Nestled in San Diego’s North County, Carlsbad is catching attention for its stunning beaches, stellar dining and enticing attractions, all with a cozy coastal feel. Here’s how to spend your next two-day getaway in one of SoCal’s best-kept secrets.
The beautiful Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa is perched on 200 acres above the lush Batiquitos Lagoon. PHOTO BY MIGUEL FRIAS
Whether you’re arriving from near or far, the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa is the place to stay in Carlsbad. Perched on 200 acres of land overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon, the AAA five-diamond, Forbes four-star-rated property offers serene and spacious grounds with modern amenities. Our sweeping third-story room featured coveted views of the resort’s coastal foothills and Pacific Ocean, where we sipped Illy espressos while wrapped in Frette robes and enjoyed Le Labo bath products. Beyond our suite, two pool decks, the luxe Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara, an award-winning golf course and two on-site dining options beckoned.
Make it easy on your first night by taking the resort shuttle down to the Aviara Golf Clubhouse, situated on 7,007 yards of rolling greenery. There, you’ll find the links-chic steakhouse Ember & Rye by James Beard-nominated chef Richard Blais. Tables are full long past the 9 p.m. closing time as guests sip signature cocktails or peruse the book-length selection of beer and wine. Warm garlic croissants replace traditional dinner bread, the perfect start to a meal of inventive appetizers, melt-in-your-mouth steaks and bountiful sides.
Chef Richard Blais’ Ember & Rye at the Aviara Golf Clubhouse serves inventive steaks, sides and sips in a links-inspired atmosphere. PHOTO COURTESY OF EMBER & RYE
The next morning, visit the quaint Carlsbad Village. We grabbed coffee at Revolution Roasters, a trendy spot offering everything from avocado toast to artisanal lattes, complete with a shaded patio perfect for pets. After a stroll through town and a photo stop at the iconic Carlsbad sign, we headed to dinner at the Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie. Parisian elegance awaits inside this modern French restaurant, buzzing with lively conversation and playful interiors. If seated by the exhibition kitchen, you’ll hear chefs affirm each of your four courses with a resounding “oui,” enhancing the immersive dining experience.
Taste French-inspired delicacies, like an uni croque madame, at the Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie. PHOTO BY ELODIE BOST
Carlsbad brims with adventures for every kind of traveler. After checking in at the Park Hyatt Aviara, we started with a bit of friendly competition at the sleek billiard table, but the real draw was the Topgolf Swing Suite, where our crew went head-to-head on the golf simulator.
If you’re staying on-site, the Aviara Golf and Racquet Club offers chances to refine your swing or play a pickleball match. Afternoons are best spent basking on the pool deck or unwinding at the Miraval Life in Balance Spa with a Sacred Sounds Himalayan Bowl Massage.
For an off-property excursion, explore Carlsbad Village’s boutiques for unique finds, or visit The Beacon La Costa for a locally sourced souvenir from Shout and About.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also find endless charm in Carlsbad. Beaches are always lively, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are in bloom March through May, and on the way home, a stop at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company is perfect for picking up a fresh basket.
Whether surfing, sunbathing or taking a stroll on the sand, the beaches in Carlsbad are where it’s at. PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT CARLSBAD
San Diego County encompasses 4,300 square miles, leading to plenty of lesser-known pockets filled with undiscovered gems. For us, Carlsbad was a refreshing discovery, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and recreation during our 48-hour getaway. Whether you have two days or 10, add Carlsbad to your list of seaside escapes this season.
Photography by: Miguel Frias
