12 Best Things to Do For Thanksgiving in Carlsbad (2024)

(updated February 2024)

At Thanksgiving, Carlsbad is an enticing destination with stunning beaches and family friendly activities. Visiting Carlsbad for Thanksgiving offers an array of festive activities that bring everyone together in gratitude and celebration.

As a Carlsbad local of over twenty years, our extended family spends Thanksgiving in Carlsbad year after year. This post lists family friendly activities you can enjoy over the Thanksgiving holiday. Immerse yourself in the warmth and joy of Thanksgiving in this picturesque city.

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Things to Do on Thanksgiving in Carlsbad

One of our Thanksgiving traditions is to get outdoors before our holiday feast. There are a variety of things to do in Carlsbad on Thanksgiving the whole family can enjoy. Keep reading for Thanksgiving day activities in Carlsbad.

1. Go For a Walk Thanksgiving Morning

One of the best things to do on Thanksgiving in Carlsbad is go for a walk. Carlsbad has tons of trails with a variety of difficulty levels. Check out some great Carlsbad hiking trails on the All Trails site.

One of our favorite activities is walking around the Batiquitos Lagoon trail. This is more of a walk, than a hike so it’s well suited for the whole family including children and grandparents. This flat 3.4 mile loop offers beautiful views!

2. Rent Electric Bikes

If you are looking for a thrill, a fun thing to do In Carlsbad is rent an e-bike! Carlsbad E-bike rentals are open on Thanksgiving day. Without question, a scenic bike ride through Carlsbad Village is a great way to kick start your Carlsbad holiday.

3. Visit Legoland on Thanksgiving

Another family-friendly activity during Thanksgiving is a visit to Legoland, California. It has rides and attractions for the whole family. Legoland Reservations are required and can be made on their website.

Thanksgiving Legoland California 2023 Hours of Operation:

• 10:30 am- 6:30 pm

4. Spend Thanksgiving at Sea Life Aquarium

If Legoland seems too hectic, stop by Sea Life Aquarium instead. At the Legoland aquarium, you can spend a few hours admiring the sea creatures and still have time for a huge Thanksgiving celebration.

Sea Life Aquarium Thanksgiving 2023 Hours of Operation:

• 10:30 am-6:30 pm

5. Visit Carlsbad Beaches on Thanksgiving

Fortunately, Carlsbad is blessed with gorgeous weather. Often, Thanksgiving weather is surprisingly warm. If the sun is shining, head to one of the stunning beaches in Carlsbad on Thanksgiving. South Ponto Beach, Carlsbad State Beach, or Tamarack State Beach are our favorites.

Chances are the water will be cold, so bring your wetsuits if you plan to surf or bodyboard. Even if you don’t get in the water, spend a few hours at the beaches in Carlsbad playing smashball, frisbee or volleyball. If you want to avoid the sand, stroll along the Carlsbad Sea Wall.

Check out surf conditions with this live Carlsbad beach cam . . .

6. Try Yoga on Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving holiday can be stressful. If you need a break from cooking and entertaining try a free beach yoga class on Thanksgiving. You will feel relaxed and ready to enjoy the holiday after this calming 60 minute stretch and flow class. Make sure to register for the class with the link above.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Donations are optional, but encouraged.

7. Play at Parks in Carlsbad on Thanksgiving

For more family fun, grab a football and visit one of the many community parks in Carlsbad. Spend a few hours on Thanksgiving under the trees or climbing on the playground. Some of the best parks in Carlsbad are Alga Norte Park and Poinsettia Community Park. You can even bring your furry family members to these dog-friendly parks.

8. Try a Turkey Trot

If you are a fan of running, register for the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. This event is north of Carlsbad, in Oceanside. Choose from a 5K to 5 mile run in the gorgeous San Diego weather. Races begin at 6:45 am on Thanksgiving day.

• Adults cost $49-$69 (depending on course)
• Active military and seniors $46-$62
• Kids $32-$45

9. Take Day Trips to San Diego Attractions

There are a variety of family friendly attractions that are accessible from Carlsbad during Thanksgiving. Check out these ideas for a day trip to San Diego on Thanksgiving.

SeaWorld San Diego

Thanksgiving day is a great time to explore marine life at Seaworld San Diego. Seaworld is open before and after the holiday. Check their website for additional hours.

Thanksgiving hours of operation for Seaworld:

• Open Thanksgiving Day and weekend 10:00 am- 8:00 pm
• Seaworld tickets are $114.99 for ages 3 and up. They are “buy one get one free” for Black Friday

Address for Seaworld San Diego:

• 500 Seaworld Drive San Diego, California 92109

San Diego Safari Park

Get “wild” at the San Diego Safari Park over Thanksgiving. The park is open daily over the holiday. Check the San Diego Safari Park website for modified hours.

Thanksgiving hours for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park:

• Open 9:00am – 5:00 pm
• 1 Day pass tickets start at $69 for adults and $59 for children ages 3-11

Address for the Safari Park:

• 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido CA 92027

The San Diego Zoo

Grab the family and visit the World Famous San Diego Zoo. It’s open daily during the Thanksgiving holiday. Check the San Diego Zoo website here for holiday hours.

Thanksgiving hours of operation for the San Diego Zoo:

• Open 9:00 am- 5:00 pm on Thanksgiving
• Single day passes start at $69 for adults and $59 for children 3-11

Address for the San Diego Zoo:

• 2920 Zoo Drive San Diego, CA 92101

Balboa Park

Explore 400 acres of gorgeous scenery at Balboa Park. This San Diego landmark also offers numerous art and science museums the whole family will enjoy.

• A parkwide pass for 16 museums costs: Adults $67 or $43 for kids ages 3-11
• Limited pass: $56 for adults and $35 for children
• Balboa Park is CLOSED on Thanksgiving, but open the following day
• Check the hours of operation for individual museums on their website

Address for Balboa Park:

• 1549 El Prado Suite 4 San Diego, CA 92101

10. Enjoy a Thanksgiving Meal in Carlsbad

When it comes to the Thanksgiving holiday, food is one of the main priorities. If you aren’t planning to cook this year, there are plenty of Carlsbad restaurants open for Thanksgiving dinner. Choose from prix fixe menus, buffets, or ordering Thanksgiving meals to go. From traditional roasted turkey breast to Italian meals for the holiday, Carlsbad has you covered.

Things to Do After Thanksgiving in Carlsbad

11. Black Friday Shopping After Thanksgiving

After stuffing yourself with turkey and pie, it’s time for Black Friday. No Thanksgiving celebration is complete without shopping for sale items on Black Friday. Keep reading to find the best places to shop after Thanksgiving in Carlsbad!

Carlsbad Premium Outlets

The Carlsbad Outlets are closed on Thanksgiving day, but doors open early for Black Friday. Some of the favorite stores here ar the Tory Burch outlet, Le Creuset, Kate Spade, Boss and more! In addition to shopping there are numerous restaurants and places to grab coffee too.

Carlsbad Outlet Hours on Thanksgiving:

• CLOSED on Thanksgiving
• 6:00 am – 9:00 pm (Black Friday hours)
• Monday-Saturday 10:00 am- 9:00 pm
• Sunday 11:00 am- 7:00 pm

Address for the Carlsbad Premium Outlets:

• 5620 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad, CA 92008 (near the Flower Fields of Carlsbad)

The Forum Carlsbad

Next, explore the upscale outdoor Carlsbad Forum Shopping Center. Some favorites stores here are the new Vuori store, Anthropologie, Madewell, Gorjana and Urban Outfitters. It also has Casa de Bandini (a favorite Mexican restaurant), and treats such as the new McConnell’s ice cream store.

Black Friday Hours of Operation for The Forum Carlsbad:

• CLOSED on Thanksgiving
• Monday- Saturday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
• Sunday 11:00 am- 6:00 pm

Address for the Carlsbad Forum:

• 1905 Calle Barcelona Carlsbad, CA 92009

Shoppes at Carlsbad Mall

Last but not least, shop til you drop at the Shoppes at Carlsbad. This large shopping mall has stores such as H & M, Zara, Macy’s, Express and more.

Black Friday Hours of Operation for the Shoppes at Carlsbad 2023:

• CLOSED on Thanksgiving
• Black Friday 9:00 am- 9:00 pm

The Shoppes at Carlsbad address:

• 2525 El Camino Real Carlsbad, CA 92008

12. Take Holiday Themed Cooking Classes

After Thanksgiving, Sur la Table is offering a variety of holiday themed cooking classes and events. They offer options from baking cookies, to holiday appetizers, pasta and more. We have tried their cooking classes as a family and thoroughly enjoyed them. Most cooking classes are age 14 and up. Check their website for family cooking classes for ages 7+.

• Minors under 17 must be accompanied by an adult
• Prices are $89+

Thanksgiving Carlsbad, CA: Final Thoughts

No matter how you spend your holiday in North County San Diego, I hope you are surrounded with love and gratitude. Spending Thanksgiving in Carlsbad offers plenty of ways to spend time with friends and family through activities and delicious meals.