8 Best Hotels in Carlsbad, North County and Around

One of only four SoCal hotels directly on the sand, this former 1960s Best Western was remodeled in 2011 as a boutique inn with plantation shutters, luxurious linens, and open floor plans. Additional upgrades in 2018 keeps it contemporary with neutral tones, granite counters, and slate-tile bathrooms. Included in the small amenity fee are Wi-Fi, breakfast, bike rental, and beach equipment. Every room has an oceanfront terrace, except for rooms 30–35, which are slightly more affordable. The swimming pool and breakfast lounge are bonus spots for relaxation. For more space and privacy, request one of the four corner units. 

Sea and sand loom large at this Hilton property, where the fitness center has an ocean view and guest rooms have sitting areas so you can easily enjoy the sea views and breezes when you're not exploring South Carlsbad State Park nearby. Most rooms have pool or partial ocean views, and the small spa is inspired by the healing powers of the sea. The beach is just across the highway, but most guests find themselves drawn to the pool, firepits, and live music after dark (weekends in summer). Chandler's Restaurant offers a locally sourced menu and popular happy hour, when you can watch the sun settle into the sea while sipping a martini.

In the heart of Carlsbad village, this sprawling inn and time-share condominium complex is popular with families and has a variety of rooms, ranging from cramped to large, including many with ocean views, balconies, and kitchenettes, and some with fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Public areas—a lobby with a library with overstuffed sofas and chairs—are warmed by big rock fireplaces. The entire facility surrounds brilliant seasonal gardens and a small pool that faces the ocean. The property offers a schedule of activities that includes a beach cabana fully equipped with toys in summer, and crafts classes.

This is the place for the family that eats, sleeps, and lives LEGO; check out the neighboring LEGOLAND Castle Hotel with rooms themed around knights, dragons, wizards, and royal princesses. Family rooms are themed LEGO Friends, LEGO NINJAGO, Pirate, Adventure, and Kingdom, with corresponding LEGO-style decor, and each room offers a separate kids' sleeping area with bunk beds, a TV with kid-friendly programming, abundant LEGOs, and a sign that says, "Adult explorers Keep Out!" There are build-me LEGO structures and puzzles throughout the property, as well as interactive play areas, a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.

Just 40 steps from the sand, bring your kids (furry or not) to this delightful pet- and family-friendly hotel where the staff go out of their way to please guests. The property features 13 different room types—multibedroom villas, suites, and studios—that come equipped with full kitchens with stainless steel appliances, white wooden floors, distressed furniture, and hints of lime and turquoise. Families and friends of four should request No. 107, a precious two-bedroom unit with a wraparound porch, wainscoting ceiling, Dutch doors, and ocean views. Adirondack chairs frame a heated pool and Jacuzzi where you can listen to the crashing waves while you catch some rays. Guests have access to a fitness center, Weber grills, firepits, a laundry room, surfboards, beach gear, Starbucks coffee, and putting green. The gazebo with misters cools off a hot summer day, and the simple breakfast and healthy snacks make for happy bellies.

This chic Spanish colonial oasis on 400 tree-shaded acres has ample guest rooms, two golf courses, and is known for being family-friendly, with plenty of kids' activities (including a kids' club, a game room, eight swimming pools, three waterslides, and a water play zone). Guest rooms are in shades of brown and sand with oversize chairs and sofas, while public rooms feature open-beam ceilings and leather furnishings. Among the six dining options is Bob's Steak & Chop House serving fine wines and large cuts of prime steak, chops, and seafood. There is a large tennis center, a family entertainment area, a shopping complex, a wellness spa, and two PGA championship golf courses. Marketplace is convenient for those grab-and-go lunches to enjoy poolside.

As one of the most luxurious hotels in San Diego, this retreat completed a $50 million resort-wide transformation in 2020, with redesigned rooms, a new lobby, family pool with water park, luxury cabanas, and three new restaurants including Ember & Rye by celebrity chef Richard Blais. It's a play-and-relax haven with an Arnold Palmer–designed golf course, a tennis club, two pools, and views overlooking Batiquitos Lagoon and the Pacific among its 250 acres. The 540-square-foot rooms are remarkably spacious and feature every possible amenity including private terraces with water views and deep soaking tubs. The romantic Couple’s Suite has a semiprivate whirlpool spa courtyard, Swiss shower, and fireplace for the ultimate relaxation. Despite the lavishly appointed grounds, the resort is exceptionally family-friendly. Children have their own pool, nature walks, surf lessons, and VIP LEGOLAND tours. A shopping shuttle transports guests to the Carlsbad Outlets, and a beach shuttle makes a daily trip to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas during the summer upon request.

Dinner at Ember & Rye or a pampering treatment at the Aviara Spa are worth the splurge.

Coastal luxury meets Cape Cod practicality at this warm and friendly inn near the beach. Large, well-appointed guest rooms are furnished with king-size pillow-top mattresses, HDTVs, fridges, and microwaves; the amenity fee ($20) includes underground parking, Wi-Fi, a breakfast buffet, beach and pool amenities, and milk and cookies in the lobby. The attractive pool area has a stone waterfall at one end, and a neighboring restaurant is locally popular and busy. Kids enjoy the outdoor pool and playing board games in the library.