Here’s How to Spend Three Days in Carlsbad

Below is a well-rounded example of how to make the most of three days in Carlsbad. Take these ideas as a jumping off point or a definitive road map to Carlsbad’s many possibilities.

Ease into three days in Carlsbad among Carlsbad’s natural landscapes before a casual, al fresco Mexican meal.

Agua Hedionda Discovery Center

Carlsbad shows off its natural landscapes at Agua Hedionda Lagoon & Discovery Campus. The saltwater wetland and watershed comprises three lagoons and offers year-round recreation and exploration.

Motorized and human-powered watersports rentals are available on the lagoon, and its Discovery Campus on Cannon Road features a number of educational exhibits and activities for all ages. For example, learn about the lagoon’s heritage, including Luiseño history and culture and view a photographic exhibition of the resident and migratory birds of Agua Hedionda.

Plus, get interactive during Weekly Discover & Learn series with family-friendly Microscope Mornings and Falcon Feeding Fridays. The Discovery Campus also hosts animals-in-residence including Bingo the mini pig, and Tammy and Leo the tortoises.

Norte

Make the next stop a casual al fresco lunch or dinner near the beach at Norte. A Carlsbad fixture since the 1970’s, Norte serves traditional Mexican fare like shrimp fajitas and crab enchiladas, various types of tostadas, plus combination plates featuring your choice of tacos, burritos and enchiladas. The drinks menu includes a lineup of classic and flavored margaritas and Mexican and domestic beers. Lunch specials are offered during the weekdays, including chilaquiles on Sundays.

On day two of your three days in Carlsbad, experiment with hot glass or jewelry making. Then spend an afternoon at a sprawling historic ranch and park.

Barrio Glassworks

Barrio Glassworks in Carlsbad Village is a family-owned glass art blowing studio and gallery where visitors can observe the studio’s artists at work and take glass making classes on weekends. No reservations are required to view the working artists, and first-time guests ages 10 and up interested in an introductory hot glass experience may book a Make Your Own experience class. These classes include all materials and instructions needed to create your own glass paperweight or heart. Additional opportunities to create blown glass objects like bowls, vases and cups are open to those who have previously completed a Make Your Own experience.

Teressa Lane Jewelry

Another way to interact with Carlsbad’s artisans is at Teressa Lane Jewelry in Carlsbad Village. In addition to shopping its collection of fine, hand-stamped, or hand-engraved jewelry, Teressa Lane hosts a charm bar to customize your own bracelets and necklaces, plus jewelry-making workshops for up to 12 individuals.

Choose from fine silver stacking rings, silver or gold heart making or 14k-gold filled or sterling silver threader earring experiences. Groups larger than 6 should inquire directly about a custom booking.

Leo Carrillo Ranch & Historic Park

Leo Carillo Ranch & Historic Park sprawls across 27 acres and welcomes visitors to tour its preserved and restored buildings and features, including its hacienda, reflecting pool and barn. The former working ranch and retreat of actor Leo Carillo (famous for his role in The Cisco Kid in the 1950’s) was inspired by the working ranchos of the Californio era—a time between the 17-1800s, before California became a part of the U.S.

Begin at the visitors center and take a self-guided walking tour, or 1-1.5 hour guided weekend tour, as well as walk, bike, jog or picnic in its designated areas.

Fresco Cocina

Back in Carlsbad Village, take a seat in Fresco Cocina’s dining room, covered patios or at its bar and lounge for a modern take on Mexican cuisine. You might start with chicken tinga quesadillas before crispy pork belly or mushroom tacos with a side of rice and beans or yucca fries, or house specialities like Baja lobster enchiladas with chorizo and citrus slaw. From its full bar, enjoy coconut or guava margaritas and a selection of wines from California and the Valle de Guadalupe.

Wrap up three days in Carlsbad with a hands-on pottery workshop and dinner at Carlsbad’s newest fine dining restaurant.

Handled Pottery Studio

Yield to the tactile wonders of clay during a themed workshop at Handled Pottery Studio in Carlsbad Village. No experience is needed to join a pottery paint and sip, morning coffee and clay, date night or hand-building workshop. Its hand-building workshop introduces students to various pinch, slab, and coil building techniques to create a mug or vase.

Weekly workshops run 1.5 hours, and private events can be coordinated for parties of six or more for celebrations, team-building and other special occasions.

Lilo

Put an exclamation point on a memorable three days in Carlsbad with a dining experience at Lilo. Lilo is a fine dining restaurant where guests can gaze into the open kitchen from one of its 22 seats that surround it. The experience is a multi-course tasting menu with coastal ingredients and influences from Japanese cuisine and French culinary technique. Its wine list leans into emerging California wine regions. Reservations are strongly recommended for its several seating times.

From the coast and nearby wetlands to its craft artisans and restaurants, it's easy to cover a lot of ground with just three days in Carlsbad.