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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Carlsbad
Day Trip Things To Do
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By Matthew
Martz |
Vacationers
traveling to and from San Diego often overlook the lovely
seaside community of Carlsbad with its many wonderful
offerings that include LEGOLAND theme park, Carlsbad Village,
the Flower Fields, and of course, one of the most beautiful
coastlines in southern California.
Located in the northern part of San Diego County, Carlsbad
is the perfect spot for those who are looking for a
more relaxing beach trip, but yet want to be close enough
to San Diego to go and enjoy all that it has to offer.
But don't be fooled, as there's a lot more to this
town than just colorful Danish building blocks, and
the downtown area, affectionately referred to as Carlsbad
Village, is a charming place to wander and explore the
city's Old World charms.
Whether you're looking for a new swim suit to wear
to nearby Carlsbad State Beach, a rejuvenating spa treatment
to revitalize your senses, or a delicious meal, it can
all be found in the Village by the Sea. However, for
the shopaholic, nearby Carlsbad Premium Outlet Mall
will satisfy most shoppers cravings. This beautiful
outdoor center offers an exciting collection of 90 outlet
stores from the world's leading designers and brands.
If your vacation plans include discovering
and exploring early California history, then Carlsbad
won't disappoint.
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Batiquitos Lagoon Carlsbad California |
The area is home to several
landmarks and museums including the Barrio Museum, the Alt
Kalsbad Haus, the Museum of Making Music, a Children's Museum,
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, and the centerpiece of
the area--Mission San Luis Rey.
Constructed in 1798 as the 18th in the 21 California
mission's chain, this historic site was restored from
the ground up, rising from a state of near ruin.
The self-guided tour of the mission is just $4 per person
and takes guests on a wondrous journey through early California
that begins with exhibits in the main hall of the local
Indian culture through the arrival of the Spanish Franciscan
Missionaries and the early stages of the mission settlement.
From there visitors are free to roam several smaller
chambers that are filled with religious relics that lead
directly to the sanctuary adorned with its beautiful architecture,
amazing hand crafted statues and captivating alter carvings.
For those who wish to light a candle for someone, you
will need to purchase your candle at the museum gift shop
located near the museum entrance.
Nestled amongst the lush courtyard landscape there is
a large model of the entire mission area, and a small
garden where guests are free to sit and enjoy the tranquility
of the missions peaceful atmosphere.
After relaxing under one of California's first pepper
trees, the next stop is Leo
Carillo Ranch, also known as Rancho de Los Kiotes,
an historic rancho.
This Registered California Historical Landmark was built
in 1937 be preservationist and conservationist Leo Carrillo
as a retreat where he could escape the everyday hustle
and bustle of life in early Los Angeles.
The recreation of an Old California-style working rancho
has 18 structures on over 2,538 acres. In 1977 the City
of Carlsbad acquired a 10.5 acre remnant that contained
and protected the most critical original buildings, and
today it stands as an amazing educational and recreational
resource.
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Leo Carrillo Ranch Carlsbad |
Carlsbad Coast |
Another nearby place of interest, is the
Carlsbad
Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.
Each year the Armstrong Garden lets people
walk through their flower fields for a small fee. It's
well worth the money to see all the beautiful flowers.
Rows and rows of different color ranunculus'. You can
also take a vintage tractor ride around the field if you're
not up for walking, and they also have a play area for
kids and a maze garden. The best time to visit is late
March to early April.
Finally for the kid in everyone, LEGOLAND
is the main attraction in Carlsbad.
The 128-acre theme park is a LEGO lover's
dream and is packed with rides, attractions, shows and
building projects, in six individually themed sections.
If you visit on a hot day consider upgrading to a ticket
that includes LEGOLAND Water Park admission. If it's a
little bit overcast, LEGOLAND's Sea Life Aquarium is a
cool kid sized aquarium away from the elements.
Carlsbad is a very bicycle-friendly area,
with bike lanes all over the city, so make sure to bring
your bike or rent one from one of the many places around
town.
A perfect way to end a fun filled day
in Carlsbad is at the Park at Tamarack Beach.
Here you can take a seaside stroll along
a 1.5 mile beach pathway, stopping along the way to watch
one of the many spectacular sunsets that punctuates the
end of each day in Carlsbad.
The City of Carlsbad is located just 30
minutes north of downtown San Diego and 45 minutes south
of Orange County off Interstate 5.
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Legoland
Carlsbad
Fun family friendly theme park perfect for kids
of all ages. Discount tickets. |
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