Searching for a vacation spot that offers the whole package? Look no further than Carlsbad.
More than three million people visit this thriving city annually for a reason: there’s so much you can do here. Tee off on one of its golf courses. Treat your taste buds to food tours where you can try local specialties, satisfy your sweet tooth, and even sample a variety of wines.
Traveling with the kids? Head on over to LEGOLAND California. This means Carlsbad is considered one of the most charming cities in Southern California.
As a coastal town with sunny weather all year round, Carlsbad is also known for its beaches! Whether you want to kayak at Agua Hedionda Lagoon or roast marshmallows at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, this city has a perfect beach for everyone. Yet, of all the great spots you can try, the picturesque Tamarack State Beach is arguably the best one.
Just a short walk away from Carlsbad itself, this beach is perfect for visitors stopping by the city for a day and wanting to explore its pristine coastlines. If that sounds like you, you probably want to make the most out of your trip by packing as little as possible into your bag. To narrow down what you bring to the essentials, consider bringing the following:
Spare clothes
Tamarack State Beach is great for swimming, surfing, and everything in between, so you’ll definitely need to bring more clothes than what you’re wearing when you arrive. If you’re looking to pack light, though, minimize how many spare clothes you bring along. Even just a swimsuit and no more than one top and bottom, along with extra undergarments, should be enough for spending a full day on Carlsbad’s shores. You can look into brands like ASOS for an idea of how much to bring or simply if you want to pack quickly, as it sells full clothing sets with all the pieces you need to be beach-ready in a snap.
Clip-on sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must for the beach—not just as an accessory, but as a means of sun protection. Carlsbad regularly hits Level 11 on the UV Index, a rating that’s considered “extreme” and can put your eyes at risk of temporary sunburn. But what if you wear prescription eyeglasses? Clip-on sunglasses are the answer. Models like Solar Shield’s Yukon and Haven’s Flip Rec 54 are designed to easily attach and fit over your lenses using either hinges or magnets. They also provided 100% UVA and UVB protection as standard. By opting for these over a pair of prescription sunglasses, you can avoid packing two separate kinds of eyewear on your beach day and free up more space in your bag—without sacrificing sun protection in the process.
Multifunctional shoes
Shoes can take up a lot of space, so you’ll want to wear ones that can easily transition from Carlsbad’s pavements to Tamarack State Beach’s sandy shores. That makes beach shoes perfect if you don’t want to pack an extra pair of footwear. These are similar to the reef shoes people usually use to avoid burning their soles or cutting themselves on coral, but pairs like Watery’s Kawaii and Bondi show that they look just like a regular pair of sneakers. With thick yet soft shock-absorbing soles and adjustable Velcro straps, they’re also anti-slip and easy to wear and remove, great for when you decide to dip your toes in the water.
Travel-sized toiletries
You’ll probably want to freshen up after your day at Tamarack State Beach, especially if you’ve gone for a swim. If so, packing toiletries even on a day trip will help you take advantage of the bathroom facilities the beach offers. To ensure your bag stays light, opt for travel-sized bottles. Want to take the stress out of deciding what to bring? Brands like Hallmark and La Mer offer complete travel kits for convenient packing. You can also bring solid variants of hygiene products, like shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets, to free up more space. One thing you won’t want a travel-sized version of, though, is sunscreen. Given how harsh the sun can be in Carlsbad, you’ll want a full bottle of it so you can protect yourself by applying it every two hours and after swimming.
Quick snacks
For most beachgoers, a day by the sea isn’t complete without some good food. However, if you’re packing light, you’ll want to bring the kinds that aren’t too cumbersome and won’t require much preparation. Quick snacks like chips and cookies can serve you well here. Wraps, salads, and sandwiches are also great beach foods that are easy to pack if you want to savor full meals while you’re at Tamarack. However, hydrating snacks will probably be the best for helping you stay cool on your hot and sunny day trip to Carlsbad. Tasty treats like watermelon, apple slices, and even strawberry-chocolate Greek yogurt bark all contain enough water content to help you prevent dehydration. That makes them especially handy in case you forget your water bottle at home or simply run out of space for it in your bag.
Article written by Jackie Ruth
Exclusively for Carlsbad Food Tours
This post was published by Cherimarie Poulos aka Mrs. Carlsbad is the owner and founder of Carlsbad Food Tours!
A Party on the Move!
We plan it, you enjoy! A 3-Hour guided walking tour with 6 tasting locations for food, wine and or beer! Come learn about Carlsbad’s history, culture and architecture while eating your way through our seaside village. Corporate Private Group Experiences are also available upon request for team building events! Gift Cards for our food tours make great experience gifts for the holidays!
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Cherimarie loves showcasing the delicious food, deep-rooted history, and unique culture Carlsbad has to offer!
And guess what? By taking a tour with us, you’re helping support local Carlsbad businesses and charities.
Let us break bread together!
Food is the ingredient that binds us together. It is the constant that unites all people. It’s the nourishment of the soul that helps to connect us to our own cultures and beliefs as well as others, bridging gaps in society.
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