Hotels in Carlsbad

A relaxing beach atmosphere in the town of Carlsbad makes for the perfect getawayOpens in a new window from the bustling cities of nearby Los Angeles and San Diego. This community has all the qualities of an old beach town, reminding visitors of seaside life in the 1950s. Beyond the picturesque beaches, Carlsbad also contains has LEGOLAND California and Carlsbad Village.

Places to visit

LEGOLAND California

Children, as well as those who are young-at-heart, will enjoy a trip to LEGOLAND California. It is home to several very accurately constructed miniature communities, all built with LEGO bricks, and guests can also cause a splash in the water park or seek a thrill on the trio of rollercoasters.

Carlsbad Village

This is Carlsbad's downtown area, which is home to several of the area's restaurants, shops and nightlife spots brimming with quaintness and sense of community. Carlsbad Village is conveniently situated near the beach and the train station that shares its name.

Beaches and Lagoons

Surfers, swimmers, scuba divers, campers, runners and walkers are amongst those who enjoy the 44-acre Carlsbad State Beach, located south of Carlsbad Village. The city is home to seven miles of beaches in total, while other popular natural attractions here include Agua Hedionda, Batiquitos and Buena Vista Lagoons.

Museum of Making Music

Entertaining visitors of all ages, musical instruments that date back to the 1890s are on display here, along with a variety of hands-on instruments that enthrall their first-time players.

Annual events

Carlsbad Village Faire

This art fair is held twice a year, in May and November. Nearly 1,000 vendors offer a variety of antiques, arts, crafts, clothes and food.

Carlsbad Road Races

The Carlsbad 5000 attracts about 10,000 runners every April, including world-class athletes who often set world records on-site. The course provides runners with some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Carlsbad Marathon is another race that includes many seaside views. A half marathon that shares much of the marathon course and a one-mile kids run at LEGOLAND also take place on race weekend, taking place in January.

Transportation

Carlsbad is relaxingly separated from large cities such as San Diego while still being very accessible, whether over land or by air.

San Diego International Airport

Lindbergh Field (LUV) lies 35 miles to the south of Carlsbad. It welcomes people from as far away as London and Tokyo. Travelers can catch bus 992 from here to Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego, a 10-minute trip.

Coaster

The Coaster provides convenient rail transport from Santa Fe Depot into Carlsbad, which is home to two stops on the route between San Diego and Oceanside to the north: Carlsbad Poinsettia and Carlsbad Village. This scenic trip takes about 30 minutes, with much of its route hugging the ocean.

Amtrak

Those traveling by rail from outside Southern California may need to take Amtrak to the Oceanside Transit Center, and then transfer to a Coaster train for a brief five-minute trip into Carlsbad. However, Amtrak does operate a few trains every day that stop at both Carlsbad's stations.

Where to stay

Carlsbad Boulevard

On this long stretch of road adjacent to the sea lies the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa. With instant access to the beach, the hotel is also just minutes from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CRQ) and Carlsbad Business Park.

Palomar Airport Road

Perfect for those on business, Carlsbad by the Sea offers a complimentary shuttle bus to several local companies, and 5,000-square-feet of meeting space. When business is over, guests can take advantage of the soothing hot tub.

Climate

High temperatures reach the mid-70s in the summer and the mid-60s in the winter. Carlsbad also enjoys about 265 sunny days a year. The June Gloom seasonal weather phenomenon creates a foggy and drizzly climate many mornings in and around June.

Travelers with some flexibility in their dates should consider visiting in the winter, as prices for Carlsbad hotels are generally cheaper during this time.