Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Carlsbad travel guide

Carlsbad Tourism | Carlsbad Guide

You're Going to Love Carlsbad

With a population of 105,328, Carlsbad is a must-see destination in California, United States. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Carlsbad deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Article

Where to Eat in Carlsbad

If you’re looking for affordable options, Nick’s on State (2742 State St) and King's Fish House - Carlsbad (5625 Paseo del Norte) are great picks.

When to visit Carlsbad

Carlsbad in June
Estimated package price
$132
2 travelers
Flight to Carlsbad
3 nights at hotel
Carlsbad in June
Estimated package price
$132
2 travelers
Flight to Carlsbad
3 nights at hotel

How to Get to Carlsbad

Plane

When flying to Carlsbad, you’ll arrive at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar (CLD), which is located 7 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Carlsbad include United Airlines, American Airlines and Porter Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Carlsbad departs from Denver and takes around 2h 24m.

Train

Air Canada is the most popular train carrier serving Carlsbad, followed by Amtrak. The train journey from Carlsbad to San Diego takes 2h 56m and costs around $36 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Zurich, expect to pay about $1,809 for a 12h 20m trip. Located 0.3 km from the city center, Carlsbad Village is the busiest station in Carlsbad. Another popular train station is Carlsbad Poinsettia, located 6 km from the center.

Car

Another option to get to Carlsbad is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 134 km from Carlsbad. You’ll find branches of Ace and Priceless, among others, in Los Angeles.

Plane

When flying to Carlsbad, you’ll arrive at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar (CLD), which is located 7 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Carlsbad include United Airlines, American Airlines and Porter Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Carlsbad departs from Denver and takes around 2h 24m.

Train

Air Canada is the most popular train carrier serving Carlsbad, followed by Amtrak. The train journey from Carlsbad to San Diego takes 2h 56m and costs around $36 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Zurich, expect to pay about $1,809 for a 12h 20m trip. Located 0.3 km from the city center, Carlsbad Village is the busiest station in Carlsbad. Another popular train station is Carlsbad Poinsettia, located 6 km from the center.

Car

Another option to get to Carlsbad is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 134 km from Carlsbad. You’ll find branches of Ace and Priceless, among others, in Los Angeles.

Airports near Carlsbad

SANSan Diego
LAXLos Angeles
ONTOntario

Airlines serving Carlsbad

Lufthansa
Good (8,000 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,517 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,979 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,452 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,366 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,945 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,216 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,587 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (915 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,711 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,571 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,728 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,777 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,034 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,190 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,393 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (407 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,250 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,329 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,437 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Carlsbad

Where to stay in Carlsbad

Average rates range from around $283 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $511 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Motel 6 Carlsbad Ca North and Best Western Carlsbad by the Sea. There are also lots of vacation rental options in Carlsbad, with prices from $16 to $1,113 per night. Downtown is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Carlsbad are about 123% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Most popular hotel in Carlsbad by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Carlsbad

Most booked hotels in Carlsbad

See all
Home2 Suites by Hilton Carlsbad
3 stars
Excellent (9, 287 reviews)
$176+
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Lakehouse Hotel And Resort
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 495 reviews)
$168+
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oceanside Beach
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 637 reviews)
$230+
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Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1906 reviews)
$121+
View
LEGOLAND California Resort And Castle Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 876 reviews)
$311+
View
Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanside
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 1440 reviews)
$101+
View

Renting a car in Carlsbad

Renting a car in Carlsbad costs $42 per day, on average, or $85 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 18% cheaper than airport locations in Carlsbad.

Expect to pay $4.77 per gallon in Carlsbad (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $57.24 and $76.31. The most frequently booked car type in Carlsbad is Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) are, on average, 68% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Carlsbad costs $42 per day, on average, or $85 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 18% cheaper than airport locations in Carlsbad.

Expect to pay $4.77 per gallon in Carlsbad (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $57.24 and $76.31. The most frequently booked car type in Carlsbad is Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) are, on average, 68% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Carlsbad

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$29/day

Economy

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$31/day

Compact
Find car rentals in Carlsbad