Are you heading on a california spring break vacation and searching for things to do in Carlsbad? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do in Carlsbad and why it’s one of the most popular destinations in Southern California.
Welcome to Carlsbad, California! Located in the beautiful San Diego County, Carlsbad is a vibrant coastal city with plenty of activities and attractions to explore.
From its stunning beaches and picturesque lagoons to its world-class shopping and dining, Carlsbad has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an exciting adventure, Carlsbad has it all.
If you’re planning a souther california spring break and Carlsbad is on your list, I have included where to stay, where to eat and things to do in Carlsbad below for your weekend getaway.
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Southern California Spring Break Ideas
Where to stay in Carlsbad| California Spring Break Resorts
The Cassara Carlsbad Hotel, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property, is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Carlsbad, California. This hotel offers guests a unique experience with its modern and stylish decor, spacious rooms, and excellent amenities.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming in the outdoor pool, relaxing in the hot tub, or working out in the fitness center. The hotel also offers a variety of dining options, including a full-service restaurant and bar. With its convenient location near the beach, shopping, and entertainment, the Cassara Carlsbad Hotel is the perfect place to stay for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
The Cassara was a great choice because of its location and easy access to the surrounding Carlsbad area.It is located directly behind Carlsbad flower fields, one of the most popular and picturesque attractions in southern california.
During peak season, guests rooms facing the fields offer a stunning view of the flowers in full bloom. Additionally, it is also located within walking distance to Legoland California.
Our Hilton Honors diamond status allowed us to get a spacious 2 bedroom suite upgrade for free which is perfect when traveling with a large family with kids and /or a multigenerational vacation.
Another one of my favorite amenities is the shuttle service . In lieu of driving , the shuttle service will take guests to attractions within 5 miles of the hotel for free . This includes the flower fields , Legoland , Downtown Carlsbad and more .
Where to eat in Carlsbad | Windmill Food Hall
While Carlsbad has a ton of tasty options to choose from , it’s impossible to try them all in a weekend.The Windmill food hall is a vibrant and trendy food hall located right near the Flower Fields.
This food hall offers 13 varieties of food stalls from Mediterranean and American and Mexican Street food to Asian cuisines. There is literally something for everyone here! I personally found myself returning for the tacos two days in a row because nothing beats Souther California street tacos.
The space is great for dining but it also serves as a nice area for working virtually when a digital nomad . They have great Wi-Fi and a nice indoor/outdoor seating area.
On various nights throughout the week, the food hall holds special events from trivia nights to open mic nights and happy hour at the bar. Be sure to check their website for accurate and up to date information on the vendors as well as the events offered.
Things to do in Carlsbad
Carlsbad Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch | Southern California Spring Break Attractions
Over a half century ago, floral cultivation in the Carlsbad area began when Ranunculus seeds were brought to the area and planted . Today, guests can enjoy over 55 acres of rolling hills full of giant and visually stunning ranunculus flowers. It is a dazzling display of colors.
The stunning floral colors and the backdrop of the ocean make this attraction a particularly appealing reason to visit Carlsbad in the spring . The attraction is open from March to May each year. For a small fee, guests can choose to explore the field on a self guide experience. There is also a tractor for a tour of the property.
Visitors can enjoy an on site gift shop, flower shop , food and drink vendors and a play area for children.
Photography with use of phones, cameras and tripods are allowed inside of the field in designated areas only. For elevated family pictures, consider hiring a local San Diego based photographer.
If visiting the Flower Fields is on your bucket list, purchasing advanced tickets is an important part of your planning process. They are on a timed entry system and no in person tickets will be issued. Visit their website (HERE) to purchase tickets and/or explor special events and other attractions.
FAQ about The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
When are the flower fields in Carlsbad open ?
The Flower Fields are open from March to May of each year. Hours of operation are daily from 9am to 6pm.
How much are tickets to the Carlsbad Flower Fields?
Ticket prices are $23 for adults, $21 for seniors and Military and $12 for children ages 3-10. Included of your price of admission is parking and your timed entry until closing.
What is not included in your price to admission to the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch?
What’s not included is food/snacks, tractor rides and special events/classes.
When should you purchase tickets for the Carlsbad Flower Fields ?
Purchasing advanced tickets is an important part of your planning process. The ranch is on a timed entry system and no in person tickets will be issued.
How long should you spend at the Carlsbad Flower Fields ?
Plan to spend around 3 hours! There are parks for children , shopping/ farmers markets and on site food trucks ! It could take a while to explore everything. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as much of the ground is dirt and not paved
Where to stay for the Carlsbad Flower Fields ?
The Cassara Carlsbad is a great option (see above for our review) as it is located right on property and many rooms have a view of the fields. Please note that because of the location of the flower fields, while it is on property, it will take a while to walk to. Instead, I recommend using the on property shuttle or parking at the Flower Fields which is included within your admission.
Legoland California | Southern California Spring Break Attractions
Southern California is probably one of the best destinations in the United States to vacation with children and families. San Diego County specifically has a ton to offer but Carlsbad is home to Legoland California theme park and resort.
Legoland California is a great destination for families with young children.
They have over 60 rides, shows, and attractions. Also, the world’s first Lego-themed water park and its all geared toward young kids ages 3-12.
Kids can explore the park’s many interactive exhibits, build their own Lego creations, and take part in a variety of educational activities. Legoland also features a variety of restaurants and shops. It is a great place to spend the day or your california spring break vacation in general.
For our son’s age group , we found Legoland to be the best park out of both Disneyland and Universal Hollywood. This is based on child programming, kid friendly rides and experiences.
How Much is Legoland California?
Tickets to Legoland California start at $89 per person. They vary depending on if you purchase reserve n ride passes, add on souvenirs, photos or dining. Purchasing online often gets you an additional discount in advance. For more information visit their website (HERE)
Legoland Tips for Families
The Legoland park is massively spread out. However, it depends on day of the week and ticketing that you choose. The park can be completed in 5 or 6 hour. We purchased the Reserve n’ Ride pass in order to skip the lines and maximize our day in the park. In our opinion, we found it to be worth it with a small child.
Additionally, there are ways to save on the price of admission that go beyond the California resident and Military ratesl. Legoland Tickets can be included in the Southern California City Pass. It could be worth it to purchase one to explore both Carlsbad and San Diego experiences. As I mentioned, Southern California has a variety of activities like Seaworld, The San Diego Zoo, Disneyland and more. The savings on this pass is worth the consideration.
If you’re looking for a really special experience, consider splitting your stay. This could be between a local hotel/resort and the Legoland resort hotel for themed rooms .
Lastly, be sure to download the app. The app gives you show and event times for the park. Also, it allows you to sort and find attractions by age group and height restrictions.
Southern California Spring Break Ideas | Things to do in Carlsbad Conclusion
Your California spring break vacation is sure to be a memorable one. There are so many things to do in Carlsbad and the San Diego county area. I consistently recommend it as the best spring break destinations for families in the United States. Explore more of San Diego County by checking out our other epic blog posts below. Learn how to spend the best 72 hours in San Diego. Also, more about what to do in La Jolla with kids or without.
Explore more of California
Looking for recommendations on California travel? Use this guide to explore destinations in California and plan for your next adventure
