Carlsbad Beaches

The Carlsbad Beaches are full of fun activities for any vacation, whether you’re a surfing enthusiast or you’re looking for the perfect spot for swimming.

By Todd Sarouhan

Last Updated on
Apr 28, 2021

Carlsbad Beaches

Stay Nearby

Enjoy Miles of Sea and Sand at the Carlsbad Beaches

The beaches in Carlsbad are best known for their surfing and swimming opportunities. Like most of San Diego, waves are present year-round so you can surf to your heart’s content. The easy access makes these beaches great for surfing all year long.

For the most part, these beaches are fairly sandy and level. Beaches like South Ponto have miles of soft sand, while narrower beaches like North Ponto and Tamarack are somewhat rockier.

In addition to surfing and swimming, you can also scuba dive, paddle board, fish, and even hike at many of the Carlsbad beaches. Don’t miss the tide pools at Terramar Beach and the campground under the bluffs at North Ponto Beach, for those that want a little extra fresh air and a beautiful night of camping in San Diego under the stars!

Bundle and SAVE!

Kids looking at knight at LEGOLAND California

Visit LEGOLAND California!

Create family memories at LEGOLAND California! Admission is included with your All-Inclusive Go City pass - enjoy over 60 rides and attractions! Bundle admission with Birch Aquarium at Scripps or the Safari Park for the ultimate day of savings!

Buy Now

What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

The Carlsbad Neighborhood

Carlsbad is about 40 minutes north of the San Diego International Airport, and roughly the same distance from Downtown San Diego. Here, you’re not far from exciting attractions like the Half-Day San Diego City Sightseeing Tour.

For more to do in Carlsbad, musicians may enjoy the Museum of Making Music. This attraction and many more of San Diego’s most popular attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego are all part of the Go San Diego Pass, which lets you save on your trip when you bundle multiple activities and gear rentals together.

Surfboards, paddle boards, kayaks, bikes and more are all available for rentals through the Go Pass. You can also get an additional discount when you use our link.

If you’re looking to stay nearby, there are plenty of great hotels. Consider booking a night at the Ocean Palms Beach Resort, which is a family-friendly boutique hotel just a few minutes from the beach. If you’re craving a luxury treatment, try the Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa, which has an oversized pool and its own day spa with massages and steam rooms.

Popular Activities

San Diego Harbor Cruise

$36 per person

Buy Now

Carlsbad Local Food Tour

$70 per person

Buy Now

Guided La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour

$144 per 2 people

Buy Now

Surf Lessons in La Jolla

$134 per person

Buy Now

Swim and Surf at the Carlsbad Beaches

Beach Volleyball

Fishing

Jet Skiing

Kayaking

Paddle Boarding

Scuba Diving

Sunbathing

Surfing

Swimming

Tide Pooling

Swimmers and surfers alike flock to the Carlsbad Beaches for fun in the sun and the ocean waves. The warm weather and gentle waves make Carlsbad’s shores a great place to swim, while other beaches in the area feature larger, more consistent waves that draw surfers from near and far.

Camping

South Carlsbad State Beach

When you think of gorgeous beaches in San Diego, attached campgrounds might not be what comes to mind, but that’s part of what makes South Carlsbad State Beach so special! Make s’mores with your family around a fire pit, stroll along the shore, or ride the waves at this versatile beach.

Visit Beach

Surfing

North Ponto Beach

The North Ponto Beach is narrow, meaning most visitors are there to surf. Enjoy beginner-level and more advanced waves alike, which often draw crowds of local and sometimes professional surfers. The campground on top of the bluffs is another popular attraction. The beach also has lifeguards, restrooms, and outdoor showers.

Visit Beach

South Ponto Beach

South Ponto Beach is very wide, with plenty of open sand for sunbathing. While it’s best known for its surfing events and competitions, that’s not all you can do. The beach offers an unrivaled view of the sunset reflecting on the water, making it a popular romantic getaway for couples.

Visit Beach

Tamarack Surf Beach

Tamarack Surf Beach is best suited to more experienced surfers. The waves are frequent but often powerful, while the undertow and rocky ocean floor can make recovery more difficult. Lifeguards on duty ensure everyone has a safe day at the beach, whether you’re surfing or taking the popular Seawall Walk.

Visit Beach

Terramar Beach

Terramar Beach is a fairly secluded spot that still features impressive waves for surfers of all skill levels to enjoy. It features point break waves that are manageable for most beginners. Low tide reveals tide pools filled with various inhabitants of the ocean ecosystem, including sea urchins, anemones, and starfish.

Visit Beach

Warm Water Jetty Beach

The Warm Water Jetty Beach features a relaxing atmosphere and temperate waters. It’s known for having great surfing conditions throughout the year, though there are some challenging waves not suitable for beginners. You can also enjoy the nearby hiking trails throughout Agua Hedionda Lagoon.

Visit Beach

Swimming

Carlsbad City Beach

Carlsbad City Beach is Carlsbad’s northernmost beach. It’s primarily known for being a great place to swim, though surfers and sunbathers also frequent the beach. The Buena Vista Lagoon, located at the north end of the beach, is a popular spot for birdwatching with over 100 species of birds.

Visit Beach

Featured Activity

Kids next to gorilla statue at the San Diego Zoo

The World Famous San Diego Zoo

Spend the day at the iconic San Diego Zoo! Featuring over 3,500 animals and 650 species, this zoo is the heart of Balboa Park. There are multiple exhibits & experiences for all ages to learn about animals and their habitats.

Learn More

Carlsbad Beaches

are Known For: