Carlsbad Through a Local’s Eye: Marissa McLaughlin
I’ve always loved bringing people together — whether it was through my early career with the San Diego Chargers and the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon Series or now, creating Carlsbad Days. Over time, I’ve realized my favorite part of every project has always been the people — the local business owners, the neighbors you run into at the coffee shop, the shared love for this beachside city we get to call home.
I grew up in Southern California, and these days you’ll usually find me chasing the sun with my husband and two daughters — paddle boarding, playing pickleball, dancing, or just hanging out by the water.
My goal with Carlsbad Days is simple: to create a warm, useful guide that feels like a text from a friend — where to go, what to do, and how to make everyday life here a little more fun.
Here are a few of my personal favorites — the spots and simple rituals that make me love Carlsbad even more.
xx, Marissa McLaughlin
Walking the Carlsbad Seawall
For some people, they need to “touch grass” to feel grounded. For me, I need to touch sand to feel like myself again. Whether it’s a solo stroll after school drop-off or a run with a friend, the Seawall is where I clear my head and remember why I love calling this place home.
The Wise Ox + Jeni’s Ice Cream (La Costa)
If I’m having a “treat yourself” kind of day, this combo hits every note. A Reuben sandwich followed by a scoop of Salty Caramel feels indulgent in the best way — simple, local joy.
Burritos & Beach Nights
No cooking, no plans — just burritos, sand, and sunset. It’s become our family’s reset ritual, and somehow the light always feels better when you’re eating dinner barefoot.
The Carlsbad Library + Hidden Canyon Park
This is one of my favorite little pairings in town — we’ll spend an hour exploring books at the Georgina Cole Library, then head over to Hidden Canyon Park to burn off energy and play. It’s an easy, joy-filled afternoon that blends quiet moments with my girls and time outdoors.
Jazzercise Carlsbad
I’ve been dancing my whole life, but rediscovering Jazzercise in Carlsbad has been such a gift. I’m still new, but I leave every class smiling — it’s part workout, part therapy, and 100% fun. It makes me feel like me again.
Batiquitos Lagoon Trail
One of my favorite local walks — peaceful, beautiful, and full of wildlife. I love how it works for any kind of day: solo time with a podcast, stroller walks when my girls were little, or family adventures spotting birds and lizards along the way.
The Flower Fields + South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Two places that define Carlsbad for me. With season passes, we visit The Flower Fields often — my girls love the whimsical playground with giant mushrooms and playhouses once part of Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead, the same ones I played on as a child. It’s a beautiful full-circle moment each spring. And our local beach campground? It’s our happy place — group trips, nights at The Camp Store, and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean.
