Getting Around What to See	Leisure Dining	Nightlife Where to Stay	Specials & Packages Shopping

Carlsbad, California - Nicknamed the Village by the Sea, this seaside resort-city is home to beautiful beaches, relaxing spas and plenty of outdoor activities and attractions so you can soak up as much of that Southern California sun as possible on your next vacation. Historic sights, outdoor festivals and concerts and a vibrant nightlife are just as plentiful in Carlsbad too, plus you're only a 30-minute drive from downtown San Diego.
Carlsbad is within close proximity of many other renowned family attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Wild Animal Park and the beautiful and spacious Balboa Park, with its kid-friendly museums and tours. Disneyland, Universal Studios and other popular Southern California family attractions are within a couple hours drive to the north of Carlsbad.


The North County Transit District provides transportation via buses and trains up and down San Diego County's coastline. Hop aboard the NCTD's BREEZE buses for $2 and head around Carlsbad or out-of-town to explore local attractions and nearby communities. Climb aboard a Coaster train at either the Carlsbad Village station ($9 for a round trip ticket) or the Carlsbad Poinsettia station ($10 for a round trip ticket) for a ride into San Diego. To enjoy some of Carlsbad's 48 miles of bike lanes along public roads, rent a bike at the Raw Skin Surf N' Sport Shop off of Carlsbad Boulevard. Or nix wheels and rails altogether and head out on the Citywide Trails system - 27 miles of unpaved recreational trails located in several open spaces around Carlsbad.


Southern California is known for its exciting destinations and world-class attractions and Carlsbad is no exception. Just north of downtown is the 128-acre theme park LEGOLAND California, geared toward families with tots ages two through 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions and 15,000 LEGO models park-wide, LEGOLAND California puts children's imagination and excitement to the test and is a must-do for families visiting Carlsbad.

New to LEGOLAND California, the SEA LIFE Aquarium lets children explore undersea life in a fun and educational way. Families will begin their SEA LIFE voyage in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and travel to the depths of the Pacific Ocean, along the way exploring a seahorse kingdom, passing through an underwater transparent tunnel surrounded by marine life and getting up-close and hands-on with sea animals in a Southern California Tide pool.

ArtSplash is Carlsbad's two-day family event aimed at promoting the city's healthy art community. Held in the early fall, visitors can expect to experience colorful chalk art street paintings, intricate sculptures, beautiful artwork and plenty of food, fun and musical entertainment.

With 50-plus acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers, Carlsbad's Flower Fields are a both a treat to the eyes and the nose. Explore the stunning colors by foot or wagon ride. Tours run between $9 and $18 a person depending on group size and method of tour transportation. Open March through May, the Flower Fields is the only commercial ranunculus field in the world that is open to the public.

One of the largest one-day street fairs in the country, the bi-annual Carlsbad Village Street Faire, held in May and November, features over 850 vendors with everything from arts and crafts, antiques, clothing and treasures from around the world. At the free street fair visitors will also discover an international food court, children's rides and games, and the traditional pancake breakfast at the Carlsbad railroad depot.

Held every Wednesday and Saturday, the Farmers' Market is a perfect opportunity to browse the local produce and hand designed crafts. The market is held rain or shine.

Held in September, the Festival is one of the premier alternative classical music festivals for some of the country's most talented young performers and composers.

Ten minutes to the south in Encinitas, visitors will find the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens. Part of the Self-Realization Fellowship Ashram Center, visitors can peacefully stroll among the gardens, exploring a small waterfall and pond filled with fish, fountains and flowering plants and trees. The gardens are generally open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays.

In nearby Del Mar, the Del Mar Race Track is home to exciting horse races, rock concerts and other events during the summer. In July, the Race Track and next door Del Mar Fairgrounds play host to the San Diego County Fair - one of the largest county fairs in the country.

Home to several museums, Carlsbad vacationers will want to plan a trip to one of the city's historical venues. The Museum of Making Music features concerts, films, discussions and hands-on workshops, all with the goal of sharing the history of music and music making. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, general admission is $5 and $3 for students, age 4 to 18. The Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, once owned by actor Leo Carrillo, lets visitors step back in time to the days when park was a working ranchero. Free self guided walking tours will take visitors around the property to explore antique windmills, historic adobe structures that once housed Carrillo's horses, carriages and ranch caretakers and several peacocks that still call the property home. The Carlsbad Historical Society, open Fridays and Saturdays with private tea tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment, lets vacationers discover the origins of Carlsbad and the surrounding area.


Outdoor fun abounds in this city by the ocean. Vacationers will want to take advantage of Carlsbad's many parks and outdoor areas, including a walk on the Sea Wall alongside Carlsbad State Beach. For swimming, surfing and sunbathing, head to the Carlsbad State Beach or for overnight and RV camping, South Carlsbad State Beach. Rent a Jet Ski or boat at the Snug Harbor Marina for some water excitement in Carlsbad's Aqua Hedionda Lagoon. Or rent some clubs and "putter" around at either the Carlsbad Golf Center, the award-winning Four Seasons Resort Aviara Golf Club or The Crossings at Carlsbad, an 18-hole championship course designed by Greg Nash. Relax and be pampered when you check into the Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa or the Bella D'ora Spa. Or float high above the San Diego coastline and watch a glowing sunset from a hot air balloon with California Dreamin' balloon rides, launched from nearby Del Mar to the south of Carlsbad.


For family dining, there's no place quite like Carlsbad! Watch the sunset over the sea while enjoying dinner on the patio of Dini's Bistro or enjoy an affordable and tasty prime rib dinner at Koko Beach. Vigilucci's features two restaurants in Carlsbad; experience authentic Italian dining in the heart of downtown Carlsbad or watch ocean waves break on the beach at Vigilucci's Seafood and Steakhouse off of Highway 101. For great food and locally brewed beer, stop by the Pizza Port Brewing Company on Carlsbad Village Drive and enjoy a frosty cool one and original pizzas piled high with toppings.

An authentic Carlsbad dining experience means Mexican food and, in Carlsbad, Mexican food means Norte's Mexican Restaurant in the plaza next to Carlsbad Beach Inn Resort on Carlsbad Boulevard. Sip on margaritas on the patio while enjoying the perfect Carlsbad weather. For weekend entertainment, tasty Mexican food and a happy hour Monday-Fridays, stop by the Coyote Bar & Grill on Carlsbad Village Drive. Situated along the ocean, it's hard not to find great seafood in Carlsbad. The Fish House Vera Cruz and Harbor Fish Cafe are two restaurants specializing in great seafood that are perfect for family visitors and couples alike. For breakfast, be sure to stop by The Daily News Café, a diner-style restaurant, or Marie Callender's Restaurant and Bakery. Or enjoy an outdoor brunch at the Bellafleur Winery & Restaurant on Paseo Del Norte. Come back later that night to dine again on some of what many locals claim is the best Mediterranean food in Carlsbad.


For a true Carlsbad experience, head out on the town to dine at some of the city's many fine restaurants and eateries. Afterwards, stop by the TGIF Jazz Concert, held at local parks throughout the city on Fridays during the summer. The Carlsbad tradition takes place Friday evenings, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., beginning in late June and running throughout the summer. Free to the public, the Jazz Concerts are held at different parks during the summer and feature a different musician or band each week. Check out the City of Carlsbad's Parks and Recreation website for information on when and where the next TGIF Jazz Concert will take place, as well as info on other fun family events held throughout the year.


ResorTime.com offers vacationers a wide range of attractive and luxurious resorts located in Carlsbad.

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort Located in the heart of Carlsbad and situated along the water's edge with easy walking access to downtown, the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort offers hotel rooms and one- and two-bedroom condominiums. One and two bedrooms include fireplaces and have full kitchens and many have fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy Tai Chi, sailing, family movie night and more weekly activities at the Carlsbad Inn. Click here to see the weekly list of resort activities.

Carlsbad Seapointe Resort Situated on the beach, Carlsbad Seapointe Resort has a wide range of luxury amenities, including a heated outdoor swimming pool, spa and sauna and lighted tennis, volleyball and basketball courts and putting greens. Looking for even more fun? At the Carlsbad Seapointe Resort, you'll find big splash contests, Mexico Fiesta trips and other great activities are a dime a dozen. Check out the schedule here.

Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort Celebrating its Grand Opening in 2008, the Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort features family picnic areas with grills, one- and two-bedroom villas with soaking tubs and master baths, luxurious studios and three-bedroom villas. Grand Pacific MarBrisa's ocean-view pool has a spa and kiddie pool and the resort is within walking distance of LEGOLAND California. Guests will receive a weekly activities list when they check in.

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel Only a short walk away from one of Carlsbad's biggest attractions, LEGOLAND California, the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel has panoramic ocean views and an Olympic-size pool. The resort features a children's water park, business center, game room and Karl Strauss Brewery Restaurant onsite. You'll also want to take advantage of the in suite massage therapy and soothing sauna, located in the fitness center. Resort activities include everything from poolside musical entertainment to sunset wine and jazz nights. Check out the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel activity schedule for more on what's happening this month.

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa Adjacent to LEGOLAND California, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa has a luxurious boutique spa, plenty of room for large gatherings and corporate meetings and an onsite grill and wine bar with beautiful views of the coastline.


Book a room at the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort, the Carlsbad Seapointe Resort or the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort through ResorTime.com and receive a great package deal, including two free adult two-day hopper tickets to SEA LIFE / LEGOLAND California, as well as discounts on children's tickets to the attractions or free breakfast for two at The Daily News Café or Marie Callender's. Book SEA LIFE / LEGOLAND Package.

Book three nights in a one or two bedroom condo at the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort and get the fourth night free. Enjoy the Carlsbad Fiesta Getaway and book one and two bedroom condos through ResorTime.com and receive one breakfast for two and one lunch or dinner certificate at Norte's per booking. Receive a free $25 gas certificate per booking when you book through ResorTime.com.


Before heading home, be sure to shop 'till you drop at some of Carlsbad's many eclectic stores and shopping plazas. Carlsbad Premium Outlets, located off of Paseo Del Norte, features 90 different outlet stores for everything from clothes to books to house wares. The Forum, off of Calle Barcelona, has plenty to offer with its many outlet stores and shops. For something a little more arty or vintage, explore the Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall on State Street. Nicknamed "The Mural Buildings" because of the impressive paintings that cover the mall's front side, visitors can pick and choose from antique glassware, sculptures, period antique furniture and vintage furniture and accessories.