Carlsbad Is a Great Coastal Getaway in San Diego
Miles of beautiful beaches, delightful shops, a highly acclaimed factory outlet, world-class resorts, a new cityowned golf course called The Crossings, excellent restaurants and LEGOLAND California make Carlsbad a great place for a vacation as well as the per fect place to live. Carlsbad is also known for the famous Flower Fields, which bloom in early March through May.
Long recognized as one of the most picturesque coastal communities in Southern California, Carlsbad is blessed with sun-splashed beaches, three graceful lagoons and the quaint downtown Village of North Carlsbad. The Village is home to many antique stores, boutiques, sidewalk cafés and romantic beachfront hotels. Carlsbad is definitely one of the prettiest and most desirable places to live. Plus, it’s freeway close from Orange County and Los Angeles.
Carlsbad is divided into two regions by a lagoon. North Carlsbad is home to the quaint village, with plenty of shops and restaurants. South Carlsbad is filled with many attractions including LEGOLAND California, the Musuem of Making Music and the Nature Center.
Must See Attractions in Carlsbad |
LEGOLAND California (17) has many highlights within the park, including a scaled replica of five regions of the U.S. and three roller coasters. Each month they featured new exhibits based on people and places from around the world. LEGOLAND features more than 50 other rides, shows and attractions including Miniland Las Vegas! The park is located just 30 minutes north of San Diego off I-5 and Cannon Road, which leads to LEGOLAND Drive (see map). Be sure to use their discount coupon and get $4 off per person, up to six people! For information call (760-918-5346). 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. Over 3 million cut flowers and 6 –12 million bulbs are harvested each season and shipped throughout North America. The Museum of Making Music (21) is also located near LEGOLAND at 5790 Armada Dr. (760-438-5996). Open Tues.–Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. General admission is ($7), seniors, students and active military ($5) and children under 5 are admitted free. The focus of this impressive museum is to present a nostalgic walk through the past 100 years of American music and music-making. Featured are more than 500 vintage instruments. Plus, there are lots of interactiveexhibits and hundreds of audio and video clips. This is a unique educational adventure for everyone! |
![]() LEGOLAND California |
![]() The Carlsbad Flower Fields |
![]() Museum of Making Music |

Great Restaurants in Carlsbad |
Carlsbad's seaside village is a haven for romantic oceanfront dining. One of Carlsbad's landmark restaurants is Dini's Bistro (14) at 3290 Carlsbad Blvd. (760-434-6000), which celebrating over 22 years in business and is famous for their sunset dinners (4:30pm to 7pm). They are also very well known for their fresh seafood, impressive steaks, salads, outdoor patio dining, a beach bar ambiance second to none. 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. It’s located in the remodeled Twin Inns, which were built in 1887 by two of Carlsbad’s founding fathers. American cuisine with a seafood flair is featured. Their nightly dancing and Sunday happy hour, 3 p.m.–6 p.m. have made Ocean House one of Carlsbad’s popular nightclubs. |
![]() Dini's Bistro by the Sea |
![]() Al's Cafe in the Village |
![]() Ocean House Restaurant |
Carlsbad's Premium Shopping Destinations |
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, the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. |
![]() Barney's New York |
![]() Donna Karen |
![]() Polo Ralph Lauren |
South Carlsbad Hotels & Resorts Near LEGOLAND |
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. |
![]() Four Seasons Aviara |
![]() Carlsbad Sheraton |
![]() La Costa Resort |
McClellan-Palomar Airport & Daily Scheduled Flights |
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Located at 2192 Palomar Airport Road (760-431-4646), this airport has regularly scheduled flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) via United Express. With 215,847 takeoffs and landings in 2007 by private planes, corporate jets and commuter airline flights, McClellan-Palomar is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the country. There are nearly 350 aircraft based at the airport, of which over 30 of them are jets or jet props.
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![]() New Green Airport Terminal |
![]() Fly Aboard a Private Jet |
![]() A Private Plane Departing |
A Great Place to Live is Carlsbad |
Many people are making Carlsbad their home, and it’s no wonder. Besides being a coastal community, set amid rolling hills, and blessed with a bounty of natural beauty and temperate climate, Carlsbad also has a wide variety of housing alternatives. There are beach bungalows, condos, single-family and custom homes to choose from in popular areas including Old Carlsbad Village, La Costa and La Costa Valley. The population of Carlsbad is currently 103,811, and steadily growing. |
![]() New Shea Homes in Carlsbad |
![]() Homes at La Costa Ridge |
![]() Messina @ La Costa Ridge |
![]() Al's Cafe in the Village |
![]() Dini's Bistro |
![]() Ocean House |
![]() LEGOLAND Aquazone |
![]() SEA LIFE Aquarium |
![]() LEGOLAND Carlsbad |






























Lindbergh Field, CA