Vacation rentals in Carlsbad
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Carlsbad
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Popular amenities for Carlsbad vacation rentals
House rentals in Carlsbad
Bungalow w Hot Tub-Sauna-Cold Plunge
Modern Coastal Farmhouse - steps to the beach
Sunny Carlsbad Home I Walk to Beach w/ Heated Pool
Sunset Vista - near Beaches, Legoland, Great Views
Seaside Sanctuary-walk to beach/village, King bed
Ocean Views,Rooftop Deck,Fire Pit,Game Room,AC
Chateau de Marseille - Luxurious New Two Bedroom
Modern Beach Residence w Backyard Pond & Hot Tub🏖
Other great vacation rentals in Carlsbad
The Flying Mermaid
New Tranquil Barn Retreat on a Peaceful Half Acre
Breathtaking Views-Steps to Sand, Beach Resort
Beach Rock Retreat - Private Encinitas Guesthouse
Charming and beautiful Carlsbad Studio
"THE REEF" HOUSE 1-Short Block to Ocean! NFLTicket
Forty feet from Pacific Ocean
Cozy Coastal Casita
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Carlsbad
Total rentals
1.6K properties
Total number of reviews
51K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
930 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
490 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
720 properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
1K properties have a dedicated workspace
Your guide to Carlsbad
Welcome to Carlsbad
Perched on seven miles of scenic coastline, the charming town of Carlsbad is quintessential Southern California. A one-time booming agricultural hub, replete with farms and cattle ranches, it began luring wealthy urbanites from nearby Los Angeles and San Diego to its shores with spas fed by mineral waters sourced from a local well dug in 1882. In 1976 the city opened California’s first modern skatepark. (It’s since been demolished, but new ones have sprung up to replace it — and a chunk of the old one lives at the Smithsonian.) Today Carlsbad is home to Legoland, the theme park temple to the tiny plastic building blocks. And while many come here to visit that brightly colored toy palace, it’s worth sticking around for other offerings, such as a robust microbrewery scene and tranquil beaches, some abutted by dramatic cliffs. Beaches, farming, spas, skateboarding, and a theme park: Carlsbad can be seen as a microcosm of the many attractions drawing travelers to Southern California.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Carlsbad
Spring and summer are the high seasons in Carlsbad, when the sun shines bright and hot and flowers are in bloom. Sunbathers flock to the beach, and the parking lots can get crowded, so consider alternative transport if you’re driving during this time. In July and August, the city hosts live Friday night music performances in the parks and outdoor movie screenings downtown. Every May and November the village throws the Carlsbad Village Street Faire, with more than 900 vendors selling antiques and house plants, as well as a beer and wine garden. With generally warm weather and sunny days, fall and winter can be pleasant times to visit Carlsbad, when the crowds are lower, lending the beaches a secluded feel.
Top things to do in Carlsbad
Legoland
Don’t write this off as a tots-only zone. In addition to the usual theme park fare, Legoland is also home to detailed miniature recreations of New York, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. The attention to detail is stunning — the sounds played in the San Francisco model were recorded at Pier 39 — and the builders have been known to add in a cheeky joke or two, just for grown-ups, so stay alert.
The Flower Fields
Every spring, 50 acres of hillside in Carlsbad transform into a riotous rainbow when rows and rows of brightly colored ranunculus flowers bloom at the Flower Fields. For more than 40 years the farm has been growing and selling these colorful flowers and their bulbs, and from March through early May, guests can explore the farm on walking paths or via a tractor ride.
Batiquitos Lagoon
Carlsbad is home to one of the last coastal wetlands in California. Unfolding over 610 acres, the nature preserve is home to scores of native plants such as pickleweed — which usually looks like thick green fingers, but turns bright red in the fall — and birds such as snowy plovers and herons. You can navigate a network of trails yourself, or join a guided nature walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) in the winter to 75°F (24°C) in the summer. It's sunny most of the year, with the majority of rainfall occurring between November and March.
What are some of the best things to do in Carlsbad?
Visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields, exploring the Museum of Making Music, or spending a day at LEGOLAND California are popular activities. The city also has beautiful beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
What is the best time of year to visit Carlsbad?
The most popular time to visit Carlsbad is from March to May and September to November, when the weather is most pleasant. Events such as the Carlsbad Flower Fields in spring and Carlsbad Village Faire in May and November often attract visitors.
What are the best places to stay in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad Village, with its close proximity to the beach and shops, is a frequently suggested area to stay. The La Costa neighborhood is well-liked for its peaceful setting and proximity to golf courses. Aviara, a resort neighborhood near the Batiquitos Lagoon, is also often recommended.
What are the best places to visit in Carlsbad?
Tourists frequently visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields, LEGOLAND California, and the Museum of Making Music. The Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, a preserved 19th-century ranch, is also a popular destination.
What are some hiking trails in Carlsbad?
The Rancho La Costa Preserve is well-liked for its diverse hiking trails, while the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail offers serene coastal views. For a more challenging hike, the Mount Calavera Trail features volcanic plug and panoramic views of the city.
What are some family activities to do in Carlsbad?
Families can explore attractions like LEGOLAND California, the SEA LIFE Aquarium, and the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center. A day at Carlsbad State Beach or a visit to the Carlsbad Flower Fields are also popular family activities.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Carlsbad?
Day trips from Carlsbad can include a visit to the nearby city of San Diego, with its world-renowned zoo and historic Old Town, or a trip to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a coastal state park known for its picturesque views.
What types of vacation rentals are available in Carlsbad?
Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Carlsbad. From over 640 house rentals, over 30 villa rentals, over 250 condo rentals to over 180 apartment rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Carlsbad?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Carlsbad. Choose from more than 490 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
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