Recently I have been exploring San Diego county and discovering hidden gems. Carlsbad is well know for its surf beaches and Legoland, but lately I have discovered there’s so much more to do than first meets the eye! I’ve complied a guide of things to do in Carlsbad, California year-round.
Enjoy the Flower Fields in the Spring
From a sweet pea maze, to tractor rides; there’s something for everyone at the Carlsbad Flower Fields. The season usually begins early March and goes through early May. This year’s dates are March 1st, 2021 through May 9th, 2021. In addition to walking through the rows of flowers, you can also pick up a bouquet to bring home.
For a full guide to visiting the flower fields, check out this blog post.
- Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Hours: Daily 9 AM – 6 PM
- Admission: $20 for adults, $10 for children
Go Strawberry Picking in the Spring – Summer
Just up the road from the flower fields is the Carlsbad Strawberry Company. You can either spend an afternoon picking strawberries yourself (a great spring date activity!) or pick up a carton of strawberries at their front stand.
For a full guide to visiting the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, check out this blog post.
- Address: 1050 Cannon Rd Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Hours: Monday – Sunday 9 AM – 6 PM during strawberry season (usually February – July). Check the website before visiting for the latest information.
- Admission:
- If you just want to go in and take photos – $5
- Small bucket and 1 ticket (entrance for one to the fields) – $10
- Large bucket and 2 tickets (entrance for two to the fields) – $22
Make your way through the Sunflower Maze in the Spring
This year, the Carlsbad Strawberry Company has also added a sunflower maze to their property! I’ve been on the hunt for a sunflower field in San Diego county to frolic in, and the sunflower maze fits the bill.
- Location: 1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Hours: Monday – Sunday 9 AM – 6 PM. Check the website before visiting for the latest information.
- Admission: $5
Go Pumpkin Picking in the Fall
If strawberries and sunflowers in the spring/summer weren’t enough for you, the Carlsbad Strawberry Company turns into the Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch in the fall! In addition to u-pick pumpkins, they also have a corn maze, apple cannons, tractor rides, bouncy houses, and a haunted corn maze Friday and Saturday nights.
- Location: 1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9 AM – 7 PM, Friday & Saturday 9 AM – 10 PM. The season runs September – November, but check the website before visiting for the exact dates and latest information.
- Admission: $5
Do some shopping at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets
If shopping is your favorite travel activity, the Carlsbad Premium Outlets has got you covered. My favorite stores to stop into include Crate & Barrel for home goods and Banana Republic, GAP & Levi’s for new wardrobe staples.
- Location: 5620 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 AM – 7 PM, Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 8 PM
Pick up doughnuts at The Goods & Walk around Carlsbad Village
The Goods Doughnuts bake some of the best doughnuts in the San Diego area! Their aesthetic and interior design is totally Instagrammable, and they even have vegan doughnuts for our plant-based friends. I highly recommend trying the key lime cronut.
- Location: 2965 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Hours: Tuesday 7:30 AM – 4 PM, Wednesday 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Thursday 7:30 AM – 4 PM, Friday – Sunday 7 AM – 4 PM, closed Monday.
Looking for more San Diego area things to do? Check out these blog posts.
How to spend one day in San Diego itinerary
The Trendiest and Best Brunch Spots in San Diego, CA
Instagrammable Places in Little Italy San Diego
Things to do in Balboa Park: How to spend one day at San Diego’s top
