Carlsbad’s coastal location and unique geology have made it a hotspot for fascinating fossil and archaeological discoveries. From ancient seas to Ice Age giants, Carlsbad’s soil tells a story millions of years in the making. Many of these treasures now reside at the San Diego Natural History Museum, but you don’t have to go that far to see one of these ancient wonders for yourself.

Stop by the Faraday Center’s front lobby at 1635 Faraday Avenue to view a 72-million-year-old ammonite fossil, a large prehistoric creature related to the chambered nautilus (Nautilus pompilius). The chambered nautilus, a type of mollusk still found today in the Pacific and Indian oceans, has an intricate spiral shape and is sometimes called the pearly nautilus because of its pearly inner lining beneath a hard external shell.

Local fossil discoveries at a glance
Here’s a snapshot of some of the fossils discovered in Carlsbad over the years:

• 2015, Quarry Creek: Fossils of mammoths, prehistoric bison, horses and turtles from the Pleistocene Epoch (50,000–200,000 years old). The bison fossil was only the second ever found in San Diego County and now resides at the San Diego Natural History Museum.
• 2007, Robertson Ranch: Mastodon tusks, jawbones and an ancient sloth from 200,000 years ago, unearthed during grading work for the Robertson Ranch master-planned community. These fossils are housed at the San Diego Natural History Museum.
• 1987, College Boulevard extension: Fossilized remains of an ankylosaur (an armored dinosaur) from 75 million years ago, discovered during road construction. This is considered the most complete dinosaur skeleton found in California and features fossilized shells and shark teeth embedded in the bones.
• 1985, Agua Hedionda Lagoon: A volcanic stone shaped into a bear by Native American craftsmen 7,000–8,000 years ago. This artifact is California’s official State Prehistoric Artifact and is kept at the state archives in Sacramento.
• 1980s, Carlsbad Research Center: Parts of a hadrosaur (duck-billed dinosaur) from 75 million years ago.

Why Carlsbad?
Carlsbad’s sediment layers, formed during ancient seas, are closer to the surface than in most of California, so the fossilized bones of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures are more likely to be uncovered. 

Get half-off museum admission in February
Looking to see some of Carlsbad’s fascinating fossils up close, or explore some of the amazing artistic, historic or scientific treasures also on display in San Diego County? February is San Diego Museum Month, which gives you half-off admission to over 40 museums, historic sites, gardens, zoos and aquariums, including several in Carlsbad and North County.

How to get and use your pass:

• Visit any of Carlsbad’s three library locations to pick up your free Museum Month pass.
• You can also download a digital pass from the San Diego Museum Council website. (Digital passes are not accepted at all locations).
• Use the pass at participating museums, like the San Diego Natural History Museum, where you can view fossils found right here in Carlsbad. (Hint: Printed passes are required at this location.)
• Passes are valid throughout February, offering discounted admission to multiple cultural attractions. 

Explore local favorites like the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas or the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, and venture further across the county to discover even more.

Learn more