Conveniently located on the Pacific Ocean in north county San Diego, the Village of Carlsbad offers a multitude of sights and sounds ready for you to explore. Carlsbad's unique blend of museums, art galleries and outdoor concerts combined with incredible beaches and awesome ocean sunsets, make it a vacationer's paradise. This article focuses on the six things every visitor MUST do when visiting this village that locals call "Paradise By The Sea."
1. The Flower Fields are one of Carlsbad's most beloved and famous traditions. Fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are in a full bloom for six or seven weeks each year - from early March through early May. The yearly color burst of red, orange, yellow, green and purple blossoms is part of Carlsbad's heritage - and nature's method of announcing the official arrival of spring. Telephone: (760) 431-0352.
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 tree-lined village of downtown Carlsbad is the perfect place to walk, shop, dine and sight-see. Find a parking spot and set off on foot to explore Carlsbad Village where you will find unusual boutiques, eclectic antique shops, lovely jewelry shops, European toy stores, an amazing array of clothing stores, quaint pubs and architecturally significant historic homes. A well-known landmark is the historic Alt Karlsbad Hanse Hous, site of the first mineral water spa, a mainstay of Carlsbad Village since the 1880s.
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. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Nature and Discovery Center features a native garden with nearly a thousand California native plants of more than 50 different species. Visitors can walk short trails lined with educational panels explaining Agua Hedionda Lagoon and its flora and fauna. Seven species of sage, five varieties of Manzanita, five varieties of wild lilac, and a selection of coffeeberry, buckwheat, currants, honeysuckle and fuschia grow in the garden. The Discovery Center features many interesting and informative exhibits offering glimpses into the lives of Native Americans who once inhabited the area.
Following are three websites with helpful lodging information when you visit Carlsbad or other surrounding communities: Carlsbad California Hotels, Carlsbad Bed and Breakfasts and Hotels in Del Mar.
1. The Flower Fields are one of Carlsbad's most beloved and famous traditions. Fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are in a full bloom for six or seven weeks each year - from early March through early May. The yearly color burst of red, orange, yellow, green and purple blossoms is part of Carlsbad's heritage - and nature's method of announcing the official arrival of spring. Telephone: (760) 431-0352.
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 tree-lined village of downtown Carlsbad is the perfect place to walk, shop, dine and sight-see. Find a parking spot and set off on foot to explore Carlsbad Village where you will find unusual boutiques, eclectic antique shops, lovely jewelry shops, European toy stores, an amazing array of clothing stores, quaint pubs and architecturally significant historic homes. A well-known landmark is the historic Alt Karlsbad Hanse Hous, site of the first mineral water spa, a mainstay of Carlsbad Village since the 1880s.
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. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Nature and Discovery Center features a native garden with nearly a thousand California native plants of more than 50 different species. Visitors can walk short trails lined with educational panels explaining Agua Hedionda Lagoon and its flora and fauna. Seven species of sage, five varieties of Manzanita, five varieties of wild lilac, and a selection of coffeeberry, buckwheat, currants, honeysuckle and fuschia grow in the garden. The Discovery Center features many interesting and informative exhibits offering glimpses into the lives of Native Americans who once inhabited the area.
Following are three websites with helpful lodging information when you visit Carlsbad or other surrounding communities: Carlsbad California Hotels, Carlsbad Bed and Breakfasts and Hotels in Del Mar.
About the Author:
Terry Hunefeld retired in 2007 from his job as a CEO to pursue his passion of sailing the Pacific Ocean to observe seabirds and mammals. Terry and his wife Ann Dunham own and operate a romantic 4-suite Bed and Breakfast Inn in the Carlsbad area. For more information visit: Bed and Breakfasts in Carlsbad California or Carlsbad California Hotels.
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