10 Top Things to do in Carlsbad and Nearby in the Summer

Summer is not yet over so there is still some time to check out my 10 top things to do in Carlsbad and nearby in the summertime. 

I could certainly come up with more, but this list should keep you busy AND give you a taste for all that Carlsbad and the surrounding area has to offer. 

In no particular order: 

Attend a TGIF Jazz in the Parks concert - there are just 2 left, this Friday and next, from 6 - 8 pm at the Calavera Hills Community park. Free. Bring your dinner, chairs, friends, and something to drink for a great time. Be prepared for some crowds, and a great time.

Watch the sunset - there are lots of great vantage points in Carlsbad and nearby where you can sit and watch the sun drop below the horizon. Perhaps you will even see the green flash. Here are the some of the best places to sunset watch in Carlsbad California and nearby, in my opinion.

Hang out at Legoland California with friends, family, or by yourself. There's a new waterslide park there that opened this year

Build a sandcastle on Carlsbad State Beach, or one of the other great area beaches (Tamarack, Grandview, Stone Steps, Beacons). Of course this also means you get to hang out on the beach too. Why not take some time to relax and play a little.

Check out Carlsbad's ArtSplash 2010 on Armada Drive. OK, so its 4 days after summer ends. It's still a great outing to see the chalk artists, musicians, art displays and demos, eat some great food (the Taste at ArtSplash is Saturday), and so much more. Free! And the views down the hill to the ocean are fabulous. Read more about The Taste of ArtSplash and ArtSplash itself.

Dine al fresco. You can do this at the beach (pack a picnic, or grill and sit at a picnic table at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas), or in one of the local restaurants that are on or near the beach. The Beach House in Cardiff is a favorite. Vigilucci's in Carlsbad on the 101 is another.

Go surfing. Or if you can't surf, take lessons at a local surfing school in Carlsbad.

Spend the day, or part of one, touring around Carlsbad Village and discover all that this quaint village by the sea has to offer - art galleries (Ivannfy-Uhler Gallery is my favorite), dozens of interesting retail shops, wine bars, antiques and so much more. Then enjoy dinner - Le Passage French Bistro might be a good choice. Or Fish House Vera Cruz, El Norte, or Jay's Gourmet, just to name a few.

Bet on the ponies at the famed Del Mar Race Track in Del Mar, 15-20 minutes south of Carlsbad on the freeway, where the turf meets the surf. Whether you win or not it's a great outing.

Play beach volleyball. Or simply watch folks play. You can probably get in a game at Carlsbad State Beach or at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas (at the ocean end of Encinitas Boulevard).

Here's #11, a bonus - visit the Classic Car Nights in Encinitas. There are 2 left this summer. Check out my visit to the Classic Car Cruise Nights in Encinitas - there are some great pics.