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. Located on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Flower Fields have become one of Carlsbad's most cherished and waited-for traditions. Each spring this 50 acre farm bursts into a dazzling rainbow of color. The annual display is an important part of Carlsbad's heritage - nature's way of announcing the arrival of spring. The Flower Fields are located at 5704 Paseo de Norte Drive in Carlsbad and are visible from Interstate 5.
2. 600 acre Batiquitos Lagoon is a nature preserve rimmed with more than 2 miles of walking trails -The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation maintains and staffs a small but specimen-packed interpretive center on the north shore. Trained naturalists lead interesting walks pointing out many of the flora, fauna and unique characteristics of the lagoon - home to more than 180 species of birds. The lagoon is treasured for its diversity of native plants.
3. Legoland is a theme park designed especially for children - but adults enjoy it, too. The park is clean, pleasantly landscaped and alive with color. There are plenty of rides and attractions plus free play areas where the kids can run around and blow off steam. Oh, and if it's hot, there's no shortage of places for them to get wet and refreshed. Parents appreciate the healthy caf with tasty, healthy food and snack choices that the kids will enjoy - without emptying your wallet.
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.
If you're visiting Carlsbad or other surrounding communities in North County San Diego, here are some links to hotels and bed and breakfasts: Carlsbad Hotels, Carlsbad B&B and Del Mar California Hotels.
1. Located on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Flower Fields have become one of Carlsbad's most cherished and waited-for traditions. Each spring this 50 acre farm bursts into a dazzling rainbow of color. The annual display is an important part of Carlsbad's heritage - nature's way of announcing the arrival of spring. The Flower Fields are located at 5704 Paseo de Norte Drive in Carlsbad and are visible from Interstate 5.
2. 600 acre Batiquitos Lagoon is a nature preserve rimmed with more than 2 miles of walking trails -The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation maintains and staffs a small but specimen-packed interpretive center on the north shore. Trained naturalists lead interesting walks pointing out many of the flora, fauna and unique characteristics of the lagoon - home to more than 180 species of birds. The lagoon is treasured for its diversity of native plants.
3. Legoland is a theme park designed especially for children - but adults enjoy it, too. The park is clean, pleasantly landscaped and alive with color. There are plenty of rides and attractions plus free play areas where the kids can run around and blow off steam. Oh, and if it's hot, there's no shortage of places for them to get wet and refreshed. Parents appreciate the healthy caf with tasty, healthy food and snack choices that the kids will enjoy - without emptying your wallet.
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.
If you're visiting Carlsbad or other surrounding communities in North County San Diego, here are some links to hotels and bed and breakfasts: Carlsbad Hotels, Carlsbad B&B and Del Mar California Hotels.
About the Author:
Terry Hunefeld retired in 2007 from his job as a CEO to follow his dream of exploring the Pacific Ocean to observe seabirds and mammals. Terry and his wife purchased and now operate the delightful Inn At Moonlight Beach Bed and Breakfast in the Carlsbad area. For more information visit: Carlsbad Bed and Breakfasts or Carlsbad California Hotels.
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