South Carlsbad State Beach Tours

Photo by Kim Venuta
Photo by Sheri Chaffer
Photo by L. R.
Photo by Deborah McDaniel
Photo by Svetlana  Couture


Feel the breeze ruffling your hair, the water swirling around your feet and the salt on your lips at South Carlsbad State Beach. Stay and watch the sun set to top off an unforgettable day out.

Located in Carlsbad, this stretch of coastline has free entry. South Carlsbad State Beach makes for a fun and cheap day out! If you're eager for some more exploring, Legoland California, Carlsbad Premium Outlets and Carlsbad State Beach are in the area.

Plan a trip to see South Carlsbad State Beach

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The Sofia Hotel
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Coronado Beach Resort

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near South Carlsbad State Beach

Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa

Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
1 Ponto Rd, Carlsbad, CA
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa
Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA Beach

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA Beach

2 out of 5
750 Raintree Drive, Carlsbad, CA
Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA Beach
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area

3 out of 5
760 Macadamia Dr, Carlsbad, CA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Carlsbad Beach by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Carlsbad Beach by IHG

2.5 out of 5
751 Raintree Drive, Carlsbad, CA
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Carlsbad Beach by IHG
Best Western Carlsbad by the Sea

Best Western Carlsbad by the Sea

2.5 out of 5
751 Macadamia Dr, Carlsbad, CA
Best Western Carlsbad by the Sea
Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel

Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel

3 out of 5
850 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel
Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - East

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - East

2 out of 5
6117 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA
Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - East
Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach

Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach

4 out of 5
6450 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA
Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a Hyatt Luxury Resort

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a Hyatt Luxury Resort

5 out of 5
2100 N Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a Hyatt Luxury Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near South Carlsbad State Beach

At South Carlsbad State Beach, visitors can enjoy various activities like beach camping, surfing, and watching stunning sunsets. The state beach campground offers excellent camping opportunities with some of the best campsites in the area. Additionally, the beach is well-known for its fantastic surfing spots, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure. Don't miss out on the local shopping options to enhance your experience.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience, visit Carlsbad Premium Outlets, just 2 miles away, offering a variety of brands in a lively atmosphere. The State Street Farmers Market, located 4 miles away, features local goods and crafts. If you're up for a drive, check out The Shoppes at Carlsbad Mall, 5 miles away.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Aviara Golf Club, just 2 miles from South Carlsbad State Beach, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. For relaxation, head to SoCal Sports Complex, located 7 miles away, where you can unwind and engage in wellness activities. Don't miss the lively atmosphere at Belly Up, 8 miles away, for great music and entertainment.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water adventures at The Wave Waterpark, located 8 miles from South Carlsbad State Beach, perfect for family fun. Enhance your skills with Eli Howard Surf School, 6 miles away, where you can catch waves and embrace the ocean. For hiking enthusiasts, explore the scenic Hosp Grove Trails, located 5 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near South Carlsbad State Beach with a show at New Village Arts Theatre, just 5 miles away, or enjoy family fun at Boomers Vista, 7 miles away. For a romantic evening, catch a performance at Moonlight Amphitheatre, located 9 miles from the beach.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near South Carlsbad State Beach

South Carlsbad State Beach offers a beautiful sandy shoreline perfect for sunbathing and beach activities, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby, you'll find urban parks and theme parks for additional fun. Don’t miss exploring Carlsbad Ranch for a unique local experience. This area provides a variety of options for beach lovers, ensuring a memorable vacation with plenty of outdoor adventures.

  • LEGOLAND® California: Experience a world of creativity and imagination at LEGOLAND® California, a vibrant theme park just 2 miles from South Carlsbad State Beach. With attractions, rides, and interactive experiences, it's perfect for families looking for fun and adventure.
  • Carlsbad State Beach: Enjoy the sun and surf at Carlsbad State Beach, located 3 miles away. This picturesque beach offers sandy shores, gentle waves, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games.
  • Flower Fields of Carlsbad: Immerse yourself in a colorful spectacle at the Flower Fields of Carlsbad, situated 2 miles from the beach. This stunning garden features vibrant blooms and scenic walking paths, perfect for families and nature lovers alike.

Best time to go to South Carlsbad State Beach

The best time to visit South Carlsbad State Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March57.9°F (14.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April60.6°F (15.9°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
May62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July71.4°F (21.9°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August73.0°F (22.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September72.5°F (22.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October67.8°F (19.9°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowAverage
November61.7°F (16.5°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for South Carlsbad State Beach

To save on your trip to South Carlsbad State Beach, visit between November and January for lower rates, and consider staying on a Tuesday rather than Saturday for better prices. Utilize Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations—filter by eco-certified hotels for sustainable options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal for added savings, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Lastly, explore free activities along the beach, such as hiking and sunbathing, to keep costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around South Carlsbad State Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around South Carlsbad State Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around South Carlsbad State Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at South Carlsbad State Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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