Vacation rentals in Carlsbad

Vacation rentals in Carlsbad

Start comparing over 363 rentals in Carlsbad and book at the best price!

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Highlights Carlsbad

  • Carlsbad Village
  • Botanical gardens
  • Legoland
  • Flower Fields
  • Beaches

Other holiday ideas and property types in Carlsbad that might be interesting

Prices and availability

Current Vacation rental prices Carlsbad

$528for 28 Dec - 4 Jan
$439 annual average
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Average price per week

Current vacation rental availability Carlsbad

16%for 28 Dec - 4 Jan
45% annual average
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Percentage of available rentals

Vacation rentals in Carlsbad

An idyllic Southern California getaway

Carlsbad is a coastal city situated in North County San Diego in Southern California. It’s conveniently located just a 35-minute drive north of San Diego, and just over an hour south of Los Angeles. The laid-back beach town boasts year-round sunny mild temps, family-friendly activities, and a plethora of unique attractions. Come stroll through the Flower Fields, enjoy spectacular sunsets, and create memories that will last a lifetime with your family in Carlsbad, California.

Finding your perfect Carlsbad vacation rental

Find the perfect vacation rental for your Carlsbad getaway. The peaceful coastal town is home to a wide variety of rentals, ranging in size, style, and location, with something for every type of traveler. Treat yourself to an upscale rental, with luxury amenities, a private jacuzzi, and a private balcony with ocean views. Many rentals come with a private pool which you can splash around in during the warmer months. Oversized rentals are available for large groups and families, with several bedrooms and bathrooms to comfortably accommodate everyone. Vacation rentals in Carlsbad are equipped with all the modern comforts you’ll need to feel at home throughout your trip. Expect high-speed wireless internet, air-conditioning, a washing machine, and a fully functioning kitchen. Pet-friendly rentals are available for people traveling with pets.

Vacations in Carlsbad

The area and getting around

Arriving in Carlsbad

The closest major airport to Carlsbad is San Diego International Airport. It is around a 40-minute drive from the airport along highway I-5 North to downtown Carlsbad. There is a train that goes from the airport to Carlsbad, which takes around an hour and a half. The most popular option is to use a rideshare app, such as Uber or Lyft.

Getting around Carlsbad

Carlsbad is considered one of California’s most walkable cities! Carlsbad Village, in the downtown district of the city, is among the most walkable area of the city. The entire city is very tourist oriented, with several paved walking paths leading from place to place. Biking is another popular way of getting around.

Travelers and activities

Carlsbad for couples

Carlsbad is an excellent choice for couples, it offers all the charm and flare of nearby San Diego and Los Angeles without all the crowds. Head to Carlsbad Village for shopping, dining, art galleries, theaters, and the farmer’s market. Also, take a walk hand-in-hand through the San Diego Botanic Gardens in nearby Encinitas. These stunning 37-acre botanical gardens include rare plants, desert gardens, a tropical rainforest exhibit, and more.

Carlsbad for families

Come to Carlsbad with the whole family to enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. Families with children shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Legoland. The popular resort theme park is based on the Lego toy brand and features endless fun and colorful activities for kids to enjoy. Families can also visit Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the same resort as Legoland. The aquarium features over 5,000 marine creatures as well as a variety of hands-on exhibits and educational talks about sea life.

Carlsbad is known by the nickname “The Village by the Sea.”

Top 5 travel tips in Carlsbad

1. Stroll through the Flower Fields

These colorful flower gardens, officially called the Carlsbad Flower Fields, offer a vibrant, unique experience to visitors. The gardens were started 85 years ago and feature nearly fifty acres filled with brightly colored giant ranunculus flowers. To see the flowers in full bloom, be sure to visit between March and May. Don’t forget to bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and walking shoes since you’ll be walking outside for a couple of hours.

2. Spend the day at the beach

Carlsbad offers a wide range of popular, sandy beaches. Head to Carlsbad State Beach where you can enjoy wide sandy shores, excellent sunsets, and swimming. Try Robert C. Frazee State Beach for its extra-wide shores, which are perfect for a peaceful stroll. Beaches in Carlsbad are very family-friendly, offering the perfect environment for kids to run around and let out some energy.

3. Fish and catch the sunset on the pier

For incredible sunsets and great fishing, head to Oceanside Pier. It’s the longest wooden pier on the West Coast at nearly 2,000 feet long! The pier is a beautiful place to go for a stroll and to watch particularly golden sunsets. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the quintessential California scenery around the pier.

4. Enjoy water sports at Carlsbad Lagoon

Carlsbad Lagoon is a water sports paradise. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, powerboats, or wave runners and explore the glassy waters of the lake. The lake is quite massive, so you’ll be able to find a peaceful, quiet area to enjoy the water and surrounding nature.

5. Rent bikes

Cycling is one of the best ways to discover Carlsbad. You can either rent electric bikes from Pedego Electric Bikes, or regular bikes from a variety of rental companies in town. Take the scenic coastal route along Highway 101 for a peaceful ride with great views of the beaches and coastline. You can even bike to the nearby town of Encinitas, which is around 9 miles, or a 50-minute bike ride away. Or, you can stay in Carlsbad and bike along the Carlsbad Coastal Rail Trail.

FAQs: Vacation Rentals in Carlsbad

What is the average price for vacation rentals in Carlsbad?

With an average cost of $443 per night, Carlsbad lies at the upper end of the price range for vacation rentals in the USA.

When are vacation rentals cheaper in Carlsbad?

Those who want to save as much as possible visit Carlsbad in February, March, or November, the cheapest months of the year, with average prices of $349, $415, and $422 per night, respectively, based on the previous year.

When are vacation rentals more expensive in Carlsbad?

When it comes to looking for a vacation rental in Carlsbad, the most expensive months are, in order of highest to lowest, July, August and May, with average prices per night of $495, $495, and $479, respectively.

Is Carlsbad a good location for a last-minute getaway?

It is better to plan ahead in Carlsbad as only 31% of the properties remain free throughout the year, according to last year's data.

What are the best months for a spontaneous getaway?

Last year, the months with the most vacation rentals available of the year in Carlsbad were June, May and July, with average availabilities of 89%, 63%, and 30%, respectively.

During which months is it more difficult to find available vacation rentals?

The accommodations in Carlsbad reach their peak in demand in April, with an availability rate of 8%. The second most requested month is March, with 9%, and the third is August with 10%. During this period, the availability is only 9%. It is therefore preferable to reserve early.

How many rentals are there in Carlsbad?

In Carlsbad we work with 3 different providers to give you a choice of 240 properties, so you will not be short of options!