As a city who loves furry friends, Carlsbad is thrilled to be launching an exciting new initiative –  “All Paws Lead to Carlsbad.” This pet-friendly program is designed to make travel to Carlsbad with your four-legged friends easier than ever.

When it comes down to it, there is nothing quite like the bond between a pet and their owner. Owning a pet means that you always have a comforting cuddle, a listening ear and unwavering love by your side. Our pets are a beloved part of the family and we want to bring them along on our travels but finding hotels, restaurants and attractions that welcome pets isn’t always easy. That’s why the “All Paws Lead to Carlsbad” initiative is so exciting. The program makes it easy to plan a trip with your pet by bringing together a range of pet-friendly options in one place. From February to May 2023, Carlsbad hotels, restaurants, attractions, shopping centers and retail businesses are rolling out the red carpet for pets and their owners.

Here are some of the tail-wagging activities that will be available at Carlsbad hotels:

Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa is a great place to stay if you’re traveling with your furry friend. The resort is hosting fun, pet-friendly activities this spring, including three “Yappy Hours” at Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining on Wednesdays, March 1, April 5 and May 3, 2023. The “Yappy Hours” will include pet-friendly dishes, pup-tails, games and more fun for your furry friends during their Happy Hour for humans too. Walk the Carlsbad coastline, then relax on the Sunset Terrace at Chandler’s to refuel with the resort’s special Puppy Chow menu and doggie treats. During your visit, stop in at The Break – Sun, Surf & Sand Essentials off the lobby to find fur-baby toys and treats.

Relax in luxury with your furry friend with the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa pet package. Enjoy some pup perks with the “Bark and Park” package, which includes complimentary self-parking, a complimentary pet fee (up to two dogs) and a special gift for your canine traveling companions. 

You can escape in style with beautiful coastline views at The Cassara Carlsbad. This pet-friendly property is offering a “Pet-cation” package for guests from now until the end of May, which includes a goodie bag consisting of treats, water, toy ball and a roll of scented potty bags. 

To spoil your pets, the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Spa is a great option. The resort is pampering furry friends with complimentary amenities, such as a dog bowl, bed and a stylish Park Hyatt Aviara branded dog bandana. The on-site culinary team has created a special in-room pet menu featuring handcrafted dog treats for pets to indulge in. In addition, Pacific Point, Ponto Lago and Ember & Rye will be serving a special “Bark at the Park” cocktail, with 10% of sales benefiting the San Diego Department of Animal Services in Carlsbad. Moreover, 10% of in-room pet menu sales and 50% of the standard pet fee will be donated to the San Diego Department of Animal Services in Carlsbad.

And, if you are in Carlsbad for St. Patrick’s Day, book a room at the newly renovated Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach for a “Yappy Hour” on Friday, March 17, from 4 pm to 6 pm. Enjoy this special occasion with your pets, where they can indulge in treats, games and fun activities while you enjoy Happy Hour at this beautiful hotel across from the beach. 

To add to all the pet-friendly accommodations, the All Paws initiative is also featuring tons of activities for pet parents and their four legged friends. These include wine tastings and a photo contest at Carruth Carlsbad, dog-friendly trails and a costume contest at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, SUP yoga classes with treats for dogs and pottery-making workshops where visitors and their pets can create clay keepsake paw prints. The Carlsbad Premium Outlets is setting up two pet photo stations and hosting a Pet Fair featuring an adoption event and microchip clinic. The Forum Carlsbad is offering two $500 gift cards for shopping and dining days with furry friends, while The Shoppes at Carlsbad is hosting a doggie bake sale with proceeds benefiting the San Diego Department of Animal Services. Carlsbad Pet & Feed is hosting a “Splish Splash Spa Day” and Fired Up Ceramics Studio is offering paw print clay impressions.

Pets are a vital part of our lives, and with “All Paws Lead to Carlsbad”, we don’t have to leave them behind on our travels. Check out all the details here then pack your bags, grab your leashes and book a stay for a pet-friendly vacation that will create memories to last a lifetime.

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New Year’s Eve celebrations can show up as fireworks, festivals, or parties. For some, the evening is spent wrapped in a warm blanket watching the ball drop. For others, New Year’s calls for dressing up, singing, dancing, and champagne flutes. The holiday knows no nationality gives us a reason to shed the weight of the past year and embrace the possibility of the future. With 365 days behind us and no idea what lies ahead, New Year’s is marked by good spirits, hopeful hearts, and optimism. 

If you want to start your New Year with a bang, here are some of the places in Carlsbad that will make sure this year is one to remember. 

Winter Wonderland at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Spa

Glitz and glamor go hand in hand with events at the Park Hyatt Aviara. This year, the resort is hosting a Winter Wonderland event for New Year’s Eve. The event comes complete with a decadent dance floor, drink tickets, and a complimentary champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight.

Music will be performed by the Jemille Vialete Trio and there will be late night menu options to keep you full no matter what time hunger hits. Winter Wonderland decorations will flow throughout the indoor area and outdoor seating, letting guests dance night away under the stars. 

Buh Bye 2021 at The Coyote Bar & Grill

When there is a party in Carlsbad, there’s a good chance that it started at the Coyote Bar & Grill. Carlsbad Village’s favorite entertainment spot will be welcoming New Year in style with their Buh Bye 2021 party. Live music will start at 6 p.m. with Radio 80’s. DJ Gary B & DJ Treflip will take the stage at 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

The cover starts at 9 p.m. and tickets include a champagne toast at midnight and party favors. VIP access will also be available for reservations. 

New Year’s Eve on the Coast at Chandlers Carlsbad

Every celebration needs a good meal. At Chandlers, good food is what’s in store for New Year’s Eve. 

New Year’s Eve on the Coast will start at 4 p.m. on the 31st and end at 10 p.m. The restaurant will feature a pre fixe menu with four courses. Guests will start with oysters or a cheese platter and move on to lobster spring rolls, crab cakes, a rack of lamb, filet, and shrimp. Early birds will get seated between 4 and 7:30 p.m. for $105 per person and the last seating will take place at 8 p.m. with a slightly higher price of $115 per person including a champagne toast at 9 p.m. to celebrate the ball drop on the east coast. 

Kids New Year’s Eve 2021 at LEGOLAND

Celebrating New Year’s is just as much of a party for kids as it is for adults. Even though midnight might be past bedtime, there are still ways to let little ones join in on the fun.

At LEGOLAND, midnight comes early for families with live music, a countdown, and fireworks. Guests can enjoy rides throughout the park during the day and then hunker down with 3D glasses to view the fireworks that illuminate the sky before bedtime hits. Parents can welcome 2022 with the kids and then toast to each other hours later when the clock strikes 12. Buy your tickets for Kids New Year’s Eve 2021 here, and plan a party that the whole family will enjoy. 

Ruck in the New Year! 20.22 Mile Ruck on 1/1 Down the 101

New Year’s Eve isn’t all about the last night of the year. For some, kicking off with health and activity is the way to start the year right. With Ruck in the New Year! participants can welcome 2022 with a 20.22 mile ruck, starting bright and early at 6:15 a.m. at the Carlsbad Village Transit Center. 

If you want to move your way through the first day of the year, you can pack a ruck, comfortable shoes, snacks, and water and hit the road for a leisurely all day trek down the 101. Gear up to hit the road, or meet the ruckers along the coast as they make their way down to Encinitas and back. The journey will step off at 6:30 a.m. and will last until the end of the day.

Rouleur New Year’s Day Holiday Ride(s) – Carlsbad

If walking isn’t your style – biking can be a quicker way to launch off on New Year’s day. This year, Rouleur Brewing is hosting a holiday bike ride that will feature bikes, beer, and food. There are two routes on the ride, and participants can choose whether they want to pedal through gravel or on the pavement. 

Both routes will depart from Rouleur at 9 a.m. and return around noon. When riders return, they can enjoy a beer and food in the tasting room.

2021 has been a year to remember, and there’s no better time to plan how to celebrate it than now. Mark your calendar to jump start the fun at any one of these Carlsbad locations on New Year’s Eve. 

The post Three…Two…One! to 2022 in Carlsbad appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

If you need a place to celebrate this Thanksgiving this year, consider gathering loved ones and sharing a meal with food from any one of these great Carlsbad locations:

20|Twenty 

The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is bringing two key elements together this Thanksgiving with their Friends & Feasting festivities. They will be offering seasonally sourced cuisine hosted by their team of talented chefs. The $98 Pre-Fixe menu has been curated especially for friends and family to get together and enjoy. Reservations are available from 12:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature modern dishes with fresh takes on holiday favorites. 

There will be savory spinach and Frisee salad, fall harvest root vegetable quinoa coconut curry, cabernet braised short rib with celery root puree, and much, much more. Browse the menu here and book your reservation today. 

Urban Plates

If you’re wanting to relax and kick back during the holiday, then Urban Plates can take all of the stress of cooking off your plate so that you can spend time with those you love while still enjoying top-notch cuisine.

For a homemade meal without the hard work, Urban Plates has three different pre-order meals available alongside made-to-order sides and desserts. The $139 Turkey Family Feast can serve up to eight people and includes all of the favorites. Herb-roasted turkey breast, sides, mushroom stuffing, cranberry relish, and artisan bread will be fully cooked and chilled, with heating instructions – ready to pick up on November 23rd or 24th. They will also be offering a smaller version of the feast for four people or individual turkey plates for smaller gatherings. Their sides include everything from mashed organic potatoes to macaroni and cheese and roasted brussels sprouts with turkey bacon.

Take the work out of meal prep by pre-ordering any one of their Thanksgiving meals for your family and pick it up early so that you can spend the day relaxing and being thankful this holiday.  

Buffet or Dinner at the Omni

Usually, it’s Thanksgiving dinner that people save their appetites for. This year, the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa isn’t setting a limit on when you can start eating, or how much you can have. The restaurant’s newest venue, Costa de la Luna, will be hosting a Chef’s Champagne Buffet, catered by Executive Chef Adam Solowitz. The buffet will include a full feast of holiday treats, including a cold seafood bar, Cajun deep-fried turkey, and carving stations. The cost is $125 per adult and $55 per child ages 4-10. 

Or, if you prefer a seated pre-fixe option, Bob’s Steak and Chop House will also be offering a traditional take on Thanksgiving Dinner. The restaurant will offer the finest selection of meats and sides from 3-7 p.m, and are taking reservations now. 

Park Hyatt Aviara

Another resort that is offering a variety of dining options this holiday season is the Park Hyatt Aviara. The California Salon at the Park Hyatt will be starting the day early with a Thanksgiving Day Brunch Buffet starting at 11:00 a.m. and lasting until 4:00 p.m. for only $105 for adults and $55 for children. Ember and Rye will be hosting a Thanksgiving day buffet with a family-style feast for diners of all ages. 

Lastly, the Ponto Lago will also be keeping family in mind with a Baja-California themed menu and accompanying family feast.

The Crossings at Carlsbad

Ocean views and golf greens are just a few of the reasons that The Crossings at Carlsbad feel like a vacation year-round. For Thanksgiving this year, Canyons Restaurant at The Crossings is featuring a Turkey Feast that will be hard to beat. There is a vegetarian option for $45 and a full Thanksgiving Dinner option for $50. You can upgrade your meal with bottomless mimosas for just $20 and enjoy a three-course pre-fixe menu with everything from butternut squash bisque to roasted turkey breast or ratatouille wellington with whipped potatoes, baked yams, or roasted brussels sprouts and a desert.

For dinner with a view, book a reservation at The Crossings at Carlsbad this Thanksgiving. 

Giving thanks is done in many different ways. This year, leave the meal to trusted chefs throughout Carlsbad’s community restaurants. The thanks you feel in your heart can be felt with time well spent and meals from places you love. Your friends and family will feel the love too. 

The post Seasoning Thanksgiving with Meals to Love in Carlsbad appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

The Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that was created to support the Carlsbad Fire Department through funding, community outreach, scholarships, and public education. It was created by a small group of local citizens in February of 2014. They created the Foundation to enhance fire and rescue services in the community and have since broadened their scope to support education and community outreach in order to help serve the heroes that serve us. 

For the firefighting community, these services are priceless. The Foundation raises money to purchase chemical detox chambers for firefighters, ring removal tools, enhanced hose couplers for the jaws of life, and college scholarships. 

Detox chambers are an essential and necessary part of maintaining safety for the firefighters that save our lives. Firefighters are regularly exposed to toxins and chemicals that can cause cancer later in life. The chambers allow workers to excrete these toxic chemicals through medical-grade infrared heating technology. 

For victims of tragedy, ring removal tools can mean the difference between a severe injury and a safe exit. Things like wedding rings often need to be removed quickly to prevent hands from being crushed or burned, and ring removal tools can help make sure that rings are removed quickly and safely.  

In fire emergencies, time is of the essence. When seconds count, connecting two fire hoses into one for access to damaging flames is crucial. Enhanced hose couplers allow firefighters to combine two hoses quickly without leaking the hydraulic fluid that puts out flames before they cause devastating damage. 

And finally, education is the fuel that runs a successful community. The Foundation helps to provide college scholarships to the dependents of the Carlsbad Fire Department workforce.

The city of Carlsbad is so grateful to all of the organizations that make our city thrive and support our community in times of need. The Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation is an important part of our community that we’re thankful for this month and throughout the entire year.

Traditionally, the Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation hosts an annual Golf Tournament & Fundraiser at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in November. This year, the event has been postponed but be sure to visit their website to learn about new opportunities to support the Foundation and our firefighters. 

The post Building Community through Service in Carlsbad appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Splash of Spritz

This summer, aperol spritz are all the craze.  They’ve joined the ranks of hard seltzers for a fruity and fun way to cool down at the pool. When temperatures heat up, keeping a light spritz in your hand can keep you sipping all day without overdoing it. The Splash of Spritz Series at the Omni La Costa is a surefire way to stay hydrated and have a good time while dipping in one of the resort’s many pools during your stay.

To serve these spritz, the Omni Originals culinary series is back with style. The resort is mixing up new sparkling beverages each week at the Splash Pool. The featured cocktails are full of fruity and refreshing ingredients, and are on a rotating menu of custom creations. The Salted Watermelon Highball is the perfect spritz to quench your thirst after a swim. Or, the Vanilla Coffee Spritzer can get you going while you brunch. All of the spritz served during Splash of Spritz are accompanied by inspired food pairings to elevate the bubbles.

Book a poolside cabana soon to experience Splash of Spritz before it’s too late. 

Bier-Garden by the Pool

Another way to cool down and relax at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is with a cold beer. After a long day on the golf course or riding the waves on the coast, a cold beer is the perfect way to wind down. The resort is offering a full fledged Bier-Garden experience at the Garden Pool every weekend from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests are treated to live music and yard games for the whole family. The Bier-Garden extends throughout the property, letting you wander from the heated pools to the hot tubs and communal spaces with ease.

In Carlsbad, we’re still sipping through summer at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. Grab your towel and cold one when you book a room this month.  

The post Sipping through Summer in September at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

All in all, it’s no surprise that the show and the toys are a great hit. That’s why LEGOLAND opened Ninjago as a place for fans to experience the adventure in real life. LEGO Ninjago World centers around an exciting ride where guests have the ability to blast animated fireballs, lightning, shockwaves, and ice at enemies. The ride climaxes with the battle to defeat the Great Devourer. Each rider can rank their scores against friends and family.  

Starting this month, and through September, LEGOLAND is celebrating the Ninjago 10th Anniversary. 

Guests who visit during the anniversary will get the chance to celebrate the decade of Ninjago virtually and in real life. The two worlds are colliding for an adventure that is wrapped in celebration – a testament to the skills of Master Wu and his talented team of ninjas.

During the Anniversary celebration a new challenge has arisen. Master Wu and his team need guests’ help to uncover the six golden fragments of the missing Golden Amulet. The beloved team has been searching for the amulet for years – and only now can guests at LEGOLAND help get it back. The park has challenges spread out throughout Ninjago World – obstacles that you can get rewarded for as you complete them and come closer to restoring the Amulet for Master Wu, Kai, Lloyd, Zane, Cole, Nya, and Jay. 

The challenges at the park are a mixture of virtual games and real life encounters. Outside of the ride, Ninjago World will be filled with characters, demonstrations, and activities to celebrate Ninjago’s crowning achievements. La Lloyd will make an appearance and will host opportunities for young ninjas to train alongside him. There will be real life demonstrations about how to stand up to bullying with anti-bullying techniques showcased by Kidpower. And, there will be martial arts lessons from DeStolfo’s Martial Arts team.

Master Wu needs guests’ help to team up with his ninjas and protect the Ninjago legacy. The experience is only available for a limited time and is an exciting chance to celebrate Ninjago and take back the valuable Spinjitzu teachings from evil Lord Garmadon. Get your tickets now!  

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Every town celebrates Independence Day a little differently. Depending on local trends and traditions, July 4th is a community event that is rooted in history. In New York, huge fireworks displays ignite over bodies of water. Cities in the Pacific Northwest sponsor free outdoor concerts. In Carlsbad, July 4th is a holiday that we look forward to year-round. This year, if you’re in Carlsbad, here are some ideas about how you can celebrate the holiday in style.

Park Hyatt Aviara 4th of July Activities

Since Independence Day falls on a weekend this year, there is even more time to have fun. The Park Hyatt Aviara is one of Calrsbad’s most esteemed resorts and they are pulling out all the stops when it comes to the 4th of July.

All weekend, the resort will be hosting a variety of red, white, and blue themed activities. The resort is laid out over 200 acres of lush, Southern California private land. It just went through a jaw dropping $50 million dollar renovation, and the transformed accommodations are the epitome of coastal luxury. The reimagined pools are a combination of splash pads, ocean view pool decks, and waterslides.

During the weekend of July 4th, the resort will be hosting daily crafts, sandcastle contests, and fireside s’mores. Moonlight movies will be aired outdoors at the Palm Court on Friday and Saturday, and the weekend will commence with an outstanding fireworks show over the Ocean View Pool Deck on Sunday, July 4th.

Hotel guests and non-hotel guests are welcome. Get your tickets today!

Tune in to Alex Elisabeth at Chandler’s Restaurant

Outdoor music is an Independence Day tradition. Outdoor music with food and ocean views is next level. At Chandler’s Restaurant, you can get all of the above. Their outdoor patio is a stone’s throw from crashing waves and their indoor dining room has a wall of windows with expansive views of the Pacific. They offer farm-to-table cuisine and a full bar of craft cocktails.

On July 4th, you can grab a spot on the patio, order a drink, and watch the sunset over the Western sky. In the evening, local artist Alex Elisabeth will be performing. She is a home-grown Southern California based musician who specializes in acoustic pop covers. On Sunday, July 4th she will be playing live on the patio. Reserve a table now for a relaxing evening on the water.

Throw a BBQ of Your Own

Independence Day is the best time of the year to fire up the grill and get outside. Luckily, Carlsbad is home to many different parks and recreational areas that make having a July 4th barbeque easy without having to open your home to guests.

Holiday Park

Holiday Park is a 5.9 acre park that is located close to all of the hustle and bustle of downtown Carlsbad. Just blocks away from City Hall and the historic Barrio neighborhood, the park has all of the features of a great outdoor space. There are gazebos, designated picnic areas with barbeques, restrooms, playground areas, and horseshoe pits.

Cannon Park

If you want to get close to the water, Cannon Park is the place to be. On the corner of Carlsbad Blvd and Cannon Road, Cannon Park is just steps away from the beach. Amenities include an athletic field, picnic areas with barbeques, basketball courts, and restrooms. There is a play area for kids, and 1.7 acres of green grass to spread out on.

Alga Norte Community Park

A little further inland, Alga Norte Community Park offers amenities for parents, children, pets, and everyone in between. Just off of El Camino Real, there is a state of the art aquatic center, one of the largest skate parks in the county, and a huge off-leash dark park for furry friends.

The park is fitted with green features, has multipurpose ball fields, and plenty of shaded areas with barbecues. You can spend the entire weekend playing outdoors, grilling up food, and splashing around in the pool.

School is out, and summer vibes are here. On July 4th, celebrate at any one of these great places – you’ll be grillin’ and chillin’ before you know it!

Lastly, be sure to check back often as more events may be posted as we get closer to the 4th!

The post Chillin and Grillin in Carlsbad on July 4th appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Memorial Day wasn’t technically celebrated in the U.S. until the late 19th century. The day commemorates exactly what it is named for – honoring those who have fallen in battle. One of the earliest arranged celebrations of fallen soldiers was organized by freed slaves. At the end of the Civil War, thousands of Union soldiers perished as prisoners of war. After the Confederate surrender, recently freed slaves and regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops gathered to provide a proper burial ground for their fellow soldiers. Approximately three years later, the commander-in-chief of the Union veteran’s Grand Army of the Republic issued a decree that designated May 30 as the nationwide day of memorial for the hundreds of thousands of soldiers that lost their lives in the Civil War. It officially became a federal holiday in 1971. Now, Memorial Day continues to honor veterans who have honorably served our country.  As a summer rite of passage and, more importantly, a day to remember – Memorial Day is a day to kick back, relax, and recall all of the sacrifices that those who came before us made.

Here are some ways to celebrate Memorial Day in Carlsbad this year:

Book a Stay at a Carlsbad Resort or Hotel

No matter what time of year you visit, the city of Carlsbad is a prime getaway destination. For Memorial Day, the coastline offers tourists a place to soak in the unique springtime sunsets of the west coast.

One of Carlsbad’s premier resorts, the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa recently reopened to locals and travelers. The resort has panoramic ocean views, two signature restaurants, pools, and ample outdoor space. For a limited time, guests can take advantage of a couple of different springtime discounts. Current packages include tickets to the Flower Fields and complimentary bicycles from the resort to get there. Through Memorial Weekend only, guests can hop on and off the Ride the Tide shuttle provided by the Westin. This open air-beach trolley drops guests off at destinations within a five-mile radius of the resort.

The Beach Terrace Inn is also running an enticing springtime deal that is perfect for Memorial Day weekend. Their Spring Revival pricing gives guests up to 20% off on various accommodations. These specials are a perfect excuse to shake off the winter chill and honor the holiday with a beach getaway that won’t break the bank.

For a luxury stay at an award-winning resort spa with eight sparkling pools and two championship golf courses – you can also consider booking a stay at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. For Memorial Day, guests can cash in on the Escape and Save package for up to 15% off when staying two nights or more.

Host a BBQ and Support Local Carlsbad Businesses

Modern-day Memorial Day festivities usually include good food, good drinks, and friends and family to match. For Memorial Day this year, many restaurants have reopened with takeaway options to support outdoor get-togethers.

If you are hosting a backyard barbeque for Memorial Day, or just want to kick back and enjoy a quiet meal outside – try any one of these options for a tasty summertime meal without the prep work:

– Park 101
– Notorious BBQ
– Felix’s BBQ with Soul
– Burger Lounge
– Pure Burger
– Eureka

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Alongside booking your stay, BBQs, and bike rides – Carlsbad beaches are a free way to enjoy the long weekend and experience the beauty of the coast.

Carlsbad has over 7 miles of pristine beaches, and each has something new to see. From expansive cliffs and drop-offs to boardwalks and sandy terraces – pack a beach chair and head to South Carlsbad State Beach or Tamarack Surf Beach to soak up the sun this Memorial Day.

Rouleur Brewing Memorial Day Ride

If bicycling is your thing, this year’s Memorial Day Ride is a fun way to pay homage to fallen soldiers and support one of Carlsbad’s local breweries all at the same time.

Rouleur Brewery was built on the love of cycling and a foundation of the principles that cycling is founded on. In French, ‘Rouleur’ quite literally translates to ‘having wheels’. They brew their beer with the balance and precision that comes with their name. On Memorial Day, the brewery is hosting its first official ride in over a year. They are offering two options for this year’s ride: gravel and pavement. Coffee will be available in the tasting room starting at 7 a.m. and beer will be available starting at 11 a.m. A food truck will also be onsite for sustenance after the ride.

Holidays are a reminder to celebrate important moments in history. On Memorial Day, use the three-day weekend to remember all of the fallen soldiers that have shaped our past and continue to shape our future.

The post Memorial Day 2021 in Carlsbad appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

If you are a food show aficionado and can’t wait to get back to your favorite restaurants, Southern California is the place to be. From Food Network stars to best-selling cookbook authors and world-famous culinary elites, San Diego is home to some of the finest chefs around. Here in Carlsbad, we are excited to welcome Food Network and Bravo Top Chef’s own Richard Blais to our sun-kissed coast. On March 18, Richard Blais and executive chef William Griggs launched Ember & Rye right in the heart of the Park Hyatt Aviara – and it’s a can’t miss for restaurant goers.

Many recognize Blais for his win on Top Chef All-Stars. However, he has over 15 years of hospitality experience, including training from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Early on, Blais learned from the best. He spent time at French Laundry in Yountville, California under renowned Chef Thomas Kelelr, cooked alongside Chef Daniel Boulud at Restaurant Daniel in New York City, and worked overseas with Ferran Adria in Roses, Spain. For years, Blais has worked to push creativity in the kitchen. Upon returning to the United States, he launched a suite of popular eateries throughout Atlanta via his culinary company Trail Blais. From Atlanta, Richard ventured westward and opened Juniper and Ivy in San Diego. While no longer affiliated with Juniper and Ivy, the West Coast restaurant has been recognized for providing a new look at seasonal freshness and local ingredients. Blais has also published a cookbook entitled ‘Try This at Home: Recipes from My Head to Your Plate’ that has been nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award and recently appeared on ‘Cook Your Ass Off’ on HLN.

Needless to say, Richard Blais knows his stuff. Which is why, when the Park Hyatt Aviara announced that he would be collaborating with them on an immersive dining experience –  excitement started brewing. Now, almost a year later, renovations at the resort are complete and Ember & Rye is open to the public.

From the outside, the restaurant is vibrant. Saturated, fun colors play alongside soothing coastal vibes. Black and brass accents anchor the color palette with tasteful elegance. From the second you enter, you can feel the upscale yet welcoming marriage of modern and vintage decor. Right inside the entryway, a bar with an interactive Chef’s station features small plates to whet your appetite. Combined with an extensive Whiskey Library, these are just the beginning of a number of small delights that Ember & Rye delivers.

Beyond the entryway, there are two large dining rooms radiating with natural light. The first dining room has wrap-around full-length windows, leading to the second dining room that has direct access to the outdoor dining terrace. If the team behind Ember & Rye knew one thing, they knew that the coastal Carlsbad weather is something to be enjoyed. The outdoor terrace has two bocce ball courts and miniature golf holes. Guests can watch their food being prepared at an outdoor grilling station that is fueled by natural energy sources.

And, if the ambience and the allure of the restaurant isn’t enough to make you want to pay a visit – the menu is definitely worth the trip. The food gives nod to the natural beauty that surrounds the restaurant. The dishes are a new, creative take on classic California cuisine. Steaks, fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables lead the way. The staples are a throw-back to vintage California steakhouses with innovative new taste profiles and contemporary prep work. Grilled entrees include rare cuts of Japanese A-5 beef and decadent vegetable sides like baked celery root.

The small delights are in the service, too. There are personalized presentations of sauces to accompany entrees. The sauces are a surprising bonus – homemade options like Jalapeno Salsa Verde join a list of unique flavors that diners don’t typically expect alongside steak and seafood.

Beyond everything else, Ember & Rye is founded both in the innate talents of Richard Blais and his team – and in the community as well. Ember & Rye has a stark commitment to sourcing ingredients locally and supporting farmers throughout Southern California. With sustainability at the forefront of their mission, Ember & Rye paves the way for high-end cuisine with responsible outcomes.

Make a reservation today to try out one of the newest and most esteemed restaurants in Carlsbad at the Park Hyatt Aviara. Your taste buds will thank you.

The post Ember & Rye – the Latest from Richard Blais appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

The 2021 season at the Flower Fields started on March 1st. From now until Mother’s Day, guests can visit the 50+ acres of ranunculus blooms in person or take in the views at a safe distance from balconies at the recently reopened Cassara Carlsbad, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

This year, there are a few adaptations to the norm, but the experience is still world-renowned. A contactless ticketing system has been set up for the safety of staff, volunteers, and visitors. If you would like to attend the Flower Fields in person, you will need to purchase tickets in advance. All tickets must be purchased online in order to reduce crowds at the entrance. No onsite tickets will be sold. Per state guidelines, guests and staff will be required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing while on the property.

Flower Field favorites like the American Flag of Flowers, Artist Gardens, Orchids, and Historic Poinsettia Display are all on the docket for 2021. Antique Wagon Tours will still be available with a limited capacity. And, there is an exciting new 2-Acre U-Pick Blueberry Patch where guests can pick their own fruit. Visitors can visit the Blueberry Patch on its own or together with a visit to the Flower Fields. The Patch will be open as long as fruit supply is available.

If you prefer to keep a safe distance, a stay at the Cassara Carlsbad offers a perfect spring escape just a stone’s throw away. The property is nestled on 12 lush acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean and sits directly above the seasonal Carlsbad Flower Fields. It is a modern Mediterranean retreat that has undergone a variety of upgrades during the pandemic. The new Karlsbad Suites offer enough space for the whole family. Complete with a king room and parlor, a separate guest room with two twin beds, and three flat-screen televisions – the Karlsbad Suites offer a luxurious escape right in the heart of Carlsbad. Guest rooms have balconies overlooking the acres of ranunculus blooms and spanning all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The Cassara is offering a seasonal package that can turn your next visit to The Flower Fields into an overnight staycation. Stay anytime from March 1st to May 9th and receive two tickets to the Flower Fields. There is a complimentary shuttle to escort you to and from the fields.

Or, if you’re interested in staying a little closer to the water, you can cruise less than a mile down the road to the sister property at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa. The Sheraton is a huge dual complex with panoramic ocean views. There is local craft beer and elevated comfort food available at the resort’s on-site open-air restaurant, 7 Mile Kitchen. The resort also has complimentary bike rentals to get you to and from the Flower Fields in little to no time.

Guests of the Cassara Carlsbad or the Sheraton Resort & Spa also have unique access to tap into tee times at the adjacent premier golf course, The Crossings at Carlsbad. The opportunities to explore the outdoors in Carlsbad are endless.

Book a stay at the Cassara or Sheraton today to add some color to your life this spring with the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

The post Two Getaway Locations to Color Your Visit to the Flower Fields this Spring appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.