From The Barrio to La Costa: Stories That Shaped Carlsbad 2026

Every corner of Carlsbad has a story to tell. Some are rooted in generations of family traditions and cultural heritage, while others began with a bold vision that transformed the landscape forever. In the newest episodes of Beyond the Coast: Stories of Carlsbad, you’ll explore the rich Hispanic heritage of Carlsbad and discover how La Costa became one of Southern California’s most iconic resort destinations.

The Rich Hispanic Heritage of Carlsbad

Long before Carlsbad Village, the heart of Carlsbad was The Barrio. This vibrant community was built on a foundation of faith, family and culture. As Carlsbad’s first neighborhood, it is still full of the rich Hispanic heritage that has shaped Carlsbad into what it is today. In fact, Carlsbad’s third mayor and first Latino mayor, Manuel Castarena, grew up in The Barrio.

There are many places in Carlsbad that honor the Hispanic heritage, from Lola’s Deli (formerly Howdy’s market) to Leo Carillo Ranch and Historic Park. More than just a neighborhood market, Lola’s Deli was the heart of The Barrio. It is now lovingly run by Lola’s granddaughter, DeeDee, who shares how her grandmother was once a matriarch of the community who cared deeply for her neighbors. She not only provided remedies for sick children but also set up an IOU system for farmworkers and their families, allowing them to purchase essential food and household goods during difficult times. When you visit Carlsbad, stop by Lola's Deli to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine and experience a place where generations of history, community and tradition continue to thrive.

The episode also dives into the historical background of Leo Carillo Ranch & Historic Park, once owned by the famous Hollywood actor, Leo Carillo. Carillo acted in almost 100 films and co-starred in the popular TV series The Cisco Kid, where he played the sidekick to the heroic Mexican caballero, Cisco. In 1937, Carillo had the opportunity to recreate the Days of the Dons and build an old California-style working ranch. Although Leo Carillo Ranch & Historic Park is not a true Rancho, the property features numerous hand-crafted adobe buildings, hacienda, a stable and other buildings that were all built in the rancho style.

After the daughter of Leo Carillo passed away, the property became a park that is now owned and managed by The City of Carlsbad. The 27-acre property is free and open to the public and serves as a historical landmark that showcases early California culture and architecture, as well as Leo Carillo and his devotion to celebrating early Spanish heritage. When you visit the property, you can take yourself on a self-guided walking tour or join in for one of the docent-led tours on the weekend. Keep a lookout for the peacocks that roam the paths!

Be sure to watch the full episode to learn more about the resilience of the Hispanic community in Carlsbad and why it is important to keep the culture alive.

The La Costa Legacy in Carlsbad

Today, La Costa is known as a luxury destination, where rolling green championship golf courses, beautiful homes and the world-class Omni La Costa Resort & Spa come together to create an unforgettable coastal escape. But the landscape looked much different before its transformation in the 1960s, when acres of coastal foothills and farmland were reimagined into a master-planned residential community and resort. It didn't take long for La Costa to influence the development of both Carlsbad and Southern California, creating a legacy that continues today.

Since then, La Costa has welcomed many of the biggest names in golf and tennis. The resort began hosting PGA Tour events in 1965 and has since hosted 35 professional tournaments, where legends like Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods competed on its championship courses. More recently, Omni La Costa has become home to the NCAA Division I Golf Championships, recently completing its second consecutive year as host.

You can follow in the footsteps of these legendary golfers by teeing off on the resort's championship courses. Whether you're looking for a golf getaway, professional instruction or a stay-and-play package, Omni La Costa offers experiences for golfers of every skill level.

Golf isn't the only sport with a rich history at La Costa. The resort has also welcomed some of tennis' greatest champions, including Pancho Segura, Rod Laver, Steffi Graf, and Venus and Serena Williams. Hollywood celebrities frequently visited the resort hoping to catch a glimpse of the sport's top players, adding to La Costa's reputation as one of the country's premier tennis destinations. Nearly every great American tennis player has competed on La Costa's courts, and visitors can still experience that legacy today.

Fans of the sport can take part in the world-class tennis program managed by Cliff Drysdale Tennis at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. The resort features 12 tennis courts, along with private instruction, clinics and camps designed to help players of all ages and abilities improve their game.

Watch the full episode to hear from some of La Costa Resort’s key staff members as they share the stories and milestones that have helped shape one of Carlsbad’s most iconic destinations.