Carlsbad, CA Home to Beaches & Legoland

Carlsbad State Beach

Carlsbad Boulevard
Highway S21 & Tamarack
Carlsbad, CA
Tamarack State Beach, Carlsbad California Beach Photos and Information
Carlsbad, Calif.--"What beach is this," I asked two local surfers at their car changing out of their wetsuits into some dry duds. "Camera", I thought I heard them say in unison with the sand blowing and the wind muffling their voices. I repeated the word "camera" and they said, "no, Tamarack". OH! I remember hearing about Tamarack, or I saw it on a sign. Carlsbad is comprised of a handful of beaches featuring mostly soft pale sands and the base of hills. South Carlsbad State Beach and Ponto Beach are several.
As you drive down a hill into a big paved parking lot, you've found the easy, free access to Tamarack Beach or North Carlsbad State Beach. Some even call it Tamarack State Beach. Any way you mix it or stir up the dust, it is one of the state beaches in Carlsbad, which loves its Legoland but also loves its beaches, as well. Approx. four miles of sand that's great for running, jogging, and walking, also makes for great surfing, sunbathing and R&R. Tourists and locals alike love beaches, so it is no surprise that the beaches of Carlsbad would be one of the best places to run into friends or meet new people if you like.
The beaches have weather in Carlsbad, like it or not. Of the 10 times I've driven by and stopped, I've seen fog twice, a light mist once, sunshine once, clouds, another, and some sandstorm type activity, more than once.
According to the City of Carlsbad, the sand that tends to blow can contain sand that got washed downstream from Oceanside, a city which spends time, money and effort on beach replenishment.
While access to Tamarack Beach is as easy as exiting Interstate (San Diego) Freeway 5, we prefer the coastal drive along historic route 101. The drive along the beaches of Oceanside is broken up much like the roads that access their beaches for short distances, then dead end or turn back inland again. Once you hit Carlsbad on the coast, however, it's smooth sailing and driving as your drive remains parallel to the Pacific Ocean throughout your journey at this city.

When I went this week, the wind was whipping through and sand was blowing grit in my teeth. However, my friends went and they had great weather. They said their trip was perfect. If you are planning a bonfire at the lagoon just south of Tamarack, don't do it. My friends said they almost got a ticket, till they talked their way out of it. She is an attractive young blonde who seems to get out of all sorts of jams with her good looks. We wish that the ticket-writers had authority to cite speeders and drivers ignoring the crosswalk to the beach. Do use caution along this area when crossing the street near Carlsbad Village Drive.
Address: Carlsbad, Carlsbad Village Drive & Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, CA 92008