Blog entries

Small Packages Big Suprises

Frankie Laney — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:48:46 +0100

"A person who works with his hands is a laborer. A person who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman. A person who works with his hands, his brain and his heart is an artist - Louis Nizer

A visit to the Joe Martin Foundation Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum gives great perspective to a wannabe inventor/craftsperson like me. Ever since I was a kid I was interested in how things work. Not just the on and off switch but what was inside andRead More...

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort & Hotel Tour

Frankie Laney — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:38:48 +0100

Toured one of Carlsbad's favorite hotels this morning, the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort & Hotel (http://www.carlsbadinn.com). Beautiful sunny day(63 degrees and clear!) and the view from the second floor rooms were fabulous! Also, the Library Room with a georgeous ocean view and cozy rock fireplace, is a perfect spot for a morning cup of your favorite brew.

Recently renovated, the hotel has a fresh vibrant feel decorated with island chic surroundings. Just Read More...

New Attractions at LEGOLAND California Resort and SEA Life Carlsbad

Frankie Laney — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:19:16 +0100

Not only is the Force returning to LEGOLANDÒ California Resort this year, but a swashbuckling pirate adventure ride, Pirate Reef, awaits guests coming to the family theme park in Carlsbad. Announcing: Pirate Reef, a new LEGO® Star Wars™ Gallery, expansion of LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland and Claws at SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium.

ON&Read More...

Splash Zoo Opens in Time for Memorial Day Weekend

Sam Ross — Sat, 28 May 2011 00:14:36 +0100

LEGOLAND’s Water Park opens its newest play area geared toward children ages 1 to 3 on May 27.

Giant Duplo animals are now in place at LEGOLAND California for the Water Park’s newest area, Splash Zoo.

The wet, playful “zoo” features interactive spray pads, fountains, a teeter totter and interactive Duplo animals geared specifically for guests ages 1 to 3.

In honor of Memorial Day, Splash Zoo officially opens Friday with a ceremony that includes todRead More...

Turning Smiles Into Dollars

Frankie Laney — Fri, 27 May 2011 22:23:13 +0100

April showers bring May Flowers and then all of the sudden it’s summer! Warmer weather, schools on summer break, all reasons to consider a vacation destination.

At the moment, people are considering where they might go on vacation. The important aspect of this, they may be considering Carlsbad as their vacation destination or possibly Carlsbad is a stop along the way.

Why is this so important? If they do indeed select Carlsbad, the financial impRead More...

Spring Birdathon at Buena Vista Lagoon Saturday, May 7

Frankie Laney — Fri, 06 May 2011 23:58:32 +0100

Spring is here, the birds are flying, and all is good for birding season

It’s time for the 2011 Spring Birdathon! This event is so much fun each year and this year is no different. The organizers are not changing a thing. Activities are specially geared for the dedicated earRead More...

Something "Grand" is Happening at Marbrisa and Palisades Resorts

Sam Ross — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:29:58 +0100

Improvements are happening in abundance at prime Carlsbad hotel properties Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel and Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa. These premier hillside resorts, best known for their proximity to LEGOLAND® California Resort, are poised for their most impressive summer yet.

Grand Pacific Palisades – New rooms are restful and chic

A winter renovation gave the luxury hotel rooms at Grand Pacific Palisades a fresh new boost into summertime,Read More...

Out and About in Carlsbad

Sam Ross — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 04:35:55 +0100

Have you been to Legoland lately or visited Leo Carrillo Ranch? There are some exciting things going on at these two Carlsbad attractions.

Legoland just opened the Star Wars miniland which features a scene from all six movies built entirely of Legos. It is very cool. I don't know about you but I saw the very first Star Wars movie in the theater and when I saw what Legoland had created I felt like a kid again. Sea Life Aquarium will be unveiling a new exhibit as well. It's called OcRead More...

The Holidays in Carlsbad

Sam Ross — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 05:53:47 +0100

Can you believe that it's the holiday season? The time has arrived to start thinking about shopping, eating, and spending time with friends and family. So what better place to do that then Carlsbad.

There are all sorts of family events happening to help you get in the holiday spirit starting with tree lighting ceremonies. The first is at The Forum on the 26th, followed by Legoland's lighting of its 30 foot tree built entirely out of lego bricks. Then we have the official Carlsbad tRead More...

Carlsbad, beyond LEGOLAND

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:24:03 +0100

By Gary Warner of The Orange County Register

Originally published on www.ocregister.com

Interstate 5 divides Carlsbad like the Berlin Wall or the Green Line in Cyprus or the Mason-Dixon Line. Take your pick of metaphors, but take my word that eight lanes of elevated concrete full of cars and trucks going 60 mph or more do that to a place.

It's more than just a thick red line on the map, but a divider of who you are in this city of a little more than 100,000Read More...

Carlsbad Checklist

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:16:56 +0100

By Gary Warner of The Orange County Register

Originally published on www.ocregister.com

Carlsbad is 25 miles south of San Clemente and canRead More...

The Village of Carlsbad

Fri, 14 May 2010 02:57:30 +0100

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!

Carlsbad in 30 Seconds

Wed, 12 May 2010 23:18:34 +0100

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.

Commuting in Carlsbad

Sam Ross — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:40:13 +0100

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 Read More...

The Spas of Carlsbad

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:43:31 +0100

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 offeriRead More...

Carlsbad Fact Sheet

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:20:03 +0100

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 nortRead More...

Outdoor Fun

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:11:57 +0100

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 caRead More...

Shopping in Carlsbad

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:10:00 +0100

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 fRead More...

Special Events in Carlsbad

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:06:51 +0100

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 prRead More...