Ahead of the holiday season of giving, and to celebrate everything that makes Carlsbad ‘all good’, Visit Carlsbad has launched an “All Good – Do Good” campaign in partnership with the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation (AHLF) to support the local community through volunteer tourism experiences. Through December 2022, travelers are encouraged to volunteer and experience the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation through booking packages at participating resorts and restaurants, volunteering time and donating to a meaningful cause. This campaign gives visitors an opportunity to unwind, chill and give back while on vacation in our city. 

Here are a handful of the regenerative travel experiences that you can partake in as a part of All Good – Do Good:

Book a Stay at the Beach Terrace

The Beach Terrace is offering “The Discovery Package” for guests staying 2+ nights at the newly renovated beachfront boutique resort. By purchasing the Discovery Package, you will be making a donation to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, receiving free admission to the Lagoon’s Discovery Center, and getting an upgraded breakfast during your stay.

Reserve a Quintessential California Vacation at the Cassara Carlsbad

The Cassara Carlsbad is offering a new “VIP Eco Tour for Two” package, inclusive of overnight luxury accommodation and VIP Eco-Tour at Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The package waives the nightly parking fee at the resort and includes a free hotel shuttle to and from Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Guests can enjoy a 2-hour stand up or sit-down kayak tour with an in-depth look at the ecosystem around the lagoon. 

Unwind at the Beach with The Beach Genie

Hanging out at the beach is a key part of any relaxing stay in Carlsbad. Beach Genie is a concierge service that provides a full beach day experience, with everything from equipment to cabana parties and group bonfires. From now through December, Beach Genie is offering a free add-on to any experience with a receipt from a monetary or volunteer donation to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon.

Explore the Carlsbad Strawberry Company

While visiting Carlsbad, the Carlsbad Strawberry Company is one of the places you don’t want to miss out on. As a part of this campaign, the Strawberry Company has teamed up with Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation to donate a portion of all admissions to educating the future Lagoon Stewards at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon.

Give Back with The Shine Foundation

Volunteering is a key way that residents can support our visitors. To make sure that all families have safe and supported access to the beach, ocean, and fun

 recreational water and beach activities, The Shine Foundation is giving volunteers the opportunity to help those with special needs and their families on the beach and in the water. 

For a list of all of the community partners and opportunities to turn your Carlsbad travel into an “do good” travel experience, visit here. 

The post All Good – Do Good in Carlsbad this Holiday Season appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

The reality is that when you visit the coast, the delicious seafood that you get to enjoy comes from local sources. In Southern California, certain delicacies like sand dabs are unique. The more common seafood inventory is obtained directly from the Pacific Ocean or from controlled environments to cultivate aquatic organisms called aquafarms. Similar to agriculture, aquaculture is in the business of fish, not livestock. The farm-to-table process of aquaculture starts with hatcheries and employs many different processes to ensure that seafood is safe and ethically produced. 

Many of our oceans have experienced overfishing. As natural resources continue to wane, alternate sources are increasingly important. Aquaculture fills in the gap of decreasing seafood supply responsibly and sustainably. It provides lower greenhouse gas emissions than other types of farming and higher protein retention compared to more popular livestock like beef, pork, and chicken. 

If you’ve driven alongside the coast in Carlsbad, you might have seen large rows of structures in the water opposite the ocean. These are a part of Carlsbad’s very own Aquafarm. The entrance is accessible via Carlsbad Blvd, across from lifeguard beach Tower 30. 

The Carlsbad Aquafarm concentrates on shellfish. They house an R&D function in collaboration with USC’s Wrigley Marine Lab and are committed to breeding ‘better oysters for a changing ocean’. With a new majority of seafood coming from aquaculture, the Carlsbad Aquafarm knows that seafood farming needs to be done sustainability and without harm to the surrounding environment. 

Starting back in the 1950’s, the incorporation of Carlsbad started looking into aquaculture to improve the ecological health of the Carlsbad lagoon. They quickly found that shellfish were a key element for a healthy lagoon. Fast forward to today and the Aquafarm has carried that finding into the values and vision of their work. They measure their work by the quality of their seafood and the ecological health of the lagoon and are deeply invested in preserving the coastal environment by growing shellfish in harmony with natural marine surroundings. The Aquafarm strives to maintain and protect the historic waterfront of Carlsbad and surrounding habitats. 

The floating farm itself produces crops of oysters and mussels with a structure that can withstand strong tidal currents. The shellfish are submerged above the seafloor with anchored floats in trays so that predatory species and contaminants can’t reach them. Through morning harvests and tumbling that mimics tidal flows, the oysters are triple purified to ensure the utmost quality and safety. 

If you want to go visit the Aquafarm for yourself, farm tours and tastings are available. Tickets include a one-hour experience where you can discover the techniques used to grow and harvest homegrown oysters and learn about sustainable shellfish farming practices firsthand. They also include hands-on learning with an oyster shucking demonstration where you can enjoy fresh oysters with hot sauce, lemons, and water. 

In the village by the sea, the sea gives us abundant life. Visit the Carlsbad Aquafarm to learn more about what’s beneath the surface.    

The post Sustainable Vitamin Sea at the Carlsbad Aquafarm appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Spring break falls at just the right time. The new year has catapulted us into a fast-paced sprint to reach Q1 goals and the excitement of a new school year is just starting to wear off. Spring break lets us refresh when we’re starting to feel burnt out and gives us the chance to have intentional quality time with those we love. 

Southern California is often touted as the ‘place where people go to vacation’. And, if you live here, it might feel like the essence of Spring Break is here year-round. However, even if you get to enjoy the California sun every day, you can still be counting down the days until you can ditch the stresses of “real” life. For those from out of town, the need to thaw out from winter necessitates the need to schedule warm-weather fun. No matter where you live, the annual rite of a proper Spring Break is well deserved. 

Here are a few Carlsbad destinations that you won’t want to miss out on this Spring Break:

The Flower Fields

The Carlsbad Flower Fields are something to write home about. The flowers only bloom for 8-10 weeks each year, and so getting a chance to experience them is something not many get to do. This year, The Flower Fields official season starts on March 1, 2022. The ranunculus typically reach peak bloom in April, but the exact dates fluctuate from year-to-year.

Spring Break marks the time of the year when Carlsbad is in full colorful bloom. The Flower Fields cover the 50 acres of hills with a blanket of multi-color giant tecolote ranunculus flowers. There are walking paths throughout the fields, as well as stops along the way to snap a photo for social media. 

The Flower Fields are accessible for all travelers visiting Carlsbad during Spring Break. Outside of the fields, there are plenty of spots where bikers and sunbathers can sit and take in the blooms from afar. Inside, there is a whole calendar of activities to enhance the experience. These include things like outdoor concerts, teatime in the gardens, and yoga classes — all within the picturesque setting of the rainbow-colored fields overlooking the coastline.

LEGOLAND

If you’re in Carlsbad for the first time, or if you’ve lived here for years, LEGOLAND is the tourist destination to visit while you’re here. The theme park is decked out in all of your favorite LEGO characters, and has plenty of activities for the family. This spring, LEGOLAND has two new exciting attractions launching for guests.

SoFi Stadium will “touch down” in Miniland USA just in time for Spring Break. It will be the largest LEGO stadium in the world and is lined up to break the current Guinness World Record. 

In addition to SoFi Stadium, the new LEGO Ferrari Build and Race is coming as well. It will feature a life-size LEGO Ferrari F40, and lets guests use their creativity to build, test and race their own LEGO Ferrari.

Our Beaches

No Spring Break would be complete without a visit to the coast. In Carlsbad, we have over 8 miles of pristine beaches, stretching as far as the eye can see. No matter what type of beach activity you enjoy, Carlsbad beaches are the best place to stretch out, relax, and watch the shore.

North Carlsbad Beaches stretch from the Oceanside border to the Carlsbad Village. The beaches are open to the public but have a remote feel. There are no lifeguards on duty or public facilities. These beaches offer the perfect place for a long stroll during sunset or a moderate beach hike during the day.

Carlsbad State Beach, on the other hand, features warm water jetties with ideal space to swim, kayak and fish. The Carlsbad seawall is a 4-mile paved walkway that separates the beach from Hwy 101. There are picnic areas, restrooms, and ample parking.

Spring Break Discounts and Deals

If a Carlsbad getaway seems like the perfect way to welcome the warm weather, Carlsbad resorts have ongoing deals to make booking a room even better. The Park Hyatt Aviara is currently offering an incentive to ‘Spring into Sunshine’ with a complimentary 4th night plus a $100 resort credit that can be used for golf, dining, or spa time when booking a stay between now and April 29th. The Cape Rey is running a ‘Stay to Play’ deal for golfers who want passes to play at the Crossings at Carlsbad.

No matter how you plan to get in the summer spirit, Spring Break is when things start to warm up. Check out our Deals page and book your trip to Carlsbad now for a Spring Break to soak in the sun. 

The post Warming Up for Spring Break 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.

LEGO® VIDIYO Music Fest

VIDIYO is a one-of-a-kind music video maker specially suited for kids. The app offers a brand new way of thinking about screen time. It flips content consumers into content creators, and lets advanced AR technology do the heavy lifting to allow kids the tools they need to really let their creativity soar. 

The VIDIYO app does everything from set building to choreography. It has a jukebox, beat makers, and even special effects creators to let little music aficionados sing their hearts out as they create their very own music videos. And, even better, each VIDIYO music video is rooted in LEGO® fun. In the app, BeatBoxes provide a stage for each video and include LEGO® rockstar figures to keep the party going. You can purchase physical compact BeatBoxes that come with rockstar minifigures and 16 special effect BeatBits – magical tiles that you scan into the app to bring music videos to life with crazy effects. The app has a kid-friendly social space that focuses on creativity and lets kids share their creations with other creators. There are frequently updated challenges and games to inspire users to channel their inner rockstar. Parents have access to a dashboard to stay engaged with kids’ activity and kids feel like music professionals with easy-to-control features like ‘Pause’ that let them edit tracks like a pro. The controls are intuitive and advanced – kids can change camera angles, cut tracks, and create seamless transitions on the go.  

This month, LEGOLAND is taking VIDIYO to the next level. On September 17 -19, LEGOLAND is hosting an all new family-friendly music festival featuring DJ L.L.A.M.A – the musical icon behind LEGO VIDIYO. DJ L.L.A.M.A recently announced his world tour and the music festival at LEGOLAND will debut his tour with a special appearance. The LEGO VIDIYO Music Fest is included in regular day admission to the park. 

If you been jamming to VIDIYO at home, you will love this interactive event. During the two day music festival there will be live shows, dance offs, sing alongs, prizes and games. Creative pop ups will be spread throughout the festival with games to test your vocal chords, get your groove on, and show off your dance moves. 

Guests will have access to the LEGO® VIDIYO producers’ studio, and there will be costume contests where you can dress up as your favorite band member and compete for the Best Dressed award. DJ L.L.A.M.A will take center stage and perform his number one hit ‘Shake’ live and in person. With VIDIYO, every music genre has a seat, and the rockstars from each BeatBox will be on site to bring the music festival to life. From Monster Metal to Robo Hip Hop, K-Pawp, and Candy Pop – there will be a tune for everyone.

Book your ticket to LEGOLAND now and download the VIDIYO app to kickoff the fun before you arrive. The LEGO® VIDIYO Music Fest will be a light hearted, jam packed weekend full of music, laughter and fun. 

The post Sing, Dance, and Play at the LEGO® VIDIYO™ Music Fest appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

If you’re looking for a vacation that has the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and a lookout over the largest ranunculus bloom in the country, consider booking a stay at the Cassara Carlsbad. The Tapestry Collection by Hilton offers luxurious getaways built on the artistry and relaxation of their surrounding landscapes. Whether you’re on the east coast, in a neighboring street, or even right up the road in Oceanside – Carlsbad has all of the things that make a vacation feel new every time.

The Property

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad is a crowning jewel of the city. From March 1st through Mother’s Day, the Flower Fields bloom 50 acres of extraordinary color that can’t be found anywhere else. The Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers have been specially curated over 85 years of cultivation, transforming the rolling hills of the North San Diego coastline into a coordinated display of color and beauty. And, the Cassara Carlsbad sits atop the hills with VIP seating above the magnificent fields.

With 12 acres of its own, the Cassara is perched above the Carlsbad Flower Fields with LEGOLAND and the Carlsbad beaches right across the road. There is a complimentary shuttle to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets and the beaches. The property also features a fitness center, two resort pools, and a family splash pad for kids.

The Amenities

In addition to the pools and fitness center, the Cassara boasts a number of luxury amenities for a memorable stay. There is free wifi, room service, a fully equipped business center, golf, and an onsite restaurant. The Cassara Carlsbad Kitchen & Bar offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with elegant decor and European charm. The restaurant is located in the grand lobby, with easy access to the pool and views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Rooms

The rooms at the Cassara embrace Southern California coastal charm and European elegance all at the same time. Each of the guest rooms and suites has been remodeled to feature brand new furniture, classic wood accents, and sharp lines framed by cooling Mediterranean colors and architecture. Luxury bedding, down comforters, and pillows are available in every room and beds range from standard kings to double queens with partial ocean views. The suites offer things like parlor rooms, working stations, twin beds for kids, and balconies or patios.

The Tapestry Collection by Hilton boasts spectacular accommodations with exquisite decor and service that can’t be beaten. The Cassara Carlsbad showcases all of these things and more. Plan your next vacation at the Cassara Carlsbad for luxury, views, and relaxation that can’t be matched. Book a room today!

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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.

Fire Up a Feast

Bob’s Steak and Chop House

The Omni La Costa Resort and Spa is home to some of the best luxury accommodations in the city. Alongside the stellar grounds and exemplary staff, the resort also boasts one of San Diego’s finest steakhouses. It is the perfect place to treat your dad to something special.

Bob’s Steak and Chop House was created in the heart of Texas. The local chain serves up big slabs of meat and a variety of fresh-caught seafood. They specialize in flavorful steaks paired with iconic sides that will impress any dad’s taste buds and guarantee no one leaves the table hungry. Make a reservation or order ahead for curbside pickup to spoil dad at home.

Pacific Point Lounge

If your dad is someone who likes to stretch out and enjoy a cocktail after a hard day’s work, Pacific Point is a great place for a Father’s Day cocktail that he’ll remember. The lobby bar and terrace are a luxurious outdoor retreat with a heated terrace. On Father’s Day, Park Hyatt’s lobby bar will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Treat dad to a tasty drink and a bite to eat during one of Carlsbad’s stunning summer sunsets – he’ll be able to unwind, relax, and recharge for the week ahead.

Get Out and Grill Out

South Carlsbad State Beach

For dads that feel at home in the outdoors, South Carlsbad State Beach is the spot to pitch a tent, grill up a good meal, and enjoy the coastline. The popular bluff-top campground runs along the south end of the city’s 7-mile stretch of beaches. Campsites have an upfront and personal view of the ocean, complete with waves crashing below as you sleep. Fire pits calm the chill of the evening air and give campers a place to gather after a day full of swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding. Book your campsite now to reserve a space this Father’s Day.

Cruise Down the 101

In Carlsbad, some of life’s joys are in the small things. A drive down the coastline on Historic Highway 101 is a chance to soak in the diverse and vibrant ecosystems that are spread out along the way. Rent a car, put the top down, and treat dad to a drive that will create memories for years to come.

Explore the Village

For quality time with limitless things to do, bring dad to the Carlsbad Village. You can start the day by grabbing a bite to eat at any of the local restaurants, spoil yourselves to dessert, and even get some shopping in while you’re at it.

Fresco 264

Woodfired pizza and seafood hold the keys to anyone’s heart. At Fresco 264, you can stroll into the heart of Carlsbad Village for a drink, a snack, or a full-blown meal.

Pure Brewing Taphouse

Pure Brewing Taphouse is one of Carlsbad Village’s newest additions. For a craft brew in the heart of the Village on State Street, Pure Brewing’s west-facing views and open-air patio are the perfect place to grab a beer and enjoy a tropical Biergarten vibe.

Handels

For dessert, Handels has homemade ice cream that’s created one batch at a time. Handels uses the finest ingredients with personal recipes sourced from creator Alice Handel who started the shop in the summer of July 1945.

After dessert, you can burn off your ice cream by browsing the shops and heading over to the boardwalk for a stroll along the beach.

Tee Off

Aviara Golf Club

If your dad loves to spend his free time on the golf course, there’s no better gift than a tee time at Carlsbad’s famed Arnold Palmer signature golf course at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort and Spa. The 72 par course winds through rolling valleys and has ocean views that are next to none for a day on the greens.

Dads are one of life’s most precious gifts and Father’s Day is a hallmark to honor that. Enjoy a meal, cruise down the coast, and swing for the hills – your dad deserves it.

The post Top Picks for Father’s Day 2021 appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

The Trails at Hosp Grove

Carlsbad’s moderate weather makes even city living feel easy and breezy. If you really want to get away from the bustle of the neighborhoods, shops, and restaurants, Hosp Grove Trails and Park in northern Carlsbad is a great retreat. The handful of short but scenic hiking trails surrounding the park are lined with Carlsbad’s native flora and fauna. Cacti and succulents line the pathways, and the easy trails provide a nice quiet walk with calming surroundings. The walkways lead into a canopy of tree cover and there is parking located across from the Buena Vista Lagoon. The park has public picnic tables so that you can pack a lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing on the trails.

Hosp Grove was originally made up solely of eucalyptus trees. Their presence still towers over the park and adds a pleasant fragrance that flows throughout the trails and through the trees. There are two sections in the park and approximately three miles worth of trails. Parking is located on each side of the Grove, with all entrances crisscrossing through the interior. The grounds are well kept, and the pathways are shaded when the sun is high in the sky. Hosp Grove is the ideal place for a low impact walk or jog, an outlet for kids to burn off steam, and a reprieve from the norm.

Rancho La Costa Preserve

If you like a mix of easy terrain and more intermediate trails, Rancho La Costa Preserve is the spot to find your pace. With a mixture of paved pathways, decomposed granite, and soily terrain, you can pick how you’d prefer to cover ground. The Preserve is known by hikers and bikers alike, and no matter what your endurance level is, you can find a challenge to conquer while you explore.

The Preserve is made up of four main trailheads. The Ridgeline Trail is a long and difficult hike. On the flip side, the Old Rancho Santa Fe Trail is an easy paved option. The Preserve is also home to Box Canyon and close to 500 acres of native coastal habitat. No matter which trail you end up on, the views are next to none. The hilltops provide views of the Batiquitos Lagoon, Box Canyon, and the Pacific Ocean.

Lake Calavera Preserve

If you would like to experience native California, Lake Calavera Preserve is a special place to see the habitats, plant life, and ecosystems that are unique to the area. The Preserve was designated as an Ecological Reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 2000, and the pathways within are reserved for pedestrian use only.

There are multiple looped trails throughout the Preserve, and the Lake Loop Trail has 1.9 miles of water views and water friendly wildlife.

Blue Paddle SUP

For water lovers, Carlsbad’s coastline and its lagoons are some of the most fun and relaxing places to experience the outdoors in Southern California. They offer tons of opportunity to lay on the sand, try out new watersports, and casually sail along the shore.

Stand up paddleboarding is an activity that will get you out on the water, moving through the surf, and expending energy all at once. At Blue Paddle SUP, you can explore the Carlsbad coast from a new perspective. Blue Paddle offers a paddleboarding tour that ensures social distancing without having to give up the fun of the lagoon. With a certified guide, you can get a short lesson on land before entering the water. The Carlsbad Lagoon is home to calm surf and natural wildlife. You can float through the water at a relaxing pace and see everything from pelicans to sea turtles and sea lions.

Boards are available for rent and guides will make sure that you have the time of your life, regardless of your experience.

There is really no better place to be than to be outside in Carlsbad. With seven full miles of spectacular beaches, Carlsbad’s coast has some of the most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean around. Tamarack State Beach is ideal for families and kids and is adjacent to the Carlsbad Seawall where walkers and joggers can look out into the water while exercising. South Ponto Beach is one of the widest beaches in the county, allowing guests to spread out and soak up the sun.  From North Carlsbad beaches to South State Beach – Carlsbad’s coastline is the place to get outdoors and enjoy the views.

Check out any one of these unique locales to experience all of the beauty that Carlsbad has to offer.

The post Carlsbad’s Outdoors Welcome You Back for Summer appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

LEGOLAND’s Red, White, and Boom!

When in Carlsbad, you can count on LEGOLAND to be the go-to spot for family fun and adventure. On July 4th, the park is at the top of the list of fun places to go to celebrate Independence Day. LEGOLAND will be hosting picnic inspired games throughout the day. These will include a LEGO hamburger relay, burlap sack races, and water-balloon tosses. As evening rolls around, the park will have designated areas for viewing one of the best fireworks shows the city has to offer. The fireworks will light up the sky in harmony with a Patriotic musical tribute. All festivities are included with the price of admission so you’ll want to be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible.

Dinner Buffet and Fireworks at the Park Hyatt Aviara

If all-you-can-eat food and sun are your idea of Fourth of July fun, the Park Hyatt has just what you need. The resort will be hosting an evening of live music and a buffet from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The buffet will include treats like a salad station, fish tacos, BBQ carving station, and a dessert buffet. After the food has settled and drinks are in hand, guests will be able to spread out and enjoy a VIP view of the poolside fireworks show. Tickets are available online here.

Concert at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Live music is a key part of any summer BBQ. This year, the Omni La Costa resort and spa is celebrating the Fourth of July with an all-day party and a concert by Neon Nation. The party will feature a variety of different family friendly activities. Waterslides, scavenger hunts, food trucks and s’mores are all on the schedule. Fireworks will cap off the festivities at the end of the night. Music starts at 7 p.m. Call the resort for more information today.

Fourth of July BBQ at 20|Twenty Grill

Nothing says summer like a classic American BBQ. This Fourth of July, The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa’s very own 20|Twenty Grill and Chef Julian Quiñones will be serving up a feast with all the classics. Marinated tri-tip, charred corn cobettes, veggies, three-bean chili, and strawberry rhubarb cobbler are all on the menu. There is even a kids menu for the little ones. Diners will have a front row seat to the LEGOLAND fireworks show starting at 8:30 p.m. You’ll definitely want to make a reservation now to take part in this summertime feast before it’s too late.

DIY Picnic and Fireworks at Carlsbad State Beach

If your family loves an ocean breeze and wants to spread out with a blanket to celebrate the Fourth on their own schedule, then Carlsbad State Beach is the place for you. Pack a cooler and get there before the crowds to play in the sun and waves. As the sun goes down you can set up camp and see all of the local fireworks shows light up the night sky. It’s the perfect place to gather friends and create your own party with Carlsbad’s natural beauty as the background.

Independence Day is a holiday recognized for tradition, relaxation, and fun. Make plans at any of these Carlsbad favorites this Fourth of July and you’ll be guaranteed to experience all three.

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