Carlsbad is a beachfront resort community with a coastline stretching for 7 miles, the city is 87 miles south of L.A., 35 miles north of San Diego and Carlsbad covers an area of 39.1 square miles. Carlsbad is part of the tri-city area together with southern Oceanside and western Vista. Carlsbad has a healthy mix of cultures and races with prominent white and Hispanic communities (13.3%). Carlsbad is a young family oriented neighborhood with approximately a quarter of the residents under 18 and a quarter between the ages of 25 and 44.
Carlsbad is divided into four quadrants: the northwest downtown area, the “village” which is the oldest part of Carlsbad with many homes overlooking the sea and the natural tree covered Hosp Grove Park; northeast quadrant which consists of large plots and single-family homes; southeast quadrant where there are newer communities, untouched green hills, golf courses and the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa and the southwest quadrant which runs along the coast.
Recreation, Culture and Entertainment
Carlsbad is home to Legoland, a huge, colorful amusement park for all the family and it is the only Legoland with a water park as well. SEA LIFE Aquarium is another stunning attraction for families and for music enthusiasts there is the Museum of Making Music. Budding musicians can test their talent on many instruments and learn about the music industry. The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum highlights small scale vehicles.
For Latino residents Carlsbad has a Spanish division of the Carlsbad City Library in the Barrio area. Also in this area is the Barrio Museum which celebrates the contribution of agricultural workers to the growth of Carlsbad. The Cinepolis Luxury Cinema offers wide, comfy seats and pampering treats as you watch movies.
Museum of Making Music
Legoland
Outdoor Activities
At Agua Hedionda Lagoon there is a Discovery Center and they educate about the natural history, ecology and cultural history of the lagoon area. At the Batiquitos Lagoon coastal wetlands you can take guided walks and visit the nature center. Buena Vista Lagoon is a wetland habitat for hundreds of species of birds and small animals and is perfect for bird watching.
There are 7 miles of sandy beaches including the family-friendly Tamarack Beach; South Carlsbad State Beach for swimming, fishing and surfing; the wide and uncommercialized South Ponto Beach and the isolated and picturesque Terramar beach. Golf lovers can visit the Carlsbad Golf Center. At 2 Stand Up Guys you can learn stand up paddle boarding; So Cal Surf Lessons will get you catching waves off the Carlsbad coast; the K1 Speed is an enormous indoor go-kart center and Carlsbad also has a skate park and cycling club.
Restaurants and Cafes
Flower Fields
Among the wide variety of eateries in Carlsbad is PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar, they are rated #1 on Trip Advisor and serve delicious French food. Tip Top Meats is a BBQ and steakhouse; for Italian cuisine try Vivace in the Park Hyatt Aviara and if you have a sweet tooth then Carlsbad Chocolate Bar is for you!
For something different try the Scavengers Beer & Adventures Tour Carlsbad and learn about the hand crafted beers in the area.
Festivals and Special Events
Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is an annual event in March which lasts for 6-8 weeks. There are fields of bright colored flowers, kids activities, a miniature rose garden and the “Rose walk-of-fame” with 107 types of roses. The Strong Ale Festival is in its 17th years, it is a 2 day festival for beer lovers.
