There are multiple reasons to Love Living in Carlsbad CA. For example our beaches, the arts, dining, recreational opportunities, housing, sports, parks and greenspace, and our weather.
In this article the focus is on shopping opportunities.
I am not a big shopper. I go when needed for groceries, clothes, and supplies, but I don’t spend a lot of time out shopping. However, I’ve learned a few things while living here about all the options. Here’s a summary of some of what shoppers can expect in Carlsbad. This does not include all the possibilities, however.
SHOPPING MALLS
If you are interested in the mall experience, there are 4 major ones. The Shoppes at Carlsbad in the north offers a host of indoor shops with a few big name retailers and dozens of smaller ones. Plenty of dining opportunities there too.
Furthermore, another popular mall is the Carlsbad Premium Outlets Mall off Palomar Airport Road in central Carlsbad. If you haven’t been this is an outdoor mall with dozens of shops and multiple places to dine.
In addition, The Forum Carlsbad is an upscale outdoor mall with dozens of retailers, boutiques and service providers off Calle Barcelona and EL Camino Real. You’ll find Jimbo’s Naturally, a specialty grocer, and several restaurants as well.
Finally, check out La Costa Towne Square in South Carlsbad off Rancho Santa Fe Road. This is another outdoor mall, with a wide range of retailers. There’s also a Vons Grocery and the luxury Cinepolis Movie Theater. You’ll find restaurants, too!
CARLSBAD VILLAGE SHOPPING
Carlsbad Village offers a wide range of retailers to satisfy most interests and needs. As a result, you’ll find home furnishings, consignment shops, a music store, art galleries, multiple gift shops, ice cream shops, a gelato store, and much more.
Moreover, don’t miss the Carlsbad Village Faire Shopping Center in the heart of the Village, at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive. It’s just past the train tracks, and offers multiple retailers, restaurants, galleries, and health and fitness providers. Additionally, the open-air courtyard is a pleasant place to sit and relax. Plus you’ll find free music performances during the year especially at holiday time.
The State Street Farmers Market takes place on State Street in the Village between Grand Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive. The Farmers Market is on Wednesdays from 2:30 until 6 pm (open until 7 pm during Daylight Saving Time). You’ll find a wide range of fresh organic produce, artisanal and take-out foods, and more.
OTHER SHOPPING
Bressi Ranch Village Center and The Square at Bressi Ranch are adjacent to the Bressi Ranch residential community. These open shopping areas offer a range of retailers, specialty stores, service providers, and plenty of restaurants. You’ll also find Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, BevMo and Stater Brothers Grocery Store.
Are you a big fan of Costco? If so, the Carlsbad Costco is off Palomar Airport Road in central Carlsbad about ½ mile east of the freeway.
When you need groceries there are multiple options in Carlsbad. You’ll find Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Vons, Jimbos, Stater Brothers, Smart and Final, Ralph’s Fresh Fare, and Gelson’s. There are smaller specialty markets, too, including Carlsbad Ranch Market, Pronto’s Gourmet Market and others.
CAR SHOPPING
Need to do some car shopping? Carlsbad has plenty of that too. Carlsbad Car Country may be the place to find a new or used car. Dealers include Ford, Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat, RAM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Jaguar, Land Rover, Chevrolet, Lexus, Mazda, VW, Subaru, Acura, Buick, GMC, Cadillac and Toyota.
Car Country is located along Paseo Del Norte just east of the Cannon Road exit off the 5 freeway. It carries over on a parallel/intersecting road, Car Country Drive. It’s right down the street from the Premium Outlets Mall.
If you have questions about shopping, or other things happening in Carlsbad, please let me know.
Here are links to earlier articles on the Reasons to Love Living in Carlsbad.
The Arts Part 2 – Film and Outdoor Movies
The Arts Part 4 – Wall Murals and Sculpture