Carlsbad is more than just a charming seaside town en route to San Diego. Home to Legoland, California and a short drive from major theme park attractions; SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Carlsbad is the perfect family destination. No kids? It works equally well as a romantic getaway or even a trip with your besties.
Where To Stay
The Marbrisa Carlsbad Resort offers a private entrance to Legoland and SEALIFE Aquarium, making it the ultimate family friendly experience.
The property itself is sprawling over 40+ acres and has a myriad of offerings; from well-planned and executed kids activities almost daily to live poolside entertainment. Golf carts on scheduled stops (or you can call for them via text) transport you from one end of the resort to the other. A well- equipped gym, numerous family friendly activities and a well appointed spa offers something for everyone. All the rooms are well-appointed and the larger ones have fully appointed kitchens and laundry facilities. Daily housekeeping and free WiFi in public spaces make the Marbrisa an idea home away from home.
As a Hilton Grand Vacation Property, (think timeshare) their concierge might try to entice you to listen to a 90 minute timeshare presentation by dangling dining or theme park discounts incentives. They’re not pushy, and the resort experience is well worth the sales pitch lasting a few minutes.
At Marbrisa, the poolside bar and grill offers something for everyone. Alternate a day at Legoland and a day by the pool. With three pools, three hot tubs, oversized stacker games, hammocks, ping pong, shuffleboard and pool tables; there is something for the whole family to enjoy! Friendly staff will bring your fruity umbrella drink poolside all day; giving you no reason to do much more than swim, play, eat, nap, repeat.
Walk to Dine
Don’t want to leave the resort, but want something more than poolside bar food? Consider 7 Mile Kitchen a short walk or shuttle ride away. This contemporary restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner. Live entertainment, firepits and giant Jenga blocks make this a fun culinary destination for everyone.
With an extensive beverage menu, they have got you covered. If you can’t figure out which beer to drink from their large assortment of beers on tap, try a flight! They have an extensive wine selection, but really be bold and try one (or three, if you dare) of their delectable mixed libations. Refined bitters, copper mugs, spirit cocktails or even spiked coffee and hot cocoa; the selection is extensive. With names like This Lil Piggy, Sage’d Beast and Apple of my Rye you’re going to want to try them all. If you’re not feeling too adventurous you can opt for the traditional classic cocktails.
Start your meal with smoked chicken fries which is better than any loaded nachos anywhere. House-smoked chicken on crispy waffle fries, topped with queso fundido and queso fresco, complete with salsa verde, pico de gallo and yummy guacamole makes for a perfect start to the meal! For something lighter, try the roast beet and citrus salad; the quinoa paired with goat cheese, seasonal citrus, bitter arugula with a sherry vinaigrette drizzle provides a gastronomic party for your palate.
If pizza is your jam, the artisanal pizzas (think flatbreads) are the way to go. Be sure to get at least two or three different types; these are light and easy to eat! For an elevated mushroom experience, check out the Wild ‘Shroom; the truffle cream sauce is exquisite. Surfside and Duck Confit offer you flavors on pizza that you would never think to combine. If you love BBQ chicken pizza, then you’ve got to try Smokehouse.
Whether you’re staying for a weekend, or for a week The Marbrisa Carlsbad is the ideal location for your North San Diego adventure. A few minutes’ walk from the world famous Flower Fields, Museum of Making Music or the Gemological Institute of America Museum (GIA Museum), less than three miles from the beach or the Carlsbad Lagoon (for you water sport enthusiasts) and four miles from Carlsbad Village the Marbrisa is ideally situated for you to enjoy surf, sand, culture, fine dining and entertainment.
