Your Guide to Carlsbad Village

Whether you know it or not, when you think of the city of Carlsbad, you are probably envisioning Carlsbad Village. As the main downtown commercial area of the city, Carlsbad Village is located right alongside the coast and is the city’s hub for restaurants, shopping, hotels and resorts. The Village is a one stop shop for good food, outdoor activities, historic landmarks, and direct access to the water. From the State Street Farmer’s Market to the historic landmarks, there is no shortage of things to do and places to see. The City of Carlsbad is known as the ‘Village by the Sea’ and the Carlsbad Village is what brings that vision to life. If you truly want to experience the joy of Carlsbad and explore the heart of the city, follow this itinerary to make the most of your visit to the Village:

Get The Goods and Start the Day Right

There is no better way to start the day than with a cup of coffee and a freshly baked donut. The Goods is a small donut shop located right on State Street. Their artisan donuts are made with locally sourced ingredients and prepared from scratch. Grab a s’mores donut and a strong espresso to start your day on the right track.

Learn About the City at the Train Depot

Carlsbad’s original train depot was built in the 1880s. Now, it is the Carlsbad Visitor’s Center and is the perfect spot to plan out your day. The building itself was rebuilt in 1907 by the Santa Fe Railroad. The exterior is colorful and inviting and the old school charm invites visitors to take a glimpse into the past. The Center has all of the information you need about the city and the surrounding San Diego County region. Learn about things to do and take in the history of the station before setting out to enjoy your day.

Browse the Shops

After getting up to speed about the city, you can walk into the heart of downtown and window shop as you walk by the many unique boutiques scattered throughout the Village. You can support small businesses by grabbing a new swimsuit at Cindy’s Swimwear or Coco Rose Beach & Resort Wear. Or, get a book to read on the beach at Fahrenheit 451 Books. From antiques, to jewelry, to pets, the Village has a shop for everything. Get gifts for the family back home or indulge in something for yourself while supporting the community.

Try Our Local Fare for Lunch

The Carlsbad Village is home to a variety of craft cuisines. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick casual lunch or fine dining, the Village has something for everyone. Try a local brew at Pizza Port or a fresh coastal sandwich at Board and Brew. Or, settle in at Paon Restaurant & Wine Bar to spoil your senses. The Village has food from all around the world – Asian, American, French, Italian, Mediterranean, and Mexican are just a few of the options available at the restaurants scattered throughout the Village.

Surf into the Afternoon at SoCal Surf

A visit to Carlsbad Village wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the beach. The Village is positioned right on the coast and a short walk from any of the lunch restaurants downtown. To make the most of your afternoon, stop by SoCal Surf and impress your friends by learning how to catch some waves. They offer lessons seven days a week and you are free to use their equipment for a full hour after the lesson is over.

Experience Sunset at Dini’s Bistro

The sunset over the Pacific Ocean is the perfect way to end a jam-packed day of sun and fun. Dini’s Bistro has views of the ocean and is a prime spot to see the sunset and enjoy happy hour. Get a table outside and a cocktail to relax and unwind. Or, indulge in exquisite Italian cuisine at Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse on their expansive ocean-view deck.

The Carlsbad Village is the epicenter of the community. Spend a day here or an entire weekend – you simply won’t run out of things to do! For more information visit the Village website at Carlsbad-Village.com