Burst Into Spring With Carlsbad’s Outdoors & Wellness Experiences for 2026

In the coming weeks, join local organizations for community gatherings along Batiquitos and Agua Hedionda lagoons. Then, read on for the many ways to be well year-round outdoors, at Carlsbad’s top spas and more.

May 1: Lagoona Kahuna Clean Up Challenge, California Watersports

Pitch in to remove trash and weeds from land or water (kayaks and paddle boards included), then enjoy team-building games and a well-earned, delicious meal break. Come ready to work together, have fun, and leave feeling full in every way.

Highlights:
~Paddle Out – Grab a kayak or paddleboard and explore the beautiful lagoon
~Make Waves for Change – Help clean up the lagoon while enjoying its natural beauty
~Game On – Play fun, family-friendly games
~Refuel & Relax – Wrap up your adventure with a delicious lunch and your choice of refreshing alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages


May 2: Lagoona Kahuna Family Clean Up, California Watersports

Pitch in to remove trash and weeds from land or water (kayaks and paddle boards included), then enjoy team-building games and a well-earned, delicious meal break. Come ready to work together, have fun, and leave feeling full in every way.

Highlights:
~Paddle Out – Grab a kayak or paddleboard and explore the beautiful lagoon
~Make Waves for Change – Help clean up the lagoon while enjoying its natural beauty
~Game On – Play fun, family-friendly games
~Refuel & Relax – Wrap up your adventure with a delicious lunch and your choice of refreshing alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages

May 16: Docent-led Walk at Batiquitos Lagoon, Batiquitos Lagoon

Come along for a docent-led walk with stops along the way to point out interesting flora, fauna, geology or insects.

For more springtime deals and events, check out our Colors of Carlsbad: Bursting Into Spring landing page.

It’s easy to be well year-round in Carlsbad. This spring, discover or reconnect with Carlsbad’s spas and outdoor pursuits, including hiking, golf, and course, beaches for all types of activities.

Spas and Wellness Studios: Starting with a simple mineral spring in 1882, Carlsbad has grown into an unmatched destination for personal pampering. Beyond massages, Carlsbad spas offer everything from yoga to mud baths, making them the perfect destination for brides, friends, groups, couples, and solo travelers looking for a relaxing wellness getaway in southern California.

Hiking and Biking: Carlsbad has plenty of places to strap on your hiking boots or hop on your mountain bike.

Get started with these trails:

~Hosp Grove Park Trail: With a length of three miles, the unpaved trail in this park is moderately hilly to steep, offering a moderate to difficult challenge. The trail winds through a vast grove of mature eucalyptus trees that were planted for the railroad industry many years ago. The trail also offers great views of the Buena Vista Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean.

~Lake Calavera: The 3-mile loop around Lake Calavera Preserve offers breathtaking views of the lake, famous volcanic plug, trees and scrub brush along its rolling route. The trail offers a mix of single-track and fire roads with steep grades and rocky descents that will challenge hikers’ skills.

Beaches: No matter what activity you enjoy, you'll find a beach in Carlsbad that's perfect for it, from hiking, biking, diving, surfing, birdwatching, rock hunting and more. Check out our live beach cam and see for yourself!

Golf Courses: Whether you're teeing off for the first time or looking to shave a few strokes off your game, Carlsbad offers a golf experience that’s second to none. Aviara Golf Club at Park Hyatt Aviara, for example, is known as one of San Diego County’s best-conditioned courses and the only course in the area designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer.

Submit your best image that captures the color, warmth and energy of Spring in Carlsbad for a chance to win:

-Two night stay in Carlsbad for up to four people
-$250 dining gift card
-$200 gift card to California Watersports
-Up to 4 tickets to the Museum of Making Music

One (1) photo will be chosen as the winner. Enter by 11:59pm on Friday May 1, 2026. Visit the Colors of Carlsbad: Bursting into Spring Photo Contest webpage for full terms and conditions and to submit your photo.