48 Hours in Carlsbad

Day One

Morning

Kick off your morning with brunch at VUE, our vibrant, modern restaurant featuring an outdoor dining patio with stunning views. Don’t miss our signature Croissant Waffle topped with mixed berry jam and whipped cream! For a savory option, the Avocado Toast and Baja Breakfast Plate are crowd favorites.

After brunch, unwind with a leisurely stroll through 400 acres of breathtaking gardens and world-renowned landscaping, highlighted by the timeless beauty of Spanish-influenced colonial architecture. As your walk comes to an end, indulge in some retail therapy at The Shops at La Costa, where you'll find exclusive deals and promotions from top brands like TravisMathew, Olukai, Oakley, and more.

For a fun adventure, stop by Hello, Sunshine! near the valet drive, where we offer hourly bike rentals. Choose from standard, cruiser, or electric bikes and enjoy a scenic ride through La Costa.

Afternoon

With the marine layer gone and your morning stroll complete, it's the perfect time to bask in the sun. Take your pick from eight stunning pools, each offering a unique experience. Thrill seekers can zoom down the two 100-foot waterslides at Splash Pool, while those seeking relaxation can unwind with a book at the tranquil Garden Pools. If you're in the mood for lively fun, head to adults-only Edge Pool for an unforgettable time.

Poolside cabanas are available for morning or afternoon rentals at Splash and Edge, perfect for families, birthday parties, or special celebrations. You can easily book through ResortPass to elevate your pool day experience.

Feeling hungry? Order a gourmet picnic through ResortPass and choose between a customizable backpack cooler or a kid-friendly lunchbox cooler. Pick up your picnic at Marketplace between 10 AM and 3 PM, then enjoy your tasty spread by the pool.

Evening

It's the perfect time to head over to Bar Traza for dinner. With views of the La Costa hills and the resort's lush golf courses, Bar Traza offers rustic Mediterranean shared plates in a charming Spanish Colonial-inspired atmosphere. Our culinary team has crafted a diverse menu featuring locally sourced, organic ingredients. Don't miss the chance to try one (or more) of our signature cocktails from the Journal of Drink.

Afterward, cap off the evening with a cozy s'mores experience, complete with a private fire pit on the Bar Traza Terrace, s’mores supplies, and hot cocoa.

Day Two

Morning

Start your day with a sunrise breakfast from Marketplace, featuring made-to-order local coffee, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and more. Marketplace offers a wide selection of grab-and-go items and freshly baked house-made pastries. It’s also the perfect spot to pick up unique La Costa gifts and travel essentials.

After breakfast, swing by the Athletic Club for a morning class like yoga, spin, Zumba®, boxing, and more. Omni La Costa’s Athletic Club provides a range of complimentary classes, top-of-the-line equipment, and personal training services.

If you prefer racquet sports, enjoy tennis and pickleball programs through our world-class Cliff Drysdale Tennis partnership.

Afternoon

After a great workout, unwind with a relaxing day at The Spa at La Costa. Our newly refreshed spa offers a variety of amenities, including an exclusive pool, saunas, steam rooms, salt rooms, an indoor Jacuzzi®, and more. Once your treatment is complete, enjoy a refreshing lunch at the al fresco Spa Café, where you can dine on the patio overlooking the serene garden courtyard.

For a more active option, book a tee time at one of our championship golf courses or practice at our state-of-the-art driving range, available exclusively to club members and resort guests. To reserve your tee time, contact the pro shop at (760) 931-7595.

Evening

Enjoy a date night at Bob’s Steak & Chop House, where you’ll find a blend of simple elegance, a vibrant atmosphere, handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and generous portions of prime steaks, chops, and seafood. Want some quiet time away from the kids? Evening childcare is available at Kidtopia from Wednesday through Saturday. 

If you have more time...

Beach days are essential to life in Southern California, and Carlsbad and Encinitas boast some of the most beautiful beaches in San Diego County. South Ponto, Moonlight, and Tamarack beaches provide stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and breathtaking sunsets.

For even more adventure, take a picturesque walk along the Batiquitos Lagoon for a breath of fresh air you didn’t know you needed. Flanked by views of the water on one side and a jungle of plant life on the other, this easy 1.6-mile trail sets the stage for a scenic stroll. Be sure to have your phone handy, as there are QR codes that will guide you through the history and geology of the 610 acres spanning the surrounding area.

To make parking hassle-free, we offer a beach shuttle that will drop you off at Carlsbad Village or Moonlight Beach. To make reservations, simply visit the Bell Desk.