Southern California's Natural Lagoons Brim With Seafood, Wildlife, Festivals, And On-The-Water Recreation

Driving up the I-5 from San Diego to Oceanside, you might write off the Agua Hedionda Lagoon to the east as little more than shimmery bodies of water. But both below and above the tranquil surface, they are brimming with life, ready for you to explore, experience, and, in some cases, to take home and eat. This is the type of place you would only find in coastal Southern California, blending natural saltwater beauty with ample wildlife and a broad spectrum of activities.

The lagoon's waters are teeming with aquatic creatures, but what you'll find above water is pretty great too. Skim the surface of Agua Hedionda by kayak, by jet ski, by boat, by board, whatever your pleasure. You could also plan on visiting during one of the many events the Agua Hedionda Discovery Center hosts, including festivals, concerts, and galas. Plus, its location in the family-friendly, underrated beach town of Carlsbad ensures there's plenty of fun nearby. After a day exploring the lagoon, check out Campfire in Carlsbad for a great dinner with a really cool, earthy vibe.

Whether you're tapping into your inner ocean scientist or out to launch some high-speed sea spray, Agua Hedionda has you covered. These massive lagoons and all the opportunities that rest within are definitely worth pulling off the 5 to check out.

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon is sometimes called the Carlsbad Lagoon, a great clue as to where it's located. A series of saltwater lagoons just across the freeway from Carlsbad State Beach, if you've ever driven the 5 through north San Diego, they are impossible to miss. Agua Hedionda is actually a midpoint between two of SoCal's largest airports; it's located 40 minutes north of San Diego International Airport and an hour south of John Wayne Airport in Orange County, just off the freeway. If you're driving up from San Diego, stop to check out the seaside views of the vibrant beach city of Encinitas on the way.

There are actually three lagoons in the system. The outer one is 66 acres and the main conduit for water from the ocean, where you can go shore fishing for flounder, sea bass, or one of the other 70 species of fish that live there. Though that's nothing compared to the over 190 species of birds that make this ecosystem worth visiting for the nature watching alone. There's a smaller middle lagoon with a YMCA Aquatic Park, though the biggest, a 295-acre inner lagoon, is where you really get to play on the water.

With a lagoon permit purchased from the city of Carlsbad, you can take out your watercraft of choice on the inner lagoon. If you don't have a floating vessel, rent one from California Watersports, where you'll find everything from kayaks to jet skis. Take out your power boat and grab a board; the lagoon is known as the birthplace of wakeboarding, after all. Agua Hedionda is a great place for some standup paddleboarding, or even standup paddleboard yoga. This magical zone is like an aquatic choose-your-own-adventure.

Carlsbad is a fun oceanfront city with restaurants, bars, and big events like the Discovery Gala, connected with the Agua Hedionda Foundation and held at the Westin across from the lagoon. In 2024, its theme was Lagoon's Eleven, and in 2025, it was Barbie's Dream Lagoon. The Agua Hedionda Foundation is also a beneficiary of the Carlsbad Wine and Food Festival, which is held nearby. Check out the events calendar to find daily experiences, such as learning about Agua Hedionda's marine and avian life or interacting with the tortoises and hens that live on the grounds. For a chance to let loose, check out Row in the Dark, the nighttime family parties hosted by California Watersports at the Carlsbad Lagoon Recreation Area,

During your Agua Hedionda stay, spend a day at the imaginative, interactive, family-friendly Legoland theme park less than 2 miles away. After some Lego rides, visit the aquarium and garden at Agua Hedionda's Discovery Campus. The Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA Aquatic Park on the middle lagoon has a pool as well as a bunch of activities in the lagoon itself. Jump off floating trampolines and zip down inflatable slides into these natural saltwater pools. Then swing by the Carlsbad Aquafarm to learn about shellfish farming and take home a few sustainably-sourced oysters. There's even a lagoon trail system.

Agua Hedionda Lagoon combines natural wonder with countless recreation options. This beautiful little ecosystem where the ocean meets the town is both a hub of marine learning and an event powerhouse — a place to revel in natural beauty or get an adrenaline kick. Add in its proximity to so many things in the town surrounding it, and Agua Hedionda is definitely one roadside attraction you don't want to sleep on.