Things To Do

Coffee

La Costa Coffee Roasting

Our Favorite! Casual coffee shop & cafe. Guitarist can sometimes be found on the patio playing soft relaxing tunes.

Better Buzz Coffee Encinitas

Liz's Favorite! Fun option for creative coffee beverages, sandwiches & acai bowls

Lofty Coffee Encinitas Roasting Works

Stylish coffee shop serving beverages crafted from locally roasted beans, plus pastries & cafe fare.

Pannikin Coffee & Tea

Long-standing outpost offering gourmet coffee, tea & baked goods in a relaxed space.

Bakery & Cafe

Champagne Bakery

Parisian-style cafe chain offering all-day breakfast, sandwiches & pastries, plus coffee.

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery

Authentic and traditional Italian bakery serving delicious pastries, sandwiches, and desserts. Ingredients imported from Italy.

The Goods Doughnuts

Our favorite! Compact, airy counter-serve for artisan donuts in Carlsbad Village, with creative flavors such as stuffed Nutella & s’mores. Grab a doughnut and coffee, and walk across the street to the beach or pier!

Prager Brothers Artisan Breads

"Best bread ever!!!!!!" -Jim. Family-run bakery specializing in fresh loaf breads, plus pastries & sandwiches.

VG Donut & Bakery

Old-fashioned bakery offering coffee, bread, donuts, cookies, cakes & more.

Authentic Mexican

The Taco Stand

Our favorite! Authentic taqueria & traditional Mexican fare inspired by the taco stands of Tijuana. Features handmade corn tortillas, grade meats, and daily fresh ingredients for the guacamole and salsa. Casual indoor/outdoor digs.

Casa De Bandini at The Forum

Festive eatery serving classic Mexican cuisine in a colorful dining room with roving mariachi bands. Outdoor porch seating is also available. Impressive portions.

Juanitas Taco Shop.

Destination for hefty burritos, nachos & other standard Mexican eats in a no-frills establishment. Grab a burrito, try a Horchata (traditional Mexican drink), and walk straight to the beach - literally! (only three blocks away).

Miguel's Cocina

A bustling outpost of a small chain serving margaritas & California-inspired Mexican eats. We recommend take-out, driving the coastline along Carlsbad Blvd, and stopping to watch the sunset over the ocean, which you can view from clifftops or sand.

Burgers and Brews

In-N-Out Burger

Our favorite! Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

Carlsbad Brewing Company

Shared plates, burgers & pizza served in a casual brewhouse with a warm, industrial vibe & a patio.

Dogleg Brewing Company

A golf-inspired brewery that offers excellent beers, an indoor putting green, and is dog friendly!

Encinitas Ale House

Cozy pub with international beers on tap has bison, ostrich & other unusual burgers.

Eureka!

Hip dining spot serving elevated burgers, craft beer & whiskey in industrial-chic surrounds.

Notorious Burgers

Hip, mobster-themed eatery featuring gourmet burgers, sandwiches & rotating craft beers on tap.

Pizza Port Brewing Co.

Local pizza chain known for its craft brews, popular with families, beer fans & surfers alike.

Fine Dining

Bob's Steak & Chop House

Texas-born chain serving big slabs of beef, seafood & a large wine list in a classy atmosphere.

Jake's Del Mar

Seaside eatery & bar with an upscale menu, Sunday brunch & grand views.

Pacific Coast Grill

Waterfront venue is an airy spot for sushi, mussels & other seafood options with a chill atmosphere.

Paon Restaurant & Bar

Buzzy eatery serving high-end French-inspired California cuisine in an elegant dining room

Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse

Relaxed eatery serving Italian-inspired steak & seafood across from the Pacific Ocean.

Golf

The Crossings at Carlsbad

Upscale golf club with an 18-hole course and a posh, water-view restaurant.

Encinitas Ranch Golf Course

18-hole golf course offering ocean views, plus a driving range, a restaurant & a golf shop.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

An 18 hole course full of practice areas and stunning amenities.

Torrey Pines Golf Course

One of the nation's premier golf facilities. With majestic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Scenic

Annie's Canyon Trail

Wilderness hiking paths in an ecological reserve with slot canyons and sweeping ocean views.

Joshua Tree National Park

Please talk to us if you plan on going! Joshua Tree National Park, a part of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, features rugged rock formations, desert landscapes, and unique Joshua trees.

Laguna Beach

Stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, diverse dining, and picturesque coastal beauty. Crystal Cove Beach State Park and Newport Beach just down the road.

La Jolla Cove

A picturesque coastal spot known for its stunning cliffs and sea life.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The world’s largest rotating tram car travels 2.5 miles, offering stunning views and access to Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

Experiences

Legacy Whale Watch

Groupon Available: https://www.groupon.com/deals/legacy-whale-watch Our Favorite! An aquatic nature tour experience out of Mission Bay.

Balboa Park

A 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park, boasts museums, theaters, restaurants, and more!

Downtown Disney District

A shopping, entertainment, and dining district at Disneyland Resort that is free to enter.

Griffith Observatory

Nestled on Mount Hollywood, this iconic LA site boasts some of the best views of the city!

Hotel del Coronado

The iconic California beach resort, blending idyllic charm with golden-era allure for the ultimate seaside escape.

Leo Carrillo Ranch

19th-century hacienda in a secluded & meticulously landscaped park, home to numerous wild peacocks.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Historic landmark and museum, founded over 200 years ago, celebrating California’s multi-cultural heritage.

San Diego Zoo

Houses over 12,000 animals of more than 680 species and subspecies on 100 acres of Balboa Park.

Santa Catalina Island

Off the coast of Southern California lies an idyllic island with rugged landscapes, sandy shores, and a majestic peak.

USS Midway Museum

Historical naval aircraft carrier museum housing an extensive collection of aircraft.

Shopping

Carlsbad Premium Outlets

One of San Diego's premier shopping destinations!

Old Town

The oldest settled area in San Diego and is the site of the first European settlement in present-day California.

Village Faire

Located in Carlsbad Village, this center has 38+ boutique shops and restaurants.