🌴 the local lowdown

whether you're rolling solo, bringing the kids, traveling as a couple, or showing grandma a good time—there's something for everyone in san diego.

🦁 popular attractions

balboa park
an iconic cultural park with gardens, museums, art, and street performers. it’s beautiful and walkable, and home to the world-famous san diego zoo.

san Diego zoo
one of the best zoos in the world—huge, well-maintained, and fun for all ages. give yourself 3–5 hours to explore.

san diego zoo safari park
a more open, natural setting than the traditional zoo—includes safari tours and wide open spaces.

la jolla cove & children’s pool
watch sea lions sunbathe, explore tidepools, and enjoy ocean views.

legoland
fun theme park for children in carlsbad. men cannot enter without a child

🏞️ outdoors & ocean

torrey pines state natural reserve
easy to moderate hikes with coastal views. nature meets ocean.

carlsbad state beach 👶
great for families, sunbathing, or a casual beach walk.

mission bay 👶
great for paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, or renting a family-sized surrey cart.

oceanside pier
walk the pier, eat ice cream, people watch.

alga norte park 👶
great park for kids. big jungle gym and lots of parking space.

🍽️ food & drink

family-friendly bites

  • pizza port (carlsbad/oceanside): fun, casual, craft beer and pizza

  • the crack shack (encinitas/little italy): fried chicken and playground vibes

  • harbor fish & chips (oceanside): classic, low-key, near the beach

  • hodad’s (ocean beach): giant burgers in a surfy, funky setting

date-night or foodie faves

  • campfire (carlsbad): wood-fired, upscale rustic dining

  • herb & sea (encinitas): coastal chic, great cocktails and seafood

  • cucina urbana (bankers hill): italian with a modern twist

  • jeune et jolie (carlsbad): for those feeling fancy (michelin-starred)

  • din tai fung (la jolla/utc): a multi-cultural-approved Taiwanese food. the wait is usually long for lunch/dinner, but it’s right at the mall so you can get a number and walk around, or get a reservation a week or two ahead of time

bars & nightlife

  • polite provisions (north park): vintage apothecary vibes, great cocktails

  • false idol (downtown): hidden tiki bar inside craft & commerce

  • kindred (south park): punk rock vegan cocktails and amazing decor

  • wrench & rodent (oceanside): sushi bar + sake + beer, eclectic and fun

  • boar cross’n (carlsbad): experience the “marine bar”

  • raised by wolves (utc/la jolla): elegant speakeasy disguised as a liquor store. the “entrance” is very cool

coffee & chill

  • lofty coffee (encinitas/carlsbad): great coffee, open-air vibes

  • better buzz (encinitas): popular local chain with killer lattes

  • steel mill coffee (oceanside): surfy, relaxed, tucked away

sweets

  • stella jeans ice cream (many locations): try the ube pandesal, yummm

  • handle’s ice cream (many locations): cris’ favorite. options overload, if you are indecisive or have choice paralysis, this is not the place to go

shopaholic

  • utc mall (la jolla): big mall with a lot of shops and family-friendly activities

  • carlsbad premium outlet (carlsbad): not the best outlet but it’s close by

want more ideas tailored to your crew or schedule? feel free to email jess at alexandriatimmonswedding@gmail.com — always happy to help plan your fun.
we will update the list as we explore more of carlsbad

last updated: 6/24/25