Things to do in Carlsbad
Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Agua Hedionda Lagoon, located just minutes from downtown Carlsbad, is the largest recreational lagoon in San Diego County. This 388-acre salt-water lagoon offers separate areas for recreational activities. The eastern section is a passive use area for vessels without motors such as boardsails, kayaks and sailboats. The middle section is exclusively for powerboats, and the western area next to I-5 is for personal watercrafts. Best Western Carlsbad lodging is nearby.
Batiquitos Lagoon
Bordered on the northern side by the Batiquitos Trail system, the 526 acres of Batiquitos Lagoon is protected by municipal ordinances as a game sanctuary and bird estuary. The quiet wonder of the wetlands can be experienced via the North Shore Trail. Frequently seen birds include the large brown pelican, the tiny California gnatcatcher, the double-crested cormorant, white-tailed kite, black-necked stilt and, of course, the lagoon's mascot, the great blue heron.
Carlsbad State Beach
Carlsbad State Beach is located on the San Diego Coast. It offers swimming, surfing, scuba diving, fishing and beachcombing. This small beach is located at the foot of coastal bluffs, south of the town on Carlsbad. Call 760-438-3143 for more information.
Carmel River State Beach
On Monterey Bay, the mile-long beach features a bird sanctuary in a lagoon (just before the Carmel River empties into the sea) featuring a wide variety of waterfowl and song birds. Monastery Beach, also known as San Jose Creek Beach, is part of the park and is popular with scuba divers. Ocean and swimming and wading are extremely dangerous. Call 831-649-2836 for more information.
South Carlsbad State Beach
This San Diego beach features swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking. The large bluff-top campground is very popular, especially in summer. Stairs lead to the beach Call 760-438-3143 for more information.