Welcome to Carlsbad
An action-packed gem where fun is a way of life and free time is synonymous with adventure and possibility.
Known as a quintessentially SoCal town and a staple of North County, the city of Carlsbad is a coastal retreat that brings together the best of world-renowned resorts, epic waves, and some of the hottest attractions in the state. Carlsbad is nestled south of San Clemente and Oceanside, conveniently a mere 40 minutes north of San Diego.
The hip, fun atmosphere of Carlsbad is due in part to its plentiful entertainment options, ranging from the Legoland California Resort to the town’s bevy of breweries and shops. A true surfer’s paradise, Carlsbad is also a revered spot for incredible waves and maintains an immaculate 7 miles of beach.
Carlsbad is a relatively new town in terms of incorporation, which occurred in 1956. Consequently, many of the homes here are newer builds that draw from nostalgic Mediterranean styles and contemporary trends. It’s a great market for diverse aesthetics, including everything from single-family stucco homes on desirable cul-de-sacs to more lavish estates right against the shore.
What to Love
- Under an hour from San Diego, an hour and a half from LA
- Known as the “Golf Capital of the US,” thanks to its many major golf manufacturing companies and golf courses
- Wonderful schools and an abundance of family-friendly neighborhoods
Local Lifestyle
Carlsbad, at its core, is a multi-faceted combination of the laid-back coastal lifestyle and fast-paced entertainment, with close proximity to two of the state’s most visited cities. Days in Carlsbad are spent browsing the shops of palm-lined streets, hitting the beach with the family, indulging in spa treatments, or simply reveling in the playful lifestyle of the area.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
A veritable haven for shoppers, Carlsbad’s multi-faceted approach to living is evident even in its variety of commercial offerings. Within the picturesque bounds of its downtown village, dozens of independent boutiques, antique stores, and locally owned shops await your perusal.
Carlsbad Village is also the place to go for exceptional dining, boasting a delectable restaurant on nearly every corner. Jeune et Jolie, for instance, specializes in creative French cuisine. Inside their elegant venue bathed in pretty pink pastels, diners are treated to a four-course meal inspired by the seasonal bounty of Southern California.
Campfire is another icon in Carlsbad, with a menu drawn from the state’s eclectic landscape to create a well-rounded dining experience focused on a return to classic, honest food. Bob’s Steak and Chop House is revered in part for its award-winning wine selection and signature cocktails. Those who don’t come here for the drinks come for the seared-to-perfection USDA prime beef and larger-than-life portions. Buzzy Japanese eatery Blue Ocean is the go-to for sushi lovers.
Things to Do
There’s no shortage of activity in Carlsbad, no matter your entertainment preferences. Annual events such as the Carlsbad Village Street Fair — the largest single-day street fair in the nation — bring the community together with over 900 vendors and mouth-watering eats. Legoland is a year-round Carlsbad attraction featuring over 60 rides and shows, a waterpark, and an aquarium.
Open in the spring from early March through Mother’s Day, the Carlsbad Flower Fields contain 50 acres of riotous colors certain to inspire awe. For those in search of beauty in all seasons, the South Carlsbad State Beach Campgrounds offers up its sandy shores for swimming, surfing, scuba diving, and picnicking.
Schools
Carlsbad is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Cathedral Catholic High School, 9-12, #1 best private Catholic high school in the San Diego Area
- Pacific Ridge School, 7-12, highly rated private high school
