Attractions in Carlsbad
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Picture yourself in a sea of vibrant spring flowers stretching as far as the eye can see. Carlsbad's famous flower fields, located on the coast of San Diego's North County, are in bloom from early March, through late April. The flowers cover about a mile of hillside along Interstate 5, north of Palomar Airport Road.
LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California is a 128-acre theme park for families with children ages 3 to 12. With three coasters and 47 other rides and attractions, LEGOLAND provides "minds on" and "hands on" fun and learning. Interactive shows, healthy food and the largest selection of LEGO merchandise in the country.
SEA LIFE Aquarium
More than a standard aquarium, SEA LIFE Aquarium provides an educational and interactive dynamic unlike any other. Featuring play zones, fun facts and quiz trails, SEA LIFE is designed to be a child's interactive guide to the life of the sea.
Museum of Making Music
This unique museum has exhibits that include more that 450 vintage instruments and samples of the most memorable tunes spanning more than 100 years. The museum puts the music products industry into historical context, so you see the connection between making history and making music.
K1 Speed
Looking for the perfect introduction to go kart racing in San Diego? Our North County indoor karting track in Carlsbad is for you. With speeds approaching 40mph on the straightaway and other racers vying for position all around you, you're sure to feel the rush!
New Village Arts Theatre
Now in its 8th season of producing plays, New Village Arts Theatre has become the most critically acclaimed theatre in North County San Diego. Thanks to the support of the City of Carlsbad, NVA has spent the last year and a half thrilling patrons in Carlsbad Village in the 99-seat theater.
Painted Hydrants Walking Tour
Twenty-six fire hydrants in the Village have been "adopted" by businesses and individuals to promote art, activity and community involvement in our seaside downtown area. The unique fire hydrant art reflects the many faces and facets of Carlsbad - our heritage, location and lifestyle.
Alt Karlsbad
Site of the historic mineral springs water well which was once a thriving business catering to travelers from Hollywood and beyond. The historic well is in operation and known as Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa.
Army and Navy Academy
Established in 1910, a college-preparatory, military, residential and day school for young men grades 7-12, celebrates its centennial in 2010. The 16.5 acre campus is a beachfront property and is home to a massive Moreton Bay fig tree, one of more than 100 historical trees identified in the Village area.
Barrio Museum
The Barrio Museum is dedicated to celebrating the contributions of early agricultural workers to the life and growth of Carlsbad. Located at 3304 Roosevelt Street.
Gemological Institute of America
Educator to the gem and jewelry industry, GIA offers tours through the world of diamonds, gems and jewelry. View the 55-ft. Tower of Brilliance, a 1-ton crystal octahedron, largest in the world, donated by Swarovski. At sunset, shimmering crystals light up the sky by the rotation of the tower.
Historic Highway 101
Historic Coast Highway 101 winds through many idyllic beachside towns, offers a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, and is an alternative to freeway travel. "See and be seen" along the roadway that made Southern California a famous seaside getaway.
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Leo Carrillo Ranch, also known as Rancho de Los Kiotes,is Carlsbad's Sleeping Beauty - an historic rancho in Carlsbad, California. A registered California Historical Landmark and Listed on The National Register of Historic Places.Hours of Operation: Tues - Sat / 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM & Sun / 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Lynn Forbes School of Sculpture
A leader among schools, the Lynn Forbes School of Sculpture is a serious, world-class sculpture studio that stresses fundamentals of Classical Greek sculptors. While basis for understanding form and technique is grounded in the great masters of classical art, the methodology adds unique modern twists.
Magee House
Samuel Church Smith, one of Carlsbad's founding fathers, built Magee House back in 1887. Now the site of the Carlsbad Historical Society, this quaint cottage was also home to Foreign Service officer Alexander Shipley. The house is open for touring, with bedrooms, a kitchen and parlors all decorated with artifacts from the period.
U-Pick Strawberries
Strawberries have been growing at the Cannon Road location in Carlsbad for over 40 years. The temperate climate in Carlsbad and the proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes for ideal strawberry growing conditions. The cool marine layer allows the harvest of berries into the summer, sometimes until the end of July.
Carlsbad Skateboard Park
A free 15,000-square-foot facility located between the fire station and police station. The Carlsbad Skatepark offers a good mix of street and small transition skateboarding. The flow of the park is decent and offers some good lines. Safety gear is a must. Hours are 8 am to 10 pm.
Carlsbad Trail System
The Citywide Trails Program offers 27 miles of unpaved recreational trails that wind through open hills covered with native chaparral, winds through forests of stately eucalyptus trees and meanders along panoramic lagoons. There are also 48 miles of bike lanes.
Hosp Grove
Hosp Grove has 3 miles of unpaved trails that wind through a forest of eucalyptus trees. The 100-ft. rise in elevation can cause moderate-to-difficult inclines.
Rancho Carrillo Trails
Rancho Carrillo Trails have about 4 miles of unpaved, gently sloping trails. The trails are broad and wind through open spaces of riparian woodland, freshwater marsh, baccharis scrub and non-native grasslands.
City of Carlsbad
City of Carlsbad has information for visitors about attractions, parks, transportation, and more.