Staff Picks: Your Ultimate Southern California Adventure!
Discover SoCal through the eyes (and taste buds!) of our team.
Attractions
LEGOLAND California — Must with kids; rides, LEGO attractions, and water park.
Poinsettia Community Park — Large local park with playgrounds and sports fields.
Carlsbad State Beach — Beautiful beach for swimming, sunsets, and walks.
Batiquitos Lagoon Trail — Easy scenic nature walk along the lagoon.
San Diego Zoo — Worth the drive; one of San Diego’s top attractions.
Museum of Making Music — Interactive museum exploring instruments and music history.
SeaWorld San Diego — Marine life, shows, and amusement rides.
Coffee & Bakery
Café Topes — Great breakfast café; known for cinnamon rolls and coffee.
Revolution Roasters — Specialty coffee, scratch-made pastries, and a cool local vibe.
Baba Coffee — Relaxed Carlsbad Village café with coffee, breakfast, and light bites.
Prager Brothers Artisan Bread — Excellent artisan breads, pastries, and grab-and-go options.
The French Delights — French bakery and café with croissants, pastries, and coffee.
Breweries
Karl Strauss Brewing Company - Great beer, full food menu and family friendly atmosphere.
Restaurants
Campfire — Must-try; wood-fired California food, cocktails, and a cool atmosphere.
Jeune et Jolie — Upscale French; best for a special dinner.
Nick’s on State — Polished American food and a great all-around dinner spot.
Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar — Sushi, sashimi, and Japanese robata. ~10 min.
Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse — Seafood and steaks with beautiful ocean and sunset views.
In-N-Out Burger — California classic! Burgers, fries, and shakes.
Shopping
The Shoppes at Carlsbad - Large indoor mall with over 120+ stores.
Carlsbad Premium Outlets - Open air outlet center .