Here Are 10 Things to Do in Carlsbad This Fall Season
When most people think of Carlsbad, they think of sunny beaches, flower fields and paddle boarding on the lagoon—basically the perfect spring or summer vacation. But with fall just around the corner, you don’t want to write this SoCal city off. San Diego never gets too chilly, and fall weather in Carlsbad is no exception. September and October basically feel like an extension of summer, and in November, you can be outdoors in a light sweater. For fall lovers who want the essence of autumn without the chill, Carlsbad is a great place to spend the weekend. We’ve rounded up a list of 10 fun fall activities in Carlsbad to get you in that pumpkin spice spirit.
Stay at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Carlsbad in the fall, you’re going to want one that feels luxurious and cozy. There’s nothing better than coming home to a big comfy bed and room service after a day of exploring. The Westin Carlsbad is a full-service resort and spa located right in the heart of town, so you’ll be close to everything else on this list. They have an outdoor lounge area with fire pits to keep you warm, along with a heated pool and hot tub—everything you could ever want on a cool, fall evening. Many of the rooms have ocean views and private balconies, perfect for enjoying a morning cup of coffee or pre-dinner beverage. It’s family-friendly if you’re coming with kiddos, but if not, don’t worry: You’ll still have lots of peace and quiet wrapped in a plush bathrobe while lounging in your suite or getting pampered at the spa.
Massage at Ocean Pearl Spa
What better way to get in a cozy fall mood than enjoying a relaxing massage at a beautiful spa? Ocean Pearl Spa at The Westin Carlsbad, so don’t worry about a commute! Whether you’re in the mood to be covered in hot oil or leave with a fresh fall coat of nail polish, their beauty and wellness experts have you covered. The spa’s expansive menu includes signature therapy treatments and traditional massages, as well as skin care and nail services. We recommend a classic tailor-made massage, fully customized to your unique needs. An expert massage therapist will work on your entire body, even adding hot stones at no extra charge—just say the word!
Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s Pumpkin Patch
It’s not fall without pumpkins, and Carlsbad has one of the best pumpkin patches around! You may have heard of the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, known for the freshest strawberries you can pick yourself. When fall hits and strawberry season is over, this place turns into the ultimate pumpkin patch—complete with tractor rides, food trucks and even a corn maze. It’s the perfect place for a cute fall date or a fun-filled day with the whole family—think face painting, balloon animals, mechanical bull rides and corn hole! Walk a few feet into that corn maze, and you’ll forget you’re anywhere near the beach!
State Street Farmers’ Market
Every Wednesday from 2:30-7 p.m., State Street in Carlsbad Village shuts down for the famous State Street Farmers’ Market. It only runs until Nov. 1, so go early and go often! All summer long, they have delicious food vendors and a bevy of farm-fresh produce, while in the fall, you can expect to see seasonal fruits, such as apples, pears, plums and pomegranates, and root veggies like beets, carrots, radishes and sweet potatoes. Bring some home and cook up a soothing vegetable soup for ultimate fall comfort.
Cozy Dinner at 20|Twenty
If you’re staying at The Westin Carlsbad, you’re in on a secret. Their on-site restaurant, 20|Twenty, serves up some of the tastiest food in town! They offer SoCal classics with a twist, using locally grown seasonal ingredients to create a coastal fine dining experience that you won’t be able to shut up about. On top of the yummy food, you can’t beat the atmosphere. They have indoor and outdoor tables with beautiful views of coastal Carlsbad. The warm lighting and fire pits create a cozy and romantic vibe while the menu rotates seasonally, so expect something fresh and delicious come fall.
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Nightcap at Campfire
If you didn’t gather from the name, Campfire is another snug spot to cuddle up around fire pits in the fall. Don’t let the name fool you though, this place is anything but casual. They’re known for their hand-crafted cocktails and fancy s’mores—these are not your run-of-the-mill kids’ camp s’mores. You get to roast your own marshmallows over pieces of red-hot charcoal right at your table, then assemble with housemade graham crackers and high-quality chocolate. The cocktails are unique—many of them smoky—so you can get that warm cozy feeling with every sip. It’s the perfect place to end your evening before heading back to the hotel for a snuggle in bed.
The Goods Doughnuts
This doughnut shop is nothing like your typical neighborhood doughnut shop. You won’t find stale sprinkles and sugary glaze here. Instead, The Goods Doughnuts uses locally sourced ingredients to create artisan doughnuts with unique flavors like rosemary eggnog, brown butter sea salt and Nutella buttercream. They also have incredible vegan and gluten free options. In the fall, The Goods rolls out seasonal flavors you won’t want to miss!
Pour Your Own Candle at Candle Bar
Fall is the time of year to fill your house with candles and cozy up under a blanket with a good book. But before you do that, have you ever thought about making your own candle? Candle Bar in Carlsbad Village is a cute little shop where you can do just that. First, you’ll select whatever vessel you want your candle to go in. Then you can pick up to three different scents, made with clean ingredients, to mix together with your hot wax. After letting it refrigerate for a bit, you’ll add some artistic flair with custom decorations, then take it home with you!
Coffee at Steady State Roasting Co.
If it’s gloomy outside and you want to find somewhere to get a warm drink, Steady State Roasting Co. is one of our favorites. You may see people working on their laptops or sitting together at tables enjoying each other’s company. They have a great menu with all the usual espresso drinks, lots of herbal teas and a few tasty treats. Plus, they have a delicious, handcrafted pumpkin spice latte with oat milk—exactly what we’re in the mood for this time of year. It’s like fall in a cup!
Visit the Carlsbad Village Street Faire
Twice a year, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce hosts a massive street fair—first in May and again in November. It’s a free event and known to be one of the largest street fairs in the country. People come from all over to take part in the festivities, so book your accommodations now if you plan to attend. The Carlsbad Village Street Faire features over 900 vendors, local artists and performers, carnival rides for the kiddos and more. You could spend the entire day walking around shopping, eating, dancing and enjoying what this incredible village has to offer!
