Guidebook for Carlsbad
Everything Else
Carlsbad
Eclectic local shops, coffee houses, restaurants
Legoland Drive
Legoland DriveBeautiful beach
Food Scene
It's pricey but it's worth it. It has an ocean view (across the 101) and the best Italian food in town.
74 locals recommend
Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse
3878 Carlsbad BlvdIt's pricey but it's worth it. It has an ocean view (across the 101) and the best Italian food in town.
Pizza Port Carlsbad
571 Carlsbad Village DrIt's lively with good pizza and beer.
It's usually crowded on the weekends but it's a great place for breakfast after taking a walk to the beach.
10 locals recommend
Daily News Cafe
3001 Carlsbad BlvdIt's usually crowded on the weekends but it's a great place for breakfast after taking a walk to the beach.
Delicious Italian food with a balcony that overlooks Carlsbad Village Drive.
7 locals recommend
Gregorio's Restaurant
300 Carlsbad Village DrDelicious Italian food with a balcony that overlooks Carlsbad Village Drive.
They serve coffee during the day and it becomes a winery in the afternoon. The painted tiger on the side of the building is a perfect backdrop for a tourist photo! Sometimes they have live music among the barrels of wine.
15 locals recommend
Witch Creek Winery
2906 Carlsbad BlvdThey serve coffee during the day and it becomes a winery in the afternoon. The painted tiger on the side of the building is a perfect backdrop for a tourist photo! Sometimes they have live music among the barrels of wine.
Basic healthy food prepared from responsibly-grown produce and locally-sourced ingredients.
39 locals recommend
Swami's Cafe Carlsbad
2780 Carlsbad BlvdBasic healthy food prepared from responsibly-grown produce and locally-sourced ingredients.
Local cafe chain with globally influenced menu of breakfast and light eats plus coffee and mimosas. Open 7:30-2:30.
34 locals recommend
Naked Cafe
300 Carlsbad Village DrLocal cafe chain with globally influenced menu of breakfast and light eats plus coffee and mimosas. Open 7:30-2:30.
Rooftop Bar/Restaurant with ocean view. Half price wine on Wednesdays, good food and nice decor.
31 locals recommend
Fresco Trattoria & Bar
264 Carlsbad Village DriveRooftop Bar/Restaurant with ocean view. Half price wine on Wednesdays, good food and nice decor.
Across the street from the Oceanside Pier. High end. Large vodka list.
70 locals recommend
333 Pacific
333 N Pacific StAcross the street from the Oceanside Pier. High end. Large vodka list.
Reasonably priced, large servings and good for breakfast.
7 locals recommend
Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe
950 Tamarack AveReasonably priced, large servings and good for breakfast.
Drinks & Nightlife
Trendy bar where all of the bartenders have a lot of facial hair(!) Lively and entertaining spot.
29 locals recommend
The Compass
300 Carlsbad Village DrTrendy bar where all of the bartenders have a lot of facial hair(!) Lively and entertaining spot.
There is always a band playing on the outside patio during the weekends.
84 locals recommend
Coyote Bar & Grill
300 Carlsbad Village DrThere is always a band playing on the outside patio during the weekends.
Bagby Beer Co.
601 S Coast HwyLocal Tap House
308 S Coast HwyEntertainment & Activities
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrLegoland is a theme park based around the toy brand.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdYou can hang glide, paraglide or watch the others with a gorgeous view of Black's Beach in La Jolla. Free. Small snack shop.
268 locals recommend
Torrey Pines Gliderport
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic DrYou can hang glide, paraglide or watch the others with a gorgeous view of Black's Beach in La Jolla. Free. Small snack shop.
Sightseeing
It's fun to walk down the pier, watch the fishermen and see pelicans. There's a shop along the way and a burger place at the end of the pier with good milkshakes.
386 locals recommend
Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
It's fun to walk down the pier, watch the fishermen and see pelicans. There's a shop along the way and a burger place at the end of the pier with good milkshakes.
Balboa Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdBirch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition WayA perfectly sized aquarium with a gorgeous ocean view.
Parks & Nature
Tamarack Beach
Gorgeous uncrowded beach that's a mile away.