1. South Carlsbad State Beach
City: Carlsbad, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (800) 444-7275 (reservations)
Address: 7201 Carlsbad Blvd
Description: This is a rare campground set on the bluffs above the beach at Carlsbad and perfect for those who wish to combine camping with water sports. Surfing, fishing, or simply swimming are all right at your feet here. The site includes a coin-op laundry, a convenience store, showers, restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground has 220 tent or RV sites (no hookups), from $30 to $35 per night. Ten sites are wheelchair accessible. Reservations can be made up to seven months in advance.
2. California Water Sports
City: Carlsbad, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (760) 434-3089
Address: 4215 Harrison Street
Description: Located at Snug Harbor Marina in North County Coastal, this store provides everything you need for a water-sporting good time, including instruction on use and safety.You can rent kayaks and canoes for $15 to $20 an hour. You can rent WaveRunners for $70 for a half hour or $95 for an hour, and the equipment can be shared with up to four people. When you rent motorized equipment, you’ll also be shown a seven-minute safety and instructional video. They like having first-timers come to Snug Harbor Marina and make sure there are plenty of instructors on the beach for additional help. You can also take classes on these sports at the marina. Snug Harbor also has a pro shop, snack bar, and picnic tables.
3. Offshore Surf Shop
City: Carlsbad, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (760) 729-4934
Address: 3179 Carlsbad Boulevard
Description: Offshore Surf Shop can outfit you in everything from a perfect-fit wet suit to reef sandals and shoes. Yes, they sell new and used surfboards and rent surf gear. If you’re looking for something special, say an antique long board, put in your request here. The store has a full line of men’s and women’s beachwear, from shorts to logo T-shirts to bathing suits. They can also tell you about the surf along Carlsbad beaches.
4. Witt’S Carlsbad Pipelines
City: Carlsbad, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (760) 729-4423
Address: 2975 Carlsbad Boulevard
Description: If you were to create a surf shop for a movie set or television show, you’d build it just like Witt’s. It’s a bit crowded, loaded with surf stuff, and all of the staff has that truly San Diego surf look down pat, including the warm, friendly smiles. If you’re from a part of the country or world that doesn’t have surf shops and you want to see the ultimate example, head to Witt’s and take some snapshots of the store to show the folks back home.Witt’s is a welcoming, low-key place with a dedication to service. No surfing question is too basic. They want you to succeed at the sport, and while the more upscale stores might sell you unnecessary stuff, at Witt’s you can depend on solid advice.
5. Carlsbad Community Swim Complex
City: Carlsbad, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (760) 746-2028
Address: 3401 Monroe Street
Description: Designated hours for lap swimming and recreational swimming are offered here; call for the schedule, which tends to vary because of special events. Admission is $3.00 for adults who are Carlsbad residents, $4.00 for adult nonresidents, and $2.00 for children age 17 and younger.