Visit Carlsbad has launched its Carlsbad is Calling campaign to entice regional and local travelers looking to safely escape and experience the Coastal Southern California destination while staying within current COVID-19 restrictions. The campaign is designed to remind visitors of the destination’s incredible outdoor activities including seven miles of uncrowded coastline, serene hiking trails, peaceful lagoons which can all be experienced year-round.

Perfectly situated between San Diego and Los Angeles, Carlsbad is easily accessible, and the perfect road trip add on for families wanting to travel from nearby cities. The destination offers all types of accommodations ranging from coastal luxury resorts to casual budget-friendly stays—something for every type of traveler in this Southern California seaside escape.

“Carlsbad is the ideal destination for those looking to getaway and unwind from it all,” shares Mark Rudyk, Executive Director at Visit Carlsbad. “Our year-round outdoor activities make it safe for travelers and locals alike to enjoy activities while remaining a safe social distance. Our city has placed the highest priority on safety and cleanliness to make it one of the safest places to visit. Carlsbad has a little something for everyone and we look forward to sharing it with you.”

Carlsbad is the golden state’s best kept secret for year-round outdoor adventures thanks to its near perfect weather. A staycation here means indulging in great outdoor dining, tasting the selection of craft breweries, exploring a myriad of hiking and biking trails, relaxing on the wide-open beaches, shopping in the Village and Premium Outlets, frolicking in the seasonal Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, and playing a round of golf at renowned golf courses. 

Outdoor Activities and Wellness

Whether you are looking to mountain bike or just go for a casual stroll, Carlsbad has the most outdoor trails in all of San Diego County.  Travelers will find open hills, covered paths, and quiet lagoons to enjoy the outdoors. Wide open beaches are plenty in Carlsbad, with seven miles of coast running along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Carlsbad is home to five golf courses with a few designed by Arnold Palmer and Greg Nash. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon is open throughout the fall and winter months with watercraft rentals, sales, and lessons. It is a safe place to socially distance, spread out, and have fun in the sun.

Restaurants and Breweries

Following all current COVID-19 precautions and restrictions, the City of Carlsbad is one of the few cities in Southern California that is officially allowing temporary use of public sidewalks and private parking for outdoor dining and expanded retail space allowing restaurants to safely position tables and reduce the amount of indoor space being used for guests.

This August, Jeune et Jolie welcomed acclaimed LA chef Eric Bost to run its kitchen. Bringing a unique experience outdoors during this time, the restaurant launched Starry Nights, an outdoor 5-course tasting-menu-only dining experience under the starry cover of night. The newly relaunched Windmill Food Hall has also reopened and is hosting all day happy hours Monday through Thursday, trivia on Mondays, special drinks on Wednesdays, and free live music on Thursdays.

Carlsbad is a true craft beer destination with nine distinctive breweries featuring an unrivaled selection of renowned craft beers. Located in the heart of Carlsbad Village, Pure Project Carlsbad offers a distinctly tropical “Biergarten” vibe and is serving food from local partners. On Thursdays and Fridays, they offer Señor Grubby’s, and on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays they offer El Puerto Carlsbad.

Resorts and Hotels

Carlsbad offers a myriad of hotel accommodations for travelers to choose from during their staycation including Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, a wellness haven nestled in the rolling hills; coastal luxury retreats like Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club, and Spa; boutique beachfront hotels Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Hotel and The Beach Terrace Inn, and family-friendly resorts like the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa and LEGOLAND resort properties.

The award-winning Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club, and Spa recently completed its $50 million coastal luxury reimagination. The expansive renovation included guestrooms and suites, upgrades to the property’s eight meetings and event spaces, and enhancements to the grand lobby entrance, renowned spa, two pools, and the championship Arnold Palmer-designed Aviara Golf Club.  The upgrades draw inspiration from the resort’s coastal location and natural landscape while incorporating the laidback lifestyle of Carlsbad.

LEGOLAND Hotel is now open with the lowest fall rates ever offered, with rooms most nights through December 30th for just $169. With The Big Shop, Miniland U.S.A. and SEA LIFE Aquarium all open on site and the beach only one mile away, this is the perfect family getaway.

Travelers wanting to know more about traveling to Carlsbad can stay up to date via VisitCarlsbad.com.