Carlsbad Attractions & Things To Do

Carlsbad, CA is a tranquil place to escape the hectic pace of city life. Whether a family vacation or romantic getaway, Carlsbad offers an abundance of recreation and pleasure. And of course, the entire San Diego area is a vacation wonderland that attracts millions of tourists every year to it's limitless Attractions. Also checkout Cruises, Shopping and popular Day Trips. Come see why Carlsbad is a preferred year-round playground.

Museums & The Arts

Carlsbad Historical Society
Our museum and archives are located in The Magee House, at 258 Beech Ave. The museum portion is furnished in a turn of the century style which reflects the life style of the early settlers of Carlsbad who once owned the house.

Museum of Making Music
The Museum of Making Music presents visitors with an interactive journey through a century of musical instrument innovations that helped shape American Popular Music from the 1890s to the present day.

California Surf Museum
The California Surf Museum serves as an international repository and resource center on the lifestyle sport of surfing through capturing, preserving, and chronicling its art, culture and heritage for the education and enjoyment of future generations.

Quail Botanical Gardens
To educate the public about plants and their importance in the natural environment by providing tours, nature walks, lectures, instructional programs and publications. Garden information and landscape advice will be available to the public at all levels of interest.

Carlsbad Village Theatre
The Carlsbad Village Theatre is a multi-purpose auditorium that provides a unique historical venue for a variety of live entertainment, cinema, business and community events.

Sightseeing & Tours

Fire Hydrants On Parade
Each hydrant has been uniquely hand painted by local artists, students, residents and business people. The fire hydrant art reflects the many faces and facets of Carlsbad – our heritage, location and lifestyle.

The Flower Fields
50 acres of extraordinary color in bloom on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with a special nursery, garden, and gift shop by Armstrong Garden Centers, and festivals throughout the season.

Nearby Major Attractions

Legoland California

San Diego Zoo

Wild Animal Park

Seaworld

Fun & Recreation

Carlsbad Beaches

Batiquitos Lagoon
The earliest pre-historic site at Batiquitos Lagoon has been dated to 8,000 years ago. Around the shoreline, nearly 200 different pre-historic sites have been recorded. There is evidence of middens (trash heaps made up of discarded shells), fire hearths, and other artifacts left by California Paleo-Indians (9000-3500 years ago).

K1Speed Indoor Racing
Experience the thrill of wheel to wheel racing in high-performance Italian karts! K1Speed is the largest indoor karting facility on the west coast.

Biplane Air Combat and Warbird Adventures
We'll take you high or low, fast or slow, anywhere you care to go. Fly over your house to see who is visiting your spouse. Special one-way trips for mothers-in-law and teenagers.