It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or a wanderer, Southern California is a trove of fun to explore. We’ve put together a list of adventures that we can’t wait to share with you. If you’re looking for things to do this summer in or around Carlsbad, this is the list you’ve been looking for!
Explorations for everyone
California may feel like an endless expanse of possibility or just a one trick pony. Whether you’re feeling like you’ve done everything or don’t know where to begin, we’ve got you covered.
1. Connect with local cuisine.
One of the most versatile items on our list, we couldn’t resist the urge to put it right at the very top! Food and nourishing your body can take many forms. It’s delightful that it can also be an activity you enjoy in many ways. Consider checking out your local farmer’s market, exploring a co-op or trying a new recipe or place to eat that includes an in-season delight right from your local area.
2. Boardwalks and beaches galore!
California has no shortage of beaches, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world right here in our own backyard. Explore the beaches for a picnic or morning yoga before hitting the many boardwalks along the coast for an afternoon with friends. You can make a beach and boardwalk adventure into anything you want or need with so much at your fingertips.
3. Try the Coastal Rail Trail
Beginning in central Carlsbad Village, the Coastal Rail Trail is a unique opportunity to explore nature along a guided experience that you can take at your own pace. Do this solo or try a scavenger hunt with friends: the fairy house addition and dog-and-bike friendly paving make this an all-purpose outdoor adventure for those looking for new things to do this summer.
With the family
There are plenty of lists and articles out there gently nudging you toward another indoor day, or another expensive attraction. While these can be a lot of fun on occasion, there is so much to see in Southern California. These are our top 3 recommendations things to do this summer as a family.
1. Go strawberry picking.
There are a number of places to do this around SoCal and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Strawberry picking is a wonderful activity to collectively reconnect with nature and with the way your food nurtures your body. This is an experience you won’t forget. Bonus: during autumn, many SoCal strawberry farms also have pumpkin patches- it’s a multiseason activity that can be revisited time and again.
2. Become Beach Rangers
Spend a day learning about the ecology of our local beaches from the ground up! Cape Ray Carlsbad hosts an incredible program that will have you feeling connected to our beaches and earns an awesome Junior Beach Ranger badge for the kiddos. Bonus: The Junior Ranger program is offered at many California state parks!
3. Enjoy a park
Harness the magic of nostalgia by revisiting the possibility of play that comes from spaces designed for just that. There are many parks around Carlsbad and beyond and you can’t go wrong with any of them that strike your fancy. From skate parks to play parks, find your inner child in the sun with your loved ones.
Try something new
Try something new Feeling like you just need a little more spice in your life? We’ve got compassionate challenges to get creative with your time spent connecting with the community and yourself. Are you up to the exploration?
1. Learn a watersport
There are a number of ways to move your body in joyful ways within watery spaces and Southern California has ample opportunities to try all of them. From surfing at the beach to kayaking in protected ecological lands, aquatic adventure is at your fingertips if it’s been on your bucket list. The sheer variety makes this one of our favorite things to do this Summer.
2. Express yourself with art
From street art to ceramics, Carlsbad has a thriving arts scene and there are many ways to get involved. If you’re more of an art appreciation type: we highly recommend this mural walk you can explore at your own leisure. Maybe you’ll find yourself inspired to try your hand at something creative along the way.
3. Spend a rainy day exploring a museum.
When the weather isn’t playing nicely, it may be difficult to find exploring you can access. You’re in luck! The Southern California museum scene is magnificent. You can explore geology, manufacturing, history, art or even space right here in Southern California.
Affirmations for adventure
Trying new things can feel scary, no matter how excited you are for them. We’ve crafted a few affirmations for you to reconnect with your Summer sense of adventure and feel safe in your body and this moment as you do.
“Find magic where your feet are”
“There is something to be grateful for in this moment”
“I can radiate from the inside out”
“There is space for me, my body and my feelings”
Are you planning a day out for a loved one in treatment or searching for substance abuse support for yourself? Know that when you trust us with your healing, you can feel confident that we’ll keep connection to the natural world front and center.
At Villa Kali Ma, we’re inspired by the natural beauty of southern California and implement as many opportunities to connect to nature as we can. Learn more about our holistic recovery center and our programs rooted in living the best life that SoCal can offer.
