a view of a beach and the ocean from a cliff | Houfy — Book Direct

Carlsbad vacation rentals

Vacation rentals in Carlsbad by owner — compare homes, condos and cabins, message verified hosts, and book direct with no service fees.

Carlsbad in sunny California offers family-friendly attractions like LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad State Beach, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, and Tamarack Surf Beach. Guests often visit for the vibrant Carlsbad Village, hiking at Batiquitos Lagoon, and events at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company. With Houfy, connect directly with owners for a more affordable stay. Browse a variety of rentals, from oceanview condos to family-friendly homes in nearby Oceanside and Encinitas. Carlsbad's mild climate makes it a draw year-round, though spring sees the brightest blooms at the Flower Fields.

Top-Rated Vacation Homes in Carlsbad

Browse the highest rated vacation properties in Carlsbad.

Steps to the Ocean+Village Beach Home w Hot Tub

3 bd· ba
5· 366

$1,651.89 USD total for 3 nights

Oct 5 – 8, 2026

Amazing Beach House!
We had an absolutely amazing time at this Carlsbad beach house. The location can't be beat...just a short walk down to Tamarack Beach. The house itself was even better than we imagined! Three large bedrooms and three bathrooms gave our family plenty of room to spread out. The kitchen was the best stocked kitchen we have ever seen...anything you could possibly need! The backyard was a relaxing oasis with tons of fun extras...hammocks, hot tub, multiple seating areas and such beautiful greenery! The house was equipped with more than enough beach gear including towels, chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, boogey boards, etc. Communication was outstanding. Our host messaged back right away whenever we had a question. Would definitely recommend! We will be back!
A. B. · Stay August 2022

Spacious Beach Residence w Backyard Pond & Hot Tub

3 bd· ba
5· 287

$1,266.27 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 28 – Oct 1, 2026

Great house - short walk to beach
My family (2 adults, 4 teens) enjoyed our stay in this lovely home. The house was VERY clean and well-stocked with all the essentials. Lots of space for all of us to hang out together or separately, without ever feeling like we were on top of one another. There are tv’s in the living area and the front bedroom, but none in the primary bedroom or the bunk room (which was a little disappointing given we asked ahead and were told there were TVs in every room). Terramar Beach is right up the road, accessible by staircase, but unfortunately was covered with seaweed the entire week- so we opted to drive to a couple of nearby beaches just north and it worked out well. Overall, a great house with fantastic indoor/outdoor space to relax.
E. O. · Stay August 2023

Oceanside beach home w/nice ocean view, AC & EVC!

4 bd·3 ba
5· 142

$2,245.00 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 25 – 28, 2026

Nearly perfect in every way
This property is a great vacation rental. Everything is like new and very nicely appointed. It is in a good location and the views from the roof top are spectacular. The layout is perfect for two families staying together with essentially two master suites (one a true master, the other with a king bed and on suite bathroom). There is a place for the kids to watch TV and another for the adults to hang out and talk. There are TVs in every room with the ability to cast from your own device. It was nice to have a garage for two cars. The kitchen is well stocked with new pans and appliances. It has everything you could want. The beach is just across the road and is rocky (pebbles). If you want a sandy beach there is one up at the pier about a 15/20 minute walk, or use the bikes that are provided. They have plenty of buggy boards and sand toys. The owner was very responsive and caring. Overall, one of our top vacation rentals. Enjoy a glass of wine on the roof with the sunset!
S. B. · Stay June 2021

Modern Beach Residence w Backyard Pond & Hot Tub

3 bd·2 ba
5· 162

$1,088.86 USD total for 3 nights

Oct 19 – 22, 2026

It worked out well -
The rental worked out well for us. The house felt modern, clean, bed was comfortable, stocked with what we needed. We have family in the area so the location worked well for us. It was an easy walk to a beach and a short drive to restaurants. We were a bit bummed that the fire pit could not be used but the master shower was wonderful and will be missed.
D. C. · Stay November 2022

Steps 2 Ocean, Spacious Family Retreat, No Pet Fee

3 bd·2 ba
5· 62

$1,216.32 USD total for 3 nights

Oct 20 – 23, 2026

This was the perfect spot to stay! It was very walkable, which was perfect for us. It was only a 10 minute walk to downtown Carlsbad and a 5 minute walk to the beach. The inside of the home was very clean and inviting. The beds were very comfy, the kitchen and all the cooking utensils, and the bathrooms were big and very nicely remodeled. We really loved the amount of people Jill’s place could accommodate as we had a few family game and movie nights at the end of each day and everyone fit comfortably in the living room and at the dining table! Not to mention the price was perfect for our budget, and didn’t break the bank like the other Airbnb’s in the area. We will definitely be going back to this spot next time we visit Carlsbad! It was a great family trip!
S. · Stay October 2025

Private Hot Tub & Yard | 15 min. Walk to Beach

3 bd·2 ba
5· 38

$1,379.19 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 22 – 25, 2026

I LOVED my second stay at Ashley's listing! It just gets better and better each stay. Ashley is the absolute consummate host and always exceeds my expectations. She's so proactive, responsive, kind, and thoughtful. She leaves a lovely, handwritten note and healthy snacks like fresh date bread and tangerines from my favorite local market. She even made a little video to help me navigate the rear entrance gate. Her home is always ABSOLUTELY SPOTLESS, well maintained, and feels brand new. And it has all the conveniences I need -- like a fully equipped kitchen; a roomy, walk-in shower with glass doors and great water pressure; driveway parking for my car; and a clean laundry room with full sized washer and dryer. It's so quiet and peaceful, yet only a few blocks from the beach and all the action. Great blackout shades, central heating, and a magically soft, yet firmly supportive mattress in the master always ensure a great night's sleep. I wish all my AirBnB stays were this good
T. · Stay May 2025

Leucadia Hideaway (home 10 min to beach w/TeslaEV)

3 bd·2 ba
5· 12

$1,059.50 USD total for 3 nights

Dec 2 – 5, 2026

This was one of my favorite airbnb stays yet! - We felt right at home - totally comfortable. - Kitchen has every cooking device you might need (really, there was nothing we needed in general during our stay that wasn't available). - Beds are very comfortable (a MUST when traveling, IMO). - Beautiful, safe, quiet neighborhood, within walking distance to the beach. - Outdoor space is delightful - lush (lots of plants inside and outside), great seating options, hanging string lights create a "magical" feel - Beach towels, boogie boards, beach "basket", beach chairs, etc. all provided and went to good use. - Sara was wonderful. Very communicative, answering questions I didn't even think to ask, responded quickly when I reached out, was friendly & accommodating, and the welcome gift/note were the cherry on top!
E. · Stay July 2023

Modern House 2 Blocks to Moonlight Beach, Downtown

4 bd·2 ba
5· 22
This place is perfect! We spent our time exploring Encinitas, looking out at the wonderful beach views, cooking on the gas grill and in the kitchen, soaking in the hot tub, relaxing in front of the gas fireplace, lounging in the outdoor pario and just staring at the stellar primary bathroom. I'll never stop dreaming of the soaking bathtub with a view of banana trees. Our kids had their own space to play and their own TV plus access to some great toys, games and books that were perfect for them. Kitchen was fully stocked. There was the perfect amount of everything that we needed: towels , tp, soap, beds, The space was 5 minutes from an excellent beach/playground, 10 minutes from the main drag and the Coaster, 2 minutes to coffee and ice cream. I'm already looking for an excuse to come back down to SD to stay here again. Thank you Matthew and Grace!
A. · Stay January 2024

Recommended Homes in Carlsbad

Handpicked properties we think you'll love in Carlsbad.

$12,173.00 USD total for 21 nights

Dec 14, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027

$9,900.00 USD total for 30 nights

Sep 22 – Oct 22, 2026

$6,800.00 USD total for 30 nights

Nov 30 – Dec 30, 2026

$10,100.00 USD total for 30 nights

Sep 22 – Oct 22, 2026

$6,209.00 USD total for 21 nights

Oct 31 – Nov 21, 2026

Carlsbad Luxe 2 Rm Suite, Housekeeping, 31 Day Min

1 bd·1 ba
5· 4

$2,803.00 USD total for 31 nights

Sep 22 – Oct 23, 2026

Quaint Home with a View

1 bd·1 ba
5· 8

$2,510.00 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 30 – Oct 3, 2026

Pet friendly vacation rentals in Carlsbad

Bring your furry friend along! Browse pet-welcoming homes in Carlsbad.

Why visit Carlsbad

Discover what makes Carlsbad a perfect vacation rental destination.

Beautiful Beaches

Miles of pristine coastline.

Visit Tamarack Beach, just 2 miles from downtown Carlsbad, for a perfect day of sun and surf. The gentle waves are ideal for families.

Family Fun at LEGOLAND

A top draw for kids of all ages.

LEGOLAND California Resort, located 4 miles from the city center, offers over 60 rides and attractions, perfect for a family outing.

Diverse Culinary Scene

From fresh seafood to international dishes.

Embark on a culinary adventure at Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse, just half a mile from the beach, known for its ocean views and Italian cuisine.

Explore Batiquitos Lagoon

A natural reserve along the coast.

Hike the scenic Batiquitos Lagoon Trail, only 3 miles from central Carlsbad, offering opportunities for bird watching and nature photography.

Where to stay in Carlsbad

The best areas and neighborhoods for your vacation rental in Carlsbad.

Carlsbad Village

This vibrant area is known for its shopping, dining, and lively events. It's a walkable neighborhood close to the beach.

Best for: families, shoppers, foodies

La Costa

Famous for the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, this area is perfect for a luxurious stay with golf courses and upscale shopping nearby.

Best for: luxury travelers, golfers, relaxation

Aviara

Home to the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort and a wildlife sanctuary, this area offers luxury blended with nature.

Best for: nature lovers, luxury travelers

South Carlsbad

Known for its scenic beaches and quiet residential areas, South Carlsbad is perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat.

Best for: beachgoers, quiet retreats

Find Carlsbad vacation rentals that suit your style

Vacation homes, condos and more — pick the kind of Carlsbad vacation rental you want, then book it direct with the host.

Carlsbad vacation rentals with free WiFi, hot tub or air conditioning

Free WiFi, hot tub, air conditioning and more — every Carlsbad vacation rental here is listed by a verified host and bookable direct, with the price the host set.

Top attractions in Carlsbad

All within driving distance of Carlsbad vacation rentals.

Carlsbad State Beach

A popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, equipped with convenient amenities. · 1 mile

LEGOLAND California

This playful theme park features LEGO-themed rides and shows for kids and adults alike. · 4 miles

Museum of Making Music

Delve into the history and innovation of musical instruments at this interactive museum. · 5 miles

Batiquitos Lagoon

A serene nature reserve ideal for bird watching and hiking along its coastal trail. · 3 miles

Carlsbad Premium Outlets

Discover over 90 designer and brand-name stores offering significant discounts. · 5 miles

SEA LIFE Aquarium

Adjacent to LEGOLAND, it offers immersive oceanic experiences perfect for teaching kids about marine life. · 4 miles

Getting to and around Carlsbad

Navigating Carlsbad is easy with multiple transport options including airports and public transit.

Airports
MCCLELLAN-PALOMAR AIRPORT
Located 3 miles from downtown, it offers regional flights and private jet services.
SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
About 35 miles south, offering domestic and international flights, a major hub for travelers.
Public Transportation
NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT
Offers bus and Coaster rail services with routes throughout Carlsbad and connections to San Diego.
Driving
HIGHWAY 101
Scenic coastal highway running through Carlsbad, connecting to major attractions.

Similar vacation rentals near Carlsbad

Homes within 60 miles of Carlsbad, from verified hosts.

Red Barn Ranch- Luxury Retreat & Farm Stay

7 bd·5 ba
5· 8

$4,119.00 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 28 – Oct 1, 2026

MISSION BEACH SURF LODGE in ️ of MISSION BEACH!!

2 bd·1 ba
4.96· 191

$1,163.72 USD total for 3 nights

Oct 12 – 15, 2026

Twin Rock Tree House | Vintage Cabin

2 bd· ba
5· 552

$656.90 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 23 – 26, 2026

Ahwahnee-be Vintage Cabin | Three blocks to town!

3 bd· ba
5· 495

$795.50 USD total for 3 nights

Oct 4 – 7, 2026

Mountain Retreat

4 bd·3 ba
5· 28

New Remodeled 2 BR Close to Zoo and Restaurants

2 bd·1 ba
4.73· 456

$467.00 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 27 – 30, 2026

California Cool 1 br House Walk to Restaurant Bars

1 bd·1 ba
4.71· 356

$382.80 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 22 – 25, 2026

Casa Pacifica West

2 bd·1 ba
4.91· 431

$575.30 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 23 – 26, 2026

Cozy Apartment in Historic SD Walk to Restaurants

1 bd·1 ba
4.64· 308

$310.00 USD total for 3 nights

Oct 5 – 8, 2026

Pacific/Mission Beach/Bay/CrownPtShores/Primo LOCA

4 bd·2 ba
4.56· 273

$1,902.95 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 22 – 25, 2026

Upscale Studio Close to Balboa Park & Zoo

0 bd·1 ba
4.76· 273

$423.48 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 27 – 30, 2026

Explore near Carlsbad

Cities and towns within driving distance of Carlsbad, each bookable direct with the host.

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