36 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA (By a Local)

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One of the best beach towns in the U.S., you’ll find a ton of fun things to do in Carlsbad.

And, as a Carlsbad local, I’m here to share the best of it with you! Carlsbad has epic sunsets and some of the most gorgeous sandy beaches near San Diego.

From the European-style charm of the Village by the Sea to the cozy suburban life inland, there’s so much to explore within this picturesque Southern California town. Don’t forget to figure out where to stay in Carlsbad before you go!

Let’s dive into my picks for the best stuff to do in Carlsbad.

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

36 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad

The Flower Fields

Get joyfully lost in a sea of rainbow flowers, one of the most unique spring activities.

Frolicking in a sea of color

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 431-0352 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily, Bloom Season (March-May) | Entrance: $23 adults, $21 seniors/military, $12 children

The Carlsbad Flower Fields near Legoland are famous for their colorful ranunculus flowers that bloom every spring. People from near and far visit to walk through this beautiful site.

The fields host a variety of events you can attend to enjoy the flowers – including wine tasting, yoga, tea time, painting, and music. Then, in the off-season, watch them grow and sprout all over again.

If you don’t want to pay admission, but still want to enjoy the scene from a different viewpoint, check out the benches and walking path next to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Museum. You’ll find locals picnicking here while the sun sets over the flower field.

👉 Pro Tip: Go early in the season to pick your own blueberries and walk the sweetpea flower maze.

Carlsbad Strawberry Company

Pick up fresh strawberry baskets or handpick your own berries.

Picking strawberries right off the vine

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 603-9608 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, year-round produce market | Entrance: $15 per person (includes bucket), $10 per person (without bucket) & entrance fee for u-pick events

Another great field is the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, right off Cannon Rd. Stop by the field in the spring and summer to enjoy freshly picked strawberries or to pick your own (picking your own can be done from March through July).

Then, during the fall from September to November, the Carlsbad Strawberry Company converts the field into an amazing pumpkin patch and event space. Check out the apple shooting cannons, tractor rides, a bounce land for kids, a haunted corn maze with a secret saloon, and a sunflower maze.

Carlsbad Beach Boardwalk & Seawall

Feel the breeze as you stroll the paved oceanfront pathway and enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean.

Walking on the boardwalk above the seawall

The paved and fenced boardwalk in downtown Carlsbad boasts scenic views of the ocean. Right below it and parallel to Carlsbad State Beach is the seawall, another great walking path. Both paths are about a mile long. If you’re looking for a nice stroll, this is a hot spot for dog walkers, rollerbladders, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.

State Street Farmers Market

Shop fresh produce and baked goods in the heart of a vibrant village before having a picnic on the beach.

Rows of vendors at the market

The State Street Farmers Market is one of the best farmers markets near San Diego. Farmers come from surrounding areas to bring unique varietals of fruits and vegetables, flowers, kombucha, and all sorts of baked goods.

I guarantee you’ll find something you’ve never tried before! The market is nicely laid out with space to roam, and it even has live music performances. The best part? You’re only a few blocks away from the ocean for a farm-to-beach picnic.

Legoland & Sea Life Aquarium

Play all day at a colorful theme park inspired by the iconic toy.

The Legoland entrance (photo: dacasdo / 123RF)

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 690-5346 | Website | Hours: Legoland: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Mon-Thurs, 10 am – 5 pm Fri, 10 am – 6 Sat & Sun (hours change seasonally & during events – check calendar) | Entrance: $79 (1-day Legoland), $94 (1-day Legoland & Sea Life), $129 (1-day Legoland, Waterpark & Sea Life)

The Legoland California Resort and Sea Life Aquarium are two of the most popular theme parks in California. They’re centrally located and are a kids’ paradise. They have vibrant and interactive hands-on learning exhibits, rides, and games.

You’ll need to make sure you have an admission ticket to both Legoland and the Sea Life Aquarium, even though they are on the same property. If you happen to be visiting in summer, then don’t miss the incredible July 4th fireworks show!

🛎️ Need a Hotel? Stay overnight at the Legoland Hotel to experience uniquely-themed rooms overlooking the Legoland California Resort park. It’s one of the best places to stay in Carlsbad.

Agua Hedionda Lagoon

Boat, fish, and paddle around a saltwater lagoon near the ocean.

Sunset overlooking the east side of the lagoon

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 804-1969 | Website | Open Daily | Entrance: Free

Not far from Carlsbad State Beach lies the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, an ecological reserve full of fish (including the intriguing jumping mullet fish).

This is a great spot with calm water for fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, stand-up paddleboard yoga, kayaking, and motorboats.

Watersports are a highlight here, but the lagoon is also a great place to hike or walk around with a trail that leads to the beach.

👉 Looking for more activity ideas? Check out our mega list of unique things to do in San Diego for more fun.

Carlsbad’s New Village Alley Art Wall

Explore the creative diversity and murals of Carlsbad’s cherished local art scene.

Prepping for the grand opening of the new community alley art wall

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Open Daily | Entrance: Free

There’s a strong art scene in Carlsbad, thanks to a longtime native artist, Bryan Snyder (Snyder Art). You can spot Bryan’s art trickled throughout the village, such as in the new Tyler Street alley. It’s a community art wall with a mission to foster creative expression and artistic individuality.

The alley consists of a handful of talented muralist collaborations along with a blank space where teen street art workshops encourage learning.

👉 Street Art Lover? Don’t miss the rest of the village art scene. Save this local mural map I’ve custom-created for you to keep on exploring!

Carlsbad Premium Outlets

Snag the best bargains on your favorite brands at this outlet mall with more than 60 popular stores.

If you visit Carlsbad and love a great deal, then take a trip to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. The Carlsbad Outlets include over 60 stores with up to 60% off retail prices.

It has a great selection of name brands including Nike, Vans, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Adidas, and Tory Burch. Plus, there’s a Ruby’s Diner.

This outdoor mall has plenty of parking and seating. After you shop, stay a while for people-watching, have coffee, or grab a bite to eat.

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Experience Spanish colonial-style architecture amidst a relaxing golf and spa retreat.

The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad (Photo: Simone Hogan / Shutterstock)

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 438-9111 | Website | Hours: Spa: Mon-Thurs 8:30 am – 6 pm, Fri-Sun until 7 pm; Golf: 6:45 am – 7:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free, be sure to book treatments or tee time prior

The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is one of the longest-standing hotels in Carlsbad. This spot is great for travelers willing to spend a little more for a luxurious experience.

The grounds of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa are pristine and have a top-rated golf course, a luxurious spa, and a pool. I can vouch for their amazing paraffin wax foot pedicure, in particular.

It also has diverse restaurants along with a specialized fitness and nutrition retreat (the latter of which took the place of the previously renowned Deepak Chopra retreat).

Carlsbad Beaches

South Carlsbad State Beach

Hang cliffside for epic views and catch some rays while swimming, surfing, and picnicking.

My pup and friend’s pup enjoying the campground’s beach high chairs

South Carlsbad State Beach is just a short drive from Carlsbad Village. The beach is fairly remote so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for less-crowded beach activities.

Also, right above the beach is a great campground with a fantastic place: The Camp Store. It’s San Diego’s only bluff-top bar and restaurant and often features live music!

Robert Frazee State Beach

Avoid the crowds at one of the best beaches in the area with extra space for outdoor activities.

Beach volleyball courts on an overcast day

📍 Google Maps | Beach public group sports | Hours: Open daily, 6 am – 11 pm | Entrance: Free | Free Parking Lot at 3093 Ocean St.

In my opinion, Robert Frazee Beach is one of the best beaches within Carlsbad State Beach. It’s spacious and sandy and sits between Carlsbad City Beach and Tamarack Beach.

This beach is central to the village and runs parallel to the boardwalk and seawall. It’s also right below the scenic overlook. Additionally, the local Carlsbad Village Athletic Clubs hosts volleyball, yoga, and special events right on the sand. This makes for a great fitness-focused activity in Carlsbad.

🏖️ Beach bum? Then check out this list of the best beaches in Southern California!

Food & Drink in Carlsbad

Sips & Sunsets

Experience Carlsbad Village over a delicious drink at one of the many bars and restaurants.

Jeune et Jolie – A French restaurant patio for a drink and the sunset afterglow

📍 Google Maps | Website

Let me remind you that there are many restaurants in Carlsbad where you can catch incredible beach sunsets. So many Carlsbad bars also have oceanfront views and live music.

Then, after the sunset, walk down State Street where you’ll find more spots to drink up this beach town’s nightlife. Some favorites include 264 Fresco, Jeune et Jolie, Dini’s By The Sea, Witch Creek Winery, and Campfire.

Food Crawl

Discover the cuisines that make Carlsbad a foodie favorite.

Creative fresh salad bowl and latte at Lofty

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Carlsbad Food and Wine Tour on Viator

Downtown Carlsbad is packed with specialty food shops and a mix of cuisines that will satisfy every craving. Between the popular Handel’s Ice Cream Shop (though I prefer GelatoLove), the animal-shaped bao buns at Harumama, the Compass Sunday brunch and dog menu, and the lattes at Lofty Coffee, you’re in for a treat.

The best way to taste your way through the Village is through a culinary and history tour. Plan ahead and check out Carlsbad Food Tours to reserve your ticket before you go.

👉 Pro Tip: Looking for places to eat outside of Carlsbad Village? I recommend Pelly’s Fish Market, Bressi Ranch, and the Windmill Food Hall.

Shoots Fish & Beer

Sip beers, savor poke, and see live music at a charming cottage in downtown Carlsbad.

Out on the patio having a poke bowl with serious quality tuna.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 795-9172 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 8 pm daily, longer on weekends, Happy Hour: 3 pm – 5 pm, weekdays | Entrance: Free

Shoots Fish & Beer has expanded to Carlsbad Village – you’ll find it in the most charming cottage. Shoots Fish & Beer is more than poke and beer. It’s a community hub.

The shared courtyard between Shoots and 3 other eateries has an inviting grassy lounge area with string lights, and it’s great for kids and adults alike.

You can’t go wrong with a cold beer, fish tacos, and Shoots’catch-of-the-day poke bowl while enjoying the sunshine on the patio.

Shoots also host a variety of events, including one of my favorites, Shoots and Boots. During it, live country music and free line dancing lessons are offered in the courtyard under the stars.

Carlsbad Sites and Attractions

Cape Rey

Indulge in a luxurious spa day and farm-to-table dining overlooking Carlsbad Beach.

Toasting wine at sunset

Cape Rey, a Hilton Resort and Spa, is located in South Carlsbad. The views from the pool are fantastic, especially from the sunset terrace at Chandler’s Restaurant.

The amenities on site are everything you need for an elegant beach getaway. Check out the hotel’s Ocean Crest Spa for eco-friendly treatments and seasonal specials if you’re looking for relaxing things to do.

Handled Pottery Studio

Immerse yourself in local artistry and nourish your own creativity while making mugs, dinnerware, and other pottery items.

Following the whimsical path down to the studio

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (442) 333 9122 | Website | Hours: (mornings) 10 am -1 pm Mon-Fri, 10:30 am -1:30 pm Sat, 11:45 am – 1:30 pm Sun; (evenings) 6 pm – 9 pm Sun-Tues & Thurs, 6 pm – 8 pm Wed & Fri, 5 pm – 7 pm Sat | Classes: $60 + for a one-time class

Shop handmade dinnerware, mugs, and gifts, or learn how to create them yourself at Handled Pottery Studio. It has tons of events to stop by and test your skills on the potter’s wheel. The instructor will teach you how to knead your clay, develop techniques on the wheel, and glaze your creations.

Check out Handled Pottery’s adult date nights, coffee and ceramic events, and kids’ crafts too.

👉 Visiting from San Diego? Our guides on the best places to go camping near San Diego and where to stay in San Diego will help you plan your trip and find you the best accommodations.

Coastal Rail “Fairy” Trail

Spot the fairy doors along a luscious and somewhat hidden public trail.

Pup and I taking a bench break at the trail / Walking the path and spotting the fairy art

📍 Google Maps | Website | Open Daily | Entrance: Free | Street parking

Looking for one of the most unique things to do in the area? Look for the hidden fairy doors down the Coastal Rail Trail. The trail is less than a mile long from Tamarack Ave to Oak Ave, and is right near the train tracks.

This trail is well traversed by dogs, walkers, runners, bikers, and visitors looking for a nice paved and well-maintained path in town.

Shop Carlsbad Village

Meander the streets of the village to find unique local souvenirs.

Inside one of the many Carlsbad boutiques

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Most shops open 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free | Free street parking

You never know what you’ll find while wandering the streets of Carlsbad Village and hopping inside the unique boutiques. State Street is lined with retail shops, as well as the Village Faire Center.

Here, you’ll discover a mix of beachy clothing, shoes, jewelry, furniture, florists, home goods, and other souvenirs. Make sure to check the website before visiting in case you want to attend one of the annual events and street fairs.

👉 Pro Tip: Take the Pacific Surfliner Amtrak to nearby coastal towns for even more shopping and entertainment!

Shop the Forum

Check out Carlsbad’s well-known upscale shopping plaza with stores including Lululemon, Apple, H&M, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters.

Shops at the Forum of Carlsbad (Photo: Simone Hogan / Shutterstock)

The Forum of Carlsbad is an upscale and outdoor shopping center within driving distance from Carlsbad Village. Stores here include Lululemon, Apple, H&M, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters.

It has great dining options for lunch, dinner, and coffee, plus a local health-conscious grocery store. The Forum has exquisitely designed mini play centers, great for kids and parents who need a break.

Teressa Lane Jewelry Workshop

Shop simple and timeless gold jewelry, get bonded, or make a ring in Carlsbad Village.

I wear my simple gold ring every day!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (858) 221-4844 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Jewelry and gifts: $18-$300, Workshops: $95

I first discovered the amazing quality of Teressa Lane Jewelry while getting a coffee in Oceanside and browsing the conjoining retail space at Rising Co. I fell in love with her stackable rings and I’m thrilled that she opened a retail store in Carlsbad Village.

Shop her collections of simple necklaces, earrings, and rings in 14K solid gold, gold filled, and sterling silver. You can also get a handwritten custom engraving.

Teressa Lane Jewelry also offers permanent jewelry if you want to experience getting bonded! Or, if you’re like me and interested in DIY crafting classes around the world, check out Teressa’s class to learn how to fuse and hammer a one-of-a-kind ring.

Scenic Overlook of Carlsbad Village

Rest your feet at this peaceful, grassy, meeting spot and spend time people-watching (and dog-watching).

Community dog meetup at the overlook

📍 Google Maps | Hours: Open daily | Entrance: Free | Free Parking Lot at 3093 Ocean St.

Carlsbad’s Scenic Overlook is a mini grass park that’s connected to the boardwalk and an oceanfront parking lot. This place has tons of benches is people-watching worthy.

On any given day or night, I recommend coming here to watch oodles of dogs, sunset, have picnics, meetups, fitness workouts, listen to musicians, or check out a group of fire dancers and acrobats (yes, I said fire dancers!)

Coming here is completely free, so this is the perfect activity for budget travelers.

Batiquitos Lagoon

Easily hike a coastal wetland through a eucalyptus-lined trail at one of few remaining preserved tidal wetlands.

Aerial view of Lagoon / View from the overpass of the lagoon

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free | Free street parking

Batiquitos Lagoon is quite serene and perfect for those searching for a calmer Carlsbad attraction. Located in South Carlsbad, Batiquitos is one of the few remaining preserved tidal wetlands.

It has a nice and easy walking or running trail, and the lagoon is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife, making it great for a photography excursion.

While I recommend visiting Batiquitos Lagoon for its open water and nature trail, you can learn more about this protected habitat at the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation during business hours.

Escapology Escape Rooms

Choose your adventure in a live escape room.

Escape rooms are a great activity for groups!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 223-7936 | Website | Hours Vary | Entrance: $49.99, Adults, Kids Mode coming soon for ages 7-14

Escapology has recently opened up in the Shoppes at Carlsbad Mall. Get your adventure on and choose between a variety of live escape rooms with themes like Batman or Scooby-Doo.

Regardless of which escape room you choose to play, plan for 60-90 minutes of this activity. Your game master can also take your group’s victory photo at the end. Escapology is great for two people or private parties and offers weekday discounts for groups.

Carlsbad Alkaline Water

Drink water from a historic artesian mineral well or enjoy pampering at the spa.

Outside at the fill-up station with Capt. John Frazier mineral water statue

Have you ever tried mineral water? When visiting Carlsbad Village, stop by the historical Carlsbad Alkaline Water landmark for delicious local mineral water, and hydrate with ph-balanced H2O.

Around the outside exterior are self-vending machines for filling up large jugs of water – it’s a very Carlsbadian thing to do. While you’re there, you can also relax the Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa with one of the mineral spa treatments or massages.

Candle Bar

Design your own custom candle in the heart of Carlsbad Village.

Celebrating the grand opening of Candle Bar Carlsbad!

A local mother-daughter duo started Candle Bar in Carlsbad Village. This warm, inviting space celebrates your creativity with a hands-on custom creation process.

Pick your vessel, your fragrance(s) and then you get to mix your wax and scent. Once the candle hardens, you can decorate the top with stones and shells for an extra charge.

After you finish the candle-making process, give yourself at least 45-60 minutes extra for the wax to harden before you take it home. This is a great time to explore Carlsbad and grab a bite to eat. You can also come back to Candle Bar on a different day for pick-up.

Hosp Grove Park

Retreat to a cool, shady eucalyptus grove hideaway not far from town.

Walking the grove trail lined with springtime nasturtiums blooming

You won’t even realize you’re in Carlsbad when walking through Hosp Grove Park. It is quite tucked away in a secluded pasture, so while it can be extremely calming, I recommend going there with a group.

Hosp Grove includes a 3-mile trail that’s nestled beneath 50 acres of trees. You can see the ocean from parts of the park as well as the nearby Buena Vista Lagoon. There are also recreation areas with a children’s play area and picnic tables.

Overall, Hosp Grove is great for nature enthusiasts, wildlife spotting, picnics, and leisurely hiking trails.

Outdoor Adventures

Aviara Golf Club

Golf at a hillside course designed by the one-and-only Arnold Palmer.

Hole in one!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 603-6900 | Website | Hours: Monday 8 am – 7 pm, Tuesday – Sunday 6:30 am – 7 pm | Tee Time: $200 on average

Carlsbad is known as a golf manufacturing capital with prestigious golf brands including Callaway and Taylor Made headquartered here. Aviara Golf Club is located at Aviara’s Park Hyatt Hotel and is known as one of the best courses in California. Plus, it’s great for all skill levels.

This beautiful golf course was designed by the famed golfer Arnold Palmer. Wildflowers, waterfalls, and ponds line the course. The Aviara Golf Club also includes a driving range and a nice bar and lounge.

Secret Swings

Adventure off the beaten path for a Carlsbad secret gem.

Spotted – the secret swings!

📍 Google Maps | Best time to explore: Sunrise – Sunset | Must walk there, no parking

This list wouldn’t be complete without including a top-secret things to do in Carlsbad. The secret swings are hidden near the Sunny Creek Apartments. To get there, head past the parking lot towards a dirt road that leads to residential houses. Before you get to those houses, you’ll find a creek concealed behind some bushes.

Adventure awaits. Once found, enjoy the calming creek and swing right over it!

🚗 Wanna take a day trip? Check out these best day trips from San Diego for more SoCal inspiration — most are well within reach of Carlsbad!

Pedego Bikes

Ride through Carlsbad at the speed of the ocean breeze.

Pedego Carlsbad is minutes from the beach and a great place in Carlsbad Village to get cruisers and electric bike rentals. It’s locally owned and also a full-service bike shop.

Pedego also has guided bike tours if you’re interested in cruising down the coastline and pedaling past some awesome views. The tours do fill up fast so you’ll want to book your preferred bike tour beforehand. If you plan on self-exploring, then I recommend biking to The Camp Store in South Carlsbad and back – it makes for a nice loop.

📚 Related Reading: Looking for more things to do in the area? Then bike on over to the next beach towns! Bookmark my guides to what to do in Oceanside and what to do in Encinitas for more info.

Evrgrounded & Evrbottle

Experience a unique little shop with lots of charm selling beautiful welded decor and furniture.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 884-9390 | Website | Events | Hours: By appointment

If you’ve been to other businesses in Carlsbad Village, then you might have already experienced a part of Evrgrounded (rebranded from Evrbottle). It’s an artistic welding shop that made some of the welded signage and furniture you’ll see at State Street Commons and Jeune et Jolie.

To get to its storefront, walk down a hallway of Alice-in-Wonderland-esque butterflies and lush greenery, adjacent to the pottery studio. Spot Evrgrounded’s hobbit-looking door installation/patio, where it sometimes holds special events.

Their amazing craftsmanship is taught during welding workshops and its gift shop includes handcrafted items with repurposed materials.

The Skyline Farm Stand

Feel like a local at the neighborhood farm stand offering inexpensive produce.

Grabbing some fresh produce on the way to a beach picnic

📍 Google Maps | Hours: Sunrise – Sunset | Entrance: Free | Street Parking

On your way to Carlsbad Village, stop by a produce stand that overlooks a hillside view of the ocean up ahead. Skyline Farm Stand should be high on the list for those looking for off-the-beaten-path activities.

The stand sits in between residential houses so you’ll definitely feel the neighborhood vibe. What’s unique about the Skyline Farm Stand is that payment is by the honor system (leave cash, or Venmo). Its produce is rather inexpensive with great baskets of tomatoes for $5, $1.50 avocados, 50 cent sweet peppers, $1 onions, and more.

Museums and Culture

Museum of Making Music

Watch videos, hear audio clips, and pick up and play an instrument at this museum’s highly interactive exhibits and live events.

The Museum of Making Music (Photo: Rosamar / Shutterstock)

The Museum of Making Music is located on the first-floor lobby of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) headquarters in Carlsbad. The National Association of Music Merchants is a non-profit serving the music industry with educational events on new instruments, gear, sound, lighting, and recording innovations.

Visiting the museum will transcend you into the ages of musical evolution. You’ll hear all genres from pop, rock, jazz, folk, modern fusion, and more. Watch videos, hear audio clips, and pick up and play an instrument in the museum’s highly interactive exhibits and live events.

Craftsmanship Museum

Witness the design quality and model engineering of buildings and vehicles.

Miniature on display at the Craftsmanship Museum (Photo: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock)

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 727-9492 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm, Thursday – Saturday, closed Holidays | Admission: Free

Calling all history buffs – you need to plan a trip to the Craftsmanship Museum! Learn about the historical makers behind the fine craftsmanship era at this museum that’s great for the entire family.

You could easily spend a few hours browsing exhibits here. The displays include metalworking, woodworking, aircraft, automobiles, preserved machine tools, and vintage steam and diesel engines housed in glass cases with informative plaques.

PHES Gallery

Appreciate the fine art and craft of creativity brewing in Carlsbad.

House-converted gallery

These days, we could all use more meaning, connection, and a home away from home. At the PHES Gallery in Carlsbad Village, gain inspiration and walk away with new ideas.

This warm and inviting gallery in a converted lavender house sits on a quiet part of bustling State Street. This is more than just a gallery. It’s a blossoming creative hub and event space for community connection, artist talks, poetry readings, live music, and so much more.

🚗 Need a car? Driving is one of the best ways to get around Southern California, and the car rental service Discover Cars makes finding the best vehicle for your needs a breeze!

New Village Arts

Head to the local theater for an intimate musical production by an incredible cast of local talent.

Outside the theater

New Village Arts Theatre is an award-winning theater group that creates shows in an intimate setting in Carlsbad Village. This small but mighty theater puts on powerful shows across performance art, musicals, and other ensembles.

When you watch a show here, you’re getting a talent cast directly from San Diego, as the theater embraces and fosters local talent.

Gemological Institute of America

Spot rare gems and learn from the experts in all things gemology.

The GIA Museum at the Gemological Institute of America is known for its research and education on the gemology and jewelry arts industry. The museum has a notable guided tour as well as self-guided tours around the gems and jewelry exhibits.

Here, you’ll find the exhibits sprinkled throughout the campus, highlighting a mix of the GIA collection as well as private collector pieces.

👉 Want More? Check out all of Travel Lemming’s free travel guides to California.

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Thanks for reading my picks for the most popular and unique things to do in Carlsbad! For more coastal inspiration, check out this list of the 21 best beaches in Southern California!

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