Why Carlsbad Is The Perfect Destination Spot

 

Welcome to Carlsbad California “the Village by the Sea”

Carlsbad is a quaint little coastal town located in San Diego County California where it’s approximately 3055 hours of sunshine each year, 7 miles of breathtaking beaches, and proximity to various local attractions makes it an ideal travel destination for the entire family. If you don’t know California than just a little orientation- Carlsbad is in Southern California, in the large county of San Diego.  About 2 hours south of Los Angeles.  It is somewhere we go once or twice a year to visit friends and for my daughter’s track meets.  This was our first time in the city of Carlsbad and I fell in love with the city and all it has to offer and can’t wait to go back.

Where To Stay in Carlsbad

While there, we stayed with the West Inn & Suites where everything from check-in to check-out was amazing. The hotel boasts 84 rooms that are all fabulous from the Classic King room to the Premier Double King Suite you are surrounded by plush bedding (on your King size bed that comes standard with every room), high definition TV’s and DVD/CD players, a refrigerator and microwave, and a well-stocked coffee selection. There is a pool, a gym, a ping pong table, a delicious complimentary breakfast, and shuttles to all local attractions within 5 miles of the hotel so that you almost never have to even move your car once you are parked. And the best perk of all, fresh cookies and milk every evening between 8pm – 9pm. This was especially popular with the kids.  They even have rooms for travelers with dogs and in-room dog beds, bowls, treats and a dog run on the property.

 

The hotel room was huge with lots of room for all of us.  We were even given a roll-out cot for my son.

The couch folded was comfortable and I loved the little desk to be able to do my blog work at while the kids were watching tv (not that we had much down-time, being on-the-go the whole trip).

 

We received a nice bag with sand toys and a plate with chocolate dipped strawberries that were to-die-for-amazing!

The view from out room was of the hotel’s pool and spa there was even a cart with fresh lemon water and pool towels.  The gym was nearby with a lot of workout equipment to choose from.

The foliage and landscape around the hotel was beautiful on all sides of the hotel.  I thought this was a perfect spot for a picture!

There are so many happenings around Carlsbad that you will never be lacking for things to do while you are visiting. Here is a short list of our favorites.

Choice Superfood Bar & Juicery has all sorts of healthy drinks.  Perfect for a lift-me-up or breakfast.  They even have outdoor yoga and a small area to sit and enjoy your breakfast.  They even recycle the glass bottles if you return them.   I love the vertical planters made out of wood pallets that are on the walls next to their building.

Exploring the Area

Carlsbad offers everything from hiking, to nature trails, to bird watching, to canyons and beaches for you to explore and enjoy. The best way to take in everything is by electric bike.  Pedego Electric Bikes offers rentals that you can take advantage of to either explore the area on your own or take one of their many electric bike tours offered.  Not only did we get to go up and down the coast line (quiet fast) but if we peddled instead of coasts for some exercise.  This was our first time on electric bikes.  We were giving a brief lesson before taking off.  The learning curve is easy and we had so much fun!  Of course having the beach right next to us was a beautiful bonus.

 Hit the Water

With beaches for everyone, no matter your interest, you are sure to find one or two that are perfect for you and your family. If it is surfing that you want, try South Ponto Beach where they sometimes host surfing competitions. If it is a family beach you are looking for then try Carlsbad State Beach which offers not only swimming and scuba diving, but also windsurfing and kayaking. Finally, if it is a more secluded beach that you are looking for, then try South Ponto Beach, existing in an undeveloped area and located across from Batiquitos Lagoon you will find relaxation for the adults and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy.  If you don’t want waves but want to enjoy the water you can also hit the lagoon!  It is on the other side of the freeway from the beach.  Carlsbad Lagoon, more formally known as the  Aqua Hedionda Lagoon, includes mud flats, salt and freshwater mash and deep water recreation including boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing.  During high-tide there are also streams that appear.  The kids had a blast swimming, boarding and splashing around while we relaxed on the beach.  The waters have fish in them and even stingrays plus a haven of birds on the marshy shores.  They even offer weekly paddleboard fitness classes.

 

Visit the Museums

Carlsbad hosts several museums, but these are not your typical museums. There is the Museum of Making Music with its unique collection of rare vintage instruments and the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum where you can view their collection of hand crafted models, machines, and working engines. Then head on over to the Gemological Institute of America to see some of the rarest gemstones and jewelry in the world and the nearby San Diego Model Railroad Museum featuring one of the largest indoor railroad museum in the world. Finally, if you do not take in any of the other fantastic museums while you are there, you have to visit the California Surf Museum with over 5100 square feet of surfing memorabilia from the early 1900’s to today. 

 The Flower Fields

Open only during the spring, if you are lucky enough to visit during this time the Flower Fields is an absolute must see. For nearly 100 years Carlsbad Ranch has been home to the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus, a flower native to Asia Minor that was brought over and planted at Carlsbad Ranch and cultivated for many years to the spectacular display that you see today. The flowers only bloom between early March and early May and this amazing display of color has become one of Carlsbad’s grand traditions officially announcing the arrival of Spring.  They are amazing and something you have to see if you are in the area in the spring!  So far I’ve only seen photos of them… even more reason I need to go to Carlsbad again soon.

  Legoland California (of course)

This is always a must do for the kids. Legoland features all sort of activities, all consisting of Lego related themes plus it is an amusement park.  Don’t like rides?  Try the plays, shops, Lego play rooms, etc. There is definitely something for everyone, even teens.

Enjoy everything from a water park where you can build your own Lego raft and float down a lazy river, an incredible aquarium featuring local sea life, and of course the main park with rides, play areas and Lego building spots.  Legoland has some awesome shops with exclusive Lego kits inside and depending on when you go, often holiday themes.  When we went, in October, the park was set up for Halloween and had  trick-or-treating and a parade going on as well as cobwebs and other not-too-spooky decor.

If you walk up to an employee and ask to trade a Lego (you have to bring some of your own to the park) they’ll let you trade with one on their name tag and lanyard.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park

While most may visit the San Diego Zoo when they visit, there is another park owned by the zoo that is a little more unique and absolutely amazing to see. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a wide array of incredible adventures from the Caravan Safari Tour where you ride in a covered, open air vehicle as you view along the way many Asian and African birds and animals including the giraffes that guests get the rare opportunity to feed.

Next, travel over to the Cheetah Run where they reach speeds of nearly 70 miles per hour. These along with so many other amazing opportunities including a Flightline Safari where you can soar down a flightline that is 130 feet in the air all while enjoying the sight of animals like Rhino’s, big cats, giraffes and more, are what makes this your out of the ordinary zoo experience.

 

 

 Food (Yum)

One of the best parts of a vacation is all the wonderful food that you can dine on while you are there. Carlsbad is no exception with hidden treasures such as the Bistro West.  They have gorgeous decor and so many food choices plus a choice of draft beers (Carlsbad is known for many microbreweries).  We got to dine with all the people from our trip at long tables without a long wait, even though there was a lot of us.

They had a lit-up glass wall separating the room for more privacy for diners.

The gumbo was amazing.  They kids all tried a variety of foods from fresh bread to nachos plus pizza.   This is a great place for dinner with the family or to celebrate an anniversary.

 

We had a great selection at Pizza Port.  It is your go-to pizza place and a brewery too featuring beer from their own kegs.  Ask what they are pouring for the day when you go.  We tried a few different pizzas, including a seafood one (a little weird for me), pepperoni and some other ones that we all shared.  I think the pepperoni and cheese was my favorite.

They also had a large salad selection and are nextdoor to a Bottle Shop.

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The next evening we dined at Park 101.  It is a new restaurant offering dining, lounging and over 30 local beers on tap.  It is a multi-level place with outdoor decks and indoor dining and bike parking out front.  They have order-to-make food plus an cafeteria-line-style where you can grab dishes and put them on a tray.  You must try one of their signature barbecue dishes.  Watch sports on the tv or enjoy the firepits outside in comfy outdoor furniture and picnic tables.  Unlike many sports bars, the food offerings are vast and superb matched only by their extensive array of food choices.  There is something here for everyone in the group to love.

I ordered a salad and it was so big that I shared it with my kids.  They tried the beef sandwiches and some green bean fries.  The dessert selection was large too, including cheesecake.

Only photo I managed of the three of us together on the trip!

 

On the last day we had breakfast back at the hotel and then went to the beach for some fun with the Visit Carlsbad campaign, including the Carlsbad Kidifornia Beach Party.  The kids had sandcastle building contests, got tips by a professional sandcastle builder (and see his sandcastle art) and then they enjoyed playing in the waves.

My teens were fighting so ended up pairing on teams with other kids but at least I got one photo of them together and I can pretend they were getting along.

 

Something else I love about Carlsbad is the old  and unique buildings.  I don’t know anything about architecture but seeing them just made me smile and I kept my eye out for others as we toured the city.

What comes to mind when I say Carlsbad? The caverns located in Southern New Mexico? Think Carlsbad a little gem located in southern California. This little laid back town has a unique history all it’s own, starting with the Native Americans who called the area home, to the Conquistadores, sailors and even movie stars have called Carlsbad home.

 

How did the area get its name?

A former sailor named John Frasier got tired of traveling inland to get water for his farm. So he decided to dig a well, the locals all thought he was crazy and told him that since they were so close to the ocean that all he would get is ocean water. After drilling he finally hit water and fresh water enriched with minerals. This water was served to  and was travelers who pass through the area by rail and was though to have healing powers. When the water was tested it was found to have the same minerals as spas in Carlsbad, Bohemia. After that the locals dubbed the area as Carlsbad. The original well can be visited on Carlesbad boulevard.

History reveals that the Native Americans who lived in the area were the first people in America to encounter the Spaniards. Historical points of interest include:

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park- Actor Leo Carrillo (also known as Mr. California) purchased this tract of land to raise cattle and crops.  Visitors to this site can explore the beautiful adobe buildings and land scape of a once working ranch and visit the exotic birds that call the park home. You will also find traces of the natives that called this area home.

Walking tour- This walking tour is very interesting, the guide takes you back in time starting in the 1880 and brings to light things that were going on at that time, and he brings you all the way through history until the present time.

St Michales by the sea Episcipal Church- This is the first church that was built in Carlesbad. This gothic style building had an interesting stained glass windows and interior structured that are reminiscent of the religious idealology of the early settlers who attended.

The Graves house- This house was build int 1887, by the Graves family is the best know, existing example or an early beach front house. This cottage became know as the “Top Gun House” after scenes from the movie “Top Gun” starring Tom Cruise was filmed there.

 

I love the vintage feel to the village center.  Even a dentist office looks fancy and the street lamp posts colorful flower pots  with  live  flowers  in  them.

Sandy and tired from a day in the sun we dined at Senor Grubby’s.  A ‘flip flops and casual clothing’ establishment that is over a decade old toting a mix of American tacos and Mexican tacos mixed into their own fusion.  Enjoy the local draft beers with your tacos.  They even have a breakfast menu.

I tried a taco trio so I could sample more than one.  I should have ordered more.  They were devoured in a few seconds.  They also have a variety of salsas and a soda fountain with natural sodas.

Finally… last stop!  I wore the kids out on this trip.  This is my type of vacation.. to be on the go, exploring, learning all about a new city, trying new foods and not stopping until it is time to sleep.

We stopped at the Carlsbad Strawberry Fields.  Since it was October they had a pumpkin patch with activities like picking pumpkins, face painting, hay rides and even a corn maze (biggest one I’ve been in.  Kids made it out in no time and the adults got lost for a while.  We cheated and called them on our cell phones, asking for them to backtrack and find us).

 

We even got the kids to pose for a group photo!  I love how they made new friends while on the trip.

Corn maze a few feet taller than all of us!  Funny how the kids figured it out so fast.

 

Kids just ‘hanging out’ at Legoland.

 

 

Carlsbad is filled to the brim with so many things to explore and adventures to have that it will quickly become one of your favorite travel destinations to visit year after year.  If you want to know more about Carlsbad you can check out the Carlsbad Visitor Center, located in the Carlsbad Village, and learn more. What every your interest or activity level, Carlsbad offers a wide variety of activities for everyone in the family. It also offers couples a chance to have a romantic getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The are offers a wide variety of places to explore. Plan a getaway and experience everything that “The Village by the Sea” Carlsbad has to offer.

 

What is Your Favorite Vacation Destination in California?