Our most recommended things to do in Carlsbad

Los Angeles: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions

1. Los Angeles: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions

The Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass by Go City gets you into over 40 top attractions in the city for one low price. Save up to 50%* on admission compared to buying individual tickets and pay nothing at the gate. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, Dolby Theatre, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and many more of the best things to do in L.A., Hollywood, and beyond. In addition, when you buy a 3-, 5- or 7-day pass, you also get a ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood. You can take up to 2 weeks from when you first use the pass to use the remaining calendar days on your pass. The free digital guide helps you decide what to do, where to go, how to get there and how to make reservations in advance when required. Simply show your pass straight from your phone (or printed) at the gate or ticket office to get in. Activities, attractions, and tours included with the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass: Theme Parks • Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket (3+ day passes only) • Knott's Berry Farm • LEGOLAND California (choice between San Diego Zoo or LEGOLAND) • Knott's Soak City Water Park Outdoor Activities • Hollywood Sign Tour • Celebrity Bike Tour by Bikes & Hikes LA (choice between self-guided or guided tour) • Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour - Beautiful Newport Beach • Huntington Beach: 2-hr SUP board or kayak rental • Huntington Beach: Yoga on the beach • Long Beach Waterfront and Downtown Walking Tour • Santa Monica 3-Hours Bike Rental • Los Angeles 2-Hour Fishing Tour • 2-Hour Beach Bike & Skate Rentals Tours • Big Bus Discover Hop-on Hop-off Tour • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood • Big Bus Celebrity Lifestyle and Homes Tour • Dolby Theater Guided Tour • Downtown LA Food and Culture Tour • Glass Bottom Boat Eco Tour • SoFi Stadium Tour • Getty to Griffith Bus Tour • Long Beach Waterfront and Downtown Walking Tour Family-Friendly • Madame Tussauds Hollywood • Aquarium of the Pacific • TCL Chinese Theater - Tour or Movie and a drink (choice between TCL Chinese Theater or Hollywood Museum) • Santa Monica Pier Aquarium • Los Angeles Zoo • California Science Center IMAX Movie • San Diego Zoo (choice between San Diego Zoo or LEGOLAND) Museums and Entertainment • Hollywood Museum (choice between TCL Chinese Theater or Hollywood Museum) • GRAMMY Museum • Battleship IOWA Museum • Natural History Museum • Autry Museum of the American West • Museum of Latin American Art • Cabrillo Maritime Museum • Richard Nixon Library • South Coast Shop & Dine Package • Holocaust Museum LA *Savings based on itineraries on Go City website.

San Diego: SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, and 3 Attractions CityPASS

2. San Diego: SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, and 3 Attractions CityPASS

Book your San Diego CityPASS® and enjoy entry to SeaWorld San Diego or LEGOLAND California (or both) and prepaid admission to your choice of 3 of the city's top theme parks, attractions, and tours. Save up to 43% more compared to purchasing the same tickets separately. Your San Diego CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all the attractions you want at your own pace. For maximum convenience, your pass is delivered instantly in a mobile format. Along with your choice of a 1-day ticket to SeaWorld San Diego or LEGOLAND California Resort (or both), choose 3 of the below attractions and experiences to further explore the city: • San Diego Zoo or Safari Park 1-day pass (choose one). The San Diego Zoo pass includes unlimited use of the guided bus tour, the Kangaroo Bus, the Skyfari Aerial Tram, and all regularly scheduled shows and exhibits (excludes special ticketed events/attractions) The San Diego Zoo Safari Park pass includes unlimited rides on the Africa Tram and all regularly scheduled shows and exhibits (excludes parking and special ticketed events/attractions). • USS Midway Museum entry ticket, including a viewing of the 3D holographic movie Battle of Midway Theater and an audio guide available in six languages • 1-Hour San Diego Harbor Cruise • Old Town Trolley Tour Silver Pass, including 1 day of unlimited re-boarding at any of the route's 11 stops • Birch Aquarium at Scripps entry ticket • Maritime Museum of San Diego entry ticket Reservations may be required at some attractions. Visit my.citypass.com for up-to-date attraction information including reservations, entry instructions, hours of operation and helpful tips to plan your visit.

San Diego: San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Ticket

3. San Diego: San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Ticket

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an adventurer’s safari paradise in Southern California. The 1,800-acre Safari Park is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 375 species—many living in wide, open field enclosures. So jump onto one of our thrilling array of tours and create memories of adventure for you and your family – all while benefiting the conservation of species here and in more than 35 countries across the globe. Welcome to a land of volcanoes, tropical rain forests, a treasure trove of biodiversity—and tigers. Sumatra is home to the critically endangered Sumatran tiger, along with other endangered species such as orangutans, rhinos, and elephants. Tiger Trail provides a journey to discover tigers and their current struggles within their island world. Lion Camp - Get nose to nose with our African lion pride—literally! Bring the kids up close to see lions that may come right up to the glass to check you out. Heart of Africa - The winding trails take you through an African forest and savanna to a serene lake. Stop and cool off at Jamison Research Island. Elephant Overlook - An elevated walkway takes you out where you can get a closer look at our Elephant Cam stars. Don't miss the youngsters born right here! Hidden Jungle - Enter our tropical greenhouse and experience a habitat of exotic birds, insect, and plants, home to our annual Butterfly Jungle event. Wings of the World Aviary - Everything in this free-flight aviary is designed to approximate the natural turf for over 140 birds of 40 species. Condor Ridge - Follow the trail of North American habitats and animals to see bighorn sheep and learn the great conservation story of the California condors. Other activities included in your admission: Elephant Enrichment - Watch our elephant herd enjoy morning treats. Discovery Station - This kid-friendly area is filled with musical instruments, puppets, books, craft activities, and wildlife “toys” and is designed to give children and their adult companions a playful space for animal-themed fun. Savanna Cool Zone - Walk through palm trees offering a gentle mist to three slippery critters that spout water: a turtle, a lion, and a crocodilian. Jameson Research Island Interpretive Center. Africa Tram Safari - Guided tour rides depart 10 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. daily (The Africa Tram Safari is an exciting expedition with brightly colored tour vehicles and our diverse animal collection creating a relaxing adventure. Lorikeet Landing - Watch our colorful rainbow lorikeets swoop down to enjoy nectar offered by guests. Exhibit entrance if free; lorikeet food is available for purchase to experience the thrill of feeding these birds by hand. Petting Kraal - Touch gentle deer and antelope. Have you “herd”? with Robert the Zebra - Robert the Zebra lives in digital, animated form on a large screen, where he can see the people who have come to visit. He asks questions, cracks jokes, talks about zebra life, and is very curious about humans. Frequent Flyers® Bird Show - An East African crowned crane in flight is a stunning sight viewed by only a privileged few, until now! The crane is one of the stars of the Park’s bird show, Frequent Flyers. The program lets you witness birds in full flight and focuses on a variety of birds from around the world. Animal Encounters - This interactive program gives you an opportunity to have face-to-face contact with the Park’s animal ambassadors like a cheetah, alligator, serval, and other rare and exotic animals. You may interact with trainers and ask questions about the species. Cheetah Tales - Come meet our cheetah ambassadors in Heart of Africa. Note: Schedules may vary or be canceled due to weather or animal health needs.

LEGOLAND California Resort: Theme Park 1-Day Admission

4. LEGOLAND California Resort: Theme Park 1-Day Admission

Ready, set, explore. with more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions designed for kids to take the lead, awesome fun awaits at LEGOLAND®  California Resort Theme Park. The ultimate LEGO® extravaganza, SUMMER BLOCK PARTY, runs throughout the summer season at LEGOLAND® California Resort with never-before-seen shows, new costume characters, and plenty of bricktastic fun. Experience beloved summer events like Red, White, and BOOM! with family picnic games, building activities, and dazzling pyrotechnics. Rides & Attractions: LEGOLAND® California is filled with more than 60 kid-powered rides, shows, and attractions all built for fun and geared for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12! Inside LEGOLAND, you can enter a world of knights and princesses to conquer the Dragon Coaster. Kids can drive their own cars at Driving School. Shows & Activities: Don't miss out on character meet and greets, live shows, and 4D movie experiences! This summer, LEGOLAND® California introduces exciting new shows, including GO Xtreme!, Captain Pirate’s Swashbuckling Jig, The LEGOLAND Summer Jam, and Once Upon a Brick – The Tale of the Unicorn Knight. Brick-Or-Treat Monster Party (from September 16 through October 29): Party like a monster at LEGOLAND® California Resort this Halloween season! The not-too-scary Brick-or-Treat Monster Party returns for family-friendly fun on select dates in September and October: September: 16, 23, 30 (Saturdays) October: 7 - 8, 14 - 15, 21 - 22, 28 - 29 (Saturdays & Sundays) All frighteningly fun festivities are included in the LEGOLAND California Resort admission ticket. Dining: Bring your appetite! We have all of your favorites from cheeseburgers, pizza, a wide range of sweet treats, and freshly prepared choices from tasty salads and fried chicken. Popcorn, novelty ice cream, and cold beverages are available at carts weather permitting. Shopping: Get your favorite LEGO® toys, LEGOLAND® California Resort apparel, and much more in the many diverse shops found throughout LEGOLAND California Resort.

Temecula: All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

5. Temecula: All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

Enjoy a memorable day exploring California's famous wine culture in the beautiful Temecula Valley. Discover wineries of all sizes that serve up award winning wines, hospitality, wine knowledge, and stunning vineyard views. Depart your Temecula area hotel in the morning on a deluxe touring vehicle. Visit 4 fantastic wineries where you get to sample award-winning wines and enjoy the best that Temecula Wine Country has to offer. Relax as your guide liaisons with all four of the wineries, stow your purchases, and keeps you informed and entertained throughout the day. Sit down to an artisan-inspired lunch and dessert catered by an onsite deli and hosted in the barrel room. Explore the Temecula Valley Wine Country which offers more than 45 wineries on this flexible day trip which takes into account your preferences in wine and scenery, as well as any special events or offerings at the wineries. Get access to great discounts on wines through the tour. When booking, please select a food option from the list below and write in your selections in the notes during the booking process: • #1 Chicken Caesar Salad  • #2 Mediterranean Chicken Salad  • #3 Eggplant Caprese Sandwich • #4 Turkey Club Sandwich • #5 Classic Italian Sandwich • #6 Artisan Cheese & Deli Plate  • #7 Roast Beef Sandwich  • #8 Viva Chicken Wrap All lunches are served with a chewy Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie and bottled water. Spinach wraps are available as an alternative for ciabatta bread. Side house salads are served with Italian vinaigrette (on the side).

Carlsbad Village: 3-Hour Local Food Tour

6. Carlsbad Village: 3-Hour Local Food Tour

The tour sets off from the heart of downtown Carlsbad Village, where your 3-hour culinary adventure begins. Navigate the picturesque streets of the village with your local guide and discover its diverse history, architecture and culture. Stroll down some of the most famous streets in Carlsbad, home to a wonderful concentration of museums, restaurants, and iconic landmarks, uniquely mixed with shops, art galleries and vibrant street murals. Along the way, stop at 8 different eateries, popular with the locals, and taste the flavors of Carlsbad. The food samplings on this tour are sure to stimulate your salivary glands, and satisfy your appetite for a lunch that is chock-full of variety. Each tasting is served from a locally-owned specialty food store, and ethnic or locavore-style eateries. Some of the stops on the tour include one of Carlsbad’s most romantic restaurants and a dessert haven with recipes passed down through generations. There’s also time to delight your taste buds with a sampling of California’s award-winning wines at one of the village’s urban wineries.

Carlsbad Scavenger Hunt & Trivia Digital Walking Tour

7. Carlsbad Scavenger Hunt & Trivia Digital Walking Tour

Explore the Carlsbad Village, California, with a digital scavenger hunt full of riddles and trivia. Play right from your phone and follow the trail around the Historical Society museum at Magee House, the old train station/Visitors Center, Pine Ave scenic viewpoint, the Village Faire, and more. Get tips on the best things to see and do while you solve fun puzzles. Grab your phone, some comfy shoes, and weather-ready gear and head to the starting location once you’ve accessed the game. Go through parks and village streets, along the coastline, and see famous local businesses like Carlsbad Alkaline Water and the historic Twinn Inns building. Earn points and travel farther along the route with every riddle. Uncover clues and use your trivia knowledge and observation skills to discover all the area has to offer. Check out all the local shops along the way and stop to enjoy at your leisure. Each clue guides you through the village, pointing out historical fun facts, public artwork, and scenic views. Find recommendations for local things to do and places to relax with ocean views. Complete the route to loop back and finish where you started and see your final score at the end. Games can take from 1 to 4 hours, depending on how much you stop and enjoy the sights along the way. Pups are welcome to join!

Pacific Coast Highway: Audio Tour Between LA & San Diego

8. Pacific Coast Highway: Audio Tour Between LA & San Diego

Connect your smartphone to your vehicle's stereo and make your drive come alive on this self-guided driving tour along the Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Simply download your personal audio guide and tour to get started. Let your audio guide transform your scenic drive into a sight-seeing, fact-finding, trivia-answering, family-friendly adventure as you pass through and learn about some of the cities and small towns nestled along the coast. Along the tour, you’ll pass Oceanside, Carlsbad, Long Beach, Dana Point, San Onofre, San Clemente, and more. Your audio guide will point out must-see sights, parks, historical sites, tourist attractions, recreation areas, and more. Explore the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, the Batiquitos Lagoon, and look for dolphins at Dana Point. Walk along some of the world’s most famous beaches. Other tour highlights include Las Flores Estancia, Crystal Cove State Park, Sunset Beach, Torrey Pines, and the San Elijo Lagoon. Feel free to visit as many sights and attractions as you want: you have complete freedom to take as much time as you like to complete the tour. As you drive, get a historical overview of the area, including its original inhabitants, the Tongva. Hear about Louis Zamperini, the RMS Queen Mary, the Rise of Long Beach, Huntington Beach Oil Fields, and Crystal Cove's 1930 era beach cottages. This tour works in either direction and you can stop anywhere while you discover this incredibly scenic and historic drive.

Big Boat Sailing Charter Oceanside, Near Carlsbad San Diego

9. Big Boat Sailing Charter Oceanside, Near Carlsbad San Diego

Sail From Oceanside Harbor, Set Sails with the crew and learn a few sailing terms. Be involved as much or as little as you would like in real outside the harbor sailing. Unlike other large harbors, we set sail within minutes and find ourselves outside the breakwater and looking for whales in minutes not hours. Oceanside harbor is quaint and small, you will enjoy being out in nature and not surrounded by anything but seagulls and the Big Ocean. Our Lovely boat, Song of David has been to Hawaii and back and is easily one of the safest and most comfortable boats in the harbor. Champagne and Charcuterie is available upon request.

Carlsbad: Private Scavenger Hunts

10. Carlsbad: Private Scavenger Hunts

Gather your friends, family, colleagues, and kids, we’ve got an adventure in store for you. Feeling competitive? Divide into multiple teams and race against the clock to be crowned the winner. Or unite as one team to beat our leaderboard - the choice is yours! Select a game in your chosen city and we’ll add up to three personalized challenges as per your request. All you need is a charged smartphone with a camera, GPS, and internet access. Mind-boggling missions and creative clues will guide you through the city, taking you on a tour of hidden gems and bucket list locations. Online scavenger hunts are the ultimate team builder. Show off your artistic, communication and problem-solving skills with unlimited opportunities to break the ice. Your host will cheer you on as you go, awarding plenty of points before the highest scorers win.

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What people are saying about Carlsbad

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 463 reviews

Love the Go City pass, super easy to use and very worth it for the price and actives that we have access too! and the app as well as the website was very easy to operate to purchase the tickets. One last thing, i would like to give a shoutout to the individual i spoke to over the phone to assure me of how the tickets and passes worked.

What an amazing experience!! Amanda was a fantastic guide, Joaquin a great driver, and the wineries were selected perfectly. Thank you Akash, Lorimar, Cougar and Somerset Winery for a truly excellent wine tour!! Highly recommend!!

The tour was fantastic! David was able to incorporate fascinating history and amazing food tastings! Would definitely recommend to friends!

It is absolutely value for money.You should visit many places in the day otherwise if you go only to once every day , don't buy it.

Super great host and knowledgeable. Definitely an experience to remember