All Carlsbad Tours & Excursions in 2026

Follow the development of Carlsbad from its founding in the 1880s to its evolution into a beloved coastal destination, on this self guided walking tour. Along the way, longtime San Diego residents Mindy and Jerry will tell you the village’s story of transformation. You’ll learn how Captain John Frazier’s discovery of mineral water remarkably similar to that of Karlsbad, Bohemia gave the town both its name and its early identity as a health retreat. Explore how the arrival of the railroad, Highway 101, and eventually Interstate 5 shaped the community and its character. The 90 minute tour starts at the Army and Navy Academy, from where you’ll weave through the heart of the village, stroll tree lined streets, past boutiques and cafés before reaching the Pacific shoreline, where seven miles of coastline have drawn visitors for generations. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or a local looking to see Carlsbad in a new light, this tour will transport you through time.

Only available on Viator: Integration of the High Tea Experience, Tea Tasting flight and Smart Sip Blending Experience.

Savor the distinctive flavors of Carlsbad Village with a food and walking tour of the scenic seaside gem. Get an insider’s look at the culinary scene, local history, and landmarks as you explore with knowledgeable guides and enjoy five gourmet tastings. Sample luscious desserts, including gelato, and unique specialty foods, and season your experience with behind-the-scenes stories about Carlsbad Village’s vibrant gourmet culture, hippest restaurants, and cutting-edge artisanal products.

Set sail from Oceanside during a whale watching excursion led by a certified naturalist guide. Board a comfortable 50-foot (15-meter) catamaran with covered areas for seating and cruise along San Diego’s coastline to spot whales and other marine life, getting as close as possible without disturbing them. Plus, choose from multiple departures to easily fit this whale watching tour into your schedule.

Experience a day of imagination and fun at LEGOLAND® California Resort with over 60 rides, shows, and attractions made for families with kids ages 2–12. Explore Miniland USA, drive at Fun Town, and splash around at the Water Park. Visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium and dive into ocean wonders. Book a Sea Life or Resort Hopper and get a second day free to revisit the adventure.

We set sail on a 45 foot, teak filled sailing yacht- Named, Song of David. One of the largest and most comfortable sailboats in the Oceanside harbor. We cater to guests from many of the five star hotels in the area. We serve an upscale experience with Charcuterie and Champagne as an option. Ask about our three and four hour extended experiences. We set sail and begin looking for dolphins and whales. The bow of the boat has been fitted with a special dolphin seat so that you can actually sit over the top of the playful dolphins below. The memories gained abord the Song of David will last a lifetime.

Get aboard this cruise in hopes of seeing some amazing marine life- dolphins, sea lions, and whales. You’ll depart from the Oceanside Pier, which is a popular landmark and easy to find. Your guide will take care of you while you’re on the boat, and lead you to where you’re likely to spot these beautiful creatures. You just sit back and enjoy.

Our private surf lessons are taught at Fletchers Cove in Solana Beach with trained professionals. Each lesson is 1.5-2 hours and comes with a private experienced professional instructor. Water safety is our number one priority!

Avoid tourist traps—and the use of a car—when you book this tasting tour of Encinitas, renowned for its vibrant food scene. Discover some of the city’s top eateries and bars—and enjoy a generous array of samples as you explore—on this accessible walking tour. Come hungry: the itinerary includes several stops for tastings of Italian dishes and chocolates, locally made craft beers and wines, and much more.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Solana Beach This private tour includes tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the larger your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or corporate outings. Begin your day with panoramic views atop Mount Soledad, then head to La Jolla Cove to spot sea lions along the cliffs. Stroll the historic plazas of Old Town San Diego before enjoying lunch along the scenic Embarcadero at Seaport Village (meals not included). Cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares stories of its Wild West past, then cross the sweeping Coronado Bridge for unforgettable views of the bay. Stop at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, then drive scenic Orange Avenue. Pass through Balboa Park’s gardens and Spanish Revival architecture, and finish with a drive through Little Italy—known for its lively charm and bayfront atmosphere. A full day of SoCal’s best, with hotel pickup included.

Discover the flavors of Downtown Oceanside on this guided foodie walking tour featuring tastings at four unique local restaurants. Along the way, enjoy a relaxed stroll through the heart of the city while taking in the vibrant coastal atmosphere, local sights, and hidden gems between stops. Each restaurant offers a chance to sample signature dishes and experience the diverse culinary scene that makes Oceanside a favorite Southern California destination. Perfect for food lovers, visitors, and anyone looking to explore the city one bite at a time.

Our electric bikes are high powered 750w motors with 5 levels of pedal assist. Our tours guides are local experts and highly experienced bike riders. We stop at all the best attractions and destinations along the way for photo opportunities and hiking.

Parasailing is unique among water activities because it combines the thrill of flying with the scenic views of being over water. Unlike traditional water sports that focus on speed or physical exertion, parasailing allows participants to experience a sense of weightlessness and tranquility while being towed behind a boat. The panoramic perspective and the elevation above the water provide a distinct experience, making it both exhilarating and peaceful at the same time. Additionally, it often requires less physical effort, making it accessible to a wider range of participants.

Our local guides are born and raised locally and know all the best destinations in the area! We look forward to showing you all the beautiful attractions our area has to offer. Our electric bike are high powered 750w motors with 5 levels of pedal assist.

Renting a Golf Cart LSV from us, we offer travelers convenient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective transportation, while also providing the opportunity to explore and enjoy their destination to the fullest. These Carts will provide a Fun and Unique Experience: Riding a golf cart LSV can add a touch of fun and uniqueness to the travel experience. It provides an opportunity to enjoy the open-air ride, soak in the surroundings, and create memorable moments with friends or family.

Skip the long drive and take flight on an unforgettable day trip from San Diego to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim. In just under two hours, soar directly from Palomar Airport to one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Upon landing, hop into a custom Hummer for a guided ground tour led by a local expert who brings the landscape’s history to life. Want to see even more? Add an optional helicopter ride to witness the canyon’s vast beauty from the air (extra fee). This VIP experience is designed for comfort, speed, and impact—depart in the morning and be back in San Diego by dinner time, with memories to last a lifetime.

Moped rentals in beautiful sunny So-Cal! Cruise the Beaches of Encinitas, Leucadia, Del Mar, La Jolla, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and more. No special license required. Newer Honda Ruckus, Navi, and Yamaha Zuma.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Carlsbad This private tour offers tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or corporate outings. Your day begins with a stop at Mount Soledad, offering panoramic views from La Jolla to Mexico. Next, stroll the shoreline at La Jolla Cove, where sea lions bask on the rocks and tide pools dot the coast. Continue to Old Town San Diego to explore adobe buildings, museums, and historic plazas. Break for lunch (meals not included) along the Embarcadero waterfront at Seaport Village. Then drive through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares stories of its Wild West days. Cross the iconic Coronado Bridge for a scenic drive and a stop at Hotel del Coronado before returning via charming Orange Avenue. You'll also pass through Balboa Park and Little Italy—blending culture, scenery, and history into one unforgettable San Diego day.

Discover the vibrant taco scene of Carlsbad Village on this fun Taco Tuesday Walking Food Tour. Explore four unique tasting locations, savoring everything from traditional al pastor to coastal specialty tacos. As you stroll through the picturesque village, knowledgeable local guides share the history of the area and insights about each restaurant. This tour is perfect for locals and visitors alike, offering exclusive Taco Tuesday pricing and the option to enhance your experience with margaritas or craft beer. Join in for a delightful evening of tacos and local flavors. - Guided tour through Carlsbad Village, focusing on taco tastings - Four curated taco stops, featuring local favorites and specialties - Optional margarita or craft beer available at select locations - Easy walking distance, every Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Del Mar This private tour features tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Perfect for families, friends, or corporate outings. Begin your day atop Mount Soledad with sweeping coastal views, then explore La Jolla Cove’s sea cliffs, tide pools, and sunbathing sea lions. In Old Town San Diego, stroll through adobe buildings and historic plazas before stopping for lunch along the waterfront at Seaport Village (meals not included). Cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares stories of its Wild West roots. Cross the Coronado Bridge to the legendary Hotel del Coronado, then enjoy a scenic drive down Orange Avenue. Pass Balboa Park’s museums and gardens, and end with a cruise through Little Italy—a lively district filled with cafés, charm, and bay views. Pickup is available from Del Mar hotels or the Solana Beach Station.

Making authentic Neapolitan pizza is far more satisfying than arguing over which toppings to order. In this interactive cooking class with Chef Ben, you'll discover how a handful of simple ingredients can become an incredible homemade pizza using traditional Italian techniques. Chef Ben's friendly teaching style makes the process fun whether you've never made dough before or you're ready to perfect your pizza game. You'll learn how to prepare, knead and stretch fresh pizza dough by hand before building a classic Neapolitan-style pizza with carefully selected toppings. Along the way, Chef Ben shares professional tips on dough texture, shaping techniques and baking methods that create the signature light crust with beautifully blistered edges. Every step is hands-on, approachable and designed to give you the confidence to recreate authentic pizza from scratch whenever the craving strikes.

Get out and ride some waves in Encinitas on this private two hour surf lesson in the Pacific Ocean. Your instructor will give you plenty of individualized attention, and is guaranteed to be CPR-certified. You’ll learn about safety, surfing etiquette, tides, ocean conditions, and technique. You’ll also learn about why ocean conservation is so important. Get ready to hang ten.

Sip, Savor, and Explore Temecula Wine Country Departing from Oceanside, this full-day private wine tour blends convenience with charm. With tiered pricing for up to 14 guests, the larger your group, the lower the per-person cost—perfect for couples, friends, or small groups. Begin your day in historic Old Town Temecula, where you'll browse local shops and visit the Temecula Olive Oil Company. Then enjoy tastings at Somerset Vineyard & Winery and Oak Mountain Winery, home to the region’s only underground wine cave. Lunch follows at Cougar Winery (Mon–Fri) or Bel Vino Winery (Sat), with scenic views and optional food and wine (not included). Conclude at Callaway Winery, known for its hilltop vistas and elegant tasting room. Ride in comfort with a local guide and let us handle the logistics for an unforgettable day in wine country.