143 | Website | Hours: Open daily, 6 am – 10 pm | Entrance: Free | $15Campground parking lot, free street parking | free secure bike parking spaces

South Carlsbad State Beach is just a short drive from Carlsbad Village. The beach is fairly remote, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for less-crowded beach activities. 

Also, right above the beach is a great campground with a fantastic place: The Camp Store. It’s San Diego’s only bluff-top bar and restaurant, and often features live music!

Robert Frazee State Beach

Avoid the crowds at one of the best beaches in the area with extra space for outdoor activities.

📍 Google Maps | Beach public group sports | Hours: Open daily, 6 am – 11 pm | Entrance: Free | Free Parking Lot at 3093 Ocean St. 

In my opinion, Robert Frazee Beach is one of the best beaches within Carlsbad State Beach. It’s spacious and sandy and sits between Carlsbad City Beach and Tamarack Beach. 

This beach is central to the village and runs parallel to the boardwalk and seawall. It’s also right below the scenic overlook. Additionally, the local Carlsbad Village Athletic Clubs hosts volleyball, yoga, and special events right on the sand. This makes for a great fitness-focused activity in Carlsbad.

🏖️ Beach bum? Check out this list of the best beaches in San Diego next!

Food & Drink in Carlsbad

Sips & Sunsets

Experience Carlsbad Village over a delicious drink at one of the many bars and restaurants.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Let me remind you that there are many restaurants in Carlsbad where you can catch incredible beach sunsets. So many Carlsbad bars also have oceanfront views and live music. 

After the sunset, walk down State Street where you’ll find more spots to drink up this beach town’s nightlife. Some favorites include Wildland, 264 Fresco, Little Victory Wine Bar, Jeune et Jolie, Dini’s By The Sea, and Campfire.

Food Crawl

Discover the cuisines that make Carlsbad a foodie favorite.

📍Handel’s Ice Cream Shop | GelatoLove | Harumama | Lofty Coffee | 👉 Book a Carlsbad Food and Wine Tour on Viator

Downtown Carlsbad is packed with specialty food shops and a mix of cuisines that will satisfy every craving. Between the popular Handel’s Ice Cream Shop (though I prefer GelatoLove), the animal-shaped bao buns at Harumama, the Hawaiian walu at Blue Ocean Robata, and the lattes at Lofty Coffee, you’re in for a treat.

The best way to taste your way through the Village is through a culinary and history tour. Plan ahead and check out Carlsbad Food Tours to reserve your ticket before you go. 

👉 Pro Tip: Looking for places to eat outside of Carlsbad Village? I recommend Pelly’s Fish Market, Bressi Ranch, and the Windmill Food Hall. 

Shoots Fish & Beer 

Sip beers, savor poke, and see live music at a charming cottage in downtown Carlsbad.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 795-9172 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 7 pm Sun-Thu; until 3:30 pm Tue; 11:30 am – 8 pm Fri-Sat; Happy Hour: weekdays from 3-5 pm

Shoots Fish & Beer has expanded to Carlsbad Village – you’ll find it in the most charming cottage. Shoots Fish & Beer is more than poke and beer. It’s a community hub.

The shared courtyard between Shoots and 3 other eateries has an inviting grassy lounge area with string lights, and it’s great for kids and adults alike. 

You can’t go wrong with a cold beer, fish tacos, and Shoots’ catch-of-the-day poke bowl while enjoying the sunshine on the patio. 

Shoots also hosts a variety of events, including one of my favorites, Shoots and Boots. They offer live country music and free line dancing lessons in the courtyard under the stars.

Always Hungry Grocery & Goods

Sip wine and shop for fun errands. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (215) 990-3764 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Sun-Tue; 10 am – 7:30 pm Wed; 9 am – 7:30 pm Thu-Sat

Always Hungry is a new local grocery spot tucked inside a cool wine bar (Little Victory Wine Bar) right here in Carlsbad Village. It’s perfect for locals and visitors alike. It’s also the ideal place to grab picnic goodies for the beach if you’re staying nearby!

Sure, there are a million big box stores, snack shops, and everything in between, but this mini grocery offers quality local micro-farmer produce and more. You can even have a glass of wine while you shop!

Carlsbad Sites and Attractions

Cape Rey

Indulge in a luxurious spa day and farm-to-table dining overlooking Carlsbad Beach.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 602-0800 | Website | Hours: Chandler’s Restaurant: 7 am – 9 pm Sun-Thurs; 7 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat | Ocean Crest Spa: 8:45 am – 6 pm daily | $40 self-parking, $45 valet parking, or free street parking

Cape Rey, a Hilton Resort and Spa, is located in South Carlsbad. The views from the pool are fantastic, especially from the sunset terrace at Chandler’s Restaurant. 

The amenities on site are everything you need for an elegant beach getaway. Check out the hotel’s Ocean Crest Spa for eco-friendly treatments and seasonal specials if you’re looking for relaxing things to do.

Handled Pottery Studio

Immerse yourself in local artistry and nourish your own creativity while making mugs, dinnerware, and other pottery items.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (442) 333 9122 | Website | Hours: Vary, based on classes | Classes: $75 for a one-time class

Handled Pottery Studio has been a creative space in the village for over 10 years.

Shop handmade dinnerware, mugs, and gifts, or learn how to create them yourself at Handled Pottery Studio. It has tons of events to stop by and test your skills on the potter’s wheel. The instructor will teach you how to knead your clay, develop techniques on the wheel, and glaze your creations. 

Check out Handled Pottery’s adult date nights, coffee and ceramic events, and kids’ crafts too. 

👉 Visiting San Diego? Our guide on the where to stay in San Diego will help you plan your trip and find you the best accommodations.

Coastal Rail “Fairy” Trail

Spot the fairy doors along a luscious and somewhat hidden public trail.

📍 Google Maps | Open Daily | Entrance: Free

Looking for one of the most unique things to do in the area? Look for the hidden fairy doors down the Coastal Rail Trail. The trail is less than a mile long from Tamarack Ave to Oak Ave, and is right near the train tracks. 

This trail is well traversed by dogs, walkers, runners, bikers, and visitors looking for a nice paved and well-maintained path in town. 

Shop Carlsbad Village

Meander the streets of the village to find unique local souvenirs.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Most shops open 10 am – 6 pm daily

You never know what you’ll find while wandering the streets of Carlsbad Village and hopping inside the unique boutiques. State Street is lined with retail shops, as well as the Village Faire Center. 

Here, you’ll discover a mix of beachy clothing, shoes, jewelry, furniture, florists, home goods, and other souvenirs. Make sure to check the website before visiting in case you want to attend one of the annual events and street fairs. 

👉 Pro Tip: Take the Pacific Surfliner Amtrak to nearby coastal towns for even more shopping and entertainment!

Shop the Forum

Check out Carlsbad’s well-known upscale shopping plaza with stores including Lululemon, Apple, H&M, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 479-0166 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Mon-Sat; 11 am – 6 pm Sun | Entrance: Free | Free parking lot

The Forum of Carlsbad is an upscale and outdoor shopping center within driving distance from Carlsbad Village. Stores here include Lululemon, Apple, H&M, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters. 

It has great dining options for lunch, dinner, and coffee, plus a local health-conscious grocery store. The Forum has exquisitely designed mini play centers, great for kids and parents who need a break.

Teressa Lane Jewelry Workshop

Shop simple and timeless gold jewelry, get bonded, or make a ring in Carlsbad Village.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (858) 221-4844 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue-Sat; 10 am – 4 pm Sun-Mon | Jewelry and gifts: $18-$300, Workshops: $156+

I first discovered the amazing quality of Teressa Lane Jewelry while getting a coffee in Oceanside and browsing the conjoining retail space at Rising Co. I fell in love with her stackable rings, and I’m thrilled that she opened a retail store in Carlsbad Village. 

Shop her collections of simple necklaces, earrings, and rings in 14K solid gold, gold-filled, and sterling silver. You can also get a handwritten custom engraving. 

Teressa Lane Jewelry also offers permanent jewelry if you want to experience getting bonded! Or, if you’re like me and interested in DIY crafting classes around the world, check out Teressa’s class to learn how to fuse and hammer a one-of-a-kind ring.

Scenic Overlook of Carlsbad Village

Rest your feet at this peaceful, grassy meeting spot and spend time people-watching (and dog-watching).

📍 Google Maps | Hours: Open daily | Entrance: Free | Free Parking Lot at 3093 Ocean St.  

Carlsbad’s Scenic Overlook is a mini grass park that’s connected to the boardwalk and an oceanfront parking lot. This place has tons of benches and is people-watching worthy. 

On any given day or night, I recommend coming here to watch oodles of dogs, sunset, have picnics, meetups, fitness workouts, listen to musicians, or check out a group of fire dancers and acrobats (yes, I said fire dancers!)

Coming here is completely free, so this is the perfect activity for budget travelers. 

Escapology Escape Rooms 

Choose your adventure in a live escape room.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 223-7936 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 8 pm Mon-Thu; 12 pm – 11 pm Fri; 10 am – 11 pm Sat; 10 am – 8 pm Sun | Entrance: $49.99

Escapology has recently opened up in the Shoppes at Carlsbad Mall. Get your adventure on and choose between a variety of live escape rooms with themes like Batman or Scooby-Doo. 

Regardless of which escape room you choose to play, plan for 60-90 minutes of this activity. Your game master can also take your group’s victory photo at the end. Escapology is great for two people or private parties and offers weekday discounts for groups. 

Carlsbad Alkaline Water

Drink water from a historic artesian mineral well or enjoy pampering at the spa.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 434-1887 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free | $1.40 per gallon, machines only take $1, $5, $10 bills and coins

Have you ever tried mineral water? When visiting Carlsbad Village, stop by the historical Carlsbad Alkaline Water landmark for delicious local mineral water. Hydrate with ph-balanced H2O. 

Around the outside exterior are self-vending machines for filling up large jugs of water – it’s a very Carlsbadian thing to do. While you’re there, you can also relax at the Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa with one of the mineral spa treatments or massages.

Outdoor Adventures

Batiquitos Lagoon

Easily hike a coastal wetland through an eucalyptus-lined trail at one of the few remaining preserved tidal wetlands.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free | Free street parking

Batiquitos Lagoon is quite serene and perfect for those searching for a calmer Carlsbad attraction. Located in South Carlsbad, Batiquitos is one of the few remaining preserved tidal wetlands. 

It has a nice and easy walking or running trail, and the lagoon is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife, making it great for a photography excursion.

While I recommend visiting Batiquitos Lagoon for its open water and nature trail, you can learn more about this protected habitat at the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation during business hours. 

Aviara Golf Club

Golf at a hillside course designed by the one-and-only Arnold Palmer.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 603-6900 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 7 pm Mon; 6:30 am – 7 pm Tue-Sun | Tee Time: $200 on average 

Carlsbad is known as a golf manufacturing capital with prestigious golf brands like Callaway and Taylor Made headquartered here. Aviara Golf Club is located at Aviara’s Park Hyatt Hotel and is known as one of the best courses in California. Plus, it’s great for all skill levels.

This beautiful golf course was designed by the famed golfer Arnold Palmer. Wildflowers, waterfalls, and ponds line the course. The Aviara Golf Club also includes a driving range and a nice bar and lounge.

Secret Swings

Adventure off the beaten path for a Carlsbad secret gem.

📍 Google Maps | Best time to explore: Sunrise – Sunset | Must walk there, no parking

This list wouldn’t be complete without including a top-secret thing to do in Carlsbad: The secret swings!

The secret swings are hidden near the Sunny Creek Apartments. To get there, head past the parking lot towards a dirt road that leads to residential houses. Before you get to those houses, you’ll find a creek concealed behind some bushes. 

Adventure awaits. Once you find it, enjoy the calming creek and swing right over it! 

🚗 Wanna take a day trip? Check out these best day trips from San Diego for more SoCal inspiration — most are well within reach of Carlsbad!

Hosp Grove Park

Retreat to a cool, shady eucalyptus grove hideaway not far from town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 696-9696 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm Fri-Wed; 12 – 2:30 am & 5:30 am – 10:30 pm Thu | Entrance: Free | Free parking lot

You won’t even realize you’re in Carlsbad when walking through Hosp Grove Park. It is quite tucked away in a secluded pasture, so while it can be extremely calming, I recommend going there with a group. 

Hosp Grove includes a 3-mile trail that’s nestled beneath 50 acres of trees. You can see the ocean from parts of the park as well as the nearby Buena Vista Lagoon. There are also recreation areas with a children’s play area and picnic tables.

Overall, Hosp Grove is great for nature enthusiasts, wildlife spotting, picnics, and leisurely hiking trails.  

Carlsbad e-bikes & more (formerly Pedego Bikes)

Ride through Carlsbad at the speed of the ocean breeze.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 729-2453 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Daily | Rentals: $63.60/3 hours, $111.30/7-8 hours, $113.30 overnight, golf carts $21.20-$169.60 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Carlsbad e-bikes & more is minutes from the beach and a great place in Carlsbad Village to get cruisers, electric bikes, and even golf cart rentals. It’s locally owned and also a full-service bike shop.

Carlsbad e-bikes & more also has guided bike tours if you’re interested in cruising down the coastline and pedaling past some awesome views. The tours do fill up fast, so you’ll want to book your preferred bike tour beforehand. If you plan on self-exploring, then I recommend biking to The Camp Store in South Carlsbad and back – it makes for a nice loop.

📚 Related Reading: Looking for more things to do in the area? Then bike on over to the next beach towns! Bookmark my guides to what to do in Oceanside and what to do in Encinitas for more info.

Evrgrounded & Evrbottle

Experience a unique little shop with lots of charm, selling beautiful welded decor and furniture.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 884-9390 | Website | Hours: By appointment only

If you’ve been to other businesses in Carlsbad Village, then you might have already experienced a part of Evrgrounded (rebranded from Evrbottle). It’s an artistic welding shop that made some of the welded signage and furniture you’ll see at State Street Commons and Jeune et Jolie.  

To get to its storefront, walk down a hallway of Alice-in-Wonderland-esque butterflies and lush greenery, adjacent to the pottery studio. Spot Evrgrounded’s hobbit-looking door installation/patio, where it sometimes holds special events.

Their amazing craftsmanship is taught during welding workshops, and their gift shop includes handcrafted items with repurposed materials.

The Skyline Farm Stand

Feel like a local at the neighborhood farm stand offering inexpensive produce.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: Sunrise – Sunset | Entrance: Free

On your way to Carlsbad Village, stop by a produce stand that overlooks a hillside view of the ocean up ahead. Skyline Farm Stand should be high on the list for those looking for off-the-beaten-path activities. 

The stand sits in between residential houses, so you’ll definitely feel the neighborhood vibe. What’s unique about the Skyline Farm Stand is that payment is by the honor system (leave cash or Venmo).

Its produce is rather inexpensive — great baskets of tomatoes for $5, $1.50 avocados, 50-cent sweet peppers, $1 onions, and more.

Museums and Culture

Alley Art Wall

Explore the creative diversity and murals of Carlsbad’s cherished local art scene.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Open Daily | Entrance: Free 

There’s a strong art scene in Carlsbad, thanks to longtime local artist Bryan Snyder (Snyder Art). You can spot Bryan’s art trickled throughout the village, such as in the new Tyler Street alley. It’s a community art wall with a mission to foster creative expression and artistic individuality.

The alley consists of a handful of talented muralist collaborations along with a blank space where teen street art workshops encourage learning.

👉 Street Art Lover? Don’t miss the rest of the village art scene. Save this local mural map I’ve custom-created for you to keep on exploring!

Museum of Making Music

Watch videos, hear audio clips, and pick up and play an instrument at this museum’s highly interactive exhibits and live events.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 438-5996 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue-Sun; closed Mon | Entrance: $15 general admission, $10 seniors/students/military, free under 3

The Museum of Making Music is located on the first-floor lobby of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) headquarters in Carlsbad. The National Association of Music Merchants is a non-profit serving the music industry with educational events on new instruments, gear, sound, lighting, and recording innovations. 

Visiting the museum will transport you into the ages of musical evolution. You’ll hear all genres from pop, rock, and jazz to folk, modern fusion, and more. Watch videos, hear audio clips, and pick up and play an instrument in the museum’s highly interactive exhibits and live events. 

Craftsmanship Museum

Witness the design quality and model engineering of buildings and vehicles. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 727-9492 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Thu-Sat; closed Sun-Wed | Admission: Free 

Calling all history buffs – you need to plan a trip to the Craftsmanship Museum! Learn about the historical makers behind the fine craftsmanship era at this museum that’s great for the entire family.

You could easily spend a few hours browsing exhibits here. The displays include metalworking, woodworking, aircraft, automobiles, preserved machine tools, and vintage steam and diesel engines housed in glass cases with informative plaques.

PHES Gallery

Appreciate the fine art and craft of creativity in Carlsbad.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 696-3022 | Website | Events | Hours: 2 pm – 7 pm Thu-Sat; Closed Sun-Wed | Entrance: Free

These days, we could all use more meaning, connection, and a home away from home. At the PHES Gallery in Carlsbad Village, gain inspiration and walk away with new ideas. 

This warm and inviting gallery in a converted lavender house sits on a quiet part of bustling State Street. This is more than just a gallery. It’s a blossoming creative hub and event space for community connection, artist talks, poetry readings, live music, and so much more.

New Village Arts

Head to the local theater for an intimate musical production by an incredible cast of local talent.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 433-3245 | Website | Hours: vary by show | Tickets Range: $33-41 general, $15-23 student

New Village Arts Theatre is an award-winning theater group that creates shows in an intimate setting in Carlsbad Village. This small but mighty theater puts on powerful shows across performance art, musicals, and other ensembles.

When you watch a show here, you’re getting a talented cast directly from San Diego, as the theater embraces and fosters local talent. 

Gemological Institute of America Museum

Spot rare gems and learn from the experts in all things gemology. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 603-4000 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri; Closed Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free

The GIA Museum at the Gemological Institute of America is known for its research and education on the gemology and jewelry arts industry. The museum has a notable guided tour as well as self-guided tours around the gems and jewelry exhibits. 

Here, you’ll find the exhibits sprinkled throughout the campus, highlighting a mix of the GIA collection as well as private collector pieces.

Nightlife & Entertainment

nido d’amore lounge at Baba Coffee

Listen to live music on the terrace of Carlsbad’s coffee shop haven.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 6 pm Sun-Thu; 6 am – 9 pm Fri-Sat; Live music Friday-Sunday | No animals or computers upstairs

Discover one of my favorite hidden gems upstairs at Baba Coffee: nido d’amore lounge. During the day, the outdoor terrace is the perfect sunny spot for coffee. Or downstairs laptop work (trust me, it’s my go-to). By night, the space transforms into a cozy lounge with live music and incredible vibes.

Witch Creek Winery

Go winetasting with a magic show, live salsa night, and more.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 8 pm Sun; 12 pm – 8 pm Tue-Thu; 2 pm – 11 pm Fri; 12 pm – 11 pm Sat | Entrance: Free 

Witch Creek Winery is raising the bar and becoming a go-to destination in Carlsbad Village for unforgettable events. 

Come here to see magic shows featuring top magicians from LA’s exclusive Magic Castle, dance to live salsa bands, and attend vibrant art nights. There’s always something happening here. Pair the experience with their curated selection of wine, beer, and snacks.

The Camp Store

Watch the sunset or listen to live music at the campground, no camping needed!

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 7 pm Wed-Thu; 12 pm – 7 pm Fri-Sun | Entrance: Free 

In the middle of the South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is a hidden gem: The Camp Store. It is San Diego’s only bluff-top bar and restaurant! Since campsites book up months in advance, you don’t need to be camping to enjoy it.

It’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike, offering live music, interactive exhibits (like the recent Jurassic Beach), and plenty of family and dog-friendly fun. Grab a drink, a snack, or their freshly made pizzas (the Positano with pesto is a must-try). You can even bring your own snacks if you want! 

Just a heads up: parking is limited. You’ll want to bike in or park at Cape Rey’s paid lot and walk over.

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Thanks for reading my picks for unique things to do in Carlsbad! Heading south? Up next, check out our mega list of the top things to do in San Diego!