Smart travelers know that an exciting vacation doesn’t necessarily mean spending a fortune. If you’re visiting to enjoy the sun, surf, and laid-back atmosphere of Carlsbad, California, then this list of budget-friendly activities, eateries, and attractions will guide you to a wonderful, but inexpensive time.
Hipmunk provides the most updated insider information online to make sure you always get the most bang for your buck when traveling.
Sun and Fun at Carlsbad State Beach
Nestled at the foot of beautiful coastal bluffs, Carlsbad State Beach is one of the most scenic beaches in all of Southern California. Carlsbad State Beach offers a fun-filled day of fishing, swimming, beach combing, diving, and watersports. Or, spend the day relaxing and let your money worries drift away. A day at the beach is absolutely free. For budget-friendly beach lodging, the Surf Motel is a two-star motel in one of the best locations in the area.
Explore Batiquitos Lagoon
Explore the pristine marshlands of Batiquitos Lagoon. Home to a large array of wildlife, the Batiquitos Lagoon is the nesting ground for great blue herons, snowy egrets, and the rare red-winged blackbird. Spend the day picnicking or take a free tour through the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center. An excellent attraction for nature lovers, the Batiquitos Lagoon is another one of Carlsbad’s most famous free destinations.
Shop at Carlsbad Premium Outlets
A little shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. For shopaholics, Carlsbad Premium Outlets offers discount prices of the world’s most celebrated brands. The complex features 90 outlet stores, including DKNY, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and more. Name-brand items at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets are marked down between 25 and 65 percent off the regular price. If you must do some shopping while in Carlsbad, there’s no better bargain in Carlsbad, or possibly Southern California, than Carlsbad Premium Outlets.
Smart Eats
The laid-back surf-side city of Carlsbad offers plenty of delicious meals that won’t bite into your wallet. Captain Keno’s is a family friendly restaurant that has mastered the art of bargain dining. Perfect for families with lots of mouths to feed, Captain Keno’s offers $3 breakfast and $3 spaghetti plates every day. For a quick bite at the beach, the Daily News Café has been serving all-day breakfast and its famous deli sandwiches for over two decades.
Excellent Value Lodging
When staying in Carlsbad, you don’t have to stay at a five-star hotel to enjoy excellent accommodations, attentive guest service, and plenty of free amenities. For beach lodging at a reasonable price, the Econo Lodge Inn and Suites offers guests convenient access to the beach, free breakfast, and complimentary Wi-Fi. For travelers who want to stay near the nightlife, restaurants, and shops of Carlsbad Village, the Rodeway Inn is a two-star hotel that is a short walk from the heart of Carlsbad.
From bargain shopping to natural attractions, Carlsbad offers plenty of activities, eateries, and lodging that are ideal for the smart, budget-conscious traveler.
