Explore the best of Summer in Carlsbad with these 5 fun-filled activities

Carlsbad State Beach

If you’re in need of a coastal escape filled with adventure and rejuvenation, you’ll find it all at The Cassara Carlsbad. Whether you’re a land explorer or a sea enthusiast, our centrally located resort offers easy access to the top 5 things to do in Carlsbad this Summer, all within a 5-mile radius of the property. 

So gear up for a memorable experience and discover these five must-do activities:

Retail Therapy. Carlsbad boasts a shopping paradise that caters to every taste and style. Start your retail therapy at the world-renowned Carlsbad Premium Outlets, where discounts on high-end brands await you. At The Forum Carlsbad, you can discover a treasure trove of luxurious finds, and don’t forget The Shoppes at Carlsbad, which features a variety of stores for shoppers to peruse, and Carlsbad Village, where you can explore dining establishments, boutiques, local artwork, and unique handcrafted gems.

Tee Off at The Crossings. Experience golfing bliss at The Crossings at Carlsbad, an 18-hole championship golf course named after its five bridges. As you play the par-72, 6,835-yard layout, you can soak in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, pristine greens, and rolling hills. The course seamlessly integrates natural elements such as canyons, water features, and native vegetation, creating an awe-inspiring playing experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Dive into Aquatic Adventures. Carlsbad’s 7-miles of stunning beaches offer a diverse range of water sports and activities. Whether you’re a surfer, hiker, birdwatcher, or beachcomber, you’ll find your slice of paradise here. The Carlsbad Lagoon, meanwhile, is a haven for paddle boarding, kayaking, and jet skiing, providing an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts. And for a day of family fun, head to LEGOLAND Water Park, a wonderland of more than 60 rides, slides, and attractions.

Indulge in Culinary Delights. Prepare your taste buds for an exceptional culinary journey at The Cassara Kitchen & Bar, where you can indulge in Mediterranean-inspired bites, sip on handcrafted cocktails, and enjoy poolside views. Just a stone’s throw away, the Karl Strauss Brewing Company beckons with a delectable selection of craft beers and a diverse menu of American classics. The nearby sister resorts of The Cassara also offer a diverse range of dining options, from wood-fired pizzas and gourmet burgers at 7 Mile Kitchen to the upscale cuisine at 20Twenty restaurant. The downtown Carlsbad area enhances the culinary offerings as well with an abundance of popular restaurants.

Connect with Nature. Embrace the serenity of nature as you explore the walking trails and environmental landmarks that surround The Cassara Carlsbad. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon and its Discovery Center offer an immersive experience, with insights into the lagoon’s diverse flora and fauna spread across 400 acres. Visit the nearby Carlsbad Aquafarm for a glimpse into the marine world. The farm harvests oysters and mussels and offers tours and tastings. Hiking enthusiasts, meanwhile, will enjoy routes such as the Veterans Park Trail, Hosp Grove Trail, and Calavera Hills Village H North Trail, offering picturesque vistas and opportunities to connect with nature.

An insider’s guide to popular packages

Stay Fit Package: Enjoy a wellness-focused stay in a Peloton room with a Fitness Bonus bag, luxury King bed, private Peloton bike, TRX Resistance Bands, Theragun Elite, Therabody Wave Roller, and more.

Shop & Stay Package: Indulge in retail therapy with overnight accommodations, a $50 Simon Visa Gift Card per night, waived parking fees, and a free shuttle to and from Carlsbad Premium Outlet Mall.

Carlsbad Lagoon Package: Enjoy an overnight stay with waived parking and a $50 voucher toward water sport rentals such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, aqua cycles, canoes, and swan pedal boats.

Stay & Play Golf Package: Enjoy an overnight stay with a round of golf at The Crossings at Carlsbad, breakfast for two, shuttle to and from the course, and more.

Genuine Hospitality

General manager Stan Gershkovich strives to elevate the guest experience at The Cassara Carlsbad

In February of this year, Stan Gershkovich assumed the role as General Manager at The Cassara Carlsbad, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the service industry. With a degree in Hospitality Management and a diverse background in leadership roles at renowned properties, he possesses a deep understanding of crafting unforgettable guest experiences. Here, he shares his insights into his background, what makes The Cassara Carlsbad a unique destination, and his goals for the property.

Can you tell us about your experience in the industry? I graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona and had the unique opportunity to start my career at an iconic property in San Francisco called The Westin St. Francis as a Management Trainee. After a few years in the Bay Area, I moved to North County San Diego, where I held multiple roles with Harrah’s Resort Southern California, including Director of Housekeeping and Director of Hotel Operations. The most recent leg of my hospitality journey introduced me to The Westin-Sheraton Carlsbad Resort, where I served as the Assistant General Manager.

What attracted you to the role of GM at The Cassara Carlsbad? The Cassara is an exceptional and unique property with sweeping views of the coastline. I was immediately enamored by the beautiful grounds, incredible staff, and top-notch facilities.

Why would you recommend The Cassara Carlsbad as a travel destination? The resort offers a wide array of amenities for all types of travelers. The spacious Karlsbad Suites offer the perfect room configuration for families, an Activities Center and arcade will keep the kids entertained with a basketball court and play sets adjacent. Business travelers are accommodated with our convenient proximity to local Carlsbad business parks with complimentary shuttle transportation within a 5-mile radius and wonderful cocktail bar in the lobby serving drinks daily. Carlsbad is a world-class travel destination with blue skies, beaches, nature trails and hikes, as well as exceptional restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

What’s your favorite amenity at the resort and why? The Quiet Pool, as it offers unparalleled views of the coastline and convenient poolside food and beverage service.

What are your goals at The Cassara? From future in-room technology enhancements that will allot guests a more personalized experience to adding essential amenities such as luggage service, we constantly seek new and innovative ways to create a unique but welcoming experience for our guests.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work? I enjoy surfing, grilling, and traveling. Most of my time outside of work is spent at home with my wife and dog usually working on DIY home-improvement projects.