Carlsbad

July 5, 2010 No comments

Carlsbad

“Village by the Sea”

Welcome to Carlsbad California nicknamed the “Village by the Sea.” Carlsbad is a quaint coastal North County San Diego city located just 35 miles north of downtown San Diego CA. This popular beach city is surrounded by the Pacific ocean to the west, hills to the east, and beautiful fresh and saltwater lagoons in between. The Village in the downtown area of Carlsbad CA is host to many yearly sporting events as well as the Carlsbad Street Faire.

History & Agriculture:

The California coast city of Carlsbad was founded in the 1880’s and has a village itself that dates back over 100 years. Early travelers to the North County area often passed on through Carlsbad CA and it wasn’t until the local discovery of mineral water said to contain healing powers that the town was put on the map. The name, Carlsbad, is the English version of its sister city named Karlovy Vary. This European city, discovered in 1350, has the same mineral springs, (or healing waters,) found in Carlsbad California. Although the mineral springs attracted visitors and residents, Carlsbad primarily began as an agricultural community and was once nicknamed the Avocado Capital of the World. Agricultural fields still abound in Carlsbad California and you can find local farmers growing avocados, strawberries, leafy greens, and many more fruits and vegetables year-round. Carlsbad wasn’t incorporated until 1952 and has experienced much residential growth since its incorporation.

Activities & Recreation:

You can easily find many activities for and exciting things to do for visitors and residents year around. Aside from having some of the cleanest beaches for it’s residents and visitors to enjoy year round, Carlsbad CA also boasts some of the best lagoon areas in San Diego county. Enjoy an afternoon walk through the lagoon trails, a day of boating or jetskiing, and afternoon at the “dog beach”, or just some casual fishing in one of the two saltwater lagoons or in San Diegos only fresh water lagoon. The local YMCA also offers a semi-private, all inclusive camp area that can hold up to about 100 of your friends in the summer months. Boats, equipment, and lifeguards included!

South Carlsbad State Beach features swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking as well as a large bluff-top campground that can be enjoyed year round, especially during the summer months. This popular Carlsbad beach is located south of Palomar Airport Rd. off of Carlsbad Blvd.

Carlsbad CA is also home to the famous Flower Fields. Enjoy 50 acres of extraordinary color in bloom on a hillside just east of the 5 Freeway off of Palomar Airport Rd. overlooking the Pacific Ocean. On site, you can experience a special nursery, a garden, and gift shop by Armstrong Garden Centers, and festivals throughout the season. This unique experience features plenty of kids activities including the Sweet Pea Maze, the Carlsbad Mining Company, Santas Playground, as well as other activities for all such as the Historic Poinsettia Display, American Flag of Flowers, and the Miniature Rose Garden.

Carlsbad CA is also home to it’s own winery located right on Carlsbad Blvd. as well as wine tasting events and clubs throughout the city. Wine tasting events are going on year round for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Another popular recreational activity that Carlsbad CA residents and visitors enjoy are walks and jogging through the citys numerous trails. Currently there are approximately 27 miles of unpaved recreational trails located in a variety of open space areas of the city. Plans for another 34 miles of unpaved trails are in the works. Carlsbad CA has also incorporated approximately 48 miles of bikelanes throughout the city’s roadways, often referred to as the Circulation Element.

One of Carlsbad’s most scenic facilities, the Leo Carrillo Ranch, is located near Poinsettia ln. off of Melrose Dr. Once owned by actor Leo Carrillo, this historic Carlsbad CA park contains and protects romantic hand-crafted adobe buildings, antique windmills, a reflecting pool and many other beautiful historic structures where visitors can explore and experience early California history. Self guided walking tours of the building exteriors and park grounds are available as well as guided tours.

Golf:

Now known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” Carlsbad California is home to 2 world class golf resorts, one of which is designed by golf great Arnold Palmer, as well as a luxurious municipal gold course called The Crossings. The La Costa Resort & Spa features two courses, the North Course and the South Course. Both of these par 72, La Costa Carlsbad golf courses were designed by Dick Wilson/Joseph L. Lee and were opened in 1965. The La Costa Resort & Spa golf courses were ranked Golfweek Magazine’s America’s Top 100 Resort Courses 2005.

The Four Seasons Resort Aviara Carlsbad is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course played on Bermuda grass. This Aviara Carlsbad golf course was designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in 1991. This golf course was ranked Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Public-Access Courses – 2000.

The Crossings is Carlsbads newest municipal golf course. Located east of the 5 freeway off of Palomar Airport Rd. The Crossings golf course is a gold course designed by Greg H. Nash, ASGCA and opened in 2007. This beautiful Carlsbad golf course boasts ocean, lagoon, and canyon views all wrapped up into one great loacation.

The 18-hole “Rancho Carlsbad” course at the Rancho Carlsbad Golf Club facility is located at El Camino Real and Cannon. This public course was designed by Art Saprico and was opened in 1959. This is a perfect course for a quick round of golf as it is a 2396 yard par 56 course with green fees under $20.

Over 30 golf industry businesses also call the City of Carlsbad CA home.

Theme Park & Museums:

In 1999, this North County San Diego city became home to Legoland California, the first North American theme park of its kind. Legoland in Carlsbad CA hosts more than 1.5 million guests a year and although it appeals mostly to children between the ages of 2 and 12, many adults also love to visit this one-of-kind theme park. Perhaps the biggest appeal may be to see the famous “mini-land,” a miniature world built from Legos that replicates famous cities from around the world.

Carlsbad CA is also home to the Museum of Making Music. Located east of the 5 freeway off of Palomar Airport Rd. and Armada this museum opened in March of 2000. This is a haven for music lovers of all kinds and features daily exhibits and events that are fun and educational for the entire family.