Carlsbad has a relaxed atmosphere away from the madness of LA, but close enough for easy access. It has beaches that are better maintained than its neighbor Oceanside.
By car
Carlsbad is located about 30 miles north of San Diego on Interstate 5. The Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1) passes through Carlsbad as well.
By rail
Carlsbad has two train stations: Village and Poinsettia. Both can be reached via the COASTER regional rail line from the Santa Fe Depot and the Old Town Transit Center in San Diego.
If you are traveling from Los Angeles or Orange County, take Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink's Orange County Line to Oceanside. From the Oceanside Transit Center, take the COASTER, a bus, or a taxi to Carlsbad.
By air
Carlsbad's local Palomar Airport has commercial commuter flights to Los Angeles and other destinations on United Express, as well as general aviation.
San Diego International Airport is the closest major airport to Carlsbad; from there you may take a bus (San Diego Transit Route 992) to the Santa Fe Depot and connect to the COASTER. John Wayne Airport in Orange County is the next closest.
Get around
The North County Transit District provides public bus service within Carlsbad.
See
Legoland California
Sister park to the Danish park themed to the phenomenally popular toy line. Strikingly accurate Lego sculptures, thrill rides, and more.
Flower Fields. For six to eight weeks each year - from early March through early May, almost fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are in a full bloom. Admission to the fields is $8, though the fields are quite visible from outside as well.
Do
Carlsbad State Beach near the end of Palomar Airport Road, is one of the area's nicest beaches. In warm weather there may be stingrays, so walk carefully. The area also has an R/C Gliderport along the cliffs.
Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa 2802 Carlsbad Blvd, (760) 434-1887 Ja, there are hot baths in the 'bad, perhaps only to appease the Germans expecting them.
Buy
Carlsbad Premium Outlets, off Carlsbad Village Drive, upscale outlet center.
Carlsbad Pipeline beachwear and accessories.
Eat
Captain Keno's $3 breakfast all day, $3 spaghetti after 4. Large portions. 158 N Coast Highway 101 (760) 753-4555
Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill - A chain of unique restaurants spanning California and several other western states, has its roots in the San Diego area. And is headquarterd in beautiful Carlsbad. Any trip to San Diego can't be complete without trying an Original Fish Taco from Rubio's. They are located at the Carlsbad Company Stores near Palomar Airport Rd. & I-5.
Daily News Cafe - relaxed breakfast and lunch cafe near the beach. They have Reubens on Sunday.
Fish House Veracruz - located near the train station, has fresh seafood.
Jay's Gourmet - pizza and seafood - and seafood pizza.
Benihana - part of a chain of Japanese restaurants. Their food is good, and they prepare it entertainingly right in front of you.
Claim Jumper (south of town on I-5) - part of a chain of tasteful Old West themed restaurants featuring large proportions of good food. Especially recommended is the steak.
Coyote Bar & Grill - mostly featuring Southwestern and Mexican food, a wide range of tequilas, and live bands.
Drink
Pizza Port Carlsbad - Beer enthusiasts will want to check out Pizza Port Carlsbad at 571 Carlsbad Village Dr., which was featured in the Beer Advocate's Top 50 places to drink beer in America. The pub is family-friendly, and the California-style pizza is a local favorite. They also host local beer-tastings and microbrew events.
Vinaka Cafe - fresh coffee, tea and food in a comfortable coffee shop atmosphere
Sheraton Carlsbad Resort, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, (760) 827-2400. Opens in January 2008 with panoramic Pacific Ocean views from hotel and its Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar. Families will appreciate its expansive free-form swimming pool while parents will enjoy unique, marine-based treatments from its Ocean Pearl Spa.
Best Western Beach View Lodge, 3180 Carlsbad Boulevard, (760) 729-1151, Fax: (760) 434-5405.
Courtyard San Diego Carlsbad, 5835 Owens Avenue, (760) 431-9399, Fax: (760) 431-9809
Fairfield Inn San Diego Carlsbad Near Legoland, 760 Macademia Drive, (760) 438-2828, Fax: (760) 438-8181
Four Seasons Resort Aviara, North San Diego, 7100 Four Seasons Point, (760) 603-6800, Fax: (760) 603-6801. This fine luxury resort, which features an awesome golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, is located in Southern California, just 30 miles north of San Diego.
Grand Pacific Palisades. A first class resort overlooking the California flower fields, less than a mile from the beach. Across the street from a pedestrian entrance to Legoland.
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, 3075 Carlsbad Blvd, (760) 434-7020, Charming beach-side vacation resort with easy access to Carlsbad & San Diego attractions.
