Things To Do
Carlsbad and Surrounding Area
North San Diego County, including Carlsbad, La Jolla, Del Mar, San Marcos, Encinitas, and Oceanside boasts a laid-back beach culture with a flair of upscale coastal charm. 1. Carlsbad Village is the charming, walkable downtown hub of Carlsbad, California 2. Legoland California, fun for kids and located in Carlsbad. 3. Oceanside Downtown, Pier, and Harbor 4. Beaches, drive along the Pacific Coast Highway and take your pick of beaches (Harbor Beach, Tamarack Beach, South Carlsbad Beach, Moonlight Beach, etc.)
San Diego
San Diego is famous for its gorgeous weather and stunning beaches. It's also known for the San Diego Padres, its craft beer industry, and lively restaurant scene. 1. Neighborhoods: Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, North Park, Old Town, and Hillcrest 2. Attractions: San Diego Beaches, Padres Stadium, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Sea World, Hotel del Coronado
Orange County
Just to the north of San Diego County, with over 40 miles of coastline with famous spots like Laguna Beach (artsy coves), Newport Beach (yachts, piers), and Huntington Beach ("Surf City USA"). 1. Theme Parks: Disneyland Resort and Knott's Berry Farm 2. Lifestyle & Pop Culture: Known for luxury living (South Coast Plaza, Balboa Island), celebrity residents (past and present), and reality shows like The Real Housewives of Orange County and Laguna Beach 3. Hikes: Top of World, Crystal Cove State Park, Dana Point Headlands
Shopping
Looking to go on a shopping spree? Here are some great options! Carlsbad Outlets (~ 12 min away) Westfield UTC - San Diego (~ 23 min away) San Clemente Outlets (~ 30 min away) Fashion Island - Newport Beach (~ 1 hr away)
Favorite Restaurants
Carlsbad/Oceanside: 1. Mexican - The Taco Stand, Casa de Bandini (great Happy Hour!), Valle 2. Coffee - Voyager, Revolution, Vigilante 3. Boba - Ding Tea, Happy Lemon, Teaspoon 4. Pizza - Allmine, Oddie's Pizza, Brooklyn Boys 5. Asian - Matsu, Gonzo, Harumama (great vegetarian ramen) 6. Pub/New American - Local Taphouse and Kitchen, The Henry 7. Breakfast/Brunch - Cafe Topes, Beach Break Cafe, Inglorious Bagels 8. Other - Al Toque Peruvian, Dija Mara Encitas/Del Mar: 1. Asian Fusion/Korean - CHIKO 2. Latin American - Q'ero Restaurant 3. Dessert - An's Hatmakers California staple: In-N-Out!!
Favorite Restaurants
1. Mexican - lots of great options! Cafe Coyote, Oscar's Mexican Seafood, Taqueria Los Chuchys, La Perla Cocina Mexicana, Ed Fernandez Restaurant Birrieria 2. Brunch - Sugar and Scribe, The Cottage, Sunnyboy Biscuit, Werewolf, Great Maple 3. New American - Trust, Herb and Wood, Juniper and Ivy, Cody's American, Rustic Root 4. Italian - Barbusa, Cardellino, Civico 1845 5. Asian - Kinme Omakase, Animae, Banh Mi Hoi An, Baikohken Ramen, Fortunate Son, Menya Ultra, Azuki Sushi 6. Seafood - Haworth Fish, Fish Guts, Hawaiian Fresh Seafood 7. Other/Misc - Phil's BBQ, Alforon, Bud's Louisiana Cafe, Aladdin Cafe 8. Bakery - Izola, Wayfarer Bread & Pastry