Leo Carrillo Ranch 

Leo Carrillo Ranch is a hidden historical gem with stunningly beautiful scenery. There are unique adobe buildings, a reflecting pool, vintage windmills and other ancient historical landmarks.

Leo Carrillo, a Hollywood actor and preservationist, originally owned the land. The Friends of Carrillo Ranch, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit educational corporation, now assists the city in developing Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park by supporting public outreach, education and programs for children to learn about California history via practical art projects.

Leo Carrillo Ranch is the ideal location to stroll around and take in the history that surrounds it because there is so much to discover there. Visitors can use step-by-step directions on the self-guided walking tour to make sure they don’t miss any significant sights.

The journey begins on the north rim and descends to the valley via a paved, gently sloping switchback ramp. It crosses the Old North Bridge at the bottom, where you can view the weir complex. It turns around and heads in the opposite direction to the interpretive sign on First People and Native Plants, where a self-guided walking tour is available. There are numbered posts that correspond to some of the important plants on the Ranch. You can stop by the Caretaker’s Cottage, which features staff offices and exhibits and then continue down Palm Lane towards the Hacienda Compound to get your steps in as you enjoy the scenes. The path is surrounded by rare Toyon Trees and at the end of the walking tour, the magnificent Hacienda Compound comes into view.  

Carlsbad Food Tours

You can also experience the charm of Carlsbad in a unique way with a food tour that guides you through the Village’s history, culture and architecture to discover its charm in a novel way. The Taste of Carlsbad Tour is a mobile party featuring six wine and food tasting spots, offered by Carlsbad Food Tours.

On this tour, you will experience Carlsbad’s rich history, architecture and culture while indulging in delectable snacks and beverages from a variety of eateries as you dine your way through the city. Your tour guide will assist you in navigating Carlsbad’s main streets, which are home to a fantastic concentration of  eateries and historic sites, as well as a distinctively mixed collection of stores, art galleries and bright street murals.

You won’t regret exploring Carlsbad’s uniquely Southern California culture and as a culinary  entirely on foot with Carlsbad Food Tours.

Carlsbad Murals

Another must-see for travelers seeking a strollable public art exhibit are the Carlsbad Murals. Local artist Brian Snyder established Senor Grubby’s Mexican Restaurant’s Carlsbad Art Wall in 2015 as a dynamic venue for local and international artists to exhibit their work. The spacious Recreation Mural Area offers aspiring muralists a place to hone their painting techniques. Daniel, also known as Mister Toledo, is a Los Angeles-based artist who recently added a new piece to the Art Wall. Daniel has long been an admirer of Carlsbad’s bright murals and you can see his most recent creation on Senor Grubby’s changing mural wall.

Carlsbad’s community of outdoor artists has been expanding, and visitors can easily explore these works of art on foot thanks to the abundance of outdoor art exhibits, live performance theaters, art fairs and musical events that are hosted around town.

The Boardwalk

Last but not least, a list of places that can be reached on foot wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the beach. The main draw for individuals who appreciate the cool sea breeze is the Carlsbad Beach Boardwalk. It is a 4-mile paved road that runs along Carlsbad Beach, and is positioned higher up and closer to the road than other regular boardwalks. It passes through a number of small beaches, including the well-known surfing beach, Tamarack Beach.

Since pets are not permitted on the beach, the boardwalk is a terrific spot to explore the coast with your pet, push a stroller or take a break without getting wet.

From food tours to public art installations, all it takes is a few easy steps and some comfortable walking shoes to explore the charm and character of this wonderful city. As spring approaches, keep these areas in mind and be inspired to walk around Carlsbad next time you visit. 

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Here are a few of our favorites:

The Batiquitos Lagoon

This one is a must-visit destination for any Carlsbad hiker. Batiquitos Lagoon is a stunning coastal lagoon that offers visitors an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The lagoon trail at Pelican Road is a popular hiking spot, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wetlands and wildlife. The trail winds through diverse landscapes, from saltwater marshes to riparian forests, providing visitors with a unique and immersive experience. The out and back trail is just shy of 3.5 miles so hikers of all skill levels can enjoy the scenic route that takes them through the heart of this vibrant ecosystem. 

Lake Calavera

Hiking at Carlsbad’s Lake Calavera is another fun and exhilarating experience for nature enthusiasts. The 3-mile loop around Lake Calavera Preserve offers breathtaking views of the lake, famous volcanic plug, trees and scrub brush along its rolling route. The trail offers a mix of single-track and fire roads with steep grades and rocky descents that can challenge hikers’ skills. Along the way, hikers will enjoy the beautiful views of the lake. It is an exciting and scenic hiking destination that is a must-visit for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

The Hubbs Trail in Agua Hedionda Lagoon

Another favorite lagoon trail is The Hubbs Trail. This is a short and easy hike that runs approximately a half mile along the north shore of the outer portion of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The trail is home to a wide variety of shorebirds, and hikers can spot pelicans perched near the Mussel Farm in the outer lagoon. To access the trail, hikers should turn right coming out of the Agua Hedionda Discovery Center in Carlsbad. Then, take a right on Coast Highway followed by a right on Tamarack, and finally, the first right on Garfield. Once parked at the end of Garfield, hikers can walk down the dirt access road to reach the trail. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or just looking for a quick and easy hike, the Hubbs Trail is an excellent choice.

Hosp Grove Park

Lastly, Hosp Grove Park in Carlsbad is a great place to go if you are seeking a bit of natural tranquility. With a length of three miles, the unpaved trail in this park is moderately hilly to steep, offering a moderate to difficult challenge. The trail winds through a vast grove of mature eucalyptus trees that were planted for the railroad industry many years ago. The trail also offers great views of the Buena Vista Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. The city acquired the property years later, and it is now a popular spot for hikers, picnickers and nature enthusiasts seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of daily routines. 

Hiking in Carlsbad is your key to witnessing some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the region. Countless options await, ranging from the serene Batiquitos Lagoon Trail to the more challenging Lake Calavera Trail. So, get your body moving and let your mind relax as you explore any one of these wonderful trails.

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The outdoors endure whatever the earth throws at them, but it’s easy to forget that weather and foot traffic can make a huge impact on even the most rugged trailheads. When you’re on a scenic hike, it’s easy to want to veer off the beaten path and explore the unknown. What is hard to anticipate is the impact that this can have on the environment around us. Items can accidentally slip out of our backpacks,and our shoes can leave items that weren’t meant to exist off the trail. If you have explored the trails around Carlsbad, you will notice that there is often trash on the trails. Picking up items like cigarette butts, candy wrappers, and water bottle caps can go a long way in preserving nature and upholding the paths for future hikers.

Here are three popular hiking spots in Carlsbad and information about a volunteer cleanup event you can sign up for this month to help keep the trails clean. 

Aviara Trails

The Aviara Trail system is one of the most popular and diverse set of trails in the city. Each hike has unique nature experiences and varying levels of difficulty. Of the five trails available, the Lagoon Trail is the most popular. It is a relatively easy 2.13 miles in length and runs along the water and the Aviara golf course. During the winter months, many different bird species migrate here to avoid the cold. Other trails within the system include the Eucalyptus Trail, which features groves of eucalyptus trees, the Black Sage Trail which was named after the native sage plant in the canyons and along the water’s edge, and the Salt Marsh Trail that runs through the low lying areas surrounding the lagoon and its slopes.

Hidden Canyon Trail

Hidden Canyon Park is a 22-acre park that has a large canyon cutting through it. The majority of the park is undeveloped, giving nature lovers tons of space to spread out and enjoy the greenery. There is a short trail within the park that connects it to the Ann D. L’Heureux Dog Park. The hike features scenic walking paths, with picnic tables and play areas.

Veterans Park Trails

The Veterans Park Trails offer a unique view of many of the most popular landmarks in Carlsbad. The trail head starts at the west end of the Crossings parking lot and is an unpaved path with views of the Flower Fields, Agua Hedionda Lagoon, LEGOLAND, and the City golf course. The loop is scenic and peaceful, and is accessible year-round. It offers a wide diversity of flora and fauna with trails that provide bird watching of egrets, herons, and waterfowl. 

City of Carlsbad Trail Volunteer Event

If you want to pitch in to help maintain Carlsbad hiking trails, the City of Carlsbad is hosting a Trail Volunteer Event on February 26th. The volunteer cleanup event is for nature lovers of all ages and will last from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. with an introductory session at Rancho Carrillo East. Guides will go over how to use cleanup tools and provide volunteers with shovels, rakes, shears, water, and McClouds. 

Carlsbad is a picturesque location for trailblazing. Next time you want to get outside and enjoy the fresh air – try any one of these great trails and keep the path clean by volunteering at the city cleanup event on February 26th. 

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The Trails at Hosp Grove

Carlsbad’s moderate weather makes even city living feel easy and breezy. If you really want to get away from the bustle of the neighborhoods, shops, and restaurants, Hosp Grove Trails and Park in northern Carlsbad is a great retreat. The handful of short but scenic hiking trails surrounding the park are lined with Carlsbad’s native flora and fauna. Cacti and succulents line the pathways, and the easy trails provide a nice quiet walk with calming surroundings. The walkways lead into a canopy of tree cover and there is parking located across from the Buena Vista Lagoon. The park has public picnic tables so that you can pack a lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing on the trails.

Hosp Grove was originally made up solely of eucalyptus trees. Their presence still towers over the park and adds a pleasant fragrance that flows throughout the trails and through the trees. There are two sections in the park and approximately three miles worth of trails. Parking is located on each side of the Grove, with all entrances crisscrossing through the interior. The grounds are well kept, and the pathways are shaded when the sun is high in the sky. Hosp Grove is the ideal place for a low impact walk or jog, an outlet for kids to burn off steam, and a reprieve from the norm.

Rancho La Costa Preserve

If you like a mix of easy terrain and more intermediate trails, Rancho La Costa Preserve is the spot to find your pace. With a mixture of paved pathways, decomposed granite, and soily terrain, you can pick how you’d prefer to cover ground. The Preserve is known by hikers and bikers alike, and no matter what your endurance level is, you can find a challenge to conquer while you explore.

The Preserve is made up of four main trailheads. The Ridgeline Trail is a long and difficult hike. On the flip side, the Old Rancho Santa Fe Trail is an easy paved option. The Preserve is also home to Box Canyon and close to 500 acres of native coastal habitat. No matter which trail you end up on, the views are next to none. The hilltops provide views of the Batiquitos Lagoon, Box Canyon, and the Pacific Ocean.

Lake Calavera Preserve

If you would like to experience native California, Lake Calavera Preserve is a special place to see the habitats, plant life, and ecosystems that are unique to the area. The Preserve was designated as an Ecological Reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 2000, and the pathways within are reserved for pedestrian use only.

There are multiple looped trails throughout the Preserve, and the Lake Loop Trail has 1.9 miles of water views and water friendly wildlife.

Blue Paddle SUP

For water lovers, Carlsbad’s coastline and its lagoons are some of the most fun and relaxing places to experience the outdoors in Southern California. They offer tons of opportunity to lay on the sand, try out new watersports, and casually sail along the shore.

Stand up paddleboarding is an activity that will get you out on the water, moving through the surf, and expending energy all at once. At Blue Paddle SUP, you can explore the Carlsbad coast from a new perspective. Blue Paddle offers a paddleboarding tour that ensures social distancing without having to give up the fun of the lagoon. With a certified guide, you can get a short lesson on land before entering the water. The Carlsbad Lagoon is home to calm surf and natural wildlife. You can float through the water at a relaxing pace and see everything from pelicans to sea turtles and sea lions.

Boards are available for rent and guides will make sure that you have the time of your life, regardless of your experience.

There is really no better place to be than to be outside in Carlsbad. With seven full miles of spectacular beaches, Carlsbad’s coast has some of the most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean around. Tamarack State Beach is ideal for families and kids and is adjacent to the Carlsbad Seawall where walkers and joggers can look out into the water while exercising. South Ponto Beach is one of the widest beaches in the county, allowing guests to spread out and soak up the sun.  From North Carlsbad beaches to South State Beach – Carlsbad’s coastline is the place to get outdoors and enjoy the views.

Check out any one of these unique locales to experience all of the beauty that Carlsbad has to offer.

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Cardio and strength training are two key ways to get in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Running is one of the best cardio exercises that can not only improve your physiological health but can also relieve stress, increase productivity, and boost stimulants that trigger feelings of pleasure and reward. The effects of just 10 to 20 minutes of running each day can last much longer than the time spent outside or in the gym. After a run, calories continue to burn for up to 14 hours after activity has stopped. The production of endorphins and endocannabinoids during a run induces feelings of euphoria and continues to inspire these feelings of confidence and elation after your workout is done. Running has also been shown to regulate blood pressure, maintain stronger joints, and improve insulin sensitivity. If you are new to running or want to tap into that runner’s high that joggers brag about, here are some meetups for runners, places to run, and upcoming races in Carlsbad that you won’t want to miss.

The San Diego North County Running Meetup

One of the greatest things about running is that everyone runs at a different pace. There is not one standard distance or stride that anyone has to meet when getting out for a jog. The San Diego North County Running Meetup is the perfect spot for runners that want to find other local runners with similar goals. Whether its running for fun or for exercise, the meetup gives members the opportunity to find a group that wants the same. The meetup participates in various long and short distance runs, with track workouts and trail runs on the schedule every week. Recent runs have included a Ladies Run Along Carlsbad Coast. Join the meetup today to stay up-to-date on runs happening near you.

Run North County

Run North County is another great resource for runners in Carlsbad. The group is a community forum for runners and walkers of all kinds. Weekly runs, volunteer opportunities, and recommended gear are all featured on their website. The group hosts a Sunday morning Coastal Run along the Carlsbad Coast. Runners can socialize and have fun while jogging or walking alongside the Pacific Ocean. The group leaves from Magee Park at 7:30 a.m. each Sunday.

Batiquitos Lagoon and Carlsbad Boulevard

The Batiquitos Lagoon Trail is a 3.1 mile out and back trail that has views, flowers, and wildlife. Running along the lagoon is a relaxing and scenic option that far surpasses the lull and dread of a treadmill. Similarly, Carlsbad’s coastline has a beach walk that is a flat terrain perfect for runners. You can start your jog at the Carlsbad Village. From Pine Street and Carlsbad Boulevard, the beach walk extends down to Tamarack or Cannon Road for a good 3 mile trek.

Tip Top Run and Leprechaun Bash

If you want to put your skills to the test or like the motivation of a race to pick up your pace, the Tip Top Run and Leprechaun Bash is right around the corner. On Saturday, March 16 there will be both a 5k run/walk and a 10k run/walk at the Agua Hedionda Discovery Center. Proceeds from the race will go towards maintenance and awareness of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. After the race, runners can take part in the Leprechaun Bash with live music, games, and food. Register today to reserve your spot at the starting line.

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Walk + Bike Carlsbad

Together with the City of Carlsbad and Circulate San Diego, Walk + Bike Carlsbad is a bi-monthly meetup that encourages exploration. Members are deeply knowledgeable about Carlsbad’s trail systems and inner workings and motivated to find cyclable routes to the Village, beaches, and surrounding areas. They love sharing new and exciting tidbits that will help participants get out and about. All skill levels are welcome, and the group spends time reviewing safety tips and skill-based recommendations for bike routes throughout the city.

The Coastal Rail Trail

The Coastal Rail Trail is currently a disjointed series of bike paths stretching from Oceanside to Solana Beach. The city plans to join these pathways for a grand total of 44 miles of trail that will run from Oceanside to San Diego along the Coaster commuter railway. Carlsbad’s current portion of this trail is 3.4 miles long and reaches from Oak Avenue to Tamarack Avenue. The trail runs close to the coast, on the eastern side of the Coaster’s track. Cyclists are eagerly waiting on the completion of the trail. The paved asphalt will allow cyclists to venture into the heart of the city and make frequent stops in Carlsbad and the surrounding beach towns.

Pedego Electric Bikes

If you are interested in biking but like a little help along the way, Pedego Electric Bikes is a great place to rent and/or buy an electric or manual bike in Carlsbad. Renting an electric bike can enable you to see more of Carlsbad in less time. Customers can hit the local bike trails on their own or sign up for a guided tour that explores some of the city’s most well-known destinations like Highway 101, the Batiquitos Lagoon, and the Pacific coastline. Rentals include helmets and bike locks for safety, and the employees are trained cyclists that ensure that guests have the best cycling experience possible.

Mountain Biking Trails

More adventurous bikers have plenty of options when it comes to mountain biking in Carlsbad. The city is home to hills and valleys that make biking off the beaten path both exciting and beautiful. The Lake Calavera bike trail is one of cyclist’s favorites. The trail can be accessed from Tamarack Avenue or at the corner of College and Cannon near the high school. Cyclists can follow a continuous loop around the lake or venture through connector trails like the Serpentine trail, Monkey Flower trail, East Loop trail, and Oak Riparian Loop trail. Overall, the Lake Calavera tour has sandy terrain, curves, and downhill Easter eggs for a total of five miles of fun.

Whether you’re looking for a casual bike ride next to the beach or want to try and tackle a mountain trail, Carlsbad is continually working to get residents and visitors to use ‘people power’ rather than fuel or electricity.

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Rancho Carillo Trails

For beginners, the two 1.8 mile loops with low elevation gain are a trek with a historic backdrop. The Leo Carillo Ranch is now partially owned by the City of Carlsbad and it has been deemed as a National Historic Landmark. The trail itself is paved and offers variations in standard Southern California vegetation such as the Burbank’s Spineless Cactus. Shortly into the hike there is a bridge extending over a creek with the chance to see a variety of small wildlife. Hikers can take advantage of the historic adobe buildings throughout the Leo Carillo Ranch Park before or after their hike. The trail extends around the outskirts of the ranch and provides a fun and relaxing walk perfect for families with dogs, children, and bikes.

Batiquitos Lagoon

The lagoon itself is one of Carlsbad’s finest natural landmarks. The coastal salt marsh is home to some of the best views around and is just a stone’s throw from the famed Aviara golf course. As one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the California coast, the trail offers chances to see over 100 different species of birds. Migratory waterfowl make their homes near the lagoon and the trail is ranked easy-to-moderate in difficulty with 3.2 paved miles from start to finish.

Aviara

In addition to the lagoon trail, there are four other trails around Aviara that offer some of the most diverse views available in North County. The Black Sage trail is home to the native sage that fills the surrounding canyons and walkways contained within. Views from the Black Sage trail allow spectacular views from San Marcos to Black Mountain. The Eucalyptus trail is an exciting pathway littered with eucalyptus trees from start to finish. This particular trail has a slightly greater elevation than the other surrounding trails and, at its highest points, offers views of the lagoon and ocean. The Salt Marsh trail and Golf View trail are two trails backing right up the lagoon. The first is located at a low elevation adjacent to the marsh that offers native vegetation to the marsh and surrounding wetland. The Golf View trail is an easy path that lets hikers take in the most spectacular views that the golf course has to offer. Altogether, the lagoon and surrounding trails make up a solid 6 miles of trails. Choose to tackle them one by one or altogether to get a diverse view of Carlsbad’s lucious landscape and scenic views.

Calavera Hills Trails

For hikers looking for a slightly more moderate level of difficulty, the Calavera Hills Trails are 3.4 miles of increasing elevation and wildlife. The hike up Mount Calavera is nestled next to Lake Calavera and hikers can take in the city of Carlsbad and the Pacific Ocean as well as Mount Palomar from the top. Birds are known to circle the shoreline of the lake. The surrounding open space preserve that is home to the trail offers opportunities for relaxation and picnicking in addition to the hike.

Hosp Grove Trails

Another moderately difficult set of trails can be found in Hosp Grove Park. Accessible all year round, the trails at Hosp Grove are good for hikers of all skill levels and offer combined elevations of over 100 feet. There are a number of trails available with ocean vistas. The surrounding park is split into two sections (West and East Grove) and is host to one of the most extensive grids of trails in North County. The eucalyptus trees located throughout were originally planted to provide wood for a rail line but now provide shade and scenic views. For experienced hikers, these unpaved trails are some of the best workouts in North County and result in spectacular views of the lagoon and Pacific Ocean.

Sea Wall

As the name implies, the Sea Wall trail takes hikers straight to the coast to enjoy everything the ocean has to offer. The one-mile paved trek along the coastline is a popular spot to either walk, run, or sightsee. With the sea wall backing up to the shoreline, the paved path starts at the south end of Tamarack beach and can be a prime spot for dolphin sightings.

San Diego is home to hundreds and hundreds of hiking options for outdoor lovers. Carlsbad’s location and proximity to both the water and the mountains make it a prime spot for unique trails. Be sure to take advantage of this month’s beautiful weather and hit the trails before the summer months kick in.

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1. Batiquitos Lagoon Hike

The Batiquitos Lagoon trail is the most well-known trail of the area and provides a wonderful nature experience being so close to the water and the Aviara golf course.

2. Calavera Hills Village H North Trail

Located north and east of Carlsbad Village Drive, the Calavera Hills Village H North Trail is 0.4 mile trail wanders through a Eucalyptus grove.

3. Hosp Grove Trail

The Hosp Grove Trail is one of the most extensive trails winding through mature eucalyptus trees planted many years ago for the railroad industry.

4. Aviara Trails

The Aviara trail system is one of the most diverse trail systems in the city offering a variety of nature experiences to trail users.

5. Hidden Canyon Trail

This short trail connects the dog park with Hidden Canyon Community Park, which features two playgrounds, several picnic areas and large expanses of lawn.

6. Hidden Valley LEGOLAND Trails

Located north of LEGOLAND and across from The Crossings at Carlsbad golf course, this dual set of path runs from The Crossings Drive to Legoland Drive and then on to Armada Drive.

7. Veterans Park Trails

This trail takes visitors through several popular points of interest. It’s also a great way to view the city golf course, The Crossings at Carlsbad.

8. Carlsbad Seawall

This unique trail located along the coastal beaches of north Carlsbad is a favorite for walking and running, as well as a popular people- and dolphin-watching destination for residents and tourists alike.

9. Rancho La Costa Preserve

The four trails located in the Villages of La Costa offer a variety of trail experiences from long, rugged difficult, dirt trails, such as the Ridgeline Trail, to easy, paved trails such as the Old Rancho Santa Fe Road Trail.

10. Lake Calavera Trail

At one point, this was a volcano; it’s now extinct. What’s incredible about this property is the diverse plant and wildlife that’s around the lake.


To start mapping out all 50+ miles of trails in Carlsbad,click here.

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