Imagine a perfect California day full of blue skies, sunshine, an ocean breeze, and allergy-friendly food options. That’s my experience in Carlsbad, a relaxing coastal escape just outside San Diego, but far enough removed to offer a distinctly different vibe. Join me as I spend 24 hours in Carlsbad, California, sharing an allergy-friendly travel mini-guide for visitors seeking to take in everything this idyllic seven mile stretch of beach along the Pacific coast has to offer.
Getting to Carlsbad
As someone who loves southern California, I couldn’t believe this was my first visit to Carlsbad. In less than 40 minutes, it’s an easy drive from San Diego, where I tend to frequent on visits to the Golden State. Carlsbad is also only about an hour and half from Los Angeles.
Accommodations
I arrived to Carlsbad in perfect SoCal weather, ready to explore. I dropped off my bags at The Westin Carlsbad, my home for the night. Located next to Legoland, as well as being in close proximity to the Flower Fields and Strawberry picking, the Westin is perfectly situated for visitors.
The Westin even has its own private entrance to access Legoland for guests. I did not have a chance to use it on this trip, but it is a perfect option for families (*Note: Legoland uses CertiStar so you can look at possible menu options and ingredients before visiting the park). With a pool, water slides and other kids activities, the hotel is definitely family-friendly. They also offer evening fire pits and early morning yoga by the pool for adults. Bikes are available and hiking trails are nearby.
As far as transportation from the hotel is concerned, there is car parking and the Westin Carlsbad has a courtesy shuttle based on availability from 7am to 9:30pm for pick up and drop offs within a 5 mile radius of the hotel.
For environmental allergies, the rooms do not have full carpets, and are mostly wooden floors with a large area rug. I also had a balcony door that opened in my room for fresh air. Both of these I find helpful for my environmental allergies. I did ask for allergen-friendly cleaning ahead and let them know about my pet allergies.
How did I spend 24 hours in Carlsbad?
Let me start by saying that I definitely could have spent more time enjoying Carlsbad and would plan for that in the future. So, although I am sharing a brief 24 hour visit, I would highly recommend taking at least a few days or a long weekend to relax and explore!
Itinerary:
1:30p.m. Arrive & explore Carlsbad
I arrived at the Westin Carlsbad to drop off my suitcase and then went to the downtown area. An overhanging Carlsbad sign warmly greeted me as I entered the main streets, confirming I was in the right spot!
First, I roamed around Carlsbad Village, exploring the little shops and observing the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of such a stunning beach location.
Of course finding allergy-friendly food options was a top priority on this trip, so I decided my first stop should be the Strawberry Shack to see what I could safely try. I knew it was popular for a reason, and as someone who loves strawberries and ice cream, I was hoping to try the strawberry soft serve. I had the swirl custard and felt totally comfortable with it. They also have strawberry and pineapple Dole Whip as an option.
After enjoying my custard, I wandered down to the Carlsbad State Beach. There is a boardwalk alongside to enjoy the view while on a walk. The beach itself couldn’t be more picturesque with the blooming wild flowers along the dunes. There were surfers catching waves, families relaxing in the sand and groups of friends playing volleyball. It’s definitely all good in Carlsbad!
3p.m. Farmers’ market stroll and casual winery visit
After dipping my toes in the sand, it was time for an afternoon pick me up. There are many cafe options, but I ended up at Better Buzz Coffee, a southern California chain I knew I had successfully had coffee at before in San Diego. I kept it simple with an iced coffee, which was exactly what I was craving in the sunshine. 
Next, I ventured over for the Wednesday afternoon Carlsbad Village State Street Farmers’ Market. I love browsing Farmers markets. With food allergies, I’m never really certain that I will find anything allergy-friendly besides fresh produce, but in California with that in plentitude, what more could you ask for? I even saw a stand selling vegetable broth and spices that were gluten and soy free. I also saw the best deal I’ve ever seen in California: a big bunch of fresh, colorful flowers for just $5. You can’t get anything like that in Philadelphia for under $20 at least. After browsing the market, I got side tracked by the cute shops lining the sides and popped in to a few of them to check out their fun and stylish collections.
Carlsbad has a number of wineries and as a wine aficionado, I had to try at least one. I went to check out Costa Azul Winery. I decided on a white and red wine flight, where I tasted five wines ranging from rose and sauvignon blanc to petit sirah. The bartender was a local and we had a nice chat about Carlsbad and the surrounding areas.
Afterwards, I was in need of a little snack to hold me over before dinner. With food allergies, it can be tough to find something safe that is quick service, so I decided to check out a new mini-grocery spot, Always Hungry Grocery, next to Little Victory Wine Bar, a new natural wine bar (I would have loved to try their wines if I’d had more time). I found an Olli Salumeria Snack Pack with That’s It and Mavericks Snacks Double Chocolate Bolt Cookies. It was nice to find some allergy-friendly snack options!
4:30p.m. Play photographer at the Flower Fields
Next, it was time to visit the Flower Fields. They have over 50 acres of Tecolote Giant Ranunculus flowers in what feels like an endless field of rainbow color. This type of flower is native to Asia Minor and is in the same family as the buttercup. It is open to visitors from March to mid-May when flowers are in bloom. Besides enjoying other flower displays and tractor rides, there are plenty of photo-ops.
6p.m. Dinner at Michelin selected restaurant, Campfire
Imagine a restaurant that was created in the spirit of having drinks and good food with friends, like gathering around a campfire? This Michelin selected restaurant, Campfire, is where the inspiration for the restaurant where I had dinner.
They brought me a menu marked off with anything they would have to substitute, omit, or replace. They were willing to make any of the dishes work minus the obvious ones, like fish dishes. Although there are allergens in the kitchen, they have the space and awareness to prepare dishes safely for my food allergies. I ate the cornbread in a Calabrian chili butter with orange zest for the first “Trailhead” course. Next, for the “Kindling” course I enjoyed the grilled asparagus with burrata, persimmon, focaccia bread and basil. My last and main “The Fire” course, I chose the ricotta cavatelli with oyster mushrooms, sun choke, preserved Meyer lemon, and goat cheese. Everything was delicious and it was such a fun and unique dining experience.
The next day…
8a.m. Start the day with movement at the Westin gym
I always start my day with a workout, so I decided to go check out the gym. I had it to myself and enjoyed a nice run on the treadmill in preparation for the day.
10a.m. Find nourishment at 20|Twenty
Before leaving the hotel, I had breakfast at 20lTwenty at the Westin. They were able to accommodate my food allergies. I always aim to give restaurants a heads up if I plan to eat there. Although a reservation for breakfast is not necessary, we did notify them ahead about my food allergies. I had an omelette with fresh fruit and felt re-fueled and ready to continue my exploration of Carlsbad!
11a.m. Pick strawberries at The Carlsbad Strawberry Company
I love going fruit picking and although we do have strawberry picking out east, California is really the place to do it!
I decided to try U Pick Strawberries at The Carlsbad Strawberry Company, which is located not too far from the hotel. They also have some other family-friendly activities there including a sunflower maze. I ended up picking strawberries that were nearly the size of my palm. It was impressive!
12p.m. Ending with a few of my favorite things
As someone who travels and shares my food experiences with you, it was important to squeeze in a few more! This led me to an afternoon filled with a few of my favorite things – coffee, gelato, wine, and pizza! 
Once I arrived back in Carlsbad Village, I went straight to Vinaka Cafe for a coffee. This cafe has been there for over 30 years, so it seemed like somewhere I couldn’t miss. I explained my allergies and ended up ordering an iced latte.
After enjoying it outside at a picnic table, I knew Gelato Love was in the same plaza area and was voted the best dessert in San Diego. I was hoping I could safely try a fruit flavored gelato. When I arrived, I explained my allergies, asked for a clean scoop and tried their lemon gelato. It was perfectly refreshing on a warm day!
My last stop of the day was at Napatini Wine Bar. With their wine wall of endless selections, I had fun trying sample sizes of a number of different wines that I may not typically know to order. Lynn was wonderful at making suggestions and I even safely ordered a flatbread for lunch. It was the best way to end the day!
FROM THIS TRIP:
Accommodations
Restaurants & Wineries
Coffee
Ice Cream
Mini-Grocery Store
Attractions:
- Walk around Carlsbad Village
- Carlsbad beaches
- Walk along The Boardwalk
- Flower Fields
- U Pick Strawberries at The Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Farmers Market
Shops
ON MY NEXT TRIP:
For a quaint oceanside town, Carlsbad has countless attractions. I will have to return to explore the ones I didn’t have the chance to try on this trip!
Wineries:
Attractions:
Thank you to Visit Carlsbad for hosting me during my visit to Carlsbad, California. As always, my thoughts and opinions shared here are entirely my own.