As temperatures continue to rise throughout this month, more and more people head towards the water – and for good reason. During summertime, swimming is good for the soul but it also can do wonders for your body. You can lose weight, relieve stress, build muscle, and even reduce back pain by spending time in the water. Going for a swim or jumping on a water toy can help burn calories and produce endorphins. People with joint pain, back pain and leg ailments can swim without straining any of the connective tissues in the body. The repetitive motions and resistance of water can even help heal injured muscles and tone new ones.

When it comes down to it – nothing compares jumping in and getting wet when it’s hot outside. Here are four fun places to get in the water while the summer is still hot:

Carlsbad SoCal Surf

Everyone dreams of being a ‘California surfer’. With Carlsbad SoCal Surf, you can learn how. If you dream of long hair, dude culture, and tackling huge waves, surfing is the way to go. Or, if you just want to get past the breakers and learn something new, surfing can open doors to a lifetime of fun and activity.

Carlsbad SoCal Surf is one of Carlsbad’s premier surfing schools. They are the only surf school in Carlsbad that is licensed, bonded and insured and have been in business for over 17 years. Making an appointment is easy and they accept walk-ins. The school prides themselves on not teaching surf skills on the whitewash, and instead insists on tackling the face of a wave. Sign up for lessons for kids, group lessons, or private lessons to learn the basics with top of the line wetsuits and surfboards. 

LEGOLAND Water Park

If you’ve got little ones who want to jump in, LEGOLAND Water Park is the place to go for a day full of water adventures. The park features more than seven slides and over 10 acres of water fun. 

Every experience at the park is packed full of hands-on activities and fast paced excitement. You can put your skills to work designing a LEGO raft to float downstream on the Build-a-Raft River or glide through the mouth of a crocodile at Cragger’s Swamp. There is a DUPLO Splash Safari, Imagination Station, and Splash pad for little ones. More adventurous kiddos can jump on giant orange raft slides, battling ship rides, and the Riptide Racer.

Book a ticket today to try any one of the 17+ water activities at the park – you’ll be glad you did! 

California Watersports

There’s swimming and splashing, and then there’s cruising. Sometimes, having fun on the water means hopping aboard something that will put some speed on your fins. At California Watersports, you can take your time in the water to the next level with motorized favorites like pontoon boats, CraigCats, and Bayliners. Or, you can put your arms and legs to the test with kayaks, aqua cycles or a swan pedal boat.

The Carlsbad Lagoon has plenty of space to cruise, allowing large boats and single sailors the chance to share the water.

Grab your family and friends, some picnic food and a Watersports rental this summer for a full day of fun in the sun with the speed to match. 

Blue Paddle SUP

Standup paddle boards (SUPs)  are a relaxing and easy way to get on the water and get moving. SUPs are large enough to hold riders and their belongings, and are a fantastic vessel to paddle out into calm waters. 

Blue Paddle SUP offers paddleboard lessons in the Carlsbad Lagoon to teach guests the fundamentals of getting up and getting moving on the water. Depending on the tides, Blue Paddle will guide visitors to the calmest area of the Lagoon. Lessons last 75 minutes and start on land so that guests can familiarize themselves with their boards. 

Book a lesson now to learn all about SUP equipment and safety, paddle techniques, how to turn, stop and more. As you get out onto the water you’ll see mullet, birds, sea turtles and more. All equipment is included in your lesson.

July weather is upon us and it’s time to find ways to cool off. Go with the flow, give into pier pressure and get wet and wild this summer by visiting any one of these great water activities in Carlsbad.

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Back in the spring, we posted about the iconic Carlsbad 5000. Little did we know, this year’s historic race wouldn’t take place when it was originally scheduled. With the quick onset of the pandemic, runners had to put their numbers away and wait for an update about when they could lace up. Since then, National University has stepped in to make sure that Southern California’s 35th annual competition still happens. This year, the Carlsbad 5000 will be taking place virtually. Instead of crossing the finish line in the spring, runners will be logging their times in early fall.

Even though this year’s race is virtual, it is still as real as ever. Runners can complete the race anytime between September 14th and 20th. This format allows runners to compete in a completely customized fashion. The course is not set in stone and participants can feel free to choose whichever socially distanced route they feel comfortable with. The PCH stretches throughout the city with over four miles of flat ground and sweeping views of the shoreline. Runners can start from practically anywhere in Carlsbad Village to find a pathway that runs along the seawall and has jaw-dropping views.

Since its start, the Carlsbad 5000 has produced 16 world records. Talented runners come from all over to compete against the best. During the pandemic, the soul of the race will still be alive and well. The virtual version of the competition includes access to an easy-to-use digital leaderboard so that runners can see how they line up against other competitors. Runners can keep the spirit of competition alive by sharing race stats to the dashboard as they happen in real time. Runners will also receive some of the same physical race relics that normally come with registration. This year’s revised race kit includes a 2020 race shirt, authentic race bib, finisher medal and a variety of swag from race sponsors. The list of sponsors spans over 20 business partners throughout the community and beyond. From Dexcom to Pizza Port, Porsche and CLIF Bar- sponsors have shown up in full force to support the race and the community.

Originally, race weekend was going to be split into three different categories. The Junior Carlsbad would have occurred on Saturday, September 19th and the Carlsbad 5000 and All Day 20K were slated for Sunday, September 20th. However, now that the race has gone completely virtual, runners can complete the race by running, jogging, or walking a route anytime between September 14-20th. All registrants who had previously signed up for the race will automatically be switched to the virtual race. On August 28th, race coordinators announced that official race kits have started shipping. Kits are being mailed in waves and should be expected to arrive on or before September 12th.

If you have questions about the virtual race, or want more information about how to sign up and keep tabs on the results, visit the FAQs page here. Updates regarding the Skechers Performance Elite Invitational races should be available soon.

The post The Carlsbad 5000: 2020 Updates and Info appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Olympian Usain Bolt logged a record-setting 27 mph in the 100-meter sprint. A sprinter’s physical makeup determines just how fast they can sprint. The ratio of ‘fast-twitch muscles’ to ‘slow-twitch muscles’ determines a human’s footspeed. Most humans have an equal amount of each. The fastest sprinters have more fast-twitch muscles compared to slow-twitch muscles. While even the fastest sprinters pale in comparison to sprinters in the animal kingdom, humans have much more endurance than most animals. Some of the best runners excel at long-distance races. 5K races, half-marathons, and marathons are home to athletes of all kinds. If you’ve ever wanted to test your speed and endurance or see some of the fastest 5K runners in the United States, the Carlsbad 5000 is the ‘fastest 5K in the nation’.

“The World’s Fastest 5K”

Since 1986, the Carlsbad 5000 has lived up to its tagline. For over 35 years, the road race has accounted for some of the fastest 5K times in the record books. Sammy Kipketer, who has achieved multiple world records and national titles, finished the race in a record-setting 12:59.5. The legendary records that have been set are just a small part of why this particular 5K stands out from all the rest. It is home to amateurs and Olympians alike and is hosted in Carlsbad’s backyard. Back in 1986, Steve Scott put this iconic race on the map. As a record-holding middle-distance runner, Scott was instrumental in designing the course. He kicked off the inaugural race by setting a world record. In 2000, Sammy Kipketer emerged on the scene from Kenya and set the world record for the fastest road running 5K. His record lasted until 2020 and still holds the fastest recorded time for the race itself. In 2002, Deena Drossin paved the way with a women’s World Road Record of 14:54. Her success at the Carlsbad 5000 marked her as the first American to hold a 5K world record since 1986. In 2006, Mesert Defar shaved a few seconds off of Drossin’s pace and landed a winning time of 14:46.

Race Events

This year’s race takes place on March 21st and 22nd. The two-day race weekend begins on Saturday with a full schedule of kids’ races spanning from diaper dashes to the Junior Carlsbad. The latter is a kids-only event that starts in Carlsbad Village and allows kids to take part in their own form of record-setting speed. On Sunday, the World’s Fastest 5K is open to runners of all skill levels. The course stretches along the coast, offering runners an iconic view of Carlsbad’s beaches. The 5K is followed by a Party by the Sea, featuring a Pizza Port beer garden, food trucks, and live entertainment. At noon, runners and fans can line up to see the Skechers Performance Elite Invitational where some of running’s most talented athletes will compete to set new world records. The winner of the invitational will take home an astounding $28,000 prize.

Early race kit pickup will be available starting on Friday, March 20th at Fleet Feet San Diego. Junior race festivities will begin bright and early at 8 a.m. on March 21st, and the races start at 9 a.m.  Depending on age bracket, race times on Sunday start at 6:53 a.m. and are staggered until 10:36 a.m. The Elite Invitationals start promptly at 12:00 p.m. If you are a runner who can’t attend in person, for the first time ever the Carlsbad 5000 is hosting a Virtual Run. The Virtual Run allows you to complete the race on your own time, at your own pace. It includes a 5K training plan, printable race bib, race shirt, and finisher medal.

Whether you’re a fan, a runner, or somebody who likes to see history in the making, the Carlsbad 5000 is something that can’t be missed. Read more about registration, kit pickups, and where to view all of the fun here.

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The Full Marathon

The full marathon is a standard 26.2 miles. Runners will be treated to miles and miles of scenery along the coast. Since it is a holiday weekend, there will be plenty of time to train, complete, and recover after the race. The Tri-City Medical Center has covered all of the bases in preparing for the event. There will be support stations available at every mile to encourage runners through their journey and provide hydration, electrolyte replacement, and energy gel. There will also be live entertainment for fans and family. Each mile marker will signify an accomplishment of strength and a celebration of healthy living.

The race starts bright and early at 6:15 a.m. on Sunday, January 19th. Runners will be able to welcome the rising sun over the mountains and along the shoreline. The full course is a two-loop trek with over 18-miles running alongside the Pacific Ocean. It begins at the Shoppes at Carlsbad and passes by some of Carlsbad’s most iconic destinations. The Carlsbad Village and Buena Vista Lagoon are two of the main focal points along the course. Scenic views extend through La Costa Avenue, Mountain View Road, and Breakwater Road. Various streets will be closed throughout the morning. Guests and fans can access info about road closures here.

Complimentary pace groups will be provided by the Road Runner Sports Pace Team. The marathon is a Boston Marathon Qualifier and awards will be given to the first three finishers, male and female, per age group.

The Half Marathon

While the Half Marathon is half the distance, it is just as much fun. The Carlsbad Half has been voted as one of the top 20 half marathons in the nation and winner of the Beautiful On-Course Scenery award by Bibrave. The race will begin a bit later than the full and shares 8 miles of oceanside views with the Full Marathon. It will start at 7:45 a.m. on Sunday. The course is out-and-back with little to no elevation changes.

Registration for both races includes a grab bag of swag. A long-sleeved technical fabric shirt and ¼ zip pullover jacket, souvenir cinch bag, complimentary beer in the post-race Ballast Point beer garden, and bib number with ChronoTrack B-Tag are just a few of the incentives available for runners.

All participants must pick up their own bib number etc. before the race. The Health & Lifestyle Expo will be hosting vendors, deals on apparel, samples and much more while passing out bibs. Families and friends can attend the Expo with runners to jump start healthy goals for 2020.

Kids Marathon Mile and Virtual Races

This year’s race weekend isn’t just for avid runners. Families can get into the spirit by registering for the Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND on the Saturday before the Marathon. This event is a fun way for the whole family to become enthusiastic about getting active in the new year. Participants will have early access to the park and can run, walk, or push a stroller through the finish line. The one-mile run is the ideal length for kid sized steps, and a portion of each registration will be donated to Merlin’s Magic Wand charity.

In addition to the Kid’s Marathon Mile, this year’s race is introducing a brand new way to sprint towards healthy living – virtual races. Virtual races will offer a way to take part in the marathon even if runners can’t be there in person. Registrants for the virtual races receive some of the same swag that in person runners do. By using a fitness tracker of your choice, runners can take the race at their own pace and still participate in any of the series challenges offered at the marathon.

If you’re looking for the motivation to get healthy in 2020, visit the races and start training for an active and happy New Year.

The post Set the Pace for 2020 at the Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

1) Breakfast at Swami’s Cafe

A good day starts with a great breakfast. In order to have the energy to enjoy your adventure, stop by Swami’s for a coastal dining experience that serves up fresh food in a casual and inviting atmosphere just one block from the beach. Swami’s is a family owned restaurant committed to serving their guests authentic and fresh dishes with excellent customer service. Choose from California favorites like omelettes, breakfast burritos, lunch wraps, smoothies, and acai bowls.

2) Burn Off Breakfast at The Carlsbad Lagoon

After breakfast, pack up the car for a short drive to the Carlsbad Lagoon. The 2.4 mile drive stretches along the water, allowing you to take in the vast water views that Carlsbad is known for. The lagoon is one of the crowning landmarks of the city. It is a wide expanse of open water that is home to a wide range of water sports and fun in the sun.

If you’re feeling weighed down by a hearty breakfast, renting a stand-up paddle board, aqua bike, or kayak is the perfect way to navigate the lagoon and bask in Carlsbad’s temperate warmth. Suit up and spend a few hours on the water before continuing your journey.

3) Refuel at Board & Brew

After working up a sweat at the lagoon, a light lunch will be in order. Head back towards Swamis to Board & Brew. This is a fantastic spot for a light lunch that will keep you moving. The sandwich chain is an iconic Californian restaurant that will make you want to toss back your hair, grab a wetsuit, and get to the beach. Their custom sandwiches are made with the freshest ingredients (read: avocado etc.) and their secret sauce will leave you wondering why you didn’t order a side of it to dip your chips in. Grab a half sandwich and a pint and you will be ready for your next adventure.

4) Ride a Bike Along the Beach

Next, embrace the surfer vibes of Board & Brew and head to the beach. Carlsbad has over 7 miles of pristine beaches, and putting your feet in the sand is a must-do while you’re here.

For the most scenic way to soak in the views of the coast, head over to Pedego Electric Bikes. The Pedego bikes are colorful and fun, with a battery fixed onto the back to propel riders forward. Riding along the PCH is both exciting and relaxing at the same time. The rental facility is a few blocks from the beach and will put you in the perfect spot to spend a few hours taking in Carlsbad beaches.

5) Find Something to Take Home at the State Street Farmers Market

After you’ve gotten your fill of sand and sea, you can head to the heart of Carlsbad. The State Street Farmer’s Market takes over Carlsbad Village every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. year-round.

The Farmer’s Market provides a great window into Carlsbad’s local community. There are over 20 produce vendors, artisans, and a variety of other things to look at and indulge in. If you don’t happen to be there on a Wednesday, take a stroll through the Carlsbad Village and enjoy the hundreds of unique shops and restaurants that make up the ‘Preeminent Downtown of North County’.

6) Engage Your Mind at the Museum of Making Music or Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

If shopping isn’t your thing, and you’d like to experience Carlsbad’s culture through education, head over to the Museum of Making Music or the Gemological Institute of America. The Museum of Making Music is a unique place where guests can learn about music and musical instruments used throughout history. The museum has rotating exhibits featuring instruments and artists from all genres. There are even some instruments on display that are available to be played by guests.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is quite literally a gem of a museum in Carlsbad. It is the only location of its kind, setting standards of quality for some of the worlds most precious gems. The exhibits give guests the opportunity to see rare gems up close and personal which is truly something that is unique to GIA.

7) Wind Down at the Chopra Center and Enjoy Dinner at Vue

Finally, there is no better way to end a long day of sightseeing than with a massage and a good meal. The Chopra Center at Carlsbad’s Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is a tourist hotspot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Author Deepak Chopra opened the center in 1996, focusing on creating a space that would improve the health and well-being of body, mind, and spirit. Guests can participate in holistic yoga and meditation classes, or Ayurvedic spa treatments. The 5,000-year-old healing system is integrated into every massage and warm oil treatment.

Once you are fully relaxed, you can end the day at Vue. The resort’s contemporary restaurant will make sure that you leave Carlsbad with a belly full of healthy, farm-to-table fare and some exquisite views of the championship golf courses surrounding the resort.

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The tournament started in 2010 and features all of golf’s favorite female stars. Last year, Eun-Hee Ji won with an ace on the closing stretch to secure her fourth win on the tour. Ji’s win is notable, as she has recently battled back from a notable absence in the winner’s circle. Her career appeared on the global stage in 2007, and she quickly won the Women’s US Open in 2009. Since then, she seemed to have disappeared off the radar until she re-emerged as the LPGA champion in Taiwan two years ago. In the off season, she worked with her caddy to change her back swing. The hard work paid off and she secured a win at the 2018 Classic with a hole-in-one to top it off.

This year, the tournament will be drawing in golf greats like Ji and her close rivals, Lydia Ko, Lexi Thompson, Paula Creamer, and Michelle Wi. Last year, Christie Kerr and Lizette Salas gave champion Eun-Hee Ji a run for her money. Each finished a mere two strokes behind Ji, carding a final round at 3-under par. The trio played alongside each other during the tournament, and the competition was close up until the end very end. Spectators can be sure that this year’s roster of players will deliver the same level of competition and excitement as last year. If Li’s re-emergence as a winner shows anything, it shows that you can never be sure who will come out on top. Similar to Ji, Lydia Ko has had a roller coaster of ups and downs during her career. She started playing golf at age five. By the young age of 20, she had achieved more than her male counterpart Tiger Woods had at the same point in his career. Nonetheless, her game has taken a slump in recent years and she has fallen in and out of the top 10 rankings. As a crowd favorite, it will be interesting to see if Ko will turn on the prodigy of her youth and make a comeback at this year’s Kia Classic.

The tournament is on March 25th-31st and is being held at Carlsbad own’s Aviara Golf Club at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. The Kia Classic will feature 144 of the best women in golf. The purse is a healthy 1.8 million dollars and the course is spread across 6,558 acres of lush greens and native flora. It is a par 72, and the front nine holes range from a mixture of fairways, uphill grass mounds, picturesque coastal valleys, and straightaways. The back nine holes increase in difficulty and feature beautiful expanses of water and eucalyptus trees.

Tickets are available for three different tiers of spectating. Grounds access can be purchased for $20/day or $40 for the weekend. Guests can enjoy Clubhouse access in addition to grounds access for $40/day or $80 for the weekend. Champions Club tickets include access to the 18th green skybox, a complimentary full bar and lunch, as well as snacks and access to the grounds and Clubhouse.

If you would like to get up a behind-the-scenes look at the tournament, volunteer registration is now open. Get your tickets now and experience the fun and excitement of this year’s 10th annual LPGA Kia Classic tournament.

The post Celebrating 10 Years with the LPGA Kia Classic appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

The Surf Ride Adventure Lounge not only brings the retailer’s curated collection of top beachwear brands to Carlsbad, this one-stop surf shop provides everything from private surf lessons, to guided group surf excursions and even coastal helicopter tours.

Guests — and locals alike — can rent surf boards and book one-on-one or group surf lessons with pro instructors. You can even capture your surf lesson with a complimentary GoPro camera rental and take-home video keepsake that Surf Ride will download for you. If you’re new to GoPro, don’t worry. They’re GoPro experts and will even give you editing tips!

For guests and locals looking to up the ante on adventure this summer, at the Surf Ride Adventure Lounge you can also book a breathtaking tour of the North County coast with Waverider Helicopter Tours. Cape Rey will even shuttle you to and from the helipad.

Of course Surf Ride’s longstanding relationships in the surf industry also means Adventure Lounge shoppers get premium access to a curated mix of the best retail brands, including Hurley, Carlsbad-based RAEN, Volcom, and many more, alongside an assortment of Surf Ride custom products. From sunglasses, hats and beach bags, to the latest surf apparel — the new Carlsbad Surf Ride has all the beach essentials covered.

Surf Ride Adventure Lounge — located at Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort, 1 Ponto Road Carlsbad, CA 92011 — is open seven days a week. All Surf Ride instructors are CPR and First Aid Certified. Lessons are available for ages 7 and up. Please check www.caperey.com/adventurelounge for updates.

The post Find Your Next Adventure With Surf Ride at Cape Rey Carlsbad appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Here are three of the best ways to beat the heat with the kids in Carlsbad:

1.The Alga Norte Aquatic Center: Aloha Plunge!

The Alga Norte Aquatic Center is one of North County’s most acclaimed aquatic facilities. With two warm water pools, the center has facilities for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. New swimmers can take lessons provided by the Center and families can enroll kids in one of the many aquatics camps offered throughout the summer. Camps run both during the day and after work. The splash pad and concession area are great for one-time visitors who want to make use of the poolside cabanas and cool off during the afternoon.

The Center also offers special events. This June, the Center is hosting the Aloha Plunge. On June 23, a large screen will be featuring the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. While viewing the movie, kids can float around in the pool and enjoy giant inflatables and themed games. Guests can register online or in person at the Center. Tickets are $10 per person and kids ages 3 and under are free.

Location: 6565 Alicante Road, Carlsbad CA
Telephone: 760-268-4777

Website

2. LEGO CHIMA Water Park

The LEGOLAND Water Park is a must-see attraction for water lovers. The park has activities for children of all ages. Whether little ones enjoy floating down a lazy river or taking an adventurous plunge through the rapids, LEGOLAND Water Park has it all. Kids can put their imaginations to work creating a LEGO raft for the lazy river or build bridges from DUPLO blocks at the Imagination Station. Risk takers can plunge down the Splash Out and Twin Chasers slides or nose-dive into adventure on the Orange Rush raft and Pirate Reef flume ride while water cannons fire from all sides.

In addition to everything the LEGOLAND Water Park has to offer, the LEGO CHIMA Water Park is opening this summer. Carlsbad visitors and residents can now be some of the first guests to experience everything that the park has to offer. It caters towards smaller children and inspires awe through attractions like being able to slide through the mouth of a crocodile, take twists and turns, and glide through tubes on the Cragger’s Swamp, Crooler’s Twist, and Crug’s Run slides. Kids can also enjoy the chance to Build-a-Boat and splash in the Lion Temple Wave Pool while cooling off from the hot Southern California sun.

Location: 1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Telephone:  (888) 690-5346

Website

3. Carlsbad Lagoon

The Carlsbad Lagoon is a prized North County landmark that appeals to both nature lovers and water enthusiasts alike. The lagoon offers rentals of all kinds to get families out on the water. From non-motorized options like stand-up paddleboards to kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, guests can try new things while getting close to the water. Families who want to pick up speed can rent waverunners, power boats and pontoon boats. The lagoon also features week long camps for children throughout June and July. Campers get to take part in each of the activities listed above in addition to beach games. Activities are lead by trained professionals so that kids of all experience levels can have fun in a safe environment.

Location: 4215 Harrison Street, Carlsbad CA 92008
Telephone: (760) 434-3089

Website

Grab your swim trunks and sunglasses and dive into three of the best ways Carlsbad has to beat the heat this summer.

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