North County San Diego is a coastal paradise year-round, but November brings a unique charm that makes it an ideal time to visit. The weather is mild, the crowds have thinned, and there’s a variety of seasonal activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, local events, or peaceful beach days, here are some of the best things to do in North County San Diego this November.
1. Explore Scenic Coastal Hikes
November is the perfect time to hit the trails, with cooler weather making outdoor activities even more enjoyable. Popular hikes include:
- Torrey Pines State Reserve: Walk along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean for stunning views of the coastline.
- Batiquitos Lagoon: A peaceful trail offering birdwatching and scenic water views, perfect for families and nature lovers.
- Elfin Forest: A slightly more challenging hike with panoramic views of North County, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Visit the Carlsbad Village Farmers’ Market
Held every Wednesday and Saturday, the Carlsbad Village Farmers’ Market is a must-visit in November. Enjoy local produce, artisan goods, and seasonal treats. The market has a festive vibe during the fall months, making it a great spot to find holiday gifts and fresh ingredients for Thanksgiving. Check out our coastal Carlsbad homes to be within walking distance to the Farmer’s Market.
3. Catch a Sunset at the Beach
November sunsets in North County are nothing short of magical. With fewer crowds, it’s the ideal time to grab a blanket and head to a beach like Moonlight Beach in Encinitas or Tamarack Beach in Carlsbad. The cooler air and stunning fall colors in the sky create a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxing.
The Campstore is a local favorite for catching the sunset along with live music, food and drinks! It’s an ideal spot for families and pets too!
4. Attend the San Diego Beer Week
If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’re in luck! November hosts the annual San Diego Beer Week, a 10-day celebration (November 1st – 10th) of local brews. Many breweries in North County, like Stone Brewing in Escondido and Pizza Port in Carlsbad, participate with special events, tastings, and food pairings. It’s a great way to enjoy the region’s renowned craft beer scene.
5. Holiday Shopping in North County
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at some of North County’s unique boutiques and shopping centers. The Forum in Carlsbad , Cedros Avenue Design District in Solana Beach and The Carlsbad Premium Outlets offer a mix of local shops, upscale boutiques, and artisanal products. Plus, you’ll find plenty of festive decorations and deals throughout the month.
6. Día de los Muertos at Mission San Luis Rey
Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside. This cultural event, held in early November, honors deceased loved ones with vibrant altars, live music, traditional dancing, and delicious Mexican food. It’s a beautiful way to experience local culture while learning about this meaningful tradition. For places to stay in the area, check out our Oceanside homes.
7. Whale Watching Season Begins
November marks the start of whale watching season along the coast of San Diego. Head to Oceanside Harbor for a whale watching tour, where you might catch a glimpse of gray whales as they migrate south for the winter. The waters off North County are a prime spot for seeing these majestic creatures.
8. Golf with Ocean Views
North County is home to some of California’s most scenic golf courses. Enjoy a round at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad or Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, both offering stunning ocean views and perfect November weather for a day on the green.
9. Savor Seasonal Menus at Local Restaurants
November brings new flavors to many of North County’s best restaurants. Enjoy seasonal ingredients and cozy comfort foods at local favorites like Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad or Steak 48 in Del Mar. Many restaurants also offer special prix-fixe Thanksgiving menus, perfect for those looking to enjoy a holiday meal away from home.
10. Lace Up for Fun: Turkey Trots in Encinitas and Oceanside
Thanksgiving in North County San Diego is more than just feasts and family gatherings—it’s also a time for community fun and fitness! If you’re looking to get active before your holiday meal, participating in a Turkey Trot is the perfect way to start the day. Two popular Thanksgiving morning events in the area are the Encinitas Turkey Trot and the Oceanside Turkey Trot. Use code encinitas25 for 25% off the Encinitas Turkey Trot!
November in North County San Diego is a time to slow down, savor the season, and enjoy the natural beauty and cultural events this coastal region has to offer. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or simply seeking relaxation, there’s something for everyone. Book your stay and discover why November is one of the best-kept secrets in North County!
The laid-back seaside community of Carlsbad is much quieter now that school is back in session and the summer crowd has slowed. Now is a perfect time to visit San Diego’s neighbor to the north. Offering visitors beaches, a long list of dining options and plenty of outdoor entertainment, Carlsbad has plenty to offer to families. Keep reading for 12 of our recommendations on what to do, what to eat and where to stay in the family friendly town of Carlsbad.
What To Do
LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California is probably what Carlsbad is best known for. Specially designed for families with children ages 12 and under, this amusement park offers mellow roller coasters, interactive rides, colorful play areas, hands-on LEGO pits, and other interactive park experiences.
Carlsbad Flower Fields
Every spring, between March and May, you can witness one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up The Flower Fields. Also be sure to check out gem-mining, free concerts, tractor-pulled wagon rides, and a maze made of sweet peas.
Have a Cabana Party
Beach Genie provides everything you need for a care-free day at the beach. They will set up a cabana, beach chairs, oversized beach towels, side tables, a cooler with local bottled water and beach games. This is the perfect scenario for travelers from out of town. You can just show up to the beach and everything you need is set up for you.
LEGOLAND Water Park
Located inside LEGOLAND California, the LEGOLAND Water Park is a must for the warmer months. The 10-acre park features more than seven slides, sandy beaches and the unique Build-A-Raft River plus Pirate Reef and LEGO Legends of CHIMA Water Park. There are special splash areas with fountains and mini waterslides just for toddlers and young children, too.
Carlsbad Lagoon
Located on Agua Hedionda Lagoon, the Carlsbad Lagoon is a change of pace from the beach featuring calm, uncrowded water. There are numerous fun activities and options from California Watersports. Here, you can rent stand-up paddle boards, canoes, jet skis, speed boats, aqua bikes, and more.
Strawberry Picking
If you are looking for a fun and popular springtime activity in Carlsbad, give strawberry picking a try! Located in coastal Carlsbad, the third generation Carlsbad Strawberry Company is a family-run “U-pick” farm. Families can enjoy strawberry picking from January through July. In the fall, look for a pumpkin patch and corn maze at this same location.
Where to Eat
For a Slice & a Beer
For a slice and a beer Pizza Port in Carlsbad Village is a family friendly spot popular with Carlsbad locals. Long picnic tables and video games give it a laid-back vibe. Pizza options range from custom-made creations to gourmet “anti-wimpy” pies like the BBQ bacon cheeseburger, plus salads and their famous beer buddies to round out the menu. As for beer, there is a wide selection of beers on tap to quench your thirst.
Mexican Cuisine
If you are craving authentic Mexican cuisine, Norte is a longtime local favorite. There is an outdoor patio adorned with fire pits for cooler nights and an expansive menu featuring something for the whole family.
Outdoor BBQ
If you’re looking for an outdoor dining spot in the heart of the Village, look no further than Park 101. There is something for everyone at this 8,000 sq. ft. multi-level, plaza-style complex. They are kid friendly and dog friendly and are centrally located and steps to the beach.
Where to Stay
In the Heart of the Village
Located in the heart of Carlsbad Village and one block to the beach (and right next door to Park 101), guests love the “walkability” of Coastal Casita. The beach, restaurants, and shopping are steps away. Throw your car keys in the corner and enjoy your stay! This one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo sleeps 4 and guests love that the condo comes equipped with beach chairs, an umbrella, boogie boards, a surfboard, and beach toys for the kiddos. Coastal Casita has you covered for the ultimate beach vacation!
Close to the Beach & LEGOLAND
Discover your new favorite getaway at this stunning, Spanish-style home just two blocks from the beach in Carlsbad that we call Hacienda Terramar. This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home features sunny interior spaces, unique architectural features, cozy bedrooms and large private backyard! Spend your days relaxing at the beach or visiting LEGOLAND, less than two miles away. In the evenings, take a short walk to the beach to watch the sun set over the ocean or enjoy a backyard BBQ with a fire pit and test your skill at cornhole!
Ocean Front
Wake up to the sounds of the surf at Shore Drive, an oceanfront getaway with a private staircase leading down to the shores of Carlsbad. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom home features wall-to-wall windows on the ocean facing side of the home for an unobstructed, panoramic ocean view.
After spending the day at the beach, guests can enjoy home-cooked meals in the fully stocked kitchen, or a sunset BBQ on the patio, and restful nights in the comfortable bedrooms.
