Get an insider’s point of view on all the things that make Carlsbad great! From the history of “The Village” to secret hot spots to great family discount activities, it’s all right here. You can also share and find amazing tips and advice on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Visit The Village of Carlsbad. Located 35 miles north of San Diego, nestled between the Buena Vista Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy shopping, dining, local culture, art and entertainment. Accessible from the I-5 freeway at Carlsbad Village Drive or take the Coaster to the Carlsbad Village station. Thanks to our friends over at the City of Carlsbad for putting together this video our wonderful town!
Thank you to our friends at the City of Carlsbad for producing this nice 30-second video about Carlsbad. Sit back and relax while you watch... but don't get too comfortable, you'll need to start planning your next trip before too long! Check out some our family packages.
One thing I love about working at Visit Carlsbad is my commute. Most people hate their commute. The freeways are crowded, congested, dirty, and sometimes not very friendly. Most people’s commute is anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours. Mine is 20 minutes. If you’re lucky and live in a part of the country with rail service you may be able to commute by train affording you the opportunity to relax with your coffee and read the morning paper or catch a few more moments of precious sleep before hitting the daily grind.
But not me, I love my commute. Why? I get to drive along Highway 101 with the Pacific Ocean on my left and Carlsbad on my right. My commute gives me a chance to see how Carlsbad starts its day and the diversity of all the things one can do along a three-mile stretch of road, beach, and boardwalk. From the surfers and paddle boarders at Tamarack and Taramar, to the group of guys who ride their wave skis at Warm-waters to the cats who just come out to “look” at the surf and catch up with each other. I see history too…cars in particular; vintage Woodies, VW buses, and one or two muscle cars. Then you’ve got all the young guns and groms working on the next big move between Warm-waters and Tamarack. I see the fishermen casting their lines into the ocean from the jetty at the power plant or along the shore of the lagoon. I can see the aqua farmers checking their crops of mussels and clams or harvesting their bounty which will end up in seafood markets and restaurants here in California.
In 1882 John Frazier, one of Carlsbad's founding fathers, tapped a mineral spring and shortly thereafter a mineral water bath spa was opened. The popularity of the healing water drew the visitors. Hotels were built, businesses sprang up and new homes were constructed. Carlsbad's popularity as a destination for those seeking comfort, through body therapy had begun.
Carlsbad's reputation as a spa destination continues with luxurious spa resorts and a multitude of tranquil day spas offering spa services for any budget. Carlsbad is home to America's first full-service spa resort, the legendary La Costa Resort and Spa. Thanks to a $140 million renovation, the all-new La Costa Resort and Spa is a wonder to behold. Guests at the Spa at La Costa are treated to a variety of water experiences. A thundering Roman waterfall shower, a dip in an 85-degree heated pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, steam rooms and saunas, all in preparation for the exotic body therapies that follow. The Indochine Indulgence includes products from the sea and a ritual bath.
As a visitor to Carlsbad, you are limited only by your time and sense of adventure. Perfectly situated between the glamour of Los Angeles and the laid-back lifestyle of San Diego, Carlsbad is host to unmatched shopping, dining, beaches, golf, nature and attractions such as LEGOLAND® California, sporting events and seasonal festivals.
Incorporated: 1952 Population: 90,271 (2003 US Census)
Location: On the scenic north shore of San Diego County, Carlsbad is 35 miles north of San Diego, 60 miles south of Anaheim, and 90 miles south of Los Angeles. With 7 miles of beaches, the city is 40.8 squares miles and an elevation of 52 feet.
Over the years, Carlsbad has maintained its vast, beautiful outdoor spaces so that they may be enjoyed by bikers, kayakers, fishers, bird-watchers and other guests. Home to an extensive trail system that ranges from leisurely to strenuous, you’ll find open hills, covered paths, expansive beaches and quiet lagoons that welcome you to savor the mild, ocean air.
Our Beaches Carlsbad's seven miles of beaches offer plenty of space to get your "toes in the sand." Beachgoers can choose between the Carlsbad State Beach, South Carlsbad State Beach and the Carlsbad City Beach. Grab a surfboard, a body board, a sand pail and shovel or just bare feet on the sand, the beaches are fun in Carlsbad.
The Lagoons Two spectacular lagoons border Carlsbad, Buena Vista to the north and Batiquitos to the south and Agua Hedionda in between. Buena Vista and Batiquitos are major way stations for birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway providing a safe haven for a wide variety of wildlife. The lagoons are popular sites for birding, nature walks and photography. Agua Hedionda is available for year-round recreational use for boating, skiing, kayaking canoeing, and fishing. It is also home to the Hubbs/Seaworld White Sea Bass Hatchery and Carlsbad Aquafarm, a commercial mussel-farming operation.
Shopping in Carlsbad offers an enticing combination of sophistication and casual atmosphere. Downtown Carlsbad Village, just blocks from the beach, will enchant you with its diverse selections of shops. The tree-lined streets are home to art galleries, garden and home shops, jewelers, fine leather and clothing stores, spas, boutiques, wine tasting shops and a Farmer's Market with every imaginable goodie. Sidewalk cafés and other sophisticated dining options all add to the continental feel of the Village.
TheVillage Faire Shopping Center located in the heart of the Village features New England-style architecture with a Caribbean flare. This enclave of over 33 restaurants, shops and services surrounds a pleasant fountain courtyard and is just a few blocks from the beach. 2008 will bring entertaining and fun monthly events.
There's almost always a fun special event taking place in Carlsbad. The city boasts a year-round schedule of annual happenings.
Kick off the new year in January , with the Carlsbad Marathon (formerly the San Diego Marathon) and Half Marathon. A boutique marathon run on a coastal course with an emphasis on quality and individual service sets this event apart from the mega running events.
April brings the Carlsbad 5000 and the Junior Carlsbad. Participate in one of the most prestigious 5ks in the country! Compete against your own age group and gender on this flat and fast seaside course that has seen 16 world records shattered. Fitness is fun with Southern California's largest running event just for kids 12 and under! The Junior Carlsbad with ten different races for every age group gives each child a chance to shine!
