Carlsbad State Beach

Sea walls divide the areas series of beaches. The cliffs are low, and the Pacific Coast Highway passes right next to the shore, allowing for an unobstructed view of the sea and easy access to the beaches. If you're looking for a bite to eat, stay close to the north end of Carlsbad Village Drive.

Well-designed walkways and all kinds of facilities have been added to make the beaches as pleasing to the eye as they are accommodating to users. All parts of Carlsbad State Beach are enjoyable, but spots like Tamarack (near its namesake street), Warm Water Jetty (by the large Electric Power Plant) and Terramar (near the lagoon) tend to be the most crowded because they are most popular with surfers.

Originally Carlsbad was a rural, agricultural community, and one of the Santa Fe Railroad stops, but now most of the farms and fields have been replaced with corporate headquarters. The LEGOLAND^® California, a family oriented theme park, is one of the biggest attractions in this area, drawing visitors from all over the world. However, most of the people in the area tend to be locals, and one can still enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that this area provides.

South Carlsbad State Beach

Because the locals have taken great pride in their area, future residents and visitors can enjoy beachside camping located at this State Beach. This is a great place for children to ride their bikes and boogie board on the calm beaches. Because the bluffs are tall and steep, visitors are able to have safe routes to the beach. The most southern part of the beach has well-defined peaks for surfing.

The beach features lifeguards, bathrooms, picnic areas, and a long, wide pedestrian walkway ideal for jogging or strolling with a baby carriage. Leashed dogs are allowed on the upper pathways but are prohibited on the beach and beach boardwalk. There are quite a few hotels and eateries in Carlsbad, and for kids, the LEGOLAND^® California theme park is just east of the freeway on Cannon Road.

The campground offers 220 sites for tents and RVs on the bluffs overlooking the beach, with restrooms, water taps, fire rings, and picnic tables. There is a small convenience store and a group campfire center, and the rangers are more than happy to answer questions about the park and the neighboring community. A series of stairs lead down from the campground to the beach below. For campground info, call 1 (760) 438-3143. For reservations, call 1 (800) 444-7275.