Carlsbad Beach Activities

San Diego County

Carlsbad  Beach, San Diego County, California
Carlsbad  Beach, San Diego County, California

Carlsbad Beach Activities

San Diego County


Carlsbad Beach Surfing

Spots along the Carlsbad coast like Warm Water Jetty, Tamarack Beach, Ponto Beach and Terramar Beach attract a strong number of surfers. South Carlsbad State Beach's exposed beach break goes both right and left. Surfing there is usually good all summer. Powerful rip currents are a concern all along the coast here.

The Warm Water Jetties are found north of Palomar Airport Road and south of Tamarack near the power plant. Warm water discharged from the power plant can raise water temperatures several degrees, making it especially popular for winter surfers. The area is best for experienced surfers who know how to deal with treacherous rip currents and rocks.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.



Surfing Lessons and Camps

Carlsbad Surf Lessons

Professional surf instruction in either private or group settings. Instructors are trained in first aid and CPR and are experienced, local surfers. Ages 4 years to 70. Surf Camps for boys and girls ages 5 and older. Sessions 2 - 5 days, 3 hours each morning. Instructor- student ratio 1:3. Sessions run from mid-June through mid-August.
Carlsbad Surf Lessons

Surfin Fire Surf Camps

Surfin Fire is located at South Ponto Beach and two other nearby beaches. They offer daily drop-in surf lessons for all ages. They have both private and group lessons, daily surf clinics and surf camps. Their surf camp teaches beach safety, ocean awareness, and the fundamentals of surfing. Week-long camps begin in early June and continue through August. They maintain a 4 to 1 student to instructor ratio.
Surfin Fire Surf Camps

Surfboard Rentals

Carlsbad Surf Lessons - Rentals

Surfboards, bodyboards, swim fins, wetsuits, and stand-up paddleboards, by the hour or day.
(760) 672-2770 - Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad Surf Lessons

Asylum Board Shops

Surfboard, bodyboard, wetsuit, and swim fin rentals.
310 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA
Asylum Surf Rentals

Progression Surf

Rentals of surfboards, wetsuits, body boards, swim fins, beach chairs and umbrellas, by the hour, day or week.
828 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA
Progression Surf



Strolling along the Seawall

A seawall promenade extends along much of the beach in Carlsbad, providing a great place for people to walk, cycle, or jog as they enjoy the view and the sea air. Parts of the trail run parallel with the Coast Highway at the bluff tops. Parts of the sea wall are adjacent to the sandy shoreline.

Bicycle Rentals

Fun Wheel Rentals, 300 North The Strand, Oceanside, CA
rentals of all kinds of cycles from beach cruisers to tandems, surreys to kids' bikes. Open every day from 9 AM to sunset.

Carlsbad Beach, San Diego County, CA

Carlsbad Junior Lifeguards - 2024

The Carlsbad Junior Lifeguard Program develops ocean and beach safety, lifesaving skills, and physical fitness. Participants enjoy beach games, surfing, and competitions. The program includes instruction in rescue techniques, marine biology and first aid.

Carlsbad Junior Lifeguards is open to individuals ages 9 to 15. First-time participants must complete a swim test, offered on dates in May and June at the Monroe Street Pool. The Junior Lifeguard Program usually has three sessions. Junior Lifeguards meet Monday through Friday at South Ponto State Beach.

Registration opens Wednesday, April 24, at 10:00 AM.

Sessions have morning and afternoon programs, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

Check the website for session dates.

Carlsbad Junior Lifeguard Program


Carlsbad surfer, San Diego County, CA


Carlsbad Beach Fest

In the past, the annual Carlsbad Beach Fest has featured competitive sporting events along with fun activities for the entire family. The event took place from Frazee Beach at Pine Avenue to Tamarack Beach, 8 AM to 3 PM. Beach Fest included a focus on beach cleanup and clean oceans through education and outreach.

Hopefully the Beach Fest will return this year.

Past Beach Fest Events

  • Surf Contest - Tamarack Beach, divisions for all ages, men and women, shortboard and longboard
  • 5K Beach Run and Walk and Free Kids' 1-mile Fun Run
  • 1-Mile Ocean Swim
  • Paddleboard Races
  • Zumba Dance Fitness on the sand
  • Professional sand sculptures

Carlsbad Beach Fest


Volleyball

Tamarack Beach Volleyball Club

Tamarack Beach Volleyball Club offers complete coaching for beach volleyball athletes ages 10 to 18. Six-week summer sessions meet 4 days a week from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM for training, games, and developing mental fortitude.
Tamarack Beach Volleyball Club

Wahine Beach Volleyball Club

Coaching instruction in beach volleyball for girls ages 8 to 18. From beginners to intermediate and advanced athletes. Focus on fundamental beach volleyball skills, team and individual leadership, game strategy, and jump training/physical conditioning. A special program for younger girls. Four-month sessions begin in March, September, and January. Meet at Carlsbad State Beach.
Wahine Beach Volleyball Club

Nearby
Events and Activities

Pedego Electric Bikes

Tours and Rentals
355 Carlsbad Village Dr.
Open 10 AM to 5 PM, closed Mondays
Rent by the hour, day, or week.
1½ - 3-hour tours available
Pedego Electric Bikes

Carlsbad Lagoon

Rent ski boats, jet skis, or kayaks, SUPs or aqua cycles and enjoy the Aqua Hedionda Lagoon
4215 Harrison St, Carlsbad, CA
Summer youth water sports camp
Carlsbad Lagoon

Batiquitos Lagoon

Game sanctuary and bird estuary
1.3-mile hiking trail on north shore
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation led nature walks.

Club Pelican

Batiquitos Lagoon summer art and science camp, ages 7 to 12
Sponsored by the City of Carlsbad
9 AM to Noon at the Batiquitos Nature Center
Club Pelican


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety