CLASSY, COASTAL, CARLSBAD

For locals by locals.

Your Go-To Guide to Carlsbad | Carlsbad Days | A woman holding a surfboard in Carlsbad near the ocean with wind blowing her hair

FEATURED POSTS

Carlsbad Days | City Guide in Carlsbad | Carlsbad cliffs

WE’RE HERE TO SHOW YOU THE CITY THE WAY LOCALS LIVE IT…

Coffee runs that turn into conversations on State Street, evenings where kids run free while parents share a pint, and beach walks that end with the best sandwich in town — these are the moments that make Carlsbad feel like home.

This city’s energy is its own mix: a surf culture that never really clocks out, a family-friendly community that shows up for each other, and a creative streak that keeps new ideas flowing.

At Carlsbad Days we spotlight the restaurants, small businesses, and everyday traditions that shape this community, mixing insider tips with stories you’ll actually use.

Think of us as your go-to friend, pointing you toward what’s new, what’s lasting, and what makes Carlsbad worth celebrating.

Read More

SEARCH THE SITE

EAT + DRINK

Where to sip, savor, and gather in Carlsbad — from craft coffee and lively breweries to local faves led by creative chefs.

Eat + Drink
Dry January: Mocktails, NA Beer, and Drinks Worth Ordering
Dry January: Mocktails, NA Beer, and Drinks Worth Ordering

Looking for mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks in Carlsbad? This guide highlights where to order zero-proof cocktails, NA beer, and coffee drinks during Dry January.

7 Coffee Shops in Carlsbad (for Every Kind of Coffee Drinker)
7 Coffee Shops in Carlsbad (for Every Kind of Coffee Drinker)

Get your cuppa’ Joe on at these 7 coffee shops in Carlsbad — including Lofty Coffee, Baba Coffee, Kids & Coffee, Invita Café, Ascend Roasters, Cafe Elysa, and Pannikin Coffee & Tea.

Best Restaurants in Carlsbad for Families, Friends & Groups
Best Restaurants in Carlsbad for Families, Friends & Groups

Discover the best restaurants in Carlsbad for families, friends, and groups — from Windmill Food Hall and Pizza Port to Eureka!, The Camp Store, and The Cottages.

Eat + Drink | CARLSBAD

THINGS TO DO

Explore Carlsbad’s coastal adventures, dining, shopping, and family-friendly attractions, all curated with a local touch.

Things to Do
Where to Spend New Year’s Eve in Carlsbad
Where to Spend New Year’s Eve in Carlsbad

New Year’s Eve in Carlsbad doesn’t have to be loud or late. Whether you’re planning a sit-down dinner, celebrating early with the kids, or staying in with great food, these local ideas make it easy to keep things simple and close to home.

Where to See Christmas Lights This Holiday Season
Where to See Christmas Lights This Holiday Season

Looking for the best holiday Christmas lights in Carlsbad? From the Santa-filled glow of Ho Ho Highland to the over-the-top Palusso Family Light Show and the festive Carlsbad Holiday Golf Cart Parade, these local favorites bring December magic to every corner of the city. Whether you want a walkable display, a drive-by tradition, or a family-friendly outing, here are the must-see holiday lights in Carlsbad this season.

Carlsbad’s Endless Summer Giveaway: A Seaside Celebration of Local Magic
Carlsbad’s Endless Summer Giveaway: A Seaside Celebration of Local Magic

Experience our first Carlsbad’s Endless Summer Giveaway — a luxury beach day featuring The Beach Genie, COOLA, Always Hungry Grocery & Goods, Hemlock Hat Co., Katrina Marie Photography and City Living Network. Discover local Carlsbad businesses and the best coastal experiences in town.

Carlsbad Holiday Gifting Guide 2025
Carlsbad Holiday Gifting Guide 2025

Discover thoughtful, local holiday gift ideas for the season — from Carlsbad experiences and memberships to small-shop treasures and family favorites. Your guide to shopping small and gifting meaningfully in Carlsbad.

5 Ways to Celebrate Halloween Around Carlsbad
5 Ways to Celebrate Halloween Around Carlsbad

Looking for fun, low-stress ways to get in the Halloween spirit? From light shows by the sea to festive art classes, neighborhood fun, and spooky-sweet treats, we’ve rounded up five easy ways to celebrate Halloween right here in Carlsbad.

Where to Catch Live Music in Carlsbad
Where to Catch Live Music in Carlsbad

Get your jam on at Carlsbad's top live music spots—The Camp Store’s jazz, live bands at The Landings, Village performances at Le Papagayo and The Coyote Bar, and daytime sets at Prager Brothers.

8 Things to Do in Carlsbad with Kids
8 Things to Do in Carlsbad with Kids

Family fun in Carlsbad starts with LEGOLAND California, beach days at Tamarack or South Ponto, Batiquitos Lagoon, Carlsbad Libraries, Ice Realm, Kids & Coffee, and The Flower Fields.

Things to Do | CARLSBAD

LOCAL LIFE

From everyday rituals to community gatherings, this is what it’s like to live, work, and play in Carlsbad… like a true local.

Local Life
A Carlsbad Tradition Worth Knowing: Operation Santa Claus
A Carlsbad Tradition Worth Knowing: Operation Santa Claus

Operation Santa Claus is a 12-season Carlsbad tradition led by local firefighters who collect toys and donations for families in need. Each December, fire engines roll through neighborhoods spreading holiday cheer and reminding the community what service truly looks like.

Amigos Lights Returns: A Camino De Amigos Neighborhood Holiday Tradition
Amigos Lights Returns: A Camino De Amigos Neighborhood Holiday Tradition

Explore the backstory of Carlsbad’s Amigos Light Show, a neighborhood holiday display known for synchronized lights, family traditions, and the Cocoa for a Cause event benefiting local school families.

Where to Donate Toys in Carlsbad Before the Holidays Wrap Up
Where to Donate Toys in Carlsbad Before the Holidays Wrap Up

Looking for places to donate toys in Carlsbad before the holiday season ends? This roundup shares the local spots still accepting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots and other community drives. From Village favorites to family friendly locations, here is your easy guide to giving back and spreading joy in Carlsbad this week.

Carlsbad Through a Local’s Eye: Alice Han
Carlsbad Through a Local’s Eye: Alice Han

Discover Carlsbad local Alice Han, creator of @pickleball_diaries and leader of the longtime “Shady Ladies” pickleball crew. From her favorite courts around Carlsbad to her community volunteering at Agua Hedionda Lagoon and fostering rescue dogs, Alice shares the places, rituals, and local spots that make life in Carlsbad so special. Explore her top seven Carlsbad favorites in this week’s Local’s Eye feature.

Carlsbad Through a Local’s Eye: San Diego Girl Mom, Yesenia
Carlsbad Through a Local’s Eye: San Diego Girl Mom, Yesenia

San Diego native and mom of two, Yesenia (@sandiegogirlmom), shares her favorite Carlsbad spots — from family adventures on the coast to the small local businesses her girls love most. Her picks blend everyday magic with the easygoing rhythm of North County life.

Carlsbad Through a Local’s Eye: Codie Cabral
Carlsbad Through a Local’s Eye: Codie Cabral

Carlsbad mom and community-builder Codie Cabral shares the seven things she loves most about life here. From sunset culture and coastal train sounds to golf cart adventures into the Village with her kids. Her picks blend simple, grounding moments with the outdoorsy spirit of Carlsbad, all woven together with the same presence and playfulness that inspired her to start Moms Who Kinda Surf.

The Next Scene: How Bradley Wentzel Is Bringing the Carlsbad Theatre Back to Life
The Next Scene: How Bradley Wentzel Is Bringing the Carlsbad Theatre Back to Life

Nearly 100 years after its debut, the Carlsbad Theatre is getting a new life. Local creative Bradley Wentzel is leading the revival, blending nostalgia, community, and modern vision to bring this Village landmark back to its rightful place at the heart of Carlsbad.

Carlsbad Through a Local’s Eye: Marissa McLaughlin
Carlsbad Through a Local’s Eye: Marissa McLaughlin

Carlsbad Days founder Marissa McLaughlin shares her seven favorite local spots — from sunset burrito nights on the sand to Jazzercise classes that feel more like therapy than a workout. Her picks highlight the laid-back rhythm of Carlsbad life, blending family moments, community favorites, and simple pleasures that remind you why living here feels so special.

Carlsbad Through the Seasons: Local Traditions Year-Round
Carlsbad Through the Seasons: Local Traditions Year-Round

Carlsbad goes off year-round — from The Flower Fields and Carlsbad 5000 in spring, TGIF Concerts and beach days in summer, to Jurassic Pumpkin Patch, Oktoberfest, whale watching, holiday lights, and winter hikes.

Area Spotlight: A Local’s Guide to Carlsbad Village
Area Spotlight: A Local’s Guide to Carlsbad Village

Explore Carlsbad Village like a local — from Carlsbad Alkaline Water and Wildland Restaurant to Board & Brew, State Street Farmers’ Market, Rebel Villa, Choice Juicery, and more favorite neighborhood spots.

Local Life | CARLSBAD