Cozy Up by the Coast!
Known for its picturesque coastal setting, Carlsbad offers the perfect escape for a California Christmas vacation with a blend of coastal charm, top-tier dining and luxurious resorts. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this beachside town has it all. Situated near iconic attractions, like LEGOLAND and The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, the city’s collection of resorts and boutique hotels offer easy access to all kinds of festive fun.
If you crave mornings by the sea, afternoons on the green or at the spa, or evenings gathered around a fire pit under twinkling lights, Carlsbad is sure to make your “fall-idays” merry and bright. Add to that Santa sightings, dazzling light shows and local makers markets, and you have a holiday destination that’s brimming with fun for everyone. Ready to book your getaway? Here are seven of our favorite hotels in Carlsbad for a fall or winter escape.
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Carlsbad’s recently renovated Park Hyatt Aviara Resort continues to impress as one of Southern California’s premier luxury resorts. This season, the property is rolling out a festive lineup of activities, ensuring guests can enjoy the holidays without the stress of planning. Dining options here are top-tier, with Ember & Rye serving up exquisite steaks and seafood, while Ponto Lago offers a multi-course Chef’s Corner dinner experience and tequila tastings for a sophisticated evening out.
In addition to the excellent cuisine, guests can tee off at the Aviara Golf Club or hone their skills in the Topgolf Swing Suites. For some relaxed fun, gather around for fireside s’mores or challenge your friends to a game of pickleball. If you’re in the mood to explore, a peaceful stroll along the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail offers stunning views of the local wetlands. Meanwhile, the indulgence continues at Miraval Life in Balance Spa, where luxurious treatments will rejuvenate your mind and body. And for a truly festive experience, the resort’s inaugural Cabana Christmas Village features dazzling decor along with ornament making, hot cocoa and cider stations, photos with Santa and more—creating a magical holiday escape for families.
Local Insight: Don’t miss other fun festivities taking place this December at Park Hyatt Aviara, like their Teddy Bear Tea, High Tea and gingerbread classes! For a full calendar of events, click here.
The Cassara Carlsbad
Jingle all the way to The Cassara Carlsbad this season for some family-friendly holiday fun! With seasonal offers and activities for guests of all ages, this Carlsbad hotel is a family’s dream come true. The Winter Suites & Treats Package is a seasonal highlight, providing families with a stay in spacious suites complete with holiday goodies, a festive ornament and a gourmet chocolate box from local chocolatier Seabreeze Craft Chocolates.
Guests have the option to dine at The Cassara Kitchen + Bar, the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Here, parents can toast the season with the Holiday Sparkle cocktail or one of their limited edition mocktails before digging into tasty seasonal bites like the barbacoa street tacos or BLT flatbread. For families with picky eaters in tow, there’s nearby Windmill Food Hall, a great destination for trying a variety of seasonal eats. And no holiday visit is complete without indulging in the seasonal doughnuts at The Goods.
For more festive fun, visit the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, which transforms from a pumpkin patch in the fall into a Christmas tree farm during the winter season. After you’ve picked out the perfect pumpkin or pine, head to The Forum Carlsbad to get a head-start on your holiday shopping! Back at the hotel, enjoy moments of togetherness during The Cassara Carlsbad’s holiday soiree, which will feature caroling, hot cocoa, crafts, and even a visit from Santa himself.
The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
For families seeking adventure in the heart of it all, The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is the place to unpack your bags. Begin your day with a farm-to-table brunch at the on-site restaurant 20Twenty, then head to LEGOLAND, where you can rock around the giant LEGO tree to holiday tunes, take “elfies” with your favorite holiday LEGO characters and visit the larger-than-life LEGO wreath for an epic family photo. And when Dad needs some tee time, he can spend the afternoon at The Crossings at Carlsbad, an exceptional 18-hole championship golf course with ocean views.
If your crew is in the mood for shopping, the Holiday Makers Market (Nov. 7) in Carlsbad Village showcases handmade crafts and unique holiday gifts from local vendors. You also won’t want to miss the annual Carlsbad Village Holiday Tree Lighting (Dec. 8), a community favorite that brings local entertainment, vendors and seasonal spirit to the heart of the village. Wrap up your holiday in Carlsbad by the hotel’s heated pool or enjoy moments by one of the fire pits.
Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa
A sister property to The Westin Carlsbad, the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa offers a similar escape right near all the fun. Located next to LEGOLAND, this resort makes holiday fun easily accessible for families, with its private entrance to the park. Guests can indulge at the property’s 7 Mile Kitchen, where woodfired pizzas, craft beer and a stunning ocean view set the picture-perfect scene. If you prefer to venture into town, head to the charming Café Topes on Roosevelt Street to try one of their amazing cinnamon rolls, or make a lunch or dinner reservation at nearby Bluewater Grill for some sensationally good seafood.
Relaxation comes easy at the Sheraton Carlsbad’s Ocean Pearl Spa, offering coastal-inspired treatments that are perfect for unwinding after a day of activities. If you’re traveling with pets, the nearby Carlsbad Lagoon Dog Beach is a great spot to let your furry friends enjoy the SoCal sunshine. Whether you’re making s’mores by the fire pit or visiting LEGOLAND’s for some holiday magic, the Sheraton Carlsbad offers a winter escape with all the warmth and charm of coastal California.
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Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach
Perched on the edge of Carlsbad’s pristine coastline, Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach is a coastal-chic oceanfront resort that shines during the fall and winter seasons. The property features 215 rooms and suites—many of which feature private balconies with stunning ocean views. Start your day with a little shopping at The Forum Carlsbad and brunch at Parakeet Café (just a 12-minute drive from the hotel), then make your way back to the coast for a leisurely walk along Carlsbad State Beach. In the evening, you’ll want to make a reservation at Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining, where you can enjoy fresh coastal cuisine while watching the sunset over the Pacific.
Holiday fun near Cape Rey includes the Carlsbad Holiday Market (Nov. 16) and the Holiday Light Show at The Camp Store, where dazzling displays and live music create a festive ambiance. For those looking to try something new, Chandler’s offers a Chef’s Garden Culinary Experience, where guests can participate in farm-to-table cooking classes using seasonal ingredients. After a day of exploration, relax by the pool and soak in the ocean views, or enjoy live music at Chandler’s Lounge, which takes place every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evening from 5-7 p.m.
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Beach Terrace
For a more intimate and quiet winter escape, Beach Terrace offers a laid-back seaside experience with direct access to the sand. Wake up to the sounds of the waves and enjoy a Breakfast on the Balcony experience, where you can enjoy dishes like salmon and avocado toast, deviled eggs, banana nut bread and more delivered straight to your room. Spend your afternoons exploring the Carlsbad Tide Pools, a perfect spot for nature lovers, and for evening fun, head to Park 101 for some mouthwatering BBQ and football season excitement, or grab a comforting bowl of ramen at GONZO! Ramen, where live music adds to the cozy ambiance.
For those feeling crafty this season, Barrio Glassworks (just a 5-minute drive from Beach Terrace) is the place to create seasonal decor. Vacationers can also catch a holiday flick at The Shoppes at Carlsbad’s movie theater to round out a perfect winter evening. Don’t forget to stroll through Carlsbad Village during the holiday tree lighting, where Santa will arrive in an antique fire truck!
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
When it comes to decking the halls, no San Diego hotel does it quite like Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. This sprawling Spanish Colonial-style resort in Carlsbad goes all out for the holiday season and is known for its wellness offerings, including the 12 Days of Spa, which features exclusive seasonal treatments from Dec. 14-25. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s championship golf courses, which will host the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships through 2028.
The holiday festivities at Omni La Costa include the Sips & Snowflakes event, where guests can enjoy hot chocolate (with boozy add-ons for adults) and magical snowfall each evening. Dining options are plentiful, with Bob’s Steak & Chop House offering an elegant atmosphere for holiday dinners. For something unique, the resort’s signature Traditions to Table experience allows guests to share their favorite family recipes, which the culinary team recreates during an elevated and personalized dining experience. The hotel also offers delightful in-room stay enhancements, such as the addition of a Christmas tree. Plus, guests can enjoy elf stocking delivery, along with cookies and letters from Santa!
Carlsbad’s hotels and resorts are the ultimate holiday destinations, offering a mix of luxury, family-friendly fun and festive activities. Whether drawn to ocean views, holiday markets or world-class dining, these properties provide everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.
