Brent's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Great historic pier, boardwalk, awesome people watching, and of course... the ocean! (4 mile drive)
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Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
Great historic pier, boardwalk, awesome people watching, and of course... the ocean! (4 mile drive)
Quaint New England style harbor. There are restaurants, but the food in my experience is just average. I personally would just grab a sandwich at the Harbor Pelican Deli and Mart. (4.4 mile drive). Note: there is free parking available if you don’t mind a short walk. Follow posted signs.
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Hafenstrand von Oceanside
North Pacific StreetQuaint New England style harbor. There are restaurants, but the food in my experience is just average. I personally would just grab a sandwich at the Harbor Pelican Deli and Mart. (4.4 mile drive). Note: there is free parking available if you don’t mind a short walk. Follow posted signs.
Legoland California Resort is a theme park, miniature park, and aquarium located in Carlsbad, California, based on the Lego toy brand. Opening on March 20, 1999, it was the third Legoland park to open, and the first outside Europe. About 10 minutes away by car.
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LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrLegoland California Resort is a theme park, miniature park, and aquarium located in Carlsbad, California, based on the Lego toy brand. Opening on March 20, 1999, it was the third Legoland park to open, and the first outside Europe. About 10 minutes away by car.
Experience the history of early San Diego here! Historic buildings include museums, unique retail shops, and restaurants. We love getting freshly-made tortillas filled with butter or fresh salsa from Cafe Coyote. The woman who makes the tortillas has been doing this for decades! Our favorite restaurant in Old Town is the Cosmopolitan, which is in a historic hotel building with authentic old west decor and furniture. The food is always very good here! About 40 minutes away by car.
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Old Town
Experience the history of early San Diego here! Historic buildings include museums, unique retail shops, and restaurants. We love getting freshly-made tortillas filled with butter or fresh salsa from Cafe Coyote. The woman who makes the tortillas has been doing this for decades! Our favorite restaurant in Old Town is the Cosmopolitan, which is in a historic hotel building with authentic old west decor and furniture. The food is always very good here! About 40 minutes away by car.
Cute shops on the harbor, great people watching, restaurants are touristy. About 45 minutes away by car.
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Seaport Village
849 W Harbor DrCute shops on the harbor, great people watching, restaurants are touristy. About 45 minutes away by car.
Classic beach-side amusement park, complete with wooden roller coaster and bumper cars. There is also a zip line, mini golf, arcade games, and a small ropes course. Tons of fun for kids and adults, and all right next to the wide sandy shores of Mission Beach! About 40 minutes away.
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Belmont Park
3146 Mission BlvdClassic beach-side amusement park, complete with wooden roller coaster and bumper cars. There is also a zip line, mini golf, arcade games, and a small ropes course. Tons of fun for kids and adults, and all right next to the wide sandy shores of Mission Beach! About 40 minutes away.
About 45 minutes away, a great place to explore museums and cultural exhibits. Popular museums include the San Diego Natural History Museum, The Japanese Friendship Garden, and the Fleet Science Center.
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Balboa Park
About 45 minutes away, a great place to explore museums and cultural exhibits. Popular museums include the San Diego Natural History Museum, The Japanese Friendship Garden, and the Fleet Science Center.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, originally named the San Diego Wild Animal Park until 2010, is an 1,800 acre zoo in the San Pasqual Valley area of San Diego, California, near Escondido. About 25 minutes away.
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San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdThe San Diego Zoo Safari Park, originally named the San Diego Wild Animal Park until 2010, is an 1,800 acre zoo in the San Pasqual Valley area of San Diego, California, near Escondido. About 25 minutes away.
The iconic San Diego Zoo is about 40 minutes away from here! It’s a bit expensive, so be sure to check prices before you go.
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San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrThe iconic San Diego Zoo is about 40 minutes away from here! It’s a bit expensive, so be sure to check prices before you go.
Kids can interact with sea animals and ride fun attractions. It’s a bit expensive, so be sure to check prices before you go. About 35 minutes away.
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SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.Kids can interact with sea animals and ride fun attractions. It’s a bit expensive, so be sure to check prices before you go. About 35 minutes away.
Enjoy this national treasure at the tip of Point Loma, with sweeping panoramic ocean and downtown SD views. If you go during low tide, you can check out the tide pool area where you will discover sea anemones, crabs, and other interesting ocean life. Requires a national parks pass or day use fee. About 50 minutes away.
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Cabrillo National Monument
Enjoy this national treasure at the tip of Point Loma, with sweeping panoramic ocean and downtown SD views. If you go during low tide, you can check out the tide pool area where you will discover sea anemones, crabs, and other interesting ocean life. Requires a national parks pass or day use fee. About 50 minutes away.
Opens 2:30pm Wednesdays (but be sure to check online before you go, to confirm in case the day changes).
Local farmers, artisans, and other vendors. Great spot to get your fresh and local produce. About 10 minutes away.
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State Street Farmers Market
2907 State StOpens 2:30pm Wednesdays (but be sure to check online before you go, to confirm in case the day changes).
Local farmers, artisans, and other vendors. Great spot to get your fresh and local produce. About 10 minutes away.
This is a great aquarium and is very close by. Located at Legoland, you can visit just the aquarium or you can combine it with a day at Legoland. If you enjoy sea life, you will enjoy this aquarium.
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Sea Life Centre
1 Legoland DrThis is a great aquarium and is very close by. Located at Legoland, you can visit just the aquarium or you can combine it with a day at Legoland. If you enjoy sea life, you will enjoy this aquarium.
Little Italy has a bit of everything with good food, shopping and entertainment. A great place to go when visiting downtown San Diego.
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Little Italy
Little Italy has a bit of everything with good food, shopping and entertainment. A great place to go when visiting downtown San Diego.
This is a pretty area to take walks or watch sunsets. Although there are a few ok restaurants close to the pier and beach area, there are many more options just a mile or two away in downtown San Clemente for you to consider. (24 mile drive)
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San Clemente Pier station
615 Avenida VictoriaThis is a pretty area to take walks or watch sunsets. Although there are a few ok restaurants close to the pier and beach area, there are many more options just a mile or two away in downtown San Clemente for you to consider. (24 mile drive)
I personally avoid Los Angeles simply because the traffic alone can take up half your day. But Venice Beach is world famous for a reason. I suggest researching first but I will say it’s a gorgeous area and the sightseeing and people watching extremely entertaining. It is a 97 mile drive to get there. If you do make the trek, you may want to check out some of the other famous beaches such as Manhattan, Hermosa, or Redondo beach on your way back to San Diego. Or head North to Santa Monica for excellent (but often pricey) shopping and food.
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Venice Beach Park
1503 SpeedwayI personally avoid Los Angeles simply because the traffic alone can take up half your day. But Venice Beach is world famous for a reason. I suggest researching first but I will say it’s a gorgeous area and the sightseeing and people watching extremely entertaining. It is a 97 mile drive to get there. If you do make the trek, you may want to check out some of the other famous beaches such as Manhattan, Hermosa, or Redondo beach on your way back to San Diego. Or head North to Santa Monica for excellent (but often pricey) shopping and food.
Food scene
Pho Oceanside
518 Oceanside BlvdI love the House Special Pho
Great margaritas and authentic Mexican food. About 5 minutes away.
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Anita's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
1714 S Coast HwyGreat margaritas and authentic Mexican food. About 5 minutes away.
Thai Table Time
1910 Oceanside BlvdGreat family owned Thai restaurant. About 5 minutes away.
Wonderful Mexican restaurant in downtown Carlsbad with good portions. About 10 minutes away.
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Las Olas Mexican Restaurant
2939 Carlsbad BlvdWonderful Mexican restaurant in downtown Carlsbad with good portions. About 10 minutes away.
Another good Mexican restaurant in downtown Carlsbad. About 10 minutes away.
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Miguel's Cocina
2912 Shelter Island DrAnother good Mexican restaurant in downtown Carlsbad. About 10 minutes away.
Excellent Italian food. About 10-15 minutes away.
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Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana
2943 State StExcellent Italian food. About 10-15 minutes away.
Seafood/Steakhouse location is right across from the ocean. About 10-15 minutes away.
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Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse
3878 Carlsbad BlvdSeafood/Steakhouse location is right across from the ocean. About 10-15 minutes away.
Beach Break Cafe
1802 S Coast HwyExcellent brunch spot! About 5 minutes away.
If you’re looking for healthy breakfast/brunch options, this will do it! The Acai Bowl is a delicious, low-sugar, healthy staple enjoyed by many Swami’s devotees. They are also open for lunch and dinner. About 5 minutes away.
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Swami's Cafe Carlsbad
2780 Carlsbad BlvdIf you’re looking for healthy breakfast/brunch options, this will do it! The Acai Bowl is a delicious, low-sugar, healthy staple enjoyed by many Swami’s devotees. They are also open for lunch and dinner. About 5 minutes away.
Incredible local sandwich place serving tasty beers. Highly recommend. (3.4 miles away). There are other locations including in Oceanside (1.1 miles away) but this location is very close to the beach in downtown Carlsbad so it’s convenient to tie in with other activities.
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Board & Brew - Carlsbad Village
201 Oak AveIncredible local sandwich place serving tasty beers. Highly recommend. (3.4 miles away). There are other locations including in Oceanside (1.1 miles away) but this location is very close to the beach in downtown Carlsbad so it’s convenient to tie in with other activities.
A local favorite, the food is good and there is a great selection of beers on tap. Also features a lot of outdoor seating. (1.7 miles away)
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Best Pizza & Brew Oceanside
1639 S Coast HwyA local favorite, the food is good and there is a great selection of beers on tap. Also features a lot of outdoor seating. (1.7 miles away)
This restaurant is usually packed and for good reason! The food is amazing and the atmosphere is nice. I highly recommend. (2.8 miles away)
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Local Tap House
308 S Coast HwyThis restaurant is usually packed and for good reason! The food is amazing and the atmosphere is nice. I highly recommend. (2.8 miles away)
This is one of my favorite places to have breakfast. Great variety and delicious!! (3 miles away in Downtown Oceanside)
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Swami's Cafe
202 N Coast HwyThis is one of my favorite places to have breakfast. Great variety and delicious!! (3 miles away in Downtown Oceanside)
Same restaurant, different location. Excellent food. (3.5 miles away in downtown Carlsbad)
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Swami's Cafe Carlsbad
2780 Carlsbad BlvdSame restaurant, different location. Excellent food. (3.5 miles away in downtown Carlsbad)
Grocery
Amazing selection of produce, with a decent bulk foods section as well. Your go-to natural foods grocery.
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Frazier Farms
1820 Oceanside BlvdAmazing selection of produce, with a decent bulk foods section as well. Your go-to natural foods grocery.
Stater Bros. Markets
3770 Mission AveYour standard grocery store
Trader Joe's
2570 Vista WayEssentials
Target
443 College BlvdWalmart Supercenter
3405 Marron RdNature
Explore sea caves by kayak, and watch the sea lions from the beach. Bring snorkeling gear and observe fish and kelp in the wild. About 20 minutes away.
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La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast BlvdExplore sea caves by kayak, and watch the sea lions from the beach. Bring snorkeling gear and observe fish and kelp in the wild. About 20 minutes away.
There are several spots around Mission Bay to hang out! What we like about the bay is that there are no waves to contend with, and there are fire pits for night time bonfires. We usually like to go to the public parking areas for either Bahia Resort or Paradise Point Hotel. Do some research and rent standup paddle boards or kayaks to add more adventure to your outing! About 35 minutes away.
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Mission Bay
There are several spots around Mission Bay to hang out! What we like about the bay is that there are no waves to contend with, and there are fire pits for night time bonfires. We usually like to go to the public parking areas for either Bahia Resort or Paradise Point Hotel. Do some research and rent standup paddle boards or kayaks to add more adventure to your outing! About 35 minutes away.
One of our favorite spots in San Diego, feels a little like Big Sur! The ocean and cliffs combination is breathtaking. Quite a few hiking options, though it does get crowded on the weekends. A must-see if you’re into the outdoors! Requires a state parks pass or day use fee. About 25 minutes away.
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Torrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadOne of our favorite spots in San Diego, feels a little like Big Sur! The ocean and cliffs combination is breathtaking. Quite a few hiking options, though it does get crowded on the weekends. A must-see if you’re into the outdoors! Requires a state parks pass or day use fee. About 25 minutes away.
Only runs certain times of the year. Check the web for more info. Great place to take photos and bask in the plethora of petals around you.
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The Flower Fields
5704 Paseo Del NorteOnly runs certain times of the year. Check the web for more info. Great place to take photos and bask in the plethora of petals around you.
Art / Entertainment
Less like a farmer’s market and more like a fair. Food trucks, live music, entertainment for adults and kids. Fun and lively atmosphere that locals always look forward to. About 5 minutes away.
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Oceanside Sunset Market
401 Pier View WayLess like a farmer’s market and more like a fair. Food trucks, live music, entertainment for adults and kids. Fun and lively atmosphere that locals always look forward to. About 5 minutes away.
Local playhouse featuring musicals, comedies, Broadway hits, and more. About 25 minutes away.
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La Jolla Playhouse
2910 La Jolla Village DrLocal playhouse featuring musicals, comedies, Broadway hits, and more. About 25 minutes away.
Kalifornisches Zentrum für die Künste, Escondido
340 N Escondido BlvdMassive library with bookstore and café, in the heart of downtown San Diego. About 40 minutes away.
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San Diego Central Library
330 Park BlvdMassive library with bookstore and café, in the heart of downtown San Diego. About 40 minutes away.
Other
If you’re looking for a library to go for some quiet time amongst books, this one will do the trick. About 5 minutes away.
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Oceanside Public Library
330 N Coast HwyIf you’re looking for a library to go for some quiet time amongst books, this one will do the trick. About 5 minutes away.