Planning a visit to Carlsbad Village, Legoland or the surrounding area? These are must do activities and must try food options!

Heading to Carlsbad Village or the area around it for a vacation? These are some of the best off the beaten path options for food and activities.

We just finished a staycation about 20 minutes north of us in Carlsbad….and absolutely loved it.  We checked into the Cassara Carlsbad on Friday, and stayed though Sunday (it was such a nice gift that they hosted us for the weekend!)   I loved that it was in the PERFECT location to explore the Carlsbad area.  The hotel overlooks the Flower Fields, is walking distance to Legoland, and is a VERY short drive away from Carlsbad Village.

It also has TWO great pool areas (the water play area was a huge hit with Lydia), an activity center with great crafts for kids, and a shuttle to take you straight to the beach.  If you're looking for a hotel in the area, I highly recommend it!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK THE CASSARA

Carlsbad Village and Beyond: The Best of Carlsbad

Carlsbad Village is an adorable collection of mostly independently owned retail shops, restaurants, and coffee shops.  It's SUPER walkable and has stellar weather most of the year due to the area's proximity to Carlsbad State Beach.

A few of our favorite dining options in Carlsbad Village:

The Goods: FANCY DONUTS ALERT! If you love an upscale donut, this is for you.  Seasonal flavors with locally sourced ingredients, and they even have gluten free options.  The Goods also has GREAT coffee and some tables to eat right in front.

Pizza Port: I can't say enough about our love for Pizza Port.  We used to visit the Solana Beach location YEARS ago when my brother in law and sister lived close by and I forgot how much we loved it.  The BEST gourmet pizza (the crust is AMAZING) and beer that is brewed in house (they also have a great variety of locally brewed beers).  Pizza Port is casual has a ton of patio dining and very popular.  There is often a wait, so be prepared!

Baba Coffee: This locally owned coffee shop is ADORABLE on the inside.  They roast their own coffee beans, and make some amazing specialty coffee drinks.  Their breakfast menu is delish (avocado toast, donuts, eggs)……and it's a perfect stop for your last morning in Carlsbad before heading out of town.  This is definitely going on my list of the best San Diego Coffee Shops!

A few of our favorite dining options close to Legoland:

Windmill Food Hall: If you're finishing up a day at Legoland, the Windmill Food Hall is a GREAT dining option.  14 local food vendors have permanent stands

Karl Strauss Brewery: If you are staying at the Cassara, this is ON brewery shares their parking lot.  The beer is great, and they have some awesome comfort food options.  After playing in the Cassara's water park all day, it was perfect to order take out and relax in our room!

Activities In Carlsbad:

If you are looking for fun family activities in or around Carlsbad village, these are our favs (besides the beach of course).

Carlsbad Strawberry Company: This activity is seasonal, but a must do if you are visiting in the Spring.  Strawberry picking at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company is a total blast and a nice way to get outside as a family.  You can buy a bucket to fill and bring home, explore the sunflower maze, buy tickets to the bounce house area or do a wagon ride around the farm.

Legoland: A family trip to Carlsbad Village isn't complete without a day at Legoland.  It's the perfect size for a day visit, and now that the new Lego Movie Land is set to open…..there will be even more rides to enjoy.  I also suggest visit their aquarium, it's a ton of fun!

CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNT LEGOLAND TICKETS

Have you visited Carlsbad Village? What are you favorite activities?