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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Quiet Mind Mountain Lodge, Retreat and Spa
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a Hyatt Luxury Resort
The Sofia Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near South Carlsbad State 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
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
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
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
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
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
Beach Getaway with Furnished Patio & Full Kitchen + Shared Pool & Spa

Beach Getaway with Furnished Patio & Full Kitchen + Shared Pool & Spa

Carlsbad
Beach Getaway with Furnished Patio & Full Kitchen + Shared Pool & Spa
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 a variety of activities including surfing, scuba diving, and skin diving. The beach is also perfect for catching stunning sunsets and experiencing live music. For those looking to extend their stay, overnight camping is available with designated camping spots, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful coastal scenery.

Shopping

Your shopping experience near South Carlsbad State Beach includes the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, just 2 miles away, offering great deals on brand-name items. The State Street Farmers Market, 4 miles away, features local goods, while The Shoppes at Carlsbad Mall, located 5 miles away, has a variety of shops and dining options.

Recreation

Experience the Aviara Golf Club, a beautiful golf course offering outdoor vibes just 2 miles from the beach. For relaxation, head to SoCal Sports Complex, 7 miles away, to enjoy wellness activities. Don’t miss live music at Belly Up, located 8 miles from South Carlsbad State Beach for an entertaining evening.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at The Wave Waterpark, located 8 miles from South Carlsbad State Beach, where family fun and adventure await. For water sports enthusiasts, Eli Howard Surf School, 6 miles away, offers surf lessons. Explore the scenic Hosp Grove Trails, located 5 miles away, for a refreshing hike.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near South Carlsbad State Beach with a show at New Village Arts Theatre, only 5 miles away, or try your luck at Ocean's Eleven Casino, 7 miles away. For family fun, enjoy the thrills at Boomers Vista, also 7 miles away.

Find the best attractions near South Carlsbad State Beach

South Carlsbad State Beach offers a delightful mix of attractions for every traveler, including beautiful beaches, urban parks, and thrilling theme parks. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day on the sand or an exciting family outing, you'll find plenty of options nearby. Explore the stunning Carlsbad beaches and enjoy outdoor experiences that make this destination perfect for both adventure seekers and those in search of tranquility.

  • LEGOLAND® California: Located 2 miles from South Carlsbad State Beach, this vibrant theme park offers a world of imagination with rides, interactive attractions, and entertainment that appeals to families. Build your own LEGO creations or explore themed areas that transport you to different adventures.
  • Flower Fields of Carlsbad: Also 2 miles away, this stunning flower garden showcases vibrant blooms during spring, creating a picturesque outdoor experience. Families can stroll through the fields, enjoy seasonal events, and take in the breathtaking views, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day out.
  • Carlsbad State Beach: Located 3 miles from your base, this beautiful beach offers sun, sand, and surf. Enjoy beach vibes while swimming, sunbathing, or taking a relaxing walk along the shoreline. It’s an ideal spot for beach lovers to unwind and soak up the California sun.

Best time to go to South Carlsbad State Beach

The best time to visit South Carlsbad State Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around South Carlsbad State Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around South Carlsbad State Beach falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March57.9°F (14.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April60.6°F (15.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighAverage
May62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June66.7°F (19.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July71.4°F (21.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August73.0°F (22.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September72.5°F (22.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October67.8°F (19.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowAverage
November61.7°F (16.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately 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 money during your visit to South Carlsbad State Beach, take advantage of the free entry and plan your trip between November and January when prices are lower. Book your stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, and consider using Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations. Look for eco-certified hotels and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Don’t forget to search for special offers and last-minute deals online.

  • 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, preferred destination, and additional preferences. You can organize your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, highlighting the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotel options 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.