Carlsbad State Beach

Tamarack Beach in Carlsbad California

Carlsbad State Beach in the San Diego Area includes popular Tamarack Beach in Carlsbad CA. The long beach stretches for over a mile and has a new concrete boardwalk/seawall.

Updated March 23, 2024 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures

Carlsbad State Beach

Carlsbad State Beach
Carlsbad Tamarack beach is popular with locals and tourists. The beach is close to all the top Carlsbad attractions including
Legoland, Sea Life Aquarium , Carlsbad Flower Fields, and the Carlsbad Premium Outlet Mall. Nearby is also The Wave Waterpark in Vista and the California Surf Museum in Oceanside.


Carlsbad California Beach - Tamarack Beach General Information

Tamarack Beach Carlsbad California
Location Tamarack Carlsbad Beach: Along Carlsbad Blvd. (Highway 101) at Pacific Ocean at west end of Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad, California

Directions to Tamarack Beach Carlsbad Cal by Car or Train: see below | Google Map

Parking: Free parking lot at end of Tamarack Avenue, and free parking along Highway 101.

Getting There: Short walk to the beach from parking areas. Also the long Tamarack Beach boardwalk offers great access by bicycling, roller blading, and jogging.

Things to Do: Walking, jogging, roller blading, sunbathing, swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, beach volleyball, picnic in a grassy park.

Things to See: Young people at the beach, sunset over the Pacific Ocean, surfers, downtown Carlsbad Village on Carlsbad Village Drive

Facilities: Restrooms, showers, changing rooms, trash cans, concrete boardwalk and seawall stretches for about 1 mile along the beach.

Services: The south end of the beach does not have many services, but at the north end and near Carlsbad Village you can find many restaurants, bars, surf shops, rental shops and vacation rentals along the beach.

High Tide Access: Good beach at low to moderate tide; at high tide, the beach can disappear.

Lifeguard: Lifeguards during summer. Call for information (760) 438-2675

Dog Rules: No dogs allowed on Carlsbad State Beach, but dogs are permitted on the upper walkway.

Things NOT to Do: No alcohol, no glass containers, no smoking, no littering, no disturbing noise, no overnight sleeping, camping or parking.

Disability Access: Some disabled parking and access along Tamarack boardwalk

Hazards Carlsbad State Beach: Rip currents.


Carlsbad California Hotels

If you are looking for a Carlsbad beach front hotel, try the Tamarack Beach Resort Close to all the Carlsbad attractions including Legoland, Sea Life Aquarium , Flower Fields, and Carlsbad Premium Outlet mall, you can walk across the street to the nearby Tamarack beach.


Other Carlsbad California Beach

South Carlsbad State Beach (better known as Ponto) is a favorite for local surfers. South Carlsbad State Campground is a popular San Diego beach camping spot for tent and RV camping.


Directions to Carlsbad Tamarack Beach
Carlsbad State Beach

Carlsbad Tamarack Beach
Carlsbad State Beach Tamarack Beach Driving Directions - From Interstate 5 in Carlsbad, go west on Tamarack Ave. to the Pacific Ocean. There is a parking lot at the end of Tamarack Ave. It the lot is full, you will need to find parking along the street.

Google Map

Directions to Carlsbad Beaches by Train - You can easily reach Carlsbad State Beach (Tamarack Beach) from the San Diego Coaster Train. The beach is 3 blocks from the Carlsbad Village train station. Note: The Coaster trains have limited service on Saturday, Sunday and holidays, so be sure to check the current train schedule.

Google Map Coaster Train Station

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Tides, Maps and Directions

Some beaches are best explored at low tide. Check out the tides and find maps and directions to the popular beaches below.

San Diego Tide Table

San Diego Tide Chart

What are San Diego Tides?

Beach Map and Directions


San Diego Beaches

These are the top beaches in San Diego, listed from north to south:

Torrey Pines Beach

Blacks Beach (Nude beach)

Blacks Beach (Surfer beach)

La Jolla Shores

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Windansea Beach

Pacific Beach

Mission Beach

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North San Diego County Beaches

These are the top beaches in San Diego’s North County, listed from north to south:

Oceanside Beach

Carlsbad Tamarack Beach

Leucadia Beacons Beach

Stonesteps Beach

Moonlight Beach Encinitas

Fletcher Cove Solana Beach

Del Mar Beach


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