Carlsbad: Our Family Weekend Away

As you might have seen on Instagram, we spent last weekend with a quick weekend getaway to Carlsbad, Ca (which is a town on the coast of San Diego). The last time we were in Carlsbad was to visit my brother over 8 years ago, so it was good to get back! As Reid and I looked back at that trip, our oldest was a just couple months old and that’s definitely when the California Dream bug bit us. The beautiful seaside town, manicured streets, friendly people and, of course, the weather all had us dreaming….I wish we could live here. It was all so attractive.

Humorously, I remember nudging Reid to look for a job nearby – a reason to escape Chicago winters. Funny how the events played out. It would be 8 years later and and now here we are, bringing 4 kids to Carlsbad, for a weekend getaway, from our home in LA.

Yes it was dreamy going back to this place, and yes ,I’m feeling very blessed we got to do so. Honestly, our kids liked Carlsbad better than LA! What’s not to like for kids?! From Legoland, Carlsbad downtown, the Carlsbad Lagoon and stunning bike paths along the coast, it’s a happy and pretty place to be. There was actually more to see and do than we had time for, but we did our very best. We even allowed for one whole day at the pool.

Here is a short list of highlights. Keep in mind, we did all this in a long weekend and so can you!

Omni Hotel and Resort – where we stayed all weekend

Shopping at Omni Hotel and Resort – Lilly Pulitzer, Audrey’s, Livewell, The Spa

Friday 

Arrive at Omni La Costa – get a tour and get settled in our room

Marketplace at Omni La Costa for a grab-n-go lunch

Legoland This awesome theme park has MANY attractions but our kids favorite was getting their driver’s license, driving a boat and seeing the mini Lego town was their favorites. We were there from 12-5pm!

Campire Restaurant cozy surroundings, family friendly and a modern take on American fare. Try the s’mores over the fire for dessert, yum!

Saturday 

Breakfast at Bistro 65 an omelet with breathtaking golf course views

Watersports at Carlsbad Lagoon

Lunch at kid-friendly open air Pizza Port for yummy pizza, salads and brews.

Pool time at Omni La Costa

Dinner at Park101 Awesomely family friendly, plaza style and something for everyone. We went there for dinner and breakfast. Bonus, if you’re a Husker fan (we got a round of beers on the house) and such yummy pulled pork!

Sunday

Breakfast at Choice Superfood Bar & Juicery

PEDAGO – rent bikes and ride along the Carlsbad coast!

Lunch at Señor Grubby’s for local craft beers and tacos al pastor. After all that biking, we had a huge appetite!

Shopping downtown – little boutiques like Wysh Boutique where I picked up a cute ivory sweater. I love shopping local.

The Goods Coffee shop (Instagram friendly with all white) and yummy donuts.

Phew! While it was sad to leave Carlsbad, we are grateful for the memories we made! Please ask any questions below.

Check this out too! Kids can enter the Mini Mayor of Carlsbad prize – more info here. The prize is a weekend away package for a family of 4! The kids take over City Hall in this kid-friendly town!

Thank you for Visit Carlsbad for sponsoring our unforgettable weekend