Carlsbad: Resort to Better National Association Meetings

Jun 6, 2024

Selecting the best destination for your national association to meet can be challenging. From finding a location that’s not only easily accessible but also offers a combination of unparalleled meeting venues, accommodations suitable for large groups and diverse attractions, there’s a lot to cover. Carlsbad, California, however, has you covered. Here’s what makes our coastal destination the perfect place for your members to gather.

Getting Here

Bringing your group to Carlsbad is a breeze, especially with several airports in the Southern California area that also let attendees extend their business travel with nearby day-trip activities. To reach our sunny paradise, your group can fly into:

~San Diego International Airport (SAN): 40-minute drive to Carlsbad
~John Wayne Airport (SNA): Less than an hour's drive to Carlsbad
~Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Under a 2-hour drive to Carlsbad
~Palm Springs International Airport (PSP): Just over a 2-hour drive to Carlsbad

Once here, getting around is also easy. Carlsbad offers an assortment of quick and easy transportation options to get everyone to your meeting venue. Carlsbad Good Ride is also available for groups staying in our hotels. This on-demand, eco-friendly electric car service can conveniently take you and your attendees from the hotel to nearby attractions and other locations.

Hotels with Meeting Space

When it comes to accommodations, Carlsbad’s venues are as diverse as our destination, including our first-rate group hotels. These inviting properties offer exceptional convenience for attendees, eliminating the need for transportation between locations. And with ample indoor and outdoor spaces bathed in the California sun and multiple suites and rooms, your group can both gather and relax in style. Discover the perfect setting for your next event at one of these top-quality hotels:

Omni La Costa Resort & SpaPark Hyatt Aviara Resort & Golf Club
  • Guest rooms: 600
  • Meeting rooms: 45
  • Largest space capacity: 2,900
  • Largest meeting room: 18,000 square feet
  • Total meeting space: 110,000 square feet
  • Outdoor space: 100,000 square feet
  • Dining: Bob’s Steak & Chop House, Bar Traza & Vue
  • Meeting rooms: 23
  • Largest space capacity: 1,200
  • Largest meeting room: 11,730 square feet
  • Total meeting space: 83,000 square feet
  • Dining: Ponto Lago, Ember & Rye & Pacific Point
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort & SpaHilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach
  • Guest rooms: 215
  • Meeting rooms: 7
  • Largest space capacity: 650
  • Largest meeting room: 5,766 square feet
  • Total meeting space: 11,345 square feet
  • Dining: Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining
  • Guest rooms: 161
  • Meeting rooms: 5
  • Largest space capacity: 300
  • Largest meeting room: 2,997 square feet
  • Total meeting space: 7,029 square feet
  • Dining: Coast 6450 Restaurant & The Bar at Coast 6450
Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa / Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
  • Guest rooms: 250 (Sheraton) + 208 (Westin)
  • Meeting rooms: 23
  • Largest space capacity: 1,200
  • Largest meeting room: 8,010 square feet
  • Total meeting space: 71,40 square feet
  • Dining: 7 Mile Kitchen at Sheraton Carlsbad & 20Twenty Restaurant at The Westin Carlsbad

Bleisure Opportunities

Renowned for its impressive blend of business and leisure, Carlsbad offers an array of exciting things for your attendees to do before and after your meeting, many of them not far from our group hotels, including shopping and taking in art and culture. Looking to incorporate some time for attendees to unwind? They can catch some rays on one of our sunny beaches or get pampered at a revitalizing spa or wellness center.

For groups that want to get outside, our beach town is full of outdoor activities and attractions to make their time in nature unforgettable. Attendees can hit the links at one of Carsbad’s manicured golf courses, explore an extensive system of hiking and biking trails around the area or visit some of our must-see attractions, like LEGOLAND California, Leo Carrillo Ranch & Historic Park or the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. There’s something for everyone.

And we can’t forget about our exceptional dining scene. The Village by the Sea is home to an eclectic mix of yum-inspiring restaurants and thirst-quenching breweries that will take your attendees’ taste buds on a delicious journey. Dine exquisitely on authentic Italian food at Gregorio's Italian Restaurant, succulent steaks at Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse or appetizing American classics and craft beers at Karl Strauss Brewing Company.

Sustainability Initiatives for Meetings

Keeping your meeting or event green is also possible in Carlsbad. Amongst our seven miles of golden coast and welcoming atmosphere, you can take advantage of a diverse selection of sustainable amenities, including sustainable hotels, eateries and attractions.

But the eco-consciousness doesn’t stop there. Our Green-Certified town offers destination management services to ensure your next gathering incorporates sustainability initiatives, such as sending out digital invitations, using reusable tableware, serving refreshments on reusable platters and more. Let’s make a positive impact together.

Plan National Association Meetings in Carlsbad

Reach out to Jed Arrogante, Business Development, or submit your RFP to plan your national association meeting in Carlsbad.