Things to Do in Carlsbad

Carlsbad Village is the downtown area at the heart — and waterfront — of Carlsbad, a fun-loving Southern California beach town. Visitors to Carlsbad spend most of their time in the village, as it’s where most of the shops, restaurants and hotels are found, including the famous Carlsbad Inn — a Bavarian looking hotel on the corner of Carlsbad Village Drive and Ocean Street. A visit the Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa is a great way to relax with a massage or spa treatment using the local alkaline artisan mineral water. To mingle and pick up fresh local fruits, stop in at the Carlsbad Farmer’s Market, which happens every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. And of course the beaches and boardwalk that run along Carlsbad Village are the main draw. Tamarack Beach is a great, centrally located stretch that’s ideal for bike riding, surfing or sunbathing.

Everybody loves shopping on vacation, and shopping for great deals at outlet stores is even better. Carlsbad Premium Outlets features a huge selection of designer and mainstream brands, with some 90 shops, including everything from Ralph Lauren and Barneys New York to Adidas and Crate and Barrel. The outlet mall boasts an outdoor setting, with storefronts along sunny walking paths, so shoppers can enjoy the Southern California weather as they peruse their finds. And just next door are the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, a vast flower garden that opens seasonally from March to May, where visitors can stroll the fields to see attractions like an American flag made out of red, white, and blue petunias.