Woman on a boardwalk at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad

Under the Radar Outdoors

Carlsbad may be known for beaches, but under the radar there’s a whole lot more to the great outdoors along its less crowded 7 miles of coastline. It’s home to a historic state park (with an upcoming holiday lights event!) and meditative hiking trails for tranquillity and forest bathing.

Week: 11.17.2021
Regions: Southern CA

Holiday at the Rancho

Hike at Leo Carrillo Rancho Historic Park in Carlsbad

Woman on a wide open trail at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Woman hiking a trail at Leo Carillo Ranch Historic Park
Woman hiking among Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Visit the beautifully restored 27-acre Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, a cultural gem in Carlsbad that can be explored as part of a serene 2-mile loop and has an upcoming holiday tree-lighting and festivities event.
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The Coast with the Most Adventures

Oregon Coast Adventure Guide

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Boats on the Oregon Coast
woman on the Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast isn't your average coast. Take a road trip through charming towns, see numerous historic lighthouses, explore shipwreck beaches, wander bustling promenades, or go “sandboarding” at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Explore the Oregon Coast

Hosp Grove Forest Bathing

Forest bathe on a 3-mile hike at the Hosp Grove Park in Carlsbad

Woman is walking into a eucalyptus forest in Hosp Grove Park in Carlsbad
Woman hiking and forest bathing in eucalyptus forest at Hosp Grove in Carlsbad
Woman hiking and forest bathing in eucalyptus forest at Hosp Grove in Carlsbad
Forest bathe as you wander among one of the densest displays of eucalyptus trees via an accessible 3-mile adventure at Hosp Grove Park in Carlsbad.
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Buena Vista Lagoon

Go on a Meditative Stroll at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad

Woman hiking on a boardwalk at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad
Woman hiking on a trail surrounded by foliage at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad
Woman standing at an overlook at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad
Woman walking on the ocean shoreline at Carlsbad City Beach
Take an easygoing wander at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad, then visit neighboring Carlsbad City Beach for a 1.25-mile out-and-back beach stroll that includes the lagoon’s connecting point with the Pacific Ocean.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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    Sweet as the Sea

    Rough-and-tumble coastline, twisting Highway 1, open grasslands, hidden beaches, bluff trails, and a rustic lodge for storm watching from indoors—we’re not talking about Big Sur. We’re talking Sea Ranch and its namesake lodge on the Sonoma Coast. Walk its famous bluff-top trail, a cliff-hugging sensation with soaring Pacific scenery.

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  2. Sponsored

    The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!

    Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

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    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

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    Hot Springs, Naturally

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

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  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast
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    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

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