Things To Do

Eating And Drinking

Campfire

Campfire is our favorite restaurant in San Diego. Located right in Carlsbad Village, Campfire specializes in wood-fired California fare served primarily in small plates format. If you want to enjoy a meal here, we highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time!

Fresco Cocina

Our second favorite restaurant in Carlsbad Village, Fresco Cocina is a Latin-inspired restaurant serving a modern interpretation of coastal Mexican cuisine. It is also great for cocktails and tapas.

Pure Project Brewery

Fantastic brewery in central Carlsbad Village with a nice indoor-outdoor porch setup. A personal favorite of ours, with an excellent mix of craft & light beers.

Crackheads

Crackheads doubles as a great breakfast option and full-day outdoor bar. With two levels and plenty of lawn space, Crackheads is a great place to get your day started.

Jeune et Jolie

On the more upscale side, Jeune et Jolie offers elegant restaurant featuring a set-price menu of imaginative French dishes, plus a la carte options. This concept is by the same folks behind Campfire, and has earned one Michelin Star.

Other Suggestions

In general, Carlsbad Village has great food. These are a few of our favorites! Better Buzz Coffee PRK101 Nick's on State Shorehouse Kitchen Carlsbad Hennessey's Oak & Elixir GONZO! Ramen

Activities & Experiences

San Diego Zoo

Swing by the San Diego Zoo to meet California's newest residents: Yun Chuan and Xin Bao the Giant Pandas. Yun Chuan has a long snout, and Xin Bao has extra fluffy ears! Your general admission ticket includes panda access! Simply scan a ticket QR code located on signs posted throughout the Zoo, select an available time, and head to the Timed Ticket line at Panda Ridge at your designated time. Timed tickets are only available day of, on a first come, first served basis until the daily limit is reached. Alternatively, join the standby line at Panda Ridge any time from 9:30 a.m. until giant pandas are off habitat or the Zoo closes, whichever occurs earlier.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Along with the zoo, this is our top "must do" suggestion for people visiting San Diego. It's a bit of a drive from Carlsbad, but very much worth it. The jagged coastline and ocean bluffs are absolutely beautiful.

Torrey Pines Golf Course

Torrey Pines is a famous golf course with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Tee times fill up quickly, so be sure to book in advance if you'd like to play! Follow the link above to book. You need to make an SD Golf account and may pay an additional fee for tee times more than one week out.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Once you've gotten your panda fix, head over to the Safari Park to meet the only platypuses who live in a zoo outside of Australia. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can book a guided tour through the savannah habitats! The giraffe herd is a must-see!

LEGOLAND California

Visit the original Lego Land right in Carlsbad. Advance reservations required. We technically have not been there yet because Jackie will not let Ryan go, but we hear its fun.

Tamarack Surf Beach

While it will likely be too cold for a swim, you can still enjoy the pedestrian walkways and ocean views from the beach located just steps away from the hotels.