Carlsbad, which is just south of Oceanside, is less than a 45-minute drive from downtown San Diego via Interstate 5, and slightly longer on historic North Coast Highway 101. The 101 route is by far the more pleasant, with its spectacular coastline scenery and the opportunity to stop at excellent beaches that stretch for miles.

If you prefer to travel on Interstate 5, take the Carlsbad Village Drive off-ramp and drive west a half mile to State Street, the heart of the Village. This unique shopping district is best viewed on foot. Another option is to ride the Coaster that runs between downtown San Diego's Santa Fe Depot and Oceanside. There are two Coaster stations in Carlsbad: the Poinsettia station and the Village station (see map for their locations). Regular round-trip fare is ($11) and ($5.50) for seniors and disabled persons. For information call (800-262-7837).

With nearly 132,000 flights a year, North County's commuter commercial airport is McClellan-Palomar Airport (9) at 2192 Palomar Airport Rd. (760- 431-4646). This popular regional airport is only three minutes from Interstate 5. It is home to 274 aircraft and brings in more than $108 million to the Carlsbad economy. The airport recently completed a $10 million runway renovation. This state-of-the-art airport includes a new terminal building, parking lots and a restaurant called The Landings Restaurant and Bar.

Shopping adventures abound in Carlsbad. The quaint Village lends itself to shopping and dining, and is the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Also here is Carlsbad's big shopping attraction, Carlsbad Premium Outlets.

Located just 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego is Carlsbad Premium Outlets® (15), 5620 Paseo del Norte (760-804-9000). With 90 designer and name-brand outlet stores, it's one of the most upscale outlet shopping destinations in the county where you'll enjoy savings of 25 to 65 percent every day.

A walk through this beautiful villagestyle center reveals a collection of designer and leading brands that will thrill any shopper. Brands include bebe, Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, Dooney & Bourke, Gap Outlet, Guess, Jones New York, Juicy Couture, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Lucky Brand, Michael Kors, Nine West, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Theory, Tommy Hilfiger, True Religion and more. There is also a Barneys New York Outlet, which carries a wide range of top labels for less.

Sports enthusiasts will enjoy savings on athletic apparel and gear at Adidas, Puma and Reebok. Plus, kids and teens are easy to shop for with the impressive selections at Carter's, BabyGap, Gymboree, OshKosh B'Gosh, Skechers, Stride Rite Keds Sperry, Vans and many more. You'll also find everything you need for your home at Bose, Crate and Barrel, Kitchen Collection, Le Creuset, Swarovski and more.

There is a wide variety of dining options to choose from at Carlsbad Premium Outlets, including Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, Hot Dog on a Stick, Panda Express, Ruby's Diner, San Sai Japanese Grill, Starbucks Coffee, Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen and more. For a fine dining experience visit Bellefleur Restaurant.

Carlsbad Premium Outlet Center has annual sales during the weekends of Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Columbus Day. Plus, their famous After Thanksgiving Sale kicks off at midnight as Thanksgiving ends and continues with special savings through Sunday.

Carlsbad Village Known as “The Village by the Sea,” Carlsbad has the charm of a delightful European village. Its many antique stores and boutiques, sidewalk cafes and romantic hotels are just a short walk from the beach. After browsing in delightful little shops and relaxing over lunch at a sidewalk cafe, you will likely succumb to Carlsbad's charm.

The group behind the charm of Carlsbad Village is The Carlsbad Village Association (4) at 2579 State St., Suite B (760-434-2553). You will undoubtedly be delighted with the efforts the association has put forth to make this a fun place to explore.

Antique lovers will find a host of memorable antique stores to discover too. So whatever you do, don't miss a visit to Carlsbad's largest antique mall. It's the huge 15,000-sq. ft. Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall (6) at 2752 State St. (760-730-9494). Featured are more than 150 antique dealers and artists with a worldwide collection of antiques, art and collectibles.

While in the Village, don't miss the Carlsbad Village Farmer's Market (3) held at 2930 Roosevelt St. between Grand Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive. Local vendors gather to sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to flowers, specialty foods and crafts. It takes place Wed. and Sat., 1 p.m.–5 p.m. rain or shine. Plus, it's California Certified, which means only the freshest produce from local farmers is offered.

Also highly recommended is a visit to the landmark Carlsbad Danish Bakery (5) at 2805 Roosevelt St. (760-729-6186). This is where locals come everyday to get their pastry and caffeine fix. You can take their delicious pastries with you or simply enjoy them while sitting inside with a steaming cup of cappuccino or on their pleasant patio. This full-service bakery offers flaky French pastries and mouthwatering cookies, cupcakes and cakes. They are also well-known for their incredible wedding cakes.

Also be sure to visit The Village Faire (9) at 300 Carlsbad Village Dr. (760-434-3838), a shopping center with a distinctive New England architecture. Village Faire, which is one block west of the center of the Village, features lots of little shops, boutiques, services and restaurants surrounding a spacious patio and large fountain. Violin concerts are held every Saturday at 11 a.m. and noon in the Fountain Courtyard.

One great discovery you won't want to miss is Carlsbad's most photographed historic site, which is now home to the Ocean House Restaurant (7). It was originally one of two Victorian homes. This building was constructed in 1887, which was a year before the construction of the famous Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, by two of Carlsbad's founding fathers. Use their coupon to buy one entree, get the second 50% off.

At the opposite end of this same block to the north is Witch Creek Winery (8) at 2906 Carlsbad Blvd. (760-720- 7499). Come in and taste their delicious handcrafted wines, including their awardwinning red wines. Tastings are ($5).

For destination shopping at its very best, The Forum Carlsbad (22) at 1923 Calle Barcelona (760-479-0166) gets rave reviews. It's near the corner of El Camino Real and Leucadia Boulevard at Calle Barcelona. Name-brand stores include Talbots, an Apple Store, Anthropologie, Free People and the impressive Coldwater Creek. As for restaurants, you'll be highly impressed with Casa De Bandini (22) (760-634-3443). It's one of Bazaar del Mundo's great new Mexican restaurants. And owner Diane Powers is often on hand to greet you.

LEGOLAND California (17) is home to more than 60 exciting rides, shows and attractions. But the really big news is the world's first and only LEGOLAND Water Park. The imagination really flows on Build-A-Raft river, where everyone floats on their own custom-built LEGO raft. The Water Park also features six-person raft slides, single-person tube slides, body slides and hands-on toddler areas, so there's something for the entire family. With favorites like the Dragon Coaster, Pirate Shores, Volvo Driving School and the amazing Miniland USA, it's a full day of fun. The park is located just 30 minutes north of San Diego off I-5 and Cannon Road, which leads to LEGOLAND Drive. The park is open Thurs.–Mon., but is open daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and during specific periods. Admission is ($67) for adults and ($57) for seniors and children 3–12. For just ($10), you can upgrade your LEGOLAND ticket to include the Water Park. Parking is ($12). Be sure to use their discount coupon in this book and get $4 off per person, up to six people!

Next to LEGOLAND California Park is SEA LIFE™ Aquarium (17). It gives families a fun, interactive way to discover the wonders of our oceans, while learning about the marine environment and the importance of ocean conservation. Attractions include an upclose look at the native sharks, rays, and Giant Pacific Octopus of San Francisco Harbor in California-themed displays, as well as unique experiences with sea stars and other aquatic creatures. And don't miss new shark adventures now at SEA LIFE with three all-new shows. With hands-on touch pools and interactive discovery zones, SEA LIFE Aquarium makes the aquatic world fun. Admission is ($18.95) for adults, ($15.95) for seniors, ($11.95) kids 3–12. For just ($10) you can upgrade LEGOLAND tickets to include SEA LIFE. Call (760-918-5346) for more information. In season, the famous Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch (16) (760-431-0352), located at the corner of Palomar Airport Road and Paseo del Norte, are a sight to see. In the spring from March through early May, a rainbow of brightly colored flowers can be seen from Interstate 5, and all but stops traffic. There are 53 acres of colorful ranunculus and a mixture of specialty flowers shimmering on the hillside.

If you feel the need for speed, visit K1 Speed (13) at 6212 Corte Del Abeto (760-929-2225). At their indoor karting center, you'll see first-hand what K1 Speed has to offer. Battle it out with friends and family and see who can set the fast lap!

Carlsbad is also blessed with superb resorts, hotels and time-shares. Some are near the beach and in walking distance of Carlsbad Village. Others are on beautiful hillsides with breathtaking ocean views.

Highly recommended is the Tamarack Beach Resort (14) at 3200 Carlsbad Blvd. (760-729-3500) or (800- 334-2199), which genuinely captures the charm of Carlsbad. This resort, with its Mediter ranean-style architecture and decor, has 54 full-service, one- and twobedroom vacation rentals and 23 luxury hotel rooms overlooking the beautiful Pacific ocean.

For the best seafood and steaks in Carlsbad with an ocean view, dine at Dini's Bistro by the Sea (14) at 3290 Carlsbad Blvd. (760-434-6000). They also have the best beach bar ambience in town. Located at the south end of the Tamarack Beach Resort, Dini's is open every day for lunch except Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. They have a superb Saturday and Sunday Champagne Brunch served 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Dinner is served nightly 4:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. till 10 p.m. Delicious salads, steaks and seafood have made Dini's a local favorite. For great seating, ask for table 14 or ask to be seated on the patio, which offers a wonderful ocean view. Reservations are recommended. Every month they have a drawing for two free dinners.

Also in the Village is Ocean House (7) at 300 Carlsbad Village Dr. (760-729- 4131). It is known for both its excellent food and historical setting. American cuisine with a seafood flair is featured. You'll also love their Sunday Champagne Brunch. Plus, their nightly dancing and Mon.–Fri. happy hour from 3 p.m.–6 p.m. have made Ocean House one of Carlsbad's popular nightclubs.

You absolutely must dine at the famous Diane Power's Casa de Bandini Mexican Restaurant (22) at 1901 Calle Barcelona (760-634-3443) in the Forum Carlsbad. They feature strumming mariachi musicians, who stroll throughout the restaurant serenading happy diners. The festive atmosphere is second to none.

Serving home-style food since 1979, the Broken Yolk Café 7670 El Camino Real (760-943-8182) is a favorite among local San Diegans and hungry visitors alike. With a strong dedication to good food and equally good service, the Broken Yolk has built a reputation for its large menu, ample portions and freshly-made flavor. With over twenty different omelets plus a large variety of breakfast favorites including pancakes, waffles and French toast, Broken Yolk satisfies even the heartiest of diners - all in a clean, comfortable and casual atmoshpere.

The Ramada Inn & Suites (13) at 751 Macadamia Dr. (800-644-9394) is conveniently located just a half mile from Carlsbad State Park.This 121 room hotel offers studios starting at ($89) and one- and two-bedroom suites starting at ($109) and ($229), respectively. They also feature a complimentary continental breakfast, heated pool and spa, laundry facilities, free wireless Internet, as well as meeting facilities. Enjoy the comforts of home with minifridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, cable TV and more.

Discover the Sheraton Carlsbad Hotel, at 5480 Grand Pacific Drive (760-827-2400), it is a spectacular resort minutes from the Carlsbad beaches and alongside the Crossings at Carlsbad and LEGOLAND California. With beautiful Contemporary Mediterranean architecture, rolling lawns, flowering shrubs and nearby pristine beaches, the carlsbad hotel offers a beautiful setting sure to inspire guests of every kind. The hotel sits alongside the Crossings at Carlsbad Golf Course and LEGOLAND California Resort, providing access to a wide variety of exciting things to see and do.

La Costa Resort and Spa at 2100 Costa Del Mar Road (760-438-9111), is a experience first-class luxury resort, with impressive accommodations in a beautiful Southern California location.

The Four Seasons Resort Aviara at 7100 4 Seasons (760-804-1588), is a 200-acre, Spanish colonial-style pleasure palace set high on a bluff carpeted with wildflowers. Its Arnold Palmer-signature golf course is superbly laid out around the natural topography of the resort. This is a picturesque course where the water traps are part of the lagoon and the clubhouse is a Spanish colonial structure offering every amenity that serious golfers require and that occasional duffers relish.

Inns of America Suites at 5010 Avenida Encinas (760-929-8200), is the best place to stay if you're looking for an ideal Southern California beach hotel. Located on the coast in beautiful Carlsbad, Inns of America Suites is conveniently situated near the beach and close to many of San Diego's best attractions.If you're looking for somewhere to stay near Legoland, Palomar Airport Business Park, Carlsbad Flower Fields, major golf courses, shopping, Oceanside Harbor, and the famous Del Mar Racetrack, then you will enjoy this amazing location.

With nearly 132,000 flights a year, North County's commuter commercial airport is McClellan-Palomar Airport (9) at 2192 Palomar Airport Rd. (760- 431-4646). This popular regional airport is only three minutes from Interstate 5. See map. It is home to 274 aircraft and brings in more than $108 million to the Carlsbad economy. The airport recently completed a $10 million runway renovation. This state-of-the-art airport includes a new terminal building, parking lots and a restaurant called The Landings Restaurant and Bar.

The new terminal also serves Sky West, providing seven daily flights to Los Angeles.

Airline Contacts
United Express (SkyWest) Airlines	800.241-6522
Chartering a Plane
Jet Source	760.438.0877
Private Jets Charter	888.935.9559
Stratos Jet Charters	888.478.7286
Schubach Aviation	760.929.0307
Private Jets Charter	888.935.9559