Carlsbad (California)

Carlsbad is a city in the north end of San Diego County in Southern California. The city has a relaxed beach town atmosphere away from the urban madness of Los Angeles and San Diego, but close enough for easy access. It has a 7-mile stretch of mostly undeveloped coastline with nice beaches, secluded coves and picturesque cliffs that are well maintained and accessible.

Understand
Carlsbad is the third largest city in San Diego County. Its northern neighbor is the second biggest city in San Diego County, Oceanside. South of Carlsbad is the affluent beach town of Encinitas.

Carlsbad is a favorite destination for families and foreign tourists, especially Germans.

For families with children, Carlsbad's biggest draw is Legoland California, a theme park based on the popular toy line with sculptures made of the little plastic bricks and lots of Lego-themed rides. The downtown Carlsbad Village by-the-Sea area is a nice place to spend the day shopping and eating at an eclectic mix of places. For now the area has kept a charming mix of the Old California single story development - giving its European Village feel - with the modern amenities of a modern city.

By car
Carlsbad is about 30 miles north of San Diego on Interstate 5. The Coast Highway (County Route S21) passes through Carlsbad as well, under the name Carlsbad Boulevard.

By rail
While the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which travels between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, passes through Carlsbad, it does not stop in the city; the closest stops to Carlsbad are at the Oceanside Transit Center and Solana Beach Station. However, the more numerous commuter Coaster trains between Oceanside and San Diego, run by NCTD , do stop at two stations in Carlsbad: at 2775 State St near downtown and  at 6511 Avenida Encinas, between Palomar Airport Road and Poinsettia Lane.

NCTD Sprinter Hybrid Rail travels between the Oceanside Transit Center and the Escondido Transit Center, but does not pass through Carlsbad.

There are also regional Metrolink trains from Los Angeles to nearby Oceanside, from where it's possible to take a bus or taxi to Carlsbad.

By plane


San Diego International Airport is the closest major airport to Carlsbad. From SAN, you may take San Diego Transit's Route 992 bus to the Santa Fe Depot, connect to the COASTER, and get off at the COASTER stations at either Carlsbad Poinsettia or Carlsbad Village.

John Wayne Airport in Orange County is the next closest major airport; the nearest Amtrak/Metrolink stations are in Santa Ana, Tustin, and Irvine.

Get around
The North County Transit District provides public bus service within Carlsbad.

Eat


Gluten-free dining: If you are on a gluten-free diet you are in for treat. The following restaurants are located in Carlsbad Village and are walking distance from the train station: Pizza Port offers delicious gluten-free pizza and carries gluten-free beers and ciders. For Mexican dining try Garcia's or Norte, all of who can provide gluten-free options. Several Italian restaurants will substitute gluten-free pasta including Vigilucci's. The Coyote Bar and Grill has an excellent roasted half chicken and other menu options that can be made gluten-free.

Camping
Carlsbad State Beach. A beautiful area south of town on the Pacific Coast Highway. Reservations required most dates.

Go next

 * Oceanside
 * Vista
 * San Marcos
 * Escondido
 * Encinitas
 * Temecula