Look at How Far We’ve Come

In 2020, we re-learned some of life’s simplest tasks. Everything from buying groceries to sending kids to school changed. Before the pandemic, the hardest part about grabbing a quick bite after work was deciding what you wanted to eat. After the pandemic hit, pulling up to your favorite restaurant for Happy Hour or venturing into a grocery store for a snack looked different. Restaurants adapted, indoor retailers adjusted the way they do business, and we’ve been wearing masks. Everyone is trying to make do. Through it all, the City of Carlsbad invested in the community to ensure that our beachside paradise thrives, despite the obstacles. We’ve been resilient in figuring out how to create a new normal and the hope of getting back to normal is just around the corner.

In Southern California, May and June are known for gray skies and a shifting marine layer as locals enjoy more mild weather. In Carlsbad, the old adage ‘April showers bring May flowers’ hits a little bit differently. The Flower Fields wrap their season in May, ending on a high note following Mother’s Day. Luckily, Southern California does not encounter the fate of being stuck inside during the winter months. The sunny skies and moderate weather are a lifesaver during the pandemic. Now that vaccinations are more widely available, we’re approaching the summer with hope in the air.

On May 6th, the city updated guidelines for residents and visitors. These milestones come right before the Memorial Day weekend, and show how far the city has come since the start of it all:

– Outdoor gatherings at parks are now allowed for up to 50 people

– Starting the week of May 10th, libraries will stay open two hours longer each day that they are open. In addition, the Georgina Cole Library will be open for visitors on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

– On May 17, community centers will be open for longer hours, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

– On May 24, all libraries will be open six days a week, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday

– On May 25, Carlsbad’s sculpture garden will have its first new exhibit in over a year.

– The Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park will host its first wedding in over a year at the end of this month.

Food service was hit hard during the pandemic. Restaurants implemented outdoor seating, installed plexiglass between tables, and put limits on how many people they serve. Now that vaccinations are available, the city plans to allow restaurants to be fully operational by mid-June. In the meantime, here are some restaurants that have outdoor seating and are open today:

Beach Plum Kitchen

Campfire

Canyons

Chandler’s Restaurant & Lounge

Fresco Trattoria & Bar

Gregorio’s Restaurant

Harbor Fish Cafe

Knockout Pizza

Luna Grill

Paon Restaurant & Wine Bar

Pollos Maria

Senor Grubby’s

Skyline Cafe

Sub Zero

Swami’s Cafe

The Compass

The Daily News

The Landings at Carlsbad

Tin Leaf Kitchen

Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen & Bar

Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar

Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse

Vinaka Cafe

Our city has come a long way since the pandemic began, and there is still a way to go. Luckily, we are resilient, and our city is diverse and active as ever. Keep safety precautions in mind and explore the neighborhood – there is so much to see and do.