Carlsbad vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Carlsbad

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Carlsbad

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews

Casita king bed walk to dine short drive to beach

Perfect for small families, couples, or friends. Close to everything when you stay at this centrally-located Casita. Within walking distance of Carlsbad Village where you can find coffee shops, restaurants, entertainment, and local shops. Blocks away from the Carlsbad State Beach and Tamarack Surf Beach. Legoland, Premium Outlets, Flower Field less than 10 min drive. Trader Joes, Walmart, World Market, Target, Starbucks, Orange Theory, Pure Barre, LA Fitness just are just a short 5 min drive.

Sep 9 – 16

R2,908 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Carlsbad

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 629 reviews

Just Blocks to BEACH! Cozy cottage-lots of extras!

Walk to beautiful Tamarack Beach & Agua Hedionda lagoon! Our lovingly appointed studio has a full kitchen & peaceful garden courtyard w/ barbecue, buddha fountain & fire-pit. It’s separate from the main house w/ your own private entrance. In a quiet, upscale neighborhood, a mile from charming Carlsbad Village, with convenient access to freeway, train, and all San Diego attractions. A GREAT VALUE! FREE bikes, boogie boards, beach chairs/gear plus snacks, pastry, coffee/tea & cream provided!

Apr 16 – 23

R3,311 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Farm stay in Elfin Forest

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 284 reviews

Cozy Retreat on Cherimoya Grove

Relax and unwind on a small family farm and cherimoya grove of over 100 cherimoya fruit trees. Interact with, feed, and brush the resident horse “Shadow,” pigs, chickens, and rooster. The room’s balcony overlooks the cherimoya grove and horse paddock. Located just outside of San Elijo Hills, the property is a close drive to Encinitas downtown and beaches, LEGOLAND, and San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park. While the farm feels far away, about a mile away are a grocery store, coffee shop, and wine bar.

May 23 – 30

R2,346 ZAR per night

Popular amenities for Carlsbad vacation rentals

Stay near Carlsbad's top sights

Carlsbad Premium Outlets400 locals recommend
The Flower Fields172 locals recommend
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa57 locals recommend
Carlsbad Village158 locals recommend
The Shoppes at Carlsbad68 locals recommend
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park38 locals recommend

Carlsbad beach vacation rentals

Guest favorite

Guest suite in Carlsbad

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 222 reviews

Carlsbad Overlook: newly renovated, amazing views

Sep 2 – 9

R3,651 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Oceanside

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews

Private Guest Suite by the Harbor

May 26 – 31

R2,230 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Carlsbad

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 162 reviews

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

Nov 21 – 28

R5,447 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Carlsbad

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 224 reviews

Ocean View Beach House With Roof Top Deck & AC

Dec 11 – 18

R8,889 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Oceanside

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 272 reviews

Bright & airy 1br condo; walk to beach & downtown

Apr 18 – 25

R2,784 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Carlsbad

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 177 reviews

Peaceful, Private, Coastal Retreat

Aug 18 – 25

R3,801 ZAR per night
Superhost

Apartment in Oceanside

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 323 reviews

Seaview Sunset - Close to beaches & restaurants!

Dec 4 – 11

R2,766 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Encinitas

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 598 reviews

Beach City Bungalow

Jan 17 – 24

R3,403 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Oceanside

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 152 reviews

Newly Remodeled NOT Shared Beachfront Home W/SPA

Oct 22 – 29

R8,022 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Oceanside

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 156 reviews

1 bedroom apt // BEACH ACCESS // Unit A

Oct 13 – 20

R9,770 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Oceanside

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviews

The Crow's Nest Studio - walk to beach and town

Aug 26 – Sep 2

R3,003 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Oceanside

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 263 reviews

The Sunshine House. Location, Location, Ocean.

Apr 23 – 30

R2,845 ZAR per night

Carlsbad home rentals

Guest favorite

Home in Carlsbad

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 216 reviews

Contemporary Beach Living - Waterfront Home

Aug 31 – Sep 7

R3,960 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Vista

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 277 reviews

Sunset Vista - near Beaches, Legoland, great view!

Sep 2 – 9

R3,149 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Carlsbad

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 328 reviews

Steps to the Ocean+Village Beach Home w Hot Tub 🏖

Oct 5 – 12

R8,617 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Carlsbad

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

Thomas' by the Sea 2

Jan 27 – Feb 3

R10,088 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Oceanside

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 170 reviews

Luxury Private Entrance Jacuzzi Suite O'side Oasis

Aug 1 – 8

R3,834 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Encinitas

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 105 reviews

Open Spacious Leucadia Home

Sep 10 – 17

R14,948 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Carlsbad

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 205 reviews

Pets OK Beach Home Carlsbad - STVR BLRE1241169

Mar 24 – 31

R5,768 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Carlsbad

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 135 reviews

Toes in the Sand Beach House!

Aug 15 – 22

R12,089 ZAR per night
Superhost

Home in Carlsbad

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 146 reviews

Resort-Style Beach House on Pacific Coast Highway 101

Feb 5 – 12

R6,296 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Carlsbad

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews

Carlsbad Treasure! 3b/3b, beaches, golf, fun!

Nov 18 – 25

R4,744 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Carlsbad

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews

Sweet Casita Entire Vacation Home by the beach

Dec 23 – 30

R6,398 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Carlsbad

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 219 reviews

Epic family beach bungalow - 1 block from beach

Oct 13 – 20

R8,679 ZAR per night

Carlsbad condo rentals

Guest favorite

Condo in Carlsbad

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviews

Newly Renovated Beachside Bungalow

Sep 14 – 21

R4,037 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Oceanside

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviews

Private Cottage in Oceanfront Resort

Jan 13 – 20

R3,305 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carlsbad

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviews

Outstanding location, Beach Vacation Rental C

Nov 11 – 18

R3,727 ZAR per night
Superhost

Condo in Carlsbad

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews

Luxury Beach Vacation Villa 7

Nov 27 – Dec 4

R3,711 ZAR per night
Superhost

Condo in Oceanside

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 142 reviews

FABULOUS White Water Ocean & Pier View Condo!

Apr 28 – May 5

R5,544 ZAR per night
Superhost

Condo in Oceanside

4.78 out of 5 average rating, 261 reviews

Steps to Beach and Pool. New Comfy King Bed

Nov 23 – 30

R3,277 ZAR per night
Superhost

Condo in Carlsbad

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 131 reviews

#3, Ocean Front Studio by the Beach in Carlsbad

Feb 27 – Mar 6

R4,711 ZAR per night
Superhost

Condo in Oceanside

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 253 reviews

The Pier House | Lux Oceanfront Penthouse | A/C

Aug 25 – Sep 1

R12,669 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Oceanside

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 118 reviews

Palm Tree Villa offers lovely garden/pool view

Jan 6 – 13

R3,325 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Oceanside

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 147 reviews

Breathtaking Views-Steps to Sand, Beach Resort

Oct 30 – Nov 6

R4,145 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carlsbad

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

🌴La Costa Resort Château🌴 Luxury Suite for 2

Aug 4 – 11

R5,247 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Oceanside

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

Studio Oceanview King in Beachfront Apt (207)

Jun 29 – Jul 6

R8,196 ZAR per night

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Carlsbad

Total rentals

1.5K properties

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

900 properties have a dedicated workspace

Rentals with a pool

680 properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

430 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

860 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

42K reviews

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 260 condo rentals to over 560 house rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.

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

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 900 vacation rentals in Carlsbad featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

Destinations to explore

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