Vacation rentals in Carlsbad

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Carlsbad

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Top guest favorite
The cottage is visible through lush tropical foliage, with palm leaves framing the view. Green shrubs surround the walkway leading to the entrance, creating a sense of privacy. Sunlight filters through the greenery, enhancing the tranquil outdoor atmosphere.
Cottage in Carlsbad
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 156 reviews

Walk to Beach & Village-AC-King Beds

Hear the waves from this fun little cottage. A block from the beach and just a few blocks more to The Village. This house is one of three units all on one property and has some shared patio areas. Relax under the mango tree while the monarch butterflies swirl and twirl around your head after a fun day at the beach and a rinse in one of the awesome outdoor surfboard showers. It’s got all you need to have a blast in north county San Diego’s best! No stairs in unit! Central AC Beach gear provided

Guest favorite
The exterior of the beach house showcases a contemporary design with expansive windows and a fire pit surrounded by comfortable seating. A rooftop deck is visible, and landscaped greenery enhances the outdoor space against a vibrant sunset sky.
Home in Carlsbad
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 298 reviews

Ocean Views,Rooftop Deck,Fire Pit,Game Room,AC

This modern 2 story beach house boasts ocean views from nearly every window. Relax on the rooftop deck, enjoy the open-concept living space with a fully equipped kitchen and central AC, or unwind by the fire pit. The game room offers fun for everyone. Just steps from the beach and 2.2 miles from Legoland, this home is perfect for those seeking sun and sea. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, washer/dryer, plenty of parking, and easy self check-in, you’ll have everything you need for a perfect getaway!

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features large glass sliding doors leading to a patio, allowing natural light to fill the room. A comfortable sectional sofa is paired with a soft ottoman, and a wall-mounted television is positioned above a modern fireplace. Decorative shelves showcase various items.
Guesthouse in Carlsbad
5 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviews

Ocean/Lagoon View/New Luxury Casita /Walk To Beach

Newly constructed casita with all kitchen amenities; steam oven, microwave, coffee machine, Margarita maker, etc. One bedroom with king bed & sleeper sofa in living room. Washer/dryer. Walkin shower. Beach chairs, towels, palapa & cool chest. Impeccably clean. Path to small beach below casita. Panoramatic ocean view. Short drive to stores & large beaches, village restaurants etc. Water sports rental 1 block away. 1 car space. PETS:DOGS ONLY up to 50 lbs-fee $55. NO AGGRESIVE BREEDS.

Top guest favorite
A panoramic view of the ocean is displayed from a glass-walled balcony. The vibrant blue water meets a sandy beach, with small figures in the distance enjoying the shore. A clear sky enhances the scene, while palm fronds frame the upper edges of the image.
Condo in Carlsbad Village
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 226 reviews

#4, Ocean View- One Bedroom Condo at the Beach

This newly remodeled large one bedroom condo offers 1100 Square feet, a large glass walled balcony facing the ocean with the most breathtaking panoramic ocean views. You will be just steps from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing and watch the dolphins playing. You can't beat our location as we are right in the heart of Downtown Carlsbad Village with many award-winning restaurants, coffee houses and boutique shopping all within walking distance. We would love to host your beach vacation.

Top guest favorite
A charming cottage is framed by lush palm and banana trees, with a welcoming front porch featuring a large wooden door. Colorful flower beds line the pathway, creating an inviting entryway that leads to the main entrance.
Cottage in Carlsbad Village
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 319 reviews

By the beach Coastal Craftsman w/king beds, AC

This wonderfully redone historic cottage, just five houses from the water (near arguably the best beach in Carlsbad-“The Point”) was once owned by one of the true founders of Carlsbad. Originally built in Carlsbad village in the 1920’s, the house was moved to its current location in 1933, by Ms. Mary Christensen. We have artfully remade the space while preserving elements of the vintage charm of this Sears and Roebuck Craftsman catalogue-ordered cottage. Book now! You’ll love being here.

Top guest favorite
A welcoming living area features a leather couch and a large flat-screen TV mounted on a wooden console. Light filters through plantation shutters, and a ceiling fan enhances airflow. A small coffee table and a stylish accent chair create a comfortable space for relaxation.
Bungalow in Carlsbad Village
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 203 reviews

Stay Beachside in Carlsbad Village w/ Private Yard

Experience the best of Carlsbad Village with this stylish and comfortable 2-bed/1-bath property, located steps from the sand. This prime location is quiet and tranquil while offering quick access to the beach and all that Carlsbad village has to offer. Fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves from your bedroom window. Enjoy your own private yard space for added relaxation. Fast 300 mbps speed WIFI & smart tv’s throughout. Includes designated parking for 2 cars and one golf cart if needed.

Top guest favorite
An open living area is highlighted by two blue sofas and a large brown ottoman. Natural light fills the space through multiple windows, while wooden beams accentuate the ceiling. A dining table is visible in the distance, completing this bright and inviting environment.
Apartment in Carlsbad
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews

Chic Beach Retreat | Steps to the Sand w/ Patio

What could be better than walking just steps to the beach each morning, strolling to Carlsbad Village, then enjoying seafood at night at the many restaurants all an easy walk away This sun-filled apt gives you the ideal beach lifestyle with everything all right on your doorstep! Enjoy open-concept living, a private patio, a modern kitchen, and two stylish bedrooms. Pack your walking shoes, leave the car behind, and enjoy the laid-back vibes this stylish Carlsbad retreat has to offer!

Guest favorite
A bright living area features a high, exposed beam ceiling with white paneling. Natural light floods in through multiple windows, illuminating a cozy seating arrangement with a light-colored sofa and plush chairs. A wooden coffee table is centered on a soft area rug, enhancing the welcoming ambiance.
Home in Carlsbad
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviews

Bungalow w Hot Tub-Sauna-Cold Plunge

Charming 1940s bungalow just minutes from Carlsbad Village and the beach! This 1 bedroom, 1 bath cottage on Highland Drive may small in size but is bursting with character and style. Ideal for wellness seekers, it features hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge. Just a block from Aqua Hedionda Lagoon offering a variety of water sports. If you’re searching for a cute, clean, and cozy space to call home during your visit to North County San Diego, you will be happy to have found this gem.

Top guest favorite
A large soap bubble floats gently above a cluster of palm trees. The bubble's surface reflects colors of the sky and glimmers with scattered light. The blue sky serves as a serene backdrop, enhancing the visual contrast with the greenery below.
Condo in Carlsbad Village
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 143 reviews

Light and Bright Carlsbad Beach!!

Enjoy this impeccably remodeled condo in the heart of Carlsbad Village. Total remodel creates a light, bright, open space. This unit is a desirable END unit. No one is above, below, or on one side!! Peaceful and Calming. Beach supplies: boogie boards, beach tote, cooler, beach chairs, umbrella, towels Walk out the door and you are within 1 block of one of California's most desired beaches- a six mile stretch of white sand with a well designed boardwalk for walking or running.

Guest favorite
Home in Carlsbad
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviews

Ocean View Home w/PrivateBalcony

Enjoy all that Carlsbad has to offer in this spacious, peaceful upstairs suite with an open floor plan, luxurious king bed and full kitchen. Experience gorgeous sunsets and an unobstructed view of the ocean from a private balcony. This suite is on a quiet cul-de-sac that is walking distance to restaurants, Starbucks and grocery plus a 5 minute drive to Carlsbad Village with shops, restaurants, Tamarack Beach and more! STVR #: 2025-156 BL/Permit #: BLRE013522-04-2023

Top guest favorite
The front entrance of a modern coastal farmhouse features a welcoming porch with two white rocking chairs. Lush greenery frames the pathway, leading to a spacious outdoor deck shaded by a red umbrella. Stone paving complements the pristine grassy area.
Home in Carlsbad
5 out of 5 average rating, 145 reviews

Modern Coastal Farmhouse - steps to the beach

Newer construction modern coastal farmhouse single-level 3 BDRM w/2.5 bath home with CENTRAL AC. Unbeatable location 1/2 block from beach & 5 min walk to downtown Carlsbad. Quiet street with no traffic noise. Large outdoor space with unobstructed ocean views from brand new front yard deck with comfortable sectional, gas fire-pit and BBQ, front porch with rocking chairs, and pristine front yard grassy area. All the key essentials provided for a relaxing stay.

Top guest favorite
A modern exterior view of the house is highlighted by a clean design, featuring a combination of wooden accents and expansive windows. The property number is visible beside a landscaped pathway leading to the entrance, with ambient lighting enhancing the architectural features at dusk.
Guest suite in Carlsbad Village
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 340 reviews

Modern Guest House AT THE BEACH in Carlsbad.

Beach unit in the Village of Carlsbad. Approx 5 houses to beach access! Dedicated parking spot. Newly built Mini Suite was built w/high end amenities. Approx. 400 sq. ft. Features: remote, adjustable Queen bed, Cable TV. Walk-in shower, full kitchen w/your own stack washer/dryer inside. Outdoor Deck seating. Propane BBQ. On-Site Parking. All the amenities of home. Exterior beach shower. No pets, No Drugs, No Smoking, No Parties

Popular amenities for Carlsbad vacation rentals

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Carlsbad

  • Total rentals

    1.6K properties

  • Total number of reviews

    53K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    900 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    500 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    740 properties have a pool

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    1K properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to Carlsbad

Welcome to Carlsbad

Perched on seven miles of scenic coastline, the charming town of Carlsbad is quintessential Southern California. A one-time booming agricultural hub, replete with farms and cattle ranches, it began luring wealthy urbanites from nearby Los Angeles and San Diego to its shores with spas fed by mineral waters sourced from a local well dug in 1882. In 1976 the city opened California’s first modern skatepark. (It’s since been demolished, but new ones have sprung up to replace it — and a chunk of the old one lives at the Smithsonian.) Today Carlsbad is home to Legoland, the theme park temple to the tiny plastic building blocks. And while many come here to visit that brightly colored toy palace, it’s worth sticking around for other offerings, such as a robust microbrewery scene and tranquil beaches, some abutted by dramatic cliffs. Beaches, farming, spas, skateboarding, and a theme park: Carlsbad can be seen as a microcosm of the many attractions drawing travelers to Southern California.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Carlsbad

Spring and summer are the high seasons in Carlsbad, when the sun shines bright and hot and flowers are in bloom. Sunbathers flock to the beach, and the parking lots can get crowded, so consider alternative transport if you’re driving during this time. In July and August, the city hosts live Friday night music performances in the parks and outdoor movie screenings downtown. Every May and November the village throws the Carlsbad Village Street Faire, with more than 900 vendors selling antiques and house plants, as well as a beer and wine garden. With generally warm weather and sunny days, fall and winter can be pleasant times to visit Carlsbad, when the crowds are lower, lending the beaches a secluded feel.


Top things to do in Carlsbad

Legoland

Don’t write this off as a tots-only zone. In addition to the usual theme park fare, Legoland is also home to detailed miniature recreations of New York, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. The attention to detail is stunning — the sounds played in the San Francisco model were recorded at Pier 39 — and the builders have been known to add in a cheeky joke or two, just for grown-ups, so stay alert.

The Flower Fields

Every spring, 50 acres of hillside in Carlsbad transform into a riotous rainbow when rows and rows of brightly colored ranunculus flowers bloom at the Flower Fields. For more than 40 years the farm has been growing and selling these colorful flowers and their bulbs, and from March through early May, guests can explore the farm on walking paths or via a tractor ride.

Batiquitos Lagoon

Carlsbad is home to one of the last coastal wetlands in California. Unfolding over 610 acres, the nature preserve is home to scores of native plants such as pickleweed — which usually looks like thick green fingers, but turns bright red in the fall — and birds such as snowy plovers and herons. You can navigate a network of trails yourself, or join a guided nature walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Carlsbad?

    Carlsbad has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) in the winter to 75°F (24°C) in the summer. It's sunny most of the year, with the majority of rainfall occurring between November and March.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Carlsbad?

    Visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields, exploring the Museum of Making Music, or spending a day at LEGOLAND California are popular activities. The city also has beautiful beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Carlsbad?

    The most popular time to visit Carlsbad is from March to May and September to November, when the weather is most pleasant. Events such as the Carlsbad Flower Fields in spring and Carlsbad Village Faire in May and November often attract visitors.

  • What are the best places to stay in Carlsbad?

    Carlsbad Village, with its close proximity to the beach and shops, is a frequently suggested area to stay. The La Costa neighborhood is well-liked for its peaceful setting and proximity to golf courses. Aviara, a resort neighborhood near the Batiquitos Lagoon, is also often recommended.

  • What are the best places to visit in Carlsbad?

    Tourists frequently visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields, LEGOLAND California, and the Museum of Making Music. The Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, a preserved 19th-century ranch, is also a popular destination.

  • What are some hiking trails in Carlsbad?

    The Rancho La Costa Preserve is well-liked for its diverse hiking trails, while the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail offers serene coastal views. For a more challenging hike, the Mount Calavera Trail features volcanic plug and panoramic views of the city.

  • What are some family activities to do in Carlsbad?

    Families can explore attractions like LEGOLAND California, the SEA LIFE Aquarium, and the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center. A day at Carlsbad State Beach or a visit to the Carlsbad Flower Fields are also popular family activities.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Carlsbad?

    Day trips from Carlsbad can include a visit to the nearby city of San Diego, with its world-renowned zoo and historic Old Town, or a trip to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a coastal state park known for its picturesque views.

  • What types of vacation rentals are available in Carlsbad?

    Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Carlsbad. From over 240 condo rentals, over 640 house rentals to over 50 villa rentals, we've got you covered.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Carlsbad?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 1,100 vacation rentals in Carlsbad featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

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