The Carlsbad area was home to Native Americans from the Kumeyaay and Luiseno tribes before the Spanish explored what came to be known as Alta California in 1769. Mexico granted part of the Carlsbad region to a settler in 1840. The area received its name in the 1880s after tests revealed that the chemical composition of the water was similar to that of a Bohemian spa in Karlsbad. Carlsbad was incorporated in 1952 and is currently home to nearly 115,000 people.
One of Carlsbad’s biggest draws is LEGOLAND California, which is home to more than 60 rides and attractions. This park is a tribute to the beloved Lego building bricks that have delighted young and old alike for generations. Plenty of Legos are displayed in the main theme park, MINILAND USA, and the LEGOLAND California Water Park. Some thrills you'll experience at LEGOLAND California include Emmet's Flying Adventure Ride, Kid Power Tower, LEGO CITY: Deep Sea Adventure, and LEGO TECHNIC Coaster. This park also contains the SEA LIFE Aquarium, which houses over 5,000 marine animals.
If you visit Carlsbad in the spring, pay a visit to the Flower Fields of Carlsbad Ranch. This lovely attraction features 50 acres of ranunculus flowers that bloom in a rainbow-like explosion of color. You can also pick blueberries, enjoy some live music, take a turn on the Tractor Wagon Ride, and make your way through the Sweet Pea Maze.
One of the loveliest campgrounds in Carlsbad is South Carlsbad State Beach, located near Interstate 5. Cliffside campsites provide stunning views of the California coast and easy beach access via a set of stairs. Full hookups, laundry facilities, showers, and more are all available here.
Another beautiful coastal campground is at San Elijo State Beach in nearby Encinitas. This sizable campground is conveniently close to the California coast and Interstate 5. Wi-Fi, quality cell reception, and other amenities are present here.
If you want to camp a mere five minutes from Carlsbad in Oceanside, consider parking your camper at Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort. This campground is just a short drive from Buccaneer Beach, Oside Prime Beach, and South Oceanside Beach. Beach access, a pool, a hot tub, and cable TV are some of the features at this resort.
Cabrillo National Monument is 50 minutes south of Carlsbad at the tip of Point Loma in San Diego. This national monument is dedicated to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who was the first European to reach what would become the West Coast. One popular attraction to visit at this national monument is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1854. It no longer functions as a lighthouse, but it is an excellent place to see some breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego. If you visit during the fall or winter, check out the Point Loma Tidepools, which are full of local marine plants and animals.
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is two hours from Carlsbad and 40 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. Some of the state parks included in this national recreation area are Malibu Creek State Park, Leo Carrillo State Park, and Point Mugu State Park. Over 500 miles of trails take visitors through the Santa Monica Mountains. One of these is the Backbone Trail, which is a strenuous hike that is 65 miles long. Mountain biking and horseback riding trails are also available here. Climbing is a popular activity, thanks to the volcanic geology that provides a unique challenge to beginners and advanced climbers alike.
The César E. Chávez National Monument is about two and a half hours north of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. This national monument is dedicated to César E. Chávez, a revolutionary Latino leader in the 1960s. If you want to learn more about this fascinating figure’s life, you can do so at the visitor center, which contains exhibits, artwork, and an educational film. To see native plants from the Sonoran Desert, check out the Garden of the Southwest. You can pay your respects to Chávez and his wife at their grave sites in the Memorial Gardens, which also contain roses and a memorial fountain.
Cleveland National Forest is roughly 75 minutes southeast of Carlsbad. This national forest’s 423,000 acres are home to bobcats, jackrabbits, deer, coyotes, badgers, mountain lions, and many other types of wildlife. Plenty of awesome hiking trails abound, allowing visitors to explore anything from an easy half-mile loop to a strenuous 13-mile hike through the wilderness. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and auto touring are other ways to explore the forest. You can even take your off-highway vehicle on several of this national forest’s trails. Other fun activities here include camping, hunting, picnicking, and stargazing.
You can reach San Bernardino National Forest by traveling 75 minutes northeast of Carlsbad. Hundreds of miles of trails traverse the wilderness areas, mountains, and rivers in this national forest. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail also cuts through this forest. Numerous lakes, streams, and reservoirs are full of bass, trout, bluegill, and other types of fish. There are 42 campgrounds available, so you will have your pick of plenty of gorgeous spots to pass the time here. If you decide to spend the night, you’ll have the chance to engage in some epic stargazing, thanks to the low levels of light pollution in this forest.
Since Angeles National Forest is next to San Bernardino National Forest, you can easily explore both on the same trip. This forest’s 700,000 acres contain nearly 700 miles of hiking trails that take you through part of the Sierra Pelona Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains. More than 550 miles of trails open up this national forest to hikers and horseback riders, and over 175 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail pass through. Popular water bodies like Castaic Lake, Pyramid Lake, and Elizabeth Lake provide ample space for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. Mountain biking, off-roading, skiing, and picnicking are other favorite pastimes here.
Located in Carlsbad, California, LEGOLAND is a theme park owned by the LEGO company. The original park opened in 1968 in Denmark. The LEGOLAND, Resort provides you with a choice of LEGO inspired rooms, 2-Day Hopper Passes, FREE breakfast everyday, a separate sleeping space for kids in each room, an in-room treasure hunt with a present for the kids, and more. The annual Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is a must-see event. The beautiful fields are breathtaking as they change colors with the seasons, and they are in full bloom during the months of April and May. You can get a great view from the nearby Palomar Observatory, which is open to visitors year round. If you love flowers, this is an event you'll want to visit! San Diego Botanic Garden, located 30 minutes north of San Diego in Encinitas, California, has a variety of exhibits, such as rare bamboo woods, wilderness gardens, a tropical rainforest, California native plants, Native to the mediterranean landscapes, succulent gardens, a herb, firesafe landscape design, a sub - tropical fruit garden, and native coastal sage natural areas. They also inaugurated the Hamilton Children's Garden in June 2009, the biggest active child's garden on the West Coast.
Joshua Tree National Park is just approximately 3 hours to the northeast of downtown San Diego, a magnificent trip over the Southern California desert. Huge Joshua tree forests, as well as large boulder fields, rough hills, mountains, and palm oasis, may be found in Joshua Tree park. Joshua Tree National Park is dotted with campsites, many of these are in the park's popular northern section, the Mojave Desert, which also has Joshua trees. The park's southern half, known as the Colorado Desert, is warmer and home to a whole distinct collection of plants and landforms.
Just 10 minutes south of Carlsbad is San Elijo State Beach, which is a fabulous place to swim, surf, and fish. You can explore a nearby reef via snorkel, and if you want to get out on the water, you can launch your boat on the sea. There is a campground that provides convenient access to the beach from a set of stairs that connects the shoreline to the bluffs above. If you camp at the right time, you might get to participate in an event put on by park staff.
San Onofre State Beach is a 25-minute drive up Interstate 5 from Carlsbad. This state park is known for its stellar surfing, so be sure to check out the aptly named Surf Beach on your visit. When you’re not catching some waves on your board, you can enjoy the water by swimming, fishing, and kayaking. On dry land, you can sunbathe, hike, bike, and camp at one of the hundreds of campsites. Plenty of marine wildlife is on display here, so keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more.
San Clemente State Beach is only 10 minutes north of San Onofre State Beach. Once you get here, you'll understand why this is one of California’s most popular beaches. Swimming, surfing, and sunbathing are favorite pastimes on the beach, while snorkeling and scuba diving are popular underwater activities. If you really want to go out to sea, you can take your boat on an ocean cruise. This park features a nice campground with full hookups, easy beach access, and restrooms. If you want to venture into the big city, downtown Los Angeles is just an hour away.
Cabrillo National Monument is a picturesque landmark located near the city of Los Angeles. One of the most visited monuments, the Calibrillo National Monument, commemorates the famous explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is another great place to visit near Los Angeles. This recreation area stretches for over 100 miles and has multiple things to do. It is one of the biggest points of interest for visitors along the coast of Southern California and offers a range of outdoor activities.
- There are several options for RV parks and campgrounds in San Diego that are right on the water. - Some of the popular RV parks include Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort and Oceanside RV Park. - Each one offers a relaxing beachside setting, and ammenities may include WiFi and full hookups with cable.
- There are several dump stations in the Oceanside, California area. - The Paradise by the Sea RV Resort, Oceanside RV Park, Elks Lodge and Oceanside Harbor all have dump stations. - You can find more information on Oceanside dump stations and other useful resources in the RVshare guide to Oceanside, CA.
One of the best ways to make the most out of your trip to Carlsbad, California, is to roam around in an RV rental with your friends and family. With many popular RV rentals to choose from, selecting the rental that best fits your needs is easy. If you are traveling solo or with a small group consider a pop-up tent camper. These options are available all through out the Carlsbad area.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Carlsbad, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Carlsbad?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Carlsbad from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Carlsbad?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
