Recreational Holidays

Six Things Not To Miss While Vacationing In Carlsbad

The moment you arrive in Carlsbad, you feel the rest of the world magically fading away. It is the beach and the sound of the waves? Is it the gorgeous sunsets over the Pacific Ocean? Is it communing with Mother Nature? There is so much to do in this wonderful village by the sea that we had to work hard to identify the six things that every visitor MUST do before returning home.

1. One of the most beautiful sites on the West Coast, Carlsbad’s famous Flower Fields are transformed into fifty acres of visual splendor each spring from March through early May, framed by the magnificent vistas of the sparkling Pacific ocean. Children can run around and blow off steam while adults linger and enjoy the quiet on the color-filled hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

2. The 610-acre Batiquitos Lagoon is one of SoCal’s few remaining tidal wetlands. Interpretive signs along the trails assist visitors with identifying the many species of birds and wildlife that call the lagoon home. A stroll along the two miles of nature trails from the Visitor’s Center takes you by nesting sites of red-wing blackbirds and through rookeries of great blue herons, great egrets, black-crowned night herons and snowy egrets.

3. Legoland is a world famous family attraction. It’s fun, not overly-expensive and actually quite pleasant - for a theme park. If you’ve got a big day planned with the kids, we recommend getting there early. Head straight to the popular Indiana Jones and Land of Adventure rides, then the Test Track roller coaster. Lines can get long at the most popular attractions the day goes on, but are short first thing in the morning, and are always shorter than Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm.

4. The “downtown” area of the Village of Carlsbad is located along Historic Coast Highway 101 along the Pacific Ocean coast. The majority of the hotels and vacation rentals are in (or very close to) the village; some properties are directly on the beach while many others are within walking distance to the ocean. The well-known Carlsbad Inn is a Bavarian style hotel at the edge of town with ocean views (for $350 a night in summer) from some rooms.

5. Carlsbad Village offers many restaurants from the very casual to quite upscale. Le Passage on State Street is a local favorite - a delightful French bistro with outdoor dining. Fish House Vera Cruz is a well known and popular family-style seafood restaurant with a marvelous fish market. There are great bars and night spots that get fun and lively, especially on summer weekends,

6. Agua Hedionda Lagoon and its surrounding wetland is an Ecological Reserve under the care of the California Department of Fish and Game. The 3,800 sq. ft. Discovery Center celebrated its Grand Opening on Earth Day, April 22, 2006 and showcases exhibits portraying the wetlands, including the native indians that once inhabited the lagoon. Visitors enjoy spectacular views overlooking the lagoon below and Pacific Ocean. Under the direction of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, the Discovery Center’s mission is to promote the environmental protection of the lagoon. Friendly docents are present to answer question and guide you through the exhibit.

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.