Going to San Diego

Question

Is traveling to San Diego a hassle if staying in Carlsbad? I am looking at the MarBrisa resort because I need a bigger space for 4 adults but we want to do some things in San Diego. THanks

Answer

Staying in Carlsbad while planning to explore San Diego is definitely doable, but how convenient it feels depends on what you want to see and when you plan to drive. Carlsbad is a beautiful coastal town with great resorts—MarBrisa included—but it’s about 30–40 miles from the main attractions in San Diego. For some travelers this is totally fine; for others it can feel like a bit of a commute.

Below is a detailed look at drive times, traffic patterns, what works well, what becomes a hassle, and tips to make the trip smoother.

Typical Drive Times From Carlsbad to San Diego

Downtown San Diego (Gaslamp / USS Midway): 35–45 minutes with no traffic; 50–70 minutes during rush hours.
Balboa Park / San Diego Zoo: 35–50 minutes normally; up to 70 minutes in peak traffic.
La Jolla: 25–35 minutes normally; 40–60 minutes in heavier traffic.
SeaWorld: 30–40 minutes normally; 50–60 minutes in peak times.

When the Drive Feels Like a Hassle

Traffic is the biggest factor. The I-5 through North County can move quickly or slow to a crawl depending on the time of day.

Weekday mornings (7–9 a.m.) headed south into San Diego: Heavy commuter traffic.
Weekday afternoons (3–6:30 p.m.) going north back toward Carlsbad: Often slow.
Summer weekends: Traffic is unpredictable because of beach crowds and visitors.

If your plans each day involve a round trip during peak hours, the drive will definitely feel long.

When It Works Really Well

If you’re willing to time your activities a little, staying in Carlsbad is not a problem and can even be ideal.

Leaving after 9–9:30 a.m. and returning after 7 p.m. makes the drive far easier.
Spending a full day in San Diego rather than bouncing back and forth.
Planning La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Del Mar, or Encinitas days—all much closer to Carlsbad.

Benefits of Staying in Carlsbad

MarBrisa is spacious and resort-style, great for 4 adults. Rooms are much larger than what you’ll find in central San Diego.
It’s next to LEGOLAND, useful if you’re including that in your trip.
Carlsbad Village is charming, walkable, and has great beaches and dining.
Quieter and more laid-back than central San Diego.

Possible Downsides

You will be driving almost daily if your primary focus is San Diego attractions.
Parking costs in San Diego add up (especially downtown and Balboa Park lots on busy days).
Evening events in San Diego make the drive back longer and more tiring.

Tips to Make It Easier

Group attractions by area—do La Jolla + Torrey Pines one day; downtown + USS Midway + Gaslamp another.
Avoid entering or leaving San Diego during rush hours.
Spend at least one day enjoying Carlsbad—Village, beach time, restaurants, sunsets.
Use the Coaster train if you want to avoid parking downtown; it’s scenic and stops near major points.

Bottom Line

Staying in Carlsbad is absolutely not a dealbreaker and many families do it without issue—especially if you want space, a resort feel, or easy access to North County beaches. But if your trip is heavily centered around daily activities in downtown San Diego or the Zoo, you should expect 60–90 minutes of driving each day during busy times.

If your group values comfort and extra room, MarBrisa is a strong choice—you’ll just want to plan your driving times wisely.