Where is Carlsbad, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 05, 2026, 14:55 ET

Where is Carlsbad, California Located in the United States? - Carlsbad is a city located in the San Diego County in California, United States. Carlsbad lies between 33.1581 Degrees North latitudes and -117.3506 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Carlsbad, San Diego, California

Where is Carlsbad Located in San Diego, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Carlsbad in San Diego County, in the U.S. state of California.

Carlsbad Map, California, USA

About Carlsbad Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Carlsbad, San Diego County, California

Carlsbad is located in San Diego County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States along the Pacific coastline of Southern California. The city was incorporated in 1952 and was named after the spa town of Karlsbad in the present-day Czech Republic, and it is known for its coastal environment, tourism industry, and growing business community.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Carlsbad is 114,746 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,300 people per square mile.

Area and Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Carlsbad covers a total area of approximately 39.1 square miles (about 101.3 square kilometers), including about 37.7 square miles (97.6 square kilometers) of land and 1.4 square miles (3.7 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Carlsbad is situated north of San Diego and south of Oceanside, offering coastal views and easy access to beaches and lagoons. The city features sandy shorelines, coastal bluffs, and inland hills that shape its landscape and recreational appeal. Interstate 5 and State Route 78 provide major transportation routes connecting Carlsbad to neighboring communities and regional employment centers.

Attractions and Recreation

Carlsbad offers numerous parks, beaches, and cultural attractions that support tourism and outdoor recreation. Popular destinations include LEGOLAND California Resort, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, and South Carlsbad State Beach. The city is also home to California State University San Marcos’ nearby campus facilities, contributing to regional higher education opportunities.

Transportation

Carlsbad is served by Interstate 5 and State Route 78, providing direct highway access throughout San Diego County and beyond. Public transit options include COASTER commuter rail service linking the city to downtown San Diego and other coastal communities. The nearest major airport is San Diego International Airport, located approximately 35 miles to the south.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Carlsbad City Website.

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Carlsbad City Facts

CityCarlsbad
StateCalifornia
CountySan Diego County
CountryUnited States
RegionSouthern California - North County San Diego
IncorporatedJuly 16, 1952
Founded1880s
Total AreaApproximately 39.1 sq mi (101.3 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 37.7 sq mi (97.6 km2)
Water AreaApproximately 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km2)
ElevationApproximately 52 ft (16 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 115,000+
Population (2020 Census)114,746
Population DensityApproximately 3,000 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes92008, 92009, 92010, 92011, 92013, 92018
Area Code442, 760
Major HighwaysInterstate 5, State Route 78
Public TransitNorth County Transit District - Coaster, Sprinter, Breeze Bus
Major AttractionsLEGOLAND California Resort, Carlsbad State Beach, The Flower Fields
Official Websitehttps://www.carlsbadca.gov/

Distance from Carlsbad City, CA to Nearby Cities in California

  • Oceanside, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
  • Encinitas, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
  • San Marcos, CA – 9 miles (14 km)
  • Vista, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Escondido, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
  • San Diego, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • La Jolla, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Del Mar, CA – 14 miles (23 km)
  • Poway, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Chula Vista, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Temecula, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Murrieta, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Riverside, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • San Clemente, CA – 28 miles (45 km)
  • Irvine, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Anaheim, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Santa Ana, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Los Angeles, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Long Beach, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
  • Corona, CA – 70 miles (113 km)

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