Carlsbad, California

Carlsbad, California is a beautiful little beach community nestled on the southern California coast approximately 35 miles from San Diego. The early residents recognized Carlsbad's relaxing qualities, naming the city (supposedly) after Karlsbad, Bohemia, for the similarities to the mineral waters that the areas shared. Beginning in the 1880s, Carlsbad lived up to the billing, becoming a popular resort spa community. Today, this scenic little community is known for its position in the high-tech community, and as a wonderful vacation destination perfectly poised to help visitors enjoy all the attractions the southern coast has to offer.

No vacation in Carlsbad would be complete without participating in that most basic of sun related rituals: a day at the beach! Carlsbad and its environs are teeming with places to throw down a towel and concentrate on your tan. In particular, South Carlsbad State Beach, where you will find Batiquitos Lagoon, is a popular spot with sun worshippers and the surfing crowd. The area around the lagoon is also popular with birding enthusiasts who come for the ample avian population. Carlsbad State Beach, close to all the shops at Carlsbad Village, is another popular spot for swimming, surfing, beachcombing, or nature related activities. Canoes or kayaks can also be rented if you are so inclined.

Fans of surfing history and trivia will want to visit Oceanside, which has long been associated with the surfing community. To see how connected the two are, visit the California Surfing Museum. Everyone from surfing devotees to curious onlookers will be amazed at the extent of the museum's surfing memorabilia. The museum pays tribute to the subculture surfing has created over the years. Legends of the sport like Duke Kahanamoku, Tom Blake, George Freeth, Rell Sunn, Faye Baird Fraser, and many others are represented. Surfboards and other relics that have chronicled the sport are on display. Vintage photographs, beachwear, beach music, and surf graffiti add to the atmosphere. You don't get much more surf oriented than that! The museum is a natural reflection of Oceanside's link between the ocean, the many ocean sports, and the lifestyles of the community.

Golfers in your party will think they have stepped into golfing heaven during your Carlsbad vacation. Play the same golf courses as some of the biggest names in golf as you navigate the two courses at the La Costa Resort & Spa. Both the North Course and the South Course, designed by Dick Wilson, are traditional tests of golfing skill requiring shot making ability, rather than distance off the tee, to score well. Both courses have four sets of tees, and can accommodate players of all abilities. If La Costa seems familiar, it should. Tiger Woods won the Accenture World Match Play Championship here in 2004! With nearly perfect year-round weather, it's tee time all the time at La Costa!

Carlsbad has something for every vacationer's taste. In the spring, people come in droves to see the wonderful spring awakening of the flowers surrounding Carlsbad Ranch. Try your luck in a dogfight, or cruise in a moonlight flight over the area at the Biplane Air Combat and Warbird Center. Let the kids get excited about science, history, and art, as they tinker with the hands-on exhibits at the Children's Discovery Museum of North County. Check out the extensive collection of musical instruments at the Museum of Making Music. Kids of all ages will get a kick out of Lego Land.