Car Rental - Carlsbad

 

Rent a car in Carlsbad for wonderful west coast life. Here, soft beaches line the Pacific coast, while there are unforgettable drives both north and south, with the surf always by your side. The popular Legoland California resort is here too, making this the perfect base for your family vacation.

We have several car rental pick-up locations across the Carlsbad area, including one right at McClellan Palomar Airport. You can access the city, main routes and all of the sights from any of them.

Our vehicle collection gives you the freedom to enjoy your vacation or business trip your way. Whether that’s in a roomy SUV or something sportier is entirely up to you. Head out in your Carlsbad rental car and you can cruise through California, whether it’s south to San Diego or north to Los Angeles.

Reserve your rental car in Carlsbad and the coast is your playground.

Carlsbad Locations

A Quick Guide to Carlsbad

Legoland California

One Legoland Drive, CA, 92008

A theme park with a creative angle, Legoland is as colorful as the many-hued blocks, which there is absolutely no escaping from once you step inside. There are dozens of rides here, catering for kids from toddlers upwards, lots of interactive experiences and, of course, a chance or two to purchase Lego itself. Upgrade your ticket for entrance to the adjacent water park.

Carlsbad Ranch Flower Fields

5704 Paseo del Norte, CA, 92008

A rainbow of color from March to May, the flower fields cover 50 acres with views of the coast. In bloom, the ranunculus create a beautiful display, while there’s plenty more going on on-site, with wagon rides, a maze and a greenhouse full of precious orchids. Collect your Carlsbad rental car from McClellan-Palomar Airport and witness the stunning flower fields in all its glory.

The Coast

CA, 92008

Carlsbad’s enviably long stretch of coastline contains numerous beaches, so just drive up in your Carlsbad rental car and take your pick. Lounge on the white sand of South Carlsbad State Beach if you can’t choose – it’s great for those looking to relax and those in search of watersports, diving and surfing. Some of the best waves are at Tamarack Beach while, further down the coast, South Ponto Beach is renowned for its magical sunsets.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

1929 Palomar Oaks Way, CA, 92011

Ideal for both business and leisure visitors, the Fairfield Inn is just three miles from the beach, and a short drive to Legoland, golf courses and the nearby business parks. Recently built, the hotel offers excellent amenities including a pool, fitness and business centers and well-appointed rooms.

Legoland Hotel

One Legoland Drive, CA, 92008

If you’re visiting Legoland in your Carlsbad rental car, there’s no better place to stay than this colorful hotel just seconds from the main gate. Kids will go crazy for the themed rooms – whether they want Pirate, Adventure, Ninjago, LEGO Friends or Kingdom, and even a dip in the pool is accompanied by huge floating chunks of Lego.

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

2100 Costa Del Mar Road, CA, 92009

For an upscale stay, grab a reservation at the Omni La Costa. A former equestrian ranch, it now has two PGA golf courses, ample pools and entertainment for children, and a lavish spa. Former guests include the Rat Pack, Jackie Kennedy, President Nixon and more – it still attracts celebrities aplenty for its relaxed vibe and discrete service. Best of all, it’s only 10 minutes from our Carlsbad car rental lot in McClellan-Palomar Airport.

Campfire

2725 State Street, CA, 92008

Carlsbad wasn’t on anyone’s food radar until Campfire landed in town. It managed to introduce the perfect blend of ambience and food, hospitality and décor – one of those places that just gets it right straight away. Join your friends or family round the fire for the likes of quail with dukkah, pork T-bone with Brussels sprouts and jalapeno, or whatever is seasonal.

Jeune et Jolie

2659 State Street, CA, 92008

Opened by a graduate of the kitchen at Campfire, Jeune et Jolie is on the same strip and once again completely nails its concept. The décor is modern California, with curved banquettes of peachy-pink, and you’ll be torn between the views of the ocean or the open kitchen. Menus change but might include gems such as aged duck with rhubarb and black garlic.

Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar

2958 Madison Street #100, CA, 92008

Perfectly crafted Asian cuisine and lip-smackingly fresh sushi and sashimi in the California sunshine – what’s not to love? It gets better: in the afternoon they light their robata grill for perfectly charred octopus, pork belly, vegetables and more. Travel just 15 minutes from our Carlsbad car rental location at McClellan-Palomar Airport and indulge right away.

Driving In and Around Carlsbad

  • Carlsbad Village (92008) has free on-street parking for your Carlsbad rental car. In some areas this is restricted to a maximum of three hours – you’ll see signs where this applies.
  • The Shoppes at Carlsbad is a large mall on El Camino Real. It offers some 6,000 spaces for customer use.
  • Legoland California (92008) has ample parking for customers but does charge $25 per car.
  • Interstate 5 (I-5) is the major coastal interstate route in California and passes north to south through Carlsbad.
  • State Route 78 (SR 78) has its western end in Carlsbad and runs east through the city through the rest of California.
  • Carlsbad Boulevard was once old Highway 101 and hugs the coastline for about seven miles.

How to Get from Carlsbad to San Diego

It should take about 30 to 40 minutes to complete the scenic drive south to the exciting coastal city of San Diego in your Carlsbad car rental. Take the I-5 South, then Exit 17 for Front Street for Civic Center.

 

How to Get from McClellan-Palomar Airport to Legoland

The airport is around a 10-minute drive to Legoland with average traffic conditions:

  1. From the Hertz Carlsbad car rental lot, turn on to Palomar Airport Road.
  2. After just over two miles, turn right for Armada Drive.
  3. Take first exit at traffic circle for Legoland Drive.

 

BESbswy