Departments » Parks & Recreation

Parks & Community Centers

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Carlsbad's Parks are integral to Carlsbad's quality of life. Carlsbad has 14 community parks and 28 special use areas with a range of amenities located throughout the city, so visitors are sure to find something for everyone. The department also manages operations of several recreational facilities, including three community centers with gymnasiums, Senior Center and pools, all designed to promote health and wellness among residents.

To support the city’s sustainability and conservation efforts, a majority of our parks include green features such as synthetic turf, recycled water, LED lighting, electric car charging stations and solar photovoltaic modules.

Host your special event at a city facility; whether a small family picnic, wedding or a sophisticated business function, the city has a site to rent that will fulfill a range of needs.

Dogs are not allowed in city parks, except designated dog parks. Visit one of our dog parks at Ann D. L'Heureux Dog Park, Alga Norte Dog Park or Poinsettia Dog Park for some exercise and social time, or take the leash and visit a citywide trail.

Community gardens are located in three areas of the city.

Carlsbad facilities

Hours: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

A popular wedding spot thanks to its proximity to the ocean, this charming 2.1 acre park also contains a rose garden, the L. John Simons Twin Inns Gazebo, and several historic buildings: Magee House, Heritage Hall, and Granary. Tours of the historic buildings are offered by the Carlsbad Historical Society.

Features

  • Rose garden
  • L. John Simons Twin Inns Gazebo
  • Picnic areas with barbecues
  • Historic buildings available for rentals
  • Restrooms

Fascinating Fact

  • Heritage Hall was the city’s first city hall and police station.

Historical Gardens

The historical gardens reflect Carlsbad’s agricultural heritage, and feature a nationally-registered rose garden. Separated into several rose beds, visitors will find over 125 different roses that represent 15 different rose families. Development of these rose beds earned Carlsbad the honor of being named an “American Rose City” in 2002 by the American Rose Society. In addition the gardens include a Victorian herb bed, a native southern Californian bed, a Carlsbad commercial growers’ bed and a patriotic “red, white and blue” bed. All of the gardens are maintained through the combined volunteer efforts of the Arboretum Society, the Carlsbad Historical Society and the California Coastal Rose Society, as well as city staff.

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