Parks & Nature
Ponto beach stretches all the way from Poinsettia late all the way to La Costa Ave. You can park by the roadside if you are early . I have picnic blankets, towels and beach chairs that you can use , it is such an incredible way to enjoy this little known beach.
49 locals recommend
Ponto State Beach Jetty
Ponto beach stretches all the way from Poinsettia late all the way to La Costa Ave. You can park by the roadside if you are early . I have picnic blankets, towels and beach chairs that you can use , it is such an incredible way to enjoy this little known beach.
Essentials
Ralphs
7140 Avenida EncinasThis is a must stop if you are staying for awhile as you can load up on essentials and fresh fruits and wine selection.
150 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
1755 Hacienda DrThis is a must stop if you are staying for awhile as you can load up on essentials and fresh fruits and wine selection.
Getting Around
If you need to take a coaster down or up the coast. This is a great option if you want to avoid the weekend traffic coming in r out of San Diego
16 locals recommend
Carlsbad Poinsettia Station
6511 Avenida EncinasIf you need to take a coaster down or up the coast. This is a great option if you want to avoid the weekend traffic coming in r out of San Diego
Food Scene
This is a little known local hangout with very good value for German bratwurst and sausages. The Big John breakfast is such a good value ( with free sausage refills) is a must try before 11am. You will have to get through a German grocery to get there but it is worth it.
26 locals recommend
Tip Top Meats
6118 Paseo Del NorteThis is a little known local hangout with very good value for German bratwurst and sausages. The Big John breakfast is such a good value ( with free sausage refills) is a must try before 11am. You will have to get through a German grocery to get there but it is worth it.
This is one of my favorite, great ambience and still family friendly and the food is insanely appetizing. There are several Vigilucci in Carlsbad and Encinitas, this is still my favorite. If you want a more classy set-up, go to the one in Tamarack.
35 locals recommend
Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana
2943 State StThis is one of my favorite, great ambience and still family friendly and the food is insanely appetizing. There are several Vigilucci in Carlsbad and Encinitas, this is still my favorite. If you want a more classy set-up, go to the one in Tamarack.
Entertainment & Activities
This is a must see with any kids under 12. This is so close to the house that you do not even have to take the freeway. You can even come back for a nap and head back later in the evening if the kids are tired.
1249 locals recommend
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrThis is a must see with any kids under 12. This is so close to the house that you do not even have to take the freeway. You can even come back for a nap and head back later in the evening if the kids are tired.
If you arrive during Strawberry season, this is a great place to sample the best tasting strawberries of your life! Go early before it gets hot, check the website for prices but bring some bottled water to clean the strawberries that you can sample in the field.
http://www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/
11 locals recommend
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
1050 Cannon RdIf you arrive during Strawberry season, this is a great place to sample the best tasting strawberries of your life! Go early before it gets hot, check the website for prices but bring some bottled water to clean the strawberries that you can sample in the field.
http://www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/
Jet ski, Ride the banana Boat, paddle boat, kayak are some of the great ways to enjoy your summer. Just several exits north of the house.
47 locals recommend
California Watersports
4215 Harrison StJet ski, Ride the banana Boat, paddle boat, kayak are some of the great ways to enjoy your summer. Just several exits north of the house.
Everything Else
The little town of Carlsbad, just off Carlsbad Village Drive on the 5, is a great way to roam and walk around. If you are lucky, there may be the annual Village Faire ( timing changes from year to year) but parking can be a problem.
131 locals recommend
Carlsbad
The little town of Carlsbad, just off Carlsbad Village Drive on the 5, is a great way to roam and walk around. If you are lucky, there may be the annual Village Faire ( timing changes from year to year) but parking can be a problem.
Sightseeing
If you arrive before in Apr/ May, you should be able to see this flower fields on display. The ticket price is steep but if you do some shopping at the Outlet Malls, sometimes there will be offers of free tickets if you buy a certain amount.
http://www.theflowerfields.com/visitor-information/
172 locals recommend
The Flower Fields
5704 Paseo Del NorteIf you arrive before in Apr/ May, you should be able to see this flower fields on display. The ticket price is steep but if you do some shopping at the Outlet Malls, sometimes there will be offers of free tickets if you buy a certain amount.
http://www.theflowerfields.com/visitor-information/