Carlsbad is a picturesque seaside village ideally located 30 miles north of San Diego. Here you will find irresistible sandy beaches, three unique lagoons, two luxurious resorts and more than two dozen fine hotels. Visitors love walking around the "village center" that offers outstanding shopping and dozens of great restaurants for every taste and pocketbook. There is a never-ending array of things to do in Carlsbad - this report shares six things every outdoor-loving visitor MUST do.
1. Located on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Flower Fields have become one of Carlsbad's most cherished and waited-for traditions. Each spring this 50 acre farm bursts into a dazzling rainbow of color. The annual display is an important part of Carlsbad's heritage - nature's way of announcing the arrival of spring. The Flower Fields are located at 5704 Paseo de Norte Drive in Carlsbad and are visible from Interstate 5.
2. Batiquitos Lagoon is a coastal salt marsh with tidal mud flats - one of the few remaining wetlands in California. Many native plants and more than 185 species of birds can be seen at the lagoon. The lagoon is a destination for nature lovers of all types - bird watchers, artists, joggers, naturalists, hikers and plant lovers love the three miles of trails - trails renown as quiet places for exercise, meditation or simply contemplation. Free naturalist-led tours are offered some weekdays and most weekends.
3. If you have kids, don't miss Legoland. This unique theme park provides a very pleasant experience for both children AND parents. The park is clean, pleasantly landscaped and alive with color. Adults enjoy "Miniland" where entire city skylines are recreated with Legos. Attractive cafs with reasonable prices offer tasty yet healthy choices for hungry kids (try the apple fries). Lines to ride the attractions are short compared to Disneyland, especially first thing in the morning.
4. The "downtown" area of the Village of Carlsbad is located along Historic Coast Highway 101 along the Pacific Ocean coast. The majority of the hotels and vacation rentals are in (or very close to) the village; some properties are directly on the beach while many others are within walking distance to the ocean. The well-known Carlsbad Inn is a Bavarian style hotel at the edge of town with ocean views (for $350 a night in summer) from some rooms.
5. Carlsbad Village offers many dining choices from inexpensive cafes to upscale fine dining. Jay's Gourmet is a favorite, as is Dini's by the Sea (awesome views of the Pacific Ocean). Vigilucci's (Italian) also enjoys ocean views. If you like Mexican, Fidel's Norte is a fiesta for all the senses. Tucked away behind the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, Fidel's has been a local favorite for 30 years.
6. Agua Hedionda Lagoon and its surrounding wetland is an Ecological Reserve under the care of the California Department of Fish and Game. The 3,800 sq. ft. Discovery Center celebrated its Grand Opening on Earth Day, April 22, 2006 and showcases exhibits portraying the wetlands, including the native indians that once inhabited the lagoon. Visitors enjoy spectacular views overlooking the lagoon below and Pacific Ocean. Under the direction of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, the Discovery Center's mission is to promote the environmental protection of the lagoon. Friendly docents are present to answer question and guide you through the exhibit.
1. Located on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Flower Fields have become one of Carlsbad's most cherished and waited-for traditions. Each spring this 50 acre farm bursts into a dazzling rainbow of color. The annual display is an important part of Carlsbad's heritage - nature's way of announcing the arrival of spring. The Flower Fields are located at 5704 Paseo de Norte Drive in Carlsbad and are visible from Interstate 5.
2. Batiquitos Lagoon is a coastal salt marsh with tidal mud flats - one of the few remaining wetlands in California. Many native plants and more than 185 species of birds can be seen at the lagoon. The lagoon is a destination for nature lovers of all types - bird watchers, artists, joggers, naturalists, hikers and plant lovers love the three miles of trails - trails renown as quiet places for exercise, meditation or simply contemplation. Free naturalist-led tours are offered some weekdays and most weekends.
3. If you have kids, don't miss Legoland. This unique theme park provides a very pleasant experience for both children AND parents. The park is clean, pleasantly landscaped and alive with color. Adults enjoy "Miniland" where entire city skylines are recreated with Legos. Attractive cafs with reasonable prices offer tasty yet healthy choices for hungry kids (try the apple fries). Lines to ride the attractions are short compared to Disneyland, especially first thing in the morning.
4. The "downtown" area of the Village of Carlsbad is located along Historic Coast Highway 101 along the Pacific Ocean coast. The majority of the hotels and vacation rentals are in (or very close to) the village; some properties are directly on the beach while many others are within walking distance to the ocean. The well-known Carlsbad Inn is a Bavarian style hotel at the edge of town with ocean views (for $350 a night in summer) from some rooms.
5. Carlsbad Village offers many dining choices from inexpensive cafes to upscale fine dining. Jay's Gourmet is a favorite, as is Dini's by the Sea (awesome views of the Pacific Ocean). Vigilucci's (Italian) also enjoys ocean views. If you like Mexican, Fidel's Norte is a fiesta for all the senses. Tucked away behind the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, Fidel's has been a local favorite for 30 years.
6. Agua Hedionda Lagoon and its surrounding wetland is an Ecological Reserve under the care of the California Department of Fish and Game. The 3,800 sq. ft. Discovery Center celebrated its Grand Opening on Earth Day, April 22, 2006 and showcases exhibits portraying the wetlands, including the native indians that once inhabited the lagoon. Visitors enjoy spectacular views overlooking the lagoon below and Pacific Ocean. Under the direction of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, the Discovery Center's mission is to promote the environmental protection of the lagoon. Friendly docents are present to answer question and guide you through the exhibit.
About the Author:
Terry Hunefeld retired as President of By Referral Only, Inc two years ago to follow his dream of exploring the Pacific Ocean to observe seabirds and mammals. Terry and his wife purchased and now operate a romantic 4-suite Bed and Breakfast Inn in the Carlsbad area. For more information visit: Carlsbad Bed and Breakfasts or Hotels in Carlsbad California.
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