1. Leo Carrillo & Historic Park
Originally a part of the working ranch and vacation retreat of American actor Leo Carrillo, this historic park is a great venue for outdoor events. And after your meeting, your attendees can explore the 27-acre grounds, which feature preserved and restored buildings, a visitors center, a reflecting pool, a hacienda, and much more. There’s so much to see and do here that your group will not want to leave.

2. Museum of Making Music
Take your attendees on a musical journey through time at the Museum of Making Music. Perfect for meetings of any kind, the museum is an interesting place for your group to gather. Post-meeting, they can travel from 1900 to today— interactively discovering the history of making music and exploring the connections between people, instruments, and other related products.

Additionally, the museum hosts a vibrant concert series throughout the year. Come get an earful of the most incredible sounds these professionals can play with your group.

3. K1 Speed Go Kart Track
Looking for an action-packed venue for your event? If so, consider K1 Speed Go Kart Track! It offers the best indoor karting experience in the world—boasting karts for both adults and kids that can be maneuvered around our expansive indoor track.

But racing isn’t the only thing your group can do here. Additionally, they can enjoy arcade games, pool tables, basketball hoops, air hockey and prize machines. Plus, they can get their eat on. Located onsite, the Paddock Lounge café serves everything from delicious hamburgers to cheesy nachos. Let the fun begin!

4. The Flower Fields
If your group loves being outside, the Flower Fields is an excellent outdoor venue for your meeting. Only open a few months each season, this 50-acre features a dazzling rainbow of beautiful ranunculus flowers that make the perfect backdrop for corporate gatherings and more.

For indoor events, planners can host meetings in the 200-seat Paul Ecke Jr. Barn, which is located onsite. There are also the world-famous Ecke poinsettias, the sweet pea maze, themed gardens, an orchid greenhouse, and other neat attractions your attendees can explore.

Want more reasons why you should bring your next meeting to Carlsbad? Check out what makes Carlsbad a unique meeting destination.

Ready to Meet in the Right Carlsbad Venue?
If meeting in Carlsbad sounds like music to your ears, let our team of professionals help you plan your next event here. Reach out to us or submit an RFP to start the planning process and have any questions answered about our city.

The post One-of-a-Kind Venues That Double the Fun in Carlsbad appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

General Planning Resources

What sets Carlsbad, CA apart from other meeting destinations?

-Boasting a seemingly endless coastline and year-round temperate climate, Carlsbad is a welcoming city that offers an assortment of unique and versatile venues, palatial hotels and resorts, award-winning restaurants, and mild-to-wild activities and adventures that gives groups the ultimate meeting experiences.

-Learn more about what makes Carlsbad a unique meeting destination.

-See key highlights about coastal Carlsbad.

Are there any incentives, deals, or perks for hosting my event in Carlsbad?

-New clients receive 5% of total actualized room revenue as reimbursement for transportation or other ancillary costs to their group. This offer applies to meetings held by association or corporate groups that actualize 50+ room nights and must be consumed by December 31, 2025. 

What is the weather like in the different seasons?

-Carlsbad’s year-round average temperature is a pleasant 68° with 263 days of sunshine per year.

Getting Here & Transportation

How do I get my group to Carlsbad?

-Flying your attendees to our accessible city is the most convenient way to get here. We are a short, 30-minute drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and less than an hour’s drive from John Wayne Airport.

-SAN is served by all major airlines—offering nonstop service to over 70 destinations.

-John Wayne Airport of Orange County offers non-stop trips from a variety of destinations all over the country.

After I land, what transportation services are available?

–Rental car and shuttle services are also available to make accessing Southern California easier.

Meeting Services

What meeting services do you offer for events?

-Visit Carlsbad provides complimentary RFP services for planners who have questions about our destination or need assistance with the planning process including sending information about your event to properties and service providers who can handle your meeting needs.

-Check out other event services you can take advantage of when hosting an event in our lovely city.

Meeting Venues & Spaces

Where can I find unique venues for my meeting?

-Carlsbad offers an array of unique meeting venues for hosting all kinds of events.

What is the size of the largest meeting space in Carlsbad?

-The largest meeting space we have in our city is 18,000 sq. ft. and is located at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.

Are there other hotels with meeting spaces?

-Yes, we have several lodging options that feature meeting spaces for groups of various sizes. Learn more about these resorts with gathering space.

Group Accommodations & Activities

Which hotels offer the best accommodations for groups?

-Carlsbad boasts 46 hotels and luxury resorts with first-class amenities and productive settings for groups to meet and stay—including Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Golf Club, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach-A Hilton Resort & Spa, Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, and Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach.

-Explore more group hotels in Carlsbad.

What activities, attractions, and adventures are there for groups meeting in Carlsbad?

-Our coastal city offers all sorts of fun things to do to keep your attendees entertained during their downtime. Whether your group wants to bond beachside, enjoy thrill-filled attractions and outings, or improve their wellness outdoors, there is something everyone will love. 

Are there any corporate social responsibility opportunities to incorporate into my meeting?

-Yes! Carlsbad is home to many nonprofit organizations that your meeting group can collaborate with and volunteer for to help people in need.

Group Dining

Where can I take my group for enjoyable dining experiences?

-Carlsbad has a cuisine scene that will not disappoint. This coastal city has several group dining options among local restaurants, some of which have rentable spaces to host private events.

Additional Resources

-Learn more about what Carlsbad has to offer your group and grab ideas to start planning with our Guide to Carlsbad Meetings: 3-Day Sample Itinerary.

-Stay up to date with our hotel and resort deals to pay the best price for your group’s stay in one of our accommodating lodging options.

Ready to Resort to Better Meetings?

The Visit Carlsbad team is always available to help bring events to our coastal city. If you have any other questions about our destination, reach out to us! Ready to start the planning process for your meeting in Carlsbad? Submit an RFP.

The post Carlsbad Meeting & Event Planning FAQS appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

If you haven’t made plans yet, here are a few of the top New Year’s Eve events in Carlsbad:

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa – Bob’s Steak & Chop House and Recovery Brunch at Vue

This year, the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is offering two fun events to say ‘goodbye’ to this year and ‘hello’ to the next. On New Year’s Eve, the resort’s Bob’s Steak & Chop House will feature a lavish dinner, with live entertainment and a champagne toast at midnight.

The next morning, VUE restaurant will be serving up a Recovery New Year’s Day Brunch, where guests can enjoy a tasty meal and relax after the previous night’s celebrations. The Recovery Brunch menu features a made-to-order pancake bar with a variety of toppings such as berries, chocolate, Oreo, M&Ms and sprinkles. There will be breakfast favorites like cage-free eggs cooked with peppers, ham, onions, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, jalapenos, chicken apple sausage, bacon, jack cheddar and feta. Other options include raisin french toast with berries and maple syrup, breakfast potatoes with caramelized onions, and freshly baked pastries. Lunch choices include grilled flat iron steak with mushrooms and red wine sauce and salmon teriyaki. And for dessert, you can indulge in the chef’s choice of sweet treats. Cost is $48 per adult and $15 per child ages 4-10.

The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is located at 2100 Costa Del Mar Road in Carlsbad. Phone (760) 438-9111.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort- Aviara Salon Ballroom Celebration, Roaring ‘23 Party at Ember & Rye and New Year’s Eve Dinner at Ponto Lago

Another popular destination for New Year’s Eve in Carlsbad this year is the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa. The resort is hosting a range of events, including a New Year’s Eve Ballroom Celebration, where guests can enjoy sumptuous snacks and live entertainment. The special event will feature indoor and outdoor seating, live music and photo booths. Guests will be invited to dance the night away with live music from RENTaFRIEND Band and toast to the new year with a complimentary glass of champagne and balloon drop at midnight. Tickets are $150 per person and include light bites such as an assortment of cheese and cured meat with condiments, bread and crackers, salmon gravelax and potato pancakes, and pretzels with cheddar bacon dip and honey mustard dip. A selection of mini desserts will also be available. This celebration is reserved for guests 21 years and older. 

At Ember & Rye, there will be a “Roaring ’23” party that will feature a delectable dinner and dessert spread, live entertainment, a Cognac tasting experience, casino tables, photo booths, complimentary champagne toast and balloon drop to ring in the new year. This unique event is reserved for guests 21 years and older. Tickets start at $375 per person and include dinner and four drink tickets. Doors open at 8:00 pm. There will even be an after party – tickets are available for $225 per person and include two drink tickets. Dinner includes family style snacks, a salad course, choice of entrée, family style sides and dessert. 

Lastly, Ponto Lago will be featuring a New Year’s Eve Feast with a specialty menu created by Chef Christopher Carriker. The mouthwatering menu features dishes like arepas, ahi tuna aguachile, Sea of Cortez fresh blue shrimp and grilled venison rack. There will be sides served family-style, including twice cooked sunchokes and roasted brussels sprouts. For dessert, you can indulge in a dulce triple delight featuring citrus meringue tart, spiced chocolate & dulce de leche macaron and champagne blackberry sorbet.

The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa is located at 7100 Aviara Resort Drive in Carlsbad. Phone (760) 448-1234.

Family Fun at LEGOLAND and Dave & Buster’s, 

For families with young children, LEGOLAND California offers a special Kids’ New Year’s Eve event. The event features a countdown to an early midnight with fireworks display illuminating the sky with live music to welcome 2023. There will be live entertainment, and a range of activities and games. Countdown with your kids before heading out for the evening at LEGOLAND – Kids’ New Year’s Eve is included with daily tickets to the park. 

Dave & Buster’s in Carlsbad will also be offering New Year’s Eve events for both kids and adults. There will be an early celebration for families from 4 pm to 7 pm, and a main event from 9 pm to close. More information about the evening will be released soon and can be found here. 

LEGOLAND  is located at One LEGOLAND Drive, in Carlsbad. Phone (888) 690-5346.

Dave & Busters is located in The Shoppes at Carlsbad at 2501 El Camino Real, in Carlsbad. Phone (760) 576-3800.

The Holiday Inn in Carlsbad – Vedanza New Year’s Gala Celebration 

If you want to dress it up a bit, the Holiday Inn in Carlsbad will be hosting a Vedanza New Year’s Eve Gala, featuring dinner, live entertainment, and a champagne toast at midnight. It will be a black-tie event where guests are encouraged to dress to impress. The schedule includes a cocktail hour at 6 pm with a cash bar, a multi-course dinner and dessert for gold ticket holders from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, with doors opening to the general public with silver tickets at 8:45 pm. The night will be filled with dancing and entertainment from DJ Robby, DJ Mambo, and DJ OroD, and will culminate in a midnight champagne toast and party favors. Gold tickets are $149 per person or $260 per couple and include early entrance at 6pm, reserved seating and table all night, the multi-course dinner and dessert, and the midnight champagne toast and party favors. Silver tickets are $99 per person and include entrance at 8:45pm, dancing and light appetizers until 1:30am, and the midnight champagne toast and party favors. You can even book a discounted room at the Holiday Inn Carlsbad using code “NYE” to get the special room rate of only $119+tax. 

The Holiday Inn, Carlsbad is located at 2725 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad. Phone (866) 238-4218.

Coyote Bar and Grill – New Year’s Eve Festivities in Carlsbad Village

Lastly, Coyote Bar and Grill in Carlsbad will be ringing in the new year with a DJ, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. There will be a live band, The Evidence Band, playing from 6 pm to 10 pm. More information about the Coyote Bar and Grill’s New Year’s Eve event will be updated on the bar’s website leading up to the event.

Coyote Bar and Grill is located in the Village Faire at 300 Carlsbad Village Dr, in Carlsbad. Phone (760) 729-4695.

Muck Run on New Year’s Day – Start the Year Off On The Right Foot

And, after all the parties are over and the new year has begun, Carlsbad will offer a range of outdoor activities to get the year started. On New Year’s Day, the San Diego Triton Ruck Club and Team RWB San Diego are hosting the Muck Run, a 23-mile ruck along the 101 highway. The event is a fun way to start the new year with some exercise and fresh air. It is an all-day trek with a steady and easy pace. The route goes from the Carlsbad Village Transit Station down the 101 to Encinitas, then back to Carlsbad. Participants are welcome to join in and drop out as needed. This event is a great way to start the new year off on the right foot and challenge yourself – visit the MapMyRun to view the route and get more information.

Whether you’re looking for a fancy black-tie gala or a fun and energetic party followed by a recovery brunch, there’s plenty to choose from this New Year’s Eve in Carlsbad. 

The post Carlsbad Countdown: Top New Year’s Eve Events appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Here’s What Makes Carlsbad a Unique Meeting Destination

From year-round temperate weather and close proximity to San Diego International Airport to home-away-from-home hotels and resorts, miles of outdoor space, and exciting adventures, this southern California city stands out and is sure to impress attendees.  And its uniqueness doesn’t stop just there.

One-of-a-Kind Venues
When it comes to meeting venues in Carlsbad, the options range from boutique to luxury. There are 18 special event facilities that are big enough to accommodate indoor and outdoor gatherings of various sizes — with the largest being 18,000 square feet. Some of these unique venues include:

Leo Carrillo Ranch
Museum of Making Music
K1 Speed and Go Kart Track
The Flower Fields

Coastal Conferences with Convenience

Are you looking to host your next event in a location that is close to where your group would stay? How about one that cuts out the commute altogether? Well, you’re in luck. Carlsbad has 15 hotels and resorts that have meeting space with the two most popular being:

Whether you’re looking to plan anything from a large conference, trade shows, or reunions to small corporate meetings, seminars, team-building retreats, there’s an event space fit for your group and needs.. 

Experiential Activities & Adventures for Attendees
Who said meetings have to be all about business. When the downtime starts, the fun  really begins here. Groups can play a round of golf at The Crossings, explore the shores of Carlsbad State Beach, or bring out their inner child at Legoland California Resort. Whatever you choose, Carlsbad offers a variety of experiential activities and adventures for attendees.

They don’t call Carlsbad the “Village by the Sea” for nothing. This coastal city has a variety of outdoor recreational activities that incorporate its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and local wetlands, including Agua Hedionda Lagoon, Batiquitos Lagoon, and Buena Vista Lagoon. Outdoor enthusiasts can do everything from kayaking, windsurfing, and boating to wakeboarding, water skiing, sailing, and fishing. 

Check out the several trail systems throughout the seaside area for attendees to hike, bike and venture off.

Extraordinary Eateries & Renowned Restaurants
Meeting and exploring Carlsbad’s many group activities can really work up an appetite. Luckily, the city boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants that can accommodate both large and small parties for group dining. Attendees can get a local taste of the town thanks to a variety of culinary styles and flavorful food stops in and around the area. 

Many restaurants feature unique spaces for groups to have incredible dining experiences — including lively or intimate atmospheres, dishes made from farm-to-table ingredients, meals with a side of live music, seated areas that offer stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and more.

Resort to Better Meetings
When you’re ready to bring your next meeting or conference to Carlsbad, our team is here to help you plan. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or submit an RFP to start the planning process.

The post Here’s What Makes Carlsbad a Unique Meeting Destination appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

In fact, time of year is exactly why the Easter holiday is so special. Easter is one of the first major holidays to hit the calendar when a new year begins. And, it brings just that – the promise of new beginnings and a celebration of new life. After the winter holidays, the beginning of the new year lets us reset and hunker down as winter thaws. By March, warm weather starts creeping in, bringing new blooms and reintroducing color to the bleakness of winter. However, its April that really brings the brightness and Easter is here to celebrate it. If spring colors, egg hunts, and bunnies make your list of favorites, then Easter is your holiday. Here are some of the Easter celebrations happening in Carlsbad this year:

EGGstravaganza Spring Festival 

Over the years, the EGGstravaganza Spring Festival has been a favorite for Carlsbad residents. This year’s festival will take place on the Saturday before Easter on April 16th. It will be hosted at Poinsettia Park and have multiple activities for both kids and adults. There will be face painting, cookie decorating, a Kids Fun Zone, and crafts. 

From 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., kids can enjoy Carlsbad’s biggest egg hunt with activity cards to keep score. Older kids can compete against each other in groups of 20 to 30. Candy filled eggs will be hidden around the park and after all of the eggs are found, staff will replenish the fields. There will be non competitive fields for little ones and those with special needs. You can purchase wristbands and activity cards for the event at community centers around the city anytime from March 26th to April 15th. 

Chandler’s Easter Sunday Brunch

For Christians, Easter Sunday starts with church in the morning. For this reason, many people use brunch as a way to prepare a holiday meal for the holiday. This year, Chef Teri at Chandler’s is putting together an Easter brunch complete with activities for the whole family. There will be an egg hunt, arts and crafts, and even a chance to take a photo with the Easter Bunny himself. The egg hunt will be staggered throughout the day starting at 11:10 a.m. and ending at 12:40 p.m. 

Brunch includes complimentary mimosas and favorites like farm fresh scrambled eggs, heirloom breakfast potatoes, and applewood smoked bacon. There will be an omelet station, salmon bar, deviled egg bar, and more. The cost is $79 per person, and you can book a reservation online here. 

Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar

At Twenty/20, Easter is a time for celebration. The 2022 festivities will extend to the Sunset Terrace and Ballroom where the Easter Bunny will join in the fun and be available to take pictures with guests. Easter brunch is $65 for adults and $80 for adults. Visitors can enjoy the picture perfect coastal views perched atop one of Carlsbad’s highest points. 

The brunch menu features everything from elixirs to light fare and shareables, farm fresh omelettes, benedicts, and entrees like prime rib and pan-seared Baja striped bass. Secure a reservation now to reserve your spot. 

Park Hyatt Aviara

If one brunch isn’t enough, Park Hyatt has two separate offerings to fill your plate. Ember & Rye will be featuring a brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For $155 per person and $65 for kids, guests can partake in everything from an iced seafood display to cheeses, carving stations, and specialty entrees like braised lamb shoulder. There will be also be a dessert buffet including sweet treats like cinamon rolls, muffins, and more.

The California Salon will also be celebrating Easter with their own brunch buffet menu. This one will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at a slightly cheaper price point of $140 per person and $60 per kid. The buffet at the California Salon will provide similar fish and meat options with a few additional entrees like horchata french toast and asparagus and crispy ham.

All resort and dining guests are also invited to join the Annual Easter Egg Hunt in The Gardens from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

La Costa

Family fun is what the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is all about. For Easter, they are serving up a brunch for palettes of all ages. There will be carving stations, bottomless mimosas, and family friendly entertainment. After brunch, La Costa will be hosting one of the largest egg hunts in the city with an astounding 15,000 eggs and an appearance by the Easter Bunny himself.

Brunch will be from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and reservations are required.

Spring is here and Easter is just around the corner – there’s plenty to do in Carlsbad to celebrate. Check out any of these fun places for all of your favorite Easter traditions. 

The post What’s Hopping for Easter in Carlsbad appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

What makes Buena Vista Lagoon so unique is that it is the only freshwater lagoon in all of Southern California and it’s right here in Carlsbad. There is a man-made barrier that protects the lagoon from tidal influence and the Ecological Reserve that surrounds the lagoon is a habitat that is packed full with over 100 different species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. 

The Buena Vista Lagoon wasn’t originally intended to be a source of freshwater. When people began building houses where the lagoon meets the ocean, pipes were installed to control the water level. Thirty years later, the concrete weir was installed to officially keep the saltwater out. However, the weir has also caused some unexpected side effects. Sediment from stormwater and irrigation drain off has been gathering in the lagoon. This sediment has turned areas of the lagoon into a marshy wetland with cattails sprouting up across many acres of shallow marsh.

As sediment has continued to be deposited into the lagoon, property owners and The California Department of Fish and Wildlife have disputed what the right plan of action should be. Some suggested that removing the weir was the best option while others have maintained that the weir and water levels should stay as-is. Removing the weir would return saltwater to the lagoon, and restore the environment to its original state.

Differing opinions have left the restoration of the lagoon stagnant for many years. But in May of 2020, a compromise was reached to allow the removal of the weir by the SANDAG board.

Fast forward to this year, and the Buena Vista Lagoon restoration project has finally received a generous $3 million grant to start removal of the weir and to restore the surrounding reserve. Now that the project has received funding, permitting and design plans can officially begin. Initial plans reveal that the weir will be removed at the west end of the lagoon and will form a channel that connects to the ocean. The lagoon will transition from freshwater to saltwater and will, in turn, combat the vegetation that has been deteriorating the sustainability of the lagoon.

Construction will take a few years, but officials running the project hope to fast-track the work in order to mitigate continued deterioration. We are grateful for the investment in the lagoon and will continue to keep readers updated as progress is made. 

The post Maintaining the Beauty of the Buena Vista Lagoon 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.

During the pandemic, there has been no better time than now to get outside and explore. The sunny California skies offer the warmth we need to break outside of the walls of our homes and enjoy the open air at a safe distance. Carlsbad is a gem in the heart of Southern California with a long list of outdoor adventures to enjoy during the pandemic. If you’re on the lookout for adventures off the beaten path, grab your sneakers and visit these two lesser-known attractions in Carlsbad.

Cerezo Bluffs

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Everyone knows that Southern California has some of the prettiest beaches in the nation. The city of Carlsbad has over 7 miles of coastline with beaches perfect for surfers, swimmers, tourists, and everything in between. No matter where you are in Carlsbad, the ocean is just a short distance away. The coast permeates our culture and serves as a backdrop to local businesses. However, there are some hidden gems located along the coast that not everyone knows about, and Cerezo Bluffs is one of them.

Cerezo Bluffs is located adjacent to Terra Mar Point, and is a well known secret to seasoned surfers. The bluffs are lined by a small beach. You can climb to the top on either side with stops along the way to soak in the views. The bluffs require some adventurous maneuvering, but are worth every step. Depending on the tides, the waves may splash up over the rocks. If you walk along the beach, you will stumble upon a few small caves that you can peak inside of. During high tide, or after a storm, the elevated view from the top of the Bluffs is an exciting thrill. The water can splash high into the air and come down with a loud crash. The Bluffs are a truly spectacular wall of rock against the water. There are caverns and hidden treasures along the way. No two visits are ever the same – with erosion and the movement of the ocean every adventure comes with something new to uncover.

Copper Creek Falls & Mine

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Sometimes, it can be easy to move through a city without getting glimpses of its past. Carlsbad is a city that is full of colorful history and exciting stories. Another one of Carlsbad’s hidden gems is located deep in the woods of San Elijo. The hike starts off with a steep incline – a challenge to get up and over a mountain in order to uncover what’s on the other side. The ravine below is chock full of historical artifacts. The area was once home to one of the largest copper mines in the world back in the early 1900s. Now, the blasted mine shafts are still there and are surrounded by the rushing water of Copper Creek. The Creek’s water is sourced from the Escondido Creek Watershed, and it pours generously into two small waterfalls that can be viewed along the hike. During WWI, these mines were crucial to the war effort and the water in the dam is said to have been where miners could clean ore before transporting it elsewhere.

There are Eucalyptus trees scattered along the hike, concentrated around the larger of the two waterfalls. These trees may have served as firewood for miners, but are a welcome natural treat for guests today. During the spring, the hike is littered with wildflowers. If you’re looking for an adventure brimming with history, Copper Creek Falls & Mine can’t be missed.

No matter where you are, there is always something new to discover if you look close enough. Carlsbad has plenty of treasures to find – explore one of these hidden gems to get outside and find something new.

The post Outdoor Adventures in Carlsbad, Hidden in Plain View appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

The Pelican Cove Inn Bed & Breakfast is right in the heart of the beach community of Carlsbad. It is centrally located, within walking distance of the beach and downtown Carlsbad Village. Only three blocks in either direction puts the sun, sand, restaurants, shops, and views on your front stoop. And, staying at the Pelican Cove Inn provides a unique peehole into the history and charm of the community of Carlsbad.

Back in the mid 80s, Bob and Celeste Hale knew that Carlsbad was a unique gem along the coast of Southern California. They wanted to share their love of sun and cliffs with others, and purchased the original property at 320 Walnut Avenue. With only four rooms, the couple found that they needed a little more space to spread the joy of Carlsbad with guests. They expanded to four more adjoining guest rooms, Innkeepers quarters, and a conference room by purchasing the property next door.

After nine years of building a haven for travellers, Bob and Celeste decided to sell the property to Alaskan snowbirds Kris and Nancy Nayudo. Kris and Nancy were drawn to Carlsbad by Kris’ job and Nancy’s desire to stay at home and raise their young family. They have invested over sixteen years of love and care into the property and, after all this time, still treat every guest they have like family.

In 2003, the Nayduo’s moved from staying in the Innkeepers quarters and conference room to a home adjacent to the Inn. Now, the Inn has 10 rooms open to visitors. Each room is named with a different San Diego neighborhood in mind. They are comfortably decorated with the charm of home and have thoughtful touches like handmade soap, fireplaces, and balcony seating. The Inn takes spoiling their guests personally, and even shares the recipes to their included breakfasts for everyone to enjoy. When you book a stay, you can plan on being spoiled with things like raspberry french toast, Scotch eggs, and homemade scandinavian almond bars in. After breakfast, you can stretch out on the balcony or take a short stroll to the sand to soak in the surf.

Travel in 2021 is more than just a dream. Pack your bags and plan your next stay at the Pelican Cove Inn Bed & Breakfast.

The post Keep Your Spirits High in the Sky with a Stay at Pelican Cove Inn Bed & Breakfast appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Yiftee is a unique platform that has been offering shoppers a consolidated place to purchase gift cards since they launched. The online hub is a one-stop-shop for gift cards from all your favorite retailers. With the help of the City of Carlsbad, the Carlsbad Village Association, Ready Carlsbad, and Visit Carlsbad, the GiftCarlsbad program is now up and running. By purchasing a gift card on Yiftee, you can be making customized online purchases in no time. The unique digital codes on each e-Gift Card make it easy to make purchases from your favorite vendors or send e-Gift Cards to friends and family. GiftCarlsbad is a unique limited-time program that allows you to support Carlsbad restaurants, shops, and local businesses. While supplies last, you can buy $25 in gift card value and receive another $5 bonus card for free. If you buy $40 from GiftCarlsbad, you will get a single $10 bonus card just for shopping, and $75 gets you a $25 bonus card. After you purchase an eGift card, you can store the digital redemption code right on your phone or print it out to show in-person.

Here is a complete list of Carlsbad businesses that you can purchase a gift card from using GiftCarlsbad:

Supporting local businesses can be hard during the pandemic. Online shopping makes the process quick, easy, and efficient. Take advantage of GiftCarlsbad today to support your favorite boutiques, restaurants, resorts, fitness studios, jewelers, and service people.

The post How to Support Local Businesses in Carlsbad appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.