Travel with multiple kids of different ages can sometimes be tricky (not to mention expensive), so when we were brainstorming where we could go from our Los Angeles base with kids ages 3, 8, and 10, Carlsbad, California was at the top of our list.
Carlsbad is located on the northern end of San Diego County, so if you’re driving from LA, it’s significantly closer (and less car time for the littles) than other San Diego county destinations — and let’s be honest, a drive down the stunning Califonia coastline is never a bad thing. Not only is it super accessible, there’s tons to do for families. From Legoland to the gorgeous beaches, the famous Flower Fields, outlets and tons of amazing eats for foodie parents, it’s really a no brainer and the reason we keep going back year after year.
Things to Do:
Legoland
This one’s a no brainer if you have little kids. We love Legoland because it’s much smaller and more manageable than the other big Southern California theme park that shall not be named, and still really fun for the kids — especially if you have big Lego enthusiasts in your family. There’s rides for the toddler set and faster roller coasters for the more adventurous bigger kid set. Make sure not to miss snacking on the apple churros.
Museum of Making Music
Nestled into an unassuming office park right down the street from Legoland, is this hidden gem of a museum. The gorgeously curated museum was recently renovated — and it shows. It takes visitors on a journey through the history of musical instruments/styles with interactive touch screens and instruments the kids (and adults) can actually try out! Our kids spent hours there trying out instruments they’d never seen before (and ones they had) and didn’t want to leave and begged to come back the next day. The DJ station was an especially big hit.
Carlsbad Flower Fields
While they weren’t in bloom this time around, we’ve been here when the flowers are bursting in all their Spring glory and it is well worth a trip just for this.
The Windmill Food Hall
For a fun dining experience with an awesome patio for kids, check out this food hall that has over a dozen vendors so that everyone in the family can get what they’re craving.
Hiking
The coastline is filled with lots of kid-friendly hiking trails. We especially loved “hiking” around the lovely Batiquitos Lagoon. It’s a flat short trail that makes it especially easy for toddlers and strollers and has a destination at the end for older kids: a sweet little super kid-friendly information center with taxidermy, videos and more.
Tide Pools
San Diego is home to so many gorgeous beaches, so you’d be remiss to miss them. We checked out the Carlsbad Tide Pools which were super easy to find and had easy parking – both major pluses with antsy kids. Just make sure to check when low tide is on the days of your stay. We spotted tons of crabs, sea anemones and even a few jellyfish!
Carlsbad Outlets
If shopping’s a vacation must-have, you’ll be minutes away from this popular outlet outdoor mall, which is conveniently also right across from the Windmill Food Hall and has every major store imaginable.
Where to Stay:
Park Hyatt Aviara
This five-star resort underwent a massive renovation in 2020 — and it shows. Yes, the California coastal interior was stunning, but what we loved most about the property was how family-friendly it was. The rooms are all super spacious (ranging from 540-2140 sq ft), making it super comfortable for a family of five — even in their regular rooms, which othe large families will know is not an easy feat. They also recently added waters slides to their family pool area in addition to a sandy “beach” area for the littlest ones, complete with adorable mini lounge chairs making you truly feel like you’re worlds away from home. There’s also live music several nights a week outdoors, making it perfect for parents to enjoy a little happy hour while their kids dance around happily.
And we’d be remiss not to mention their world-famous Arnold Palmer-designed golf course – there’s even junior golf lessons for little kids, so make sure to ask when checking in. We enjoyed taking advantage of the recreation center and playing badminton, tennis and croquet as a family. There’s also the option of renting one of the “TopSwing Suites” where families can play virtual golf, soccer, dodgeball, etc. And if parents are able to score a sitter, they can check out the brand new Richard Blaise restaruant that’s on site, Ember & Rye.
The location was ideal for venturing out – the resort overlooks Batiquitos Lagoon and it’s a short shuttle ride or enjoyable walk over to the hiking trail, as well as a short drive to all the major Carlsbad attractions mentioned above.
And the true measure of a good family vacation? When it came time to check-out, the kids weren’t the only ones that were sad for the magic to be ending. I guess it just means we’ll have to make a return trip sooner rather than later.
Disclosure: Park Hyatt Aviara provided partial press accommodations for this trip. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
