Hit the Road to Carlsbad 2025

May 14, 2025

Just a short drive from Los Angeles and Orange County, Carlsbad invites you to escape and experience its coastal charm.

Only 1.5 hours south of Los Angeles and 45 minutes from Orange County, Carlsbad is the perfect road trip destination for a quick road trip. So, grab a few friends, pack the car and cruise down the scenic coast to Carlsbad. Once you arrive, having your car makes it easy to explore everything this seaside city has to offer, from breathtaking beaches and watersports to incredible dining.

Stay in Comfort and Style

From spontaneous one-night getaways to full weekend retreats, Carlsbad offers a perfect mix of sunshine, excitement and a breezy beach-town feel.

Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach is a premier oceanfront property that provides both self-parking and valet options for your car. This boutique hotel is a gem along the coast and ideal for families, couples or a friends’ getaway. Their on-site restaurant, Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining serves up California coastal cuisine with scenic views of Carlsbad State Beach just across the street. Take in gorgeous sunsets from the oceanfront patio and toast to a fabulous trip with one of their signature cocktails!

Prefer to stay in the heart of Carlsbad Village? You can’t get a stay any closer to the beach than at Beach Terrace. This is the only truly beachfront hotel in Carlsbad perched right on the sand and a great spot to fall asleep to the sounds of crashing waves. Beach Terrace offers spacious rooms, a pool, healthy breakfast options, a pillow menu and communal fire pits to cozy up next to after a day of exploring. One car per reservation is allowed with a fee.

Visitors looking for a unique stay will adore the Victorian-style Pelican Cove Inn, also located in the heart of Carlsbad Village. With only 10 rooms, this quaint hotel is just two blocks from the beach and popular shops and includes free parking for one car.

Experience Carlsbad

With a car, it’s easy to hop between a wide range of exciting activities along the coast and inland Carlsbad. From scenic hikes to high-speed thrills, there’s so much to do, you can plan a jam-packed day that’s sure to be unforgettable.

It’s the season for strawberries! Visit the Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s U-Pick Strawberry Field for a unique hands-on agritourism experience. Grab a bucket and pick your own ripe, juicy strawberries to take home. This family-owned farm spans over 40 acres and is a beloved destination for seasonal fun. Pose for photos along the picturesque rows of strawberries and sunflowers, and don’t forget to say hello to the adorable sheep, goats and rabbits!

Hoping to explore some news hikes? Carlsbad has an abundance of hiking trails that surround precious lagoons and take you through groves of trees. Take a look at our list of must-visit trails that promise a great time for any outdoor enthusiast. All the hiking opportunities are a short drive away with parking available at the trailheads. Lake Calavera offers one of the more extensive trail networks in Carlsbad, with trails around a wildlife-rich lake. For a more relaxed stroll with plenty of birdwatching opportunities, head over to the lovely Batiquitos Lagoon for a hike along protected wetland habitat.

If you’re someone who thrives on action, Carlsbad delivers. Make a splash at Carlsbad Lagoon, where you can rent a variety of water sport equipment for a fun day out on the water. If you’re looking for even more speed, get ready to rev your engines at K1 Speed and race on the ultimate go-kart course. It’s the perfect group activity for those that like a little bit of competition and to challenge themselves!

Savor the Flavors of Carlsbad

Carlsbad’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its coastline, offering something for everyone. A must-visit for food lovers is Campfire, a staple of the local dining scene known for its fire-forward dishes and unforgettable flavors. Designed for sharing, the menu invites you to sample a variety of plates. Don’t miss their signature roasted broccoli, a dish that’s earned rave reviews for good reason.

Of course, no coastal road trip is complete without tacos! From PureTaco to Fresco Cocina your taste buds will be celebrating with some flavorful tacos on fresh tortillas. If you need help deciding where to go, check out our list of the best taco spots.

For those with a morning sweet tooth, The Goods is a donut lover’s dream. With a mix of classic flavors and unique creations such as a citrus cream, their artisanal donuts cater to everyone including gluten-free or vegan visitors.

Still can’t decide where to eat? Let someone else take the lead with Carlsbad Food Tours. This guided walking experience is a great way to explore Carlsbad Village’s food scene, offering tastings at a variety of locally loved family-owned restaurants.

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So, what are you waiting for? Roll down the windows, hit the open road and embrace the coastal lifestyle of Carlsbad with a memorable road trip and vacation. Carlsbad is ready to welcome you with open arms and endless fun.

Author

Sage Dunne

Freelance Writer

This blog was written by Sage Dunne of Little Light Creative Solutions. Little Light is a San Diego based business that empowers nonprofits and small businesses with brand brilliance by offering a tailored brand and marketing services.

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