1. Leo Carrillo & Historic Park
Originally a part of the working ranch and vacation retreat of American actor Leo Carrillo, this historic park is a great venue for outdoor events. And after your meeting, your attendees can explore the 27-acre grounds, which feature preserved and restored buildings, a visitors center, a reflecting pool, a hacienda, and much more. There’s so much to see and do here that your group will not want to leave.

2. Museum of Making Music
Take your attendees on a musical journey through time at the Museum of Making Music. Perfect for meetings of any kind, the museum is an interesting place for your group to gather. Post-meeting, they can travel from 1900 to today— interactively discovering the history of making music and exploring the connections between people, instruments, and other related products.

Additionally, the museum hosts a vibrant concert series throughout the year. Come get an earful of the most incredible sounds these professionals can play with your group.

3. K1 Speed Go Kart Track
Looking for an action-packed venue for your event? If so, consider K1 Speed Go Kart Track! It offers the best indoor karting experience in the world—boasting karts for both adults and kids that can be maneuvered around our expansive indoor track.

But racing isn’t the only thing your group can do here. Additionally, they can enjoy arcade games, pool tables, basketball hoops, air hockey and prize machines. Plus, they can get their eat on. Located onsite, the Paddock Lounge café serves everything from delicious hamburgers to cheesy nachos. Let the fun begin!

4. The Flower Fields
If your group loves being outside, the Flower Fields is an excellent outdoor venue for your meeting. Only open a few months each season, this 50-acre features a dazzling rainbow of beautiful ranunculus flowers that make the perfect backdrop for corporate gatherings and more.

For indoor events, planners can host meetings in the 200-seat Paul Ecke Jr. Barn, which is located onsite. There are also the world-famous Ecke poinsettias, the sweet pea maze, themed gardens, an orchid greenhouse, and other neat attractions your attendees can explore.

Want more reasons why you should bring your next meeting to Carlsbad? Check out what makes Carlsbad a unique meeting destination.

Ready to Meet in the Right Carlsbad Venue?
If meeting in Carlsbad sounds like music to your ears, let our team of professionals help you plan your next event here. Reach out to us or submit an RFP to start the planning process and have any questions answered about our city.

The post One-of-a-Kind Venues That Double the Fun in Carlsbad appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

General Planning Resources

What sets Carlsbad, CA apart from other meeting destinations?

-Boasting a seemingly endless coastline and year-round temperate climate, Carlsbad is a welcoming city that offers an assortment of unique and versatile venues, palatial hotels and resorts, award-winning restaurants, and mild-to-wild activities and adventures that gives groups the ultimate meeting experiences.

-Learn more about what makes Carlsbad a unique meeting destination.

-See key highlights about coastal Carlsbad.

Are there any incentives, deals, or perks for hosting my event in Carlsbad?

-New clients receive 5% of total actualized room revenue as reimbursement for transportation or other ancillary costs to their group. This offer applies to meetings held by association or corporate groups that actualize 50+ room nights and must be consumed by December 31, 2025. 

What is the weather like in the different seasons?

-Carlsbad’s year-round average temperature is a pleasant 68° with 263 days of sunshine per year.

Getting Here & Transportation

How do I get my group to Carlsbad?

-Flying your attendees to our accessible city is the most convenient way to get here. We are a short, 30-minute drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and less than an hour’s drive from John Wayne Airport.

-SAN is served by all major airlines—offering nonstop service to over 70 destinations.

-John Wayne Airport of Orange County offers non-stop trips from a variety of destinations all over the country.

After I land, what transportation services are available?

–Rental car and shuttle services are also available to make accessing Southern California easier.

Meeting Services

What meeting services do you offer for events?

-Visit Carlsbad provides complimentary RFP services for planners who have questions about our destination or need assistance with the planning process including sending information about your event to properties and service providers who can handle your meeting needs.

-Check out other event services you can take advantage of when hosting an event in our lovely city.

Meeting Venues & Spaces

Where can I find unique venues for my meeting?

-Carlsbad offers an array of unique meeting venues for hosting all kinds of events.

What is the size of the largest meeting space in Carlsbad?

-The largest meeting space we have in our city is 18,000 sq. ft. and is located at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.

Are there other hotels with meeting spaces?

-Yes, we have several lodging options that feature meeting spaces for groups of various sizes. Learn more about these resorts with gathering space.

Group Accommodations & Activities

Which hotels offer the best accommodations for groups?

-Carlsbad boasts 46 hotels and luxury resorts with first-class amenities and productive settings for groups to meet and stay—including Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Golf Club, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach-A Hilton Resort & Spa, Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, and Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach.

-Explore more group hotels in Carlsbad.

What activities, attractions, and adventures are there for groups meeting in Carlsbad?

-Our coastal city offers all sorts of fun things to do to keep your attendees entertained during their downtime. Whether your group wants to bond beachside, enjoy thrill-filled attractions and outings, or improve their wellness outdoors, there is something everyone will love. 

Are there any corporate social responsibility opportunities to incorporate into my meeting?

-Yes! Carlsbad is home to many nonprofit organizations that your meeting group can collaborate with and volunteer for to help people in need.

Group Dining

Where can I take my group for enjoyable dining experiences?

-Carlsbad has a cuisine scene that will not disappoint. This coastal city has several group dining options among local restaurants, some of which have rentable spaces to host private events.

Additional Resources

-Learn more about what Carlsbad has to offer your group and grab ideas to start planning with our Guide to Carlsbad Meetings: 3-Day Sample Itinerary.

-Stay up to date with our hotel and resort deals to pay the best price for your group’s stay in one of our accommodating lodging options.

Ready to Resort to Better Meetings?

The Visit Carlsbad team is always available to help bring events to our coastal city. If you have any other questions about our destination, reach out to us! Ready to start the planning process for your meeting in Carlsbad? Submit an RFP.

The post Carlsbad Meeting & Event Planning FAQS appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Here’s What Makes Carlsbad a Unique Meeting Destination

From year-round temperate weather and close proximity to San Diego International Airport to home-away-from-home hotels and resorts, miles of outdoor space, and exciting adventures, this southern California city stands out and is sure to impress attendees.  And its uniqueness doesn’t stop just there.

One-of-a-Kind Venues
When it comes to meeting venues in Carlsbad, the options range from boutique to luxury. There are 18 special event facilities that are big enough to accommodate indoor and outdoor gatherings of various sizes — with the largest being 18,000 square feet. Some of these unique venues include:

Leo Carrillo Ranch
Museum of Making Music
K1 Speed and Go Kart Track
The Flower Fields

Coastal Conferences with Convenience

Are you looking to host your next event in a location that is close to where your group would stay? How about one that cuts out the commute altogether? Well, you’re in luck. Carlsbad has 15 hotels and resorts that have meeting space with the two most popular being:

Whether you’re looking to plan anything from a large conference, trade shows, or reunions to small corporate meetings, seminars, team-building retreats, there’s an event space fit for your group and needs.. 

Experiential Activities & Adventures for Attendees
Who said meetings have to be all about business. When the downtime starts, the fun  really begins here. Groups can play a round of golf at The Crossings, explore the shores of Carlsbad State Beach, or bring out their inner child at Legoland California Resort. Whatever you choose, Carlsbad offers a variety of experiential activities and adventures for attendees.

They don’t call Carlsbad the “Village by the Sea” for nothing. This coastal city has a variety of outdoor recreational activities that incorporate its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and local wetlands, including Agua Hedionda Lagoon, Batiquitos Lagoon, and Buena Vista Lagoon. Outdoor enthusiasts can do everything from kayaking, windsurfing, and boating to wakeboarding, water skiing, sailing, and fishing. 

Check out the several trail systems throughout the seaside area for attendees to hike, bike and venture off.

Extraordinary Eateries & Renowned Restaurants
Meeting and exploring Carlsbad’s many group activities can really work up an appetite. Luckily, the city boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants that can accommodate both large and small parties for group dining. Attendees can get a local taste of the town thanks to a variety of culinary styles and flavorful food stops in and around the area. 

Many restaurants feature unique spaces for groups to have incredible dining experiences — including lively or intimate atmospheres, dishes made from farm-to-table ingredients, meals with a side of live music, seated areas that offer stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and more.

Resort to Better Meetings
When you’re ready to bring your next meeting or conference to Carlsbad, our team is here to help you plan. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or submit an RFP to start the planning process.

The post Here’s What Makes Carlsbad a Unique Meeting Destination appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Arrival
Your trip begins as your group flies to San Diego International Airport (SAN) —the closest major airport to Carlsbad, CA.

Located just minutes from downtown San Diego, SAN is serviced by all major airlines. It offers cost-effective, nonstop flights from many popular cities as well as countries including Canada, the UK, Mexico, and Japan.

After arriving at the airport, your next priority is getting to your hotel. SAN provides convenient car rental and shuttle services to help you make the short 30-minute trip (34 miles) to Carlsbad.

Hotel Check-In
When it comes to hotel accommodations, Carlsbad has everything to make your stay comfortable. With over 5,000 rooms available, your group will feel right at home at one of our 46 welcoming lodging establishments, such as Omni La Costa Resort & Spa or Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa. Fifteen of our hotel options offer meeting space to make getting together with your team a breeze.

Additionally, our lodging facilities are located near exciting amenities, including entertainment, restaurants, and best of all — shopping.

Appetizing Food & Dining Options
Once you’ve settled into your room, the perfect way to bring your group back together is to go out for a delicious meal.

Carlsbad is home to all sorts of casual and fine dining restaurants that can accommodate parties of different sizes like Nick’s on State, Pure Taco, June et Jolie, and Campfire. Whether you’re in the mood for American, Mexican, Italian, or something different, mouthwatering cuisine is available to satisfy your hunger.

After dinner, the evening isn’t over. Enjoy a craft beverage at one of our many breweries, or take in some entertainment before you go back to your room. Carlsbad has beaches to explore, arts and culture experiences, and exciting events in store for you.

Day 2

Meeting Time
As meeting day begins, your group can kick it off with a hearty breakfast at the hotel or a local eatery. Then it’s off to the session.

Meeting in Carlsbad is easy as there are numerous event venues available for conferences, workshops, trade shows, speaking engagements, and more. No matter the size, there is a space to fit any group — the largest being 18,000 sq. ft.

To ensure your meeting goes off without a hitch, take advantage of custom event services offered in our city. We have everyone from DJs and administrative staff to photographers, caterers, and printing specialists who are ready to help make your gathering successful.

Mid-Day Lunch Options
The meeting may be over, but the day isn’t done yet. Gathering and completing tasks with your team in our fantastic city can work up quite the appetite. When hunger strikes your attendees, there are several group dining options to choose from to grab a tasty meal.

Team Building Activities & City Adventures
There’s no better time to develop camaraderie between your group members than after meeting in Carlsbad. This can be done during any fun team-building activity. From going on a private or public tour and exploring local museums to shopping at Carlsbad Premium Outlets or Carlsbad Village, there’s something for everyone to do.

It’s Dinnertime
As the evening approaches and your team is done exploring and having fun in Carlsbad, ending the day with a delectable dinner is a perfect idea. Going out to one of our atmospheric restaurants will give everyone a chance to dine, lounge, and vibe.

During this time, you can reminisce about the meeting, share highlights about everyone’s mid-day adventures, and snap some selfies. You can also toast to having a great trip so far. It’s whatever you want to make of it.

Day 3

The Last Hurrah Before Leaving
After your group checks out of the hotel, get together one last time before heading to the airport. This is a good time to grab a late breakfast or brunch, go sightseeing, shop for souvenirs, and document your last hours via pictures and videos.

If a late flight is planned, consider playing a short round of golf, going on a hike, or enjoying another outdoor activity. Whatever must-do pastime your group can fit in is worth the effort to get the ultimate Carlsbad visit.

Ready to Plan Carlsbad, CA?
If we have inspired you to host your next meeting in Carlsbad, our team is ready to help make it a reality. Reach out to us to start the planning process, and we’ll work with you every step of the way.

Meet in Carlsbad
[Submit an RFP]

The post A Guide to Carlsbad Meetings: 3-Day Sample Itinerary appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.