Carlsbad is a coastal city in the North County region of San Diego County, California, located 87 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and 35 miles north of downtown San Diego. Carlsbad is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, three unique lagoons, outstanding shopping, and world-class sporting events. Carlsbad is home to many attractions, including the LEGOLAND California Resort, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, and several world-renowned golf courses. The city is also known for its vibrant downtown area, Carlsbad Village, which offers a variety of beaches, theaters, taco shops, and fine dining options. The northwest quadrant includes the downtown “Village”, “The Barrio”, and “Olde Carlsbad”. It was the first part of Carlsbad to be settled and is home to Hosp Grove Park and the Buena Vista and Agua Hedionda Lagoons.
The Top-rated Restaurants in Carlsbad
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Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe
This highly-rated (4.6/5 from 2,068 reviews) restaurant offers a wide variety of homestyle American fare including pies, sandwiches, and breakfast items. It’s known for its cozy, casual atmosphere and delicious baked goods.
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Senor Grubby’s
This Mexican restaurant has a 4.4/5 rating from 1,889 reviews and is known for its lively atmosphere, tasty tacos, and margaritas.
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Campfire
This upscale, wood-fired restaurant has earned a Bib Gourmand rating from the Michelin Guide and is praised for its creative, seasonal California cuisine.
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Jeune et Jolie
This elegant French restaurant earned a coveted Michelin star in 2021 and is considered one of the top dining destinations in Carlsbad.
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King’s Fish House – Carlsbad
This seafood-focused restaurant has a 4.6/5 rating from over 3,700 reviews, making it a popular choice for fresh, high-quality seafood.
The Natural Areas of Carlsbad
Lagoons and Wetlands
- Visit the Batiquitos Lagoon, a 600-acre coastal wetland that is home to over 180 species of birds. The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation offers guided nature walks and educational programs.
- Explore the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, which has two public access points – the Garfield Street Trailhead and the Carlsbad Blvd Trailhead. Both offer scenic walking trails along the lagoon.
Nature Preserves
- Hike the trails at the Calavera Nature Preserve, which features a 513-foot extinct volcano called Mount Calavera. The preserve protects coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats.
- Visit the Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve, a 230-acre preserve with hiking trails through coastal sage scrub and chaparral.
State Parks
- Spend a day at South Carlsbad State Beach, which offers camping, swimming, surfing, and beach walking along the scenic coastline.
- Explore the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, a former Spanish-style hacienda that is now a nature preserve with hiking trails.
Guided Tours
- Take a guided nature walk with the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation to learn about the local ecology and spot birds and wildlife.
- Join a guided hike with Preserve Calavera to explore the trails and learn about the native plants and animals of the Calavera Nature Preserve.
