Tamarack State Beach
add photosAlso known as "Carlsbad State Beach"
This is a great beach with free parking close to downtown Carlsbad. It has a sea wall that is perfect for a stroller walk. Currents can be strong so be sure to obey all the lifeguard signs.
4 Reviews for Tamarack State Beach
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"Great beach"
With parking right next to the sand, small waves, and a bathroom within walking distance, what's not to love?! We spent a happy couple of hours playing in the sand and building sand castles on our recent trip to this beach. I was looking for the sign that said "Tamarack State Beach" and I actually didn't know where to turn to find this beach. But when I went down Tamarack St. towards the beach and found the parking area, I knew I had found it.
The parking lot filled quickly on the Saturday that we visited as 4 cars were waiting for our spot when we left at noon. Be advised to arrive early. Parking was NOT FREE but it cost a very reasonable $2.00 per hour. The pay machine took both cash and credit card. The bathrooms are at the top of a flight of stairs but are not too far from the beach. The river mouth is bordered by a line of large rocks and the ocean may have looked muddy and brown because of the river. This is the best access to the beach near the Carlsbad area that doesn't involve walking down a flight of stairs or a steep ranch. We certainly enjoyed it!
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1 family found this helpful
"Easy, free parking, close beaches & food!"
We ran across this spot while we were looking for a good place to eat close to the beach in Carlsbad.
Typically frequenting OC beaches, we were shocked and amazed to find ample parking that was FREE and so close to the actual beach!
The beach itself was clean and beautiful, had restrooms close by, and the distance from pavement to water was amazingly short (less hot sand on little toes is always a good bet!).
We spent the late afternoon walking the shores, looking for shells and chasing the water's edge: perfect memories with my family.
Just a short walk up the path and up to Carlsbad Village Drive was a cute little Mexican restaurant/stand (Cessy Taco Shop-3016 Carlsbad Blvd) that we ate at- it was delicious and a treat for the whole family! They also offer ice cream for those hot summer days ahead.
We will definitely be returning to this fun beach and invite you to do the same.
2 families found this helpful
"Best Beach Parking in Carlsbad"
This beach has the best parking a facilities in Carlsbad. The beach itself is a real surfing hot spot. As a beach goer I would just be prepared to see a lot of rocks on this beach. Every year they bring in more sand but this beach is orignally full of rocks. There are a lot of life guard towers near here and good bathroom facilities. If you are staying near this beach it is something you won't want to miss.
We like to come down here and park overlooking the water have a quick bite to eat from the parking lot.
1 family found this helpful
"A serious surf beach close to Carlsbad Village"
My family enjoys this beach. Free parking is available. It is close to the village which has lots of fun taquerias and other places to eat. The rip current can be serious so do pay attention to where to swim. Keep an eye out for the neighborhood artist who balances rocks. His creations are quite spectacular.
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