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10 Fun Things to do in Carlsbad, California Summer

Carlsbad Beach sunset

Carlsbad is known to locals as the “Village by the Sea,” is an iconic, affluent beach town famous for warm weather, white sand beaches and a variety of family-friendly attractions like LEGOLAND &  Sea Life Aquarium.  But there is more to Carlsbad then meets the eye.  Come visit and learn more about Carlsbad Village, the downtown area of the city which offers a rare small-town take on the classic California getaway nestled in North County San Diego. Here is a list of 10 fun things Carlsbad Summer 2018:

1)  State Street Farmer’s Market in the Heart of the Village 

Enjoy fresh organic produce, locally prepared foods, handmade crafts and live entertainment in the heart of Carlsbad Village!
Every Wednesday between the hours of 3 pm – 7 pm on State Street


2) Carlsbad Beaches

Terramar is one of our local surfers favorite spots to catch a wave.  It is located South of the Carlsbad Power plant and North of Palomar Airport Road. This quaint and somewhat hidden beach surrounded by cliffs.


3) Art in the Village 

The Carlsbad Village Association (CVA)’s Annual Art in the Village.  This is a one day, open air event in downtown Carlsbad Village.  It has over 100 local and regional artists showcasing their art. All types of art will be available from oil painting, watercolors, photography, mixed media and sculpture.  There will also be jewelry making, woodworking and many other talented artisans. Starting at 9 a.m. attendees browsed exhibits and listened to live music along State Street and Grand Avenue right in the heart of the Village, just blocks from Carlsbad State Beach.
They will also be offering Family Open Studios, a free art-making workshop designed for the whole family’s participation, sponsored by the City of Carlsbad.
And don’t forget to check out the Teen Art Pavilion where teen artists from Carlsbad High Schools will have their artwork on display and will be performing live demos.


3) Carlsbad Music Festival

Venue: St. Michael’s By the Sea | 2775 Carlsbad Blvd. | Carlsbad, CA 92008
They offer free admission to certain concerts including the outdoor Lawn Stage contained within the Beer Garden.
Be a friend and bring a blanket and enjoy adventurous music by the beach with your community!
No tickets required for these events.
For other events there is a price for the ticket, click here to order tickets
The Music Festival will have a wide range of music from rock to classical. Come and get your party on in Carlsbad.


4) Corporate and Individual Wellness Retreats

  • Omni La Costa Spa – Renew your mind & body at the Chopra Center for Wellness.
  • Park Hyatt Aviara also offers an exclusive Wellness Retreats in a relaxed setting of casual elegance.

5) Carlsbad Food Tours 

Carlsbad Food Tours offers a local’s perspective to our unique “Village by the Sea”, in North County San Diego. Carlsbad’s coastal splendor, laid-back SoCal vibe, old world charms & culinary jewels makes Carlsbad Food Tours a great foodie experience. Schedule your tour today @ Carlsbad Food Tours

Our food tours visit 6 food tasting locations within the quaint village of Carlsbad. The food samplings on this tour are sure to stimulate your salivary glands and satisfy your appetite for a satisfying lunch that is chock-full of variety. Each tasting is served from locally-owned and operated specialty food stores and ethnic or locavore-style eateries.
Carlsbad Food Tours


6) Aviara Trails

The Batiquitos Lagoon trail is the most popular trail in Aviara and provides a wonderful nature experience being so close to the water and the Aviara golf course.
Migrating Birds are often seen on the Lagoon Trail: Egrets, herons, and many other water fowl.  The Lagoon Trail is a little over 2 miles in distance but has beautiful views for years worth of memories.


7) Agua Hedionda Lagoon 

Agua Hedionda Lagoon is a saltwater wetland and watershed and offers year-round recreational and commercial use.
It has facilities for boating, skiing, wake-boarding, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, and fishing.

8) The Wednesday “Worlds” Morning Ride

Start Location: Starbucks, Downtown Carlsbad (2924 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad, CA)
This is one of Bicycling Magazines top ranked group community rides.  The ride rolls north through Camp Pendleton to San Clemente where it turns around and heads back to Carlsbad. Out and back is 49 miles. The Pendleton ride has been described as one of the hardest flat rides you can do. So bring your A game and bring your ID – you must have a valid drivers license or state-issued ID to get onto the base.
Don’t forget to request access to Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton (MCB CAMPEN) bike route in advance by filling out the official Bike Route Access Form.


9)  The New Village Arts Theater


10)  Making Music Museum


  • Written by Cherimarie Poulos founder/owner of  Carlsbad Food ToursEat Like a Local!
  • We offer a 3 hour guided walking tour of the village featuring tastings from local eateries, and insights into Carlsbad’s art, history and architecture.
  • Hungry for more information about top restaurants & activities in North County San Diego?
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