Conveniently located on the Pacific Ocean in north county San Diego, the Village of Carlsbad offers a multitude of sights and sounds ready for you to explore. Carlsbad's unique blend of museums, art galleries and outdoor concerts combined with incredible beaches and awesome ocean sunsets, make it a vacationer's paradise. This article focuses on the six things every visitor MUST do when visiting this village that locals call "Paradise By The Sea."
1. The Flower Fields are one of Carlsbad's most beloved and famous traditions. Fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are in a full bloom for six or seven weeks each year - from early March through early May. The yearly color burst of red, orange, yellow, green and purple blossoms is part of Carlsbad's heritage - and nature's method of announcing the official arrival of spring. Telephone: (760) 431-0352.
2. Batiquitos Lagoon is a coastal salt marsh with tidal mud flats - one of the few remaining wetlands in California. Many native plants and more than 185 species of birds can be seen at the lagoon. The lagoon is a destination for nature lovers of all types - bird watchers, artists, joggers, naturalists, hikers and plant lovers love the three miles of trails - trails renown as quiet places for exercise, meditation or simply contemplation. Free naturalist-led tours are offered some weekdays and most weekends.
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. The Carlsbad Farmer's Market in the Village is a fun and lively bazaar. Visitors and locals alike flock here to buy local fruits and vegetables and other unique and hard-to-find products. The market is open every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon and is located on Roosevelt between Grand and Carlsbad Village Drive.
6. Agua Hedionda Lagoon is an important Ecological Reserve managed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Trails along the Lagoon lead from the Discovery Center which offers unique exhibits about the lagoon with a focus on the Native Americans who once inhabited the area. The Center affords spectacular views overlooking the surrounding lagoon and Pacific Ocean in the distance. Visitors may walk through the garden containing more than 800 native plants and displays chock full of information about Agua Hedionda Lagoon and its native plants and animals.
1. The Flower Fields are one of Carlsbad's most beloved and famous traditions. Fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are in a full bloom for six or seven weeks each year - from early March through early May. The yearly color burst of red, orange, yellow, green and purple blossoms is part of Carlsbad's heritage - and nature's method of announcing the official arrival of spring. Telephone: (760) 431-0352.
2. Batiquitos Lagoon is a coastal salt marsh with tidal mud flats - one of the few remaining wetlands in California. Many native plants and more than 185 species of birds can be seen at the lagoon. The lagoon is a destination for nature lovers of all types - bird watchers, artists, joggers, naturalists, hikers and plant lovers love the three miles of trails - trails renown as quiet places for exercise, meditation or simply contemplation. Free naturalist-led tours are offered some weekdays and most weekends.
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. The Carlsbad Farmer's Market in the Village is a fun and lively bazaar. Visitors and locals alike flock here to buy local fruits and vegetables and other unique and hard-to-find products. The market is open every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon and is located on Roosevelt between Grand and Carlsbad Village Drive.
6. Agua Hedionda Lagoon is an important Ecological Reserve managed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Trails along the Lagoon lead from the Discovery Center which offers unique exhibits about the lagoon with a focus on the Native Americans who once inhabited the area. The Center affords spectacular views overlooking the surrounding lagoon and Pacific Ocean in the distance. Visitors may walk through the garden containing more than 800 native plants and displays chock full of information about Agua Hedionda Lagoon and its native plants and animals.
About the Author:
Terry Hunefeld retired in 2007 from his job as a CEO to pursue his passion of sailing the Pacific Ocean to observe seabirds and mammals. Terry and his wife purchased and now operate a romantic 4-suite Bed and Breakfast Inn near San Diego, California. For more information visit: Carlsbad Bed and Breakfasts or Hotels in Carlsbad California.
