Guidebook for Carlsbad

Laurie
Guidebook for Carlsbad

Arts & Culture

Fun and casual music venue to see local and famous talent--located in the Cedros “Design District” where you can browse a variety of cool shops
271 locals recommend
Belly Up
143 S Cedros Ave
271 locals recommend
Fun and casual music venue to see local and famous talent--located in the Cedros “Design District” where you can browse a variety of cool shops
Interesting, hands on, worth a few hours.
56 locals recommend
Museum of Making Music
5790 Armada Dr
56 locals recommend
Interesting, hands on, worth a few hours.
70 locals recommend
Oceanside Museum of Art
704 Pier View Way
70 locals recommend

Restaurants

Stop by for drinks and appetizers on the heated patio while watching the sun set over the ocean. Happy hour prices are great.
74 locals recommend
Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse
3878 Carlsbad Blvd
74 locals recommend
Stop by for drinks and appetizers on the heated patio while watching the sun set over the ocean. Happy hour prices are great.
Unique sushi with a modern vibe. One caveat, it get’s loud when crowded.
33 locals recommend
Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar
2958 Madison St
33 locals recommend
Unique sushi with a modern vibe. One caveat, it get’s loud when crowded.
Outdoor restaurant right on the beach--
17 locals recommend
Harbor Fish Cafe
3179 Carlsbad Blvd
17 locals recommend
Outdoor restaurant right on the beach--
Crazy good food-- go! They don’t take reservations, so you might want to go early or on a week night as it gets busy.
95 locals recommend
Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen
509 Mission Ave
95 locals recommend
Crazy good food-- go! They don’t take reservations, so you might want to go early or on a week night as it gets busy.
Organic/healthy and delicious fare. Courtyard dining or inside​.
34 locals recommend
Naked Cafe
300 Carlsbad Village Dr
34 locals recommend
Organic/healthy and delicious fare. Courtyard dining or inside​.
Don’t miss having a breakfast here- excellent fare...nice patio and cool succulent wall
37 locals recommend
Café Topes
3091 Roosevelt St
37 locals recommend
Don’t miss having a breakfast here- excellent fare...nice patio and cool succulent wall
Good breakfast spot
10 locals recommend
Daily News Cafe
3001 Carlsbad Blvd
10 locals recommend
Good breakfast spot
If you love sushi-GO! The best poke bowls bar none, but go early, they open at 11:00, close at 1:00, and before that if they sell out (which they will)
8 locals recommend
Yoshino
2913 State St
8 locals recommend
If you love sushi-GO! The best poke bowls bar none, but go early, they open at 11:00, close at 1:00, and before that if they sell out (which they will)
Good breakfast spot on the main drag in the village
39 locals recommend
Swami's Cafe Carlsbad
2780 Carlsbad Blvd
39 locals recommend
Good breakfast spot on the main drag in the village
They have a large patio dining area with firepits, great coffee drinks and breakfast, right in the middle of the village
18 locals recommend
Cafe Elysa
3076 Carlsbad Blvd
18 locals recommend
They have a large patio dining area with firepits, great coffee drinks and breakfast, right in the middle of the village
Because we always want to know where the closest one is when traveling :)
16 locals recommend
Starbucks
2924 Carlsbad Blvd
16 locals recommend
Because we always want to know where the closest one is when traveling :)
Best breakfast.... weekend long waits (40 minutes) but worth it-- cool antique mall a block away to kill time Better on weekday mornings
101 locals recommend
Beach Break Cafe
1802 S Coast Hwy
101 locals recommend
Best breakfast.... weekend long waits (40 minutes) but worth it-- cool antique mall a block away to kill time Better on weekday mornings
Great, well-priced fresh fish to buy to cook AND they usually have 4 types that are sashimi grade too. Also dine in option for casual fish fare, clam chowder, etc.
13 locals recommend
Pelly's Fish Market & Cafe
7110 Avenida Encinas
13 locals recommend
Great, well-priced fresh fish to buy to cook AND they usually have 4 types that are sashimi grade too. Also dine in option for casual fish fare, clam chowder, etc.
Great sandwiches- try the Turkado with extra secret spread!
29 locals recommend
Board & Brew - Carlsbad Village
201 Oak Ave
29 locals recommend
Great sandwiches- try the Turkado with extra secret spread!
good italian fare
12 locals recommend
Jay's Gourmet
2975 Carlsbad Boulevard
12 locals recommend
good italian fare
YUM. Consistently, YUM! A local favorite
199 locals recommend
Local Tap House
308 S Coast Hwy
199 locals recommend
YUM. Consistently, YUM! A local favorite
Mexican street food at it's best...try the California Burrito!
8 locals recommend
Raul's Mexican Food
490 S Coast Hwy 101
8 locals recommend
Mexican street food at it's best...try the California Burrito!
GREAT local coffee spot for that non-Starbucks experience... seating outside overlooks the courtyard shopping below. Also have light fare. Amazing lox and bagel platter for $9.99 !
16 locals recommend
Vinaka Cafe
300 Carlsbad Village Dr
16 locals recommend
GREAT local coffee spot for that non-Starbucks experience... seating outside overlooks the courtyard shopping below. Also have light fare. Amazing lox and bagel platter for $9.99 !
Easy walk to great authentic mexican food- an "old Carlsbad" institution.
9 locals recommend
Lola's 7 Up Market & Deli
3292 Roosevelt St
9 locals recommend
Easy walk to great authentic mexican food- an "old Carlsbad" institution.
Excellent italian food in Carlsbad Village
35 locals recommend
Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana
2943 State St
35 locals recommend
Excellent italian food in Carlsbad Village
Not a big fan of the food, but have a Marguarita on their patio after a walk on the beach :)
29 locals recommend
Norte Mexican Food
3003 Carlsbad Blvd
29 locals recommend
Not a big fan of the food, but have a Marguarita on their patio after a walk on the beach :)
WE LOVE THIS PLACE for authentic, sit-down Mexican-- food is always flavorful, they have a really nice outdoor space with fountain. There is a wait on weekends.
32 locals recommend
Casa De Bandini
1901 Calle Barcelona
32 locals recommend
WE LOVE THIS PLACE for authentic, sit-down Mexican-- food is always flavorful, they have a really nice outdoor space with fountain. There is a wait on weekends.
A hidden gem- don't tell anyone!! Cozy spot with amazing small plates, sandwiches, etc. Owner is super sweet and knows a bunch about wine.
31 locals recommend
The Miller's Table
514 S Coast Hwy
31 locals recommend
A hidden gem- don't tell anyone!! Cozy spot with amazing small plates, sandwiches, etc. Owner is super sweet and knows a bunch about wine.
Best fish place in the Village- reasonable prices.
42 locals recommend
Bluewater Grill
26700 Ynez Ct
42 locals recommend
Best fish place in the Village- reasonable prices.
A must-try, everyone's favorite, "can't believe how fresh and good the burgers are for so cheap" place. Try the burger "animal style" (secret) or the animal fries (with fried onions and their secret sauce)
19 locals recommend
In-N-Out Burger
5950 Avenida Encinas
19 locals recommend
A must-try, everyone's favorite, "can't believe how fresh and good the burgers are for so cheap" place. Try the burger "animal style" (secret) or the animal fries (with fried onions and their secret sauce)
Local institution- great gooey pizza and craft beers.
98 locals recommend
Pizza Port Carlsbad
571 Carlsbad Village Dr
98 locals recommend
Local institution- great gooey pizza and craft beers.
Great breakfast spot if you like ENDLESS MEAT. Big John breakfast comes with eggs, etc and all u can eat sausage, bratwurst, bacon, etc.
26 locals recommend
Tip Top Meats
6118 Paseo Del Norte
26 locals recommend
Great breakfast spot if you like ENDLESS MEAT. Big John breakfast comes with eggs, etc and all u can eat sausage, bratwurst, bacon, etc.
Get a slice of delish pizza, a beer and their​ house salad which is amazing-- apples, gorgonzola​ (or feta) candied pecans, YUM.
29 locals recommend
Best Pizza & Brew Oceanside
1639 S Coast Hwy
29 locals recommend
Get a slice of delish pizza, a beer and their​ house salad which is amazing-- apples, gorgonzola​ (or feta) candied pecans, YUM.
Cheap Mediterranean​ eats, fresh and fast.
Luna Grill - El Camino Real
2501 El Camino Real
Cheap Mediterranean​ eats, fresh and fast.
Great coffee and fresh baked breakfast fare. YUM
55 locals recommend
Petite Madeline Bakery
223 N Coast Hwy
55 locals recommend
Great coffee and fresh baked breakfast fare. YUM
Strawberry shortcake, ice cream, pudding, smoothies.....
Strawberry Shack
2906 Carlsbad Blvd
Strawberry shortcake, ice cream, pudding, smoothies.....
Great pizza, beers, salads-a local favorite!
53 locals recommend
The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza
1706 S Coast Hwy
53 locals recommend
Great pizza, beers, salads-a local favorite!
Such good ice cream! Expect a line, but moves fast.
35 locals recommend
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
2825 State St
35 locals recommend
Such good ice cream! Expect a line, but moves fast.
Unique fare, simply delish.
39 locals recommend
Dija Mara
232 S Coast Hwy
39 locals recommend
Unique fare, simply delish.
One of the best restaurants in Carlsbad Village. Food is consistently yummy,
19 locals recommend
Le Papagayo Carlsbad
660 Carlsbad Village Dr
19 locals recommend
One of the best restaurants in Carlsbad Village. Food is consistently yummy,
One of the best spots for dinner in the Village. Reservations recommended.
Nick's on State
One of the best spots for dinner in the Village. Reservations recommended.

Everything Else

Ge your surf on-- just a few blocks away.
144 locals recommend
Tamarack Beach
144 locals recommend
Ge your surf on-- just a few blocks away.
Only 45 minutes away, a scenic, relaxing day trip --beautiful beach town with many art galleries
845 locals recommend
Laguna Beach
845 locals recommend
Only 45 minutes away, a scenic, relaxing day trip --beautiful beach town with many art galleries
Always a fun day!
366 locals recommend
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition Way
366 locals recommend
Always a fun day!
Definitely go! Neighboring community with a different beachy hip vibe--Great place for shops, tons of awesome restaurants, hidden beaches-- where my kids grew up and ‘the coolest” according to them :)
156 locals recommend
Encinitas
156 locals recommend
Definitely go! Neighboring community with a different beachy hip vibe--Great place for shops, tons of awesome restaurants, hidden beaches-- where my kids grew up and ‘the coolest” according to them :)

Shopping

Every Wednesday from 3:00-7:00, fresh local produce and more, in the heart of Carlsbad Village
42 locals recommend
State Street Farmers Market
2907 State St
42 locals recommend
Every Wednesday from 3:00-7:00, fresh local produce and more, in the heart of Carlsbad Village
good produce, healthy food, gluten free selection, deli, etc.
40 locals recommend
Sprouts Farmers Market
2618 El Camino Real
40 locals recommend
good produce, healthy food, gluten free selection, deli, etc.
400 locals recommend
Carlsbad Premium Outlets
5620 Paseo Del Norte
400 locals recommend
Lots of little boutiques for clothes, home goods, food, etc.
158 locals recommend
Carlsbad Village
158 locals recommend
Lots of little boutiques for clothes, home goods, food, etc.

Entertainment / Activities / Sightseeing

Must-visit for families with small children
1249 locals recommend
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland Dr
1249 locals recommend
Must-visit for families with small children
world class zoo-- super fun day!
2510 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr
2510 locals recommend
world class zoo-- super fun day!
A must see-- shop, eat and take in the break taking coastal views. Kayak thru the caves...
1327 locals recommend
La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast Blvd
1327 locals recommend
A must see-- shop, eat and take in the break taking coastal views. Kayak thru the caves...
Fun for kids and adults!
1754 locals recommend
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.
1754 locals recommend
Fun for kids and adults!
I may be prejudiced, but this is the prettiest lagoon in San Diego-- a great walking trail to the beach!
18 locals recommend
Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Lagoon Place
18 locals recommend
I may be prejudiced, but this is the prettiest lagoon in San Diego-- a great walking trail to the beach!
Great area to walk around, dine
386 locals recommend
Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
386 locals recommend
Great area to walk around, dine
You can walk here from the cottage-- rent paddle boards, jet skis, etc. Check Groupon for discounts!
47 locals recommend
California Watersports
4215 Harrison St
47 locals recommend
You can walk here from the cottage-- rent paddle boards, jet skis, etc. Check Groupon for discounts!
Beautiful coastline views, ritzy shops, great dining, seal island offshore
94 locals recommend
La Jolla Shores Park
8300 Camino Del Oro
94 locals recommend
Beautiful coastline views, ritzy shops, great dining, seal island offshore
Another fun place to spend the day, beautiful beach park, great shops and dining
180 locals recommend
Del Mar
180 locals recommend
Another fun place to spend the day, beautiful beach park, great shops and dining
shops, restaurants, beach walk​, art museum, lots to see.
386 locals recommend
Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
386 locals recommend
shops, restaurants, beach walk​, art museum, lots to see.

Essentials

Walk or take one of our bikes to the store for groceries
46 locals recommend
Vons
985 Tamarack Ave
46 locals recommend
Walk or take one of our bikes to the store for groceries
Walkable for any drug store needs.
8 locals recommend
Rite Aid
955 Tamarack Ave
8 locals recommend
Walkable for any drug store needs.

Parks & Nature

Spectacular Spring stop! Vibrant Ranecula fields as far as the eye can see. Go on a tour or simply drive by and enjoy the view!
172 locals recommend
The Flower Fields
5704 Paseo Del Norte
172 locals recommend
Spectacular Spring stop! Vibrant Ranecula fields as far as the eye can see. Go on a tour or simply drive by and enjoy the view!
48 locals recommend
Buccaneer Park
1506 S Pacific St
48 locals recommend