5 Reasons to Explore Carlsbad Now

From adventure activities to lounging poolside, here are five reasons you should visit Carlsbad now.

San Diego is one of the top vacation destinations in the U.S. and just on the north side of San Diego county lies the city of Carlsbad. The city lies on a seven-mile stretch of pristine coast north of Encinitas and south of Oceanside. Most people know it as the perfect jumping off point to visit attractions like Legoland and Sea Life Aquarium, but those who are craving adventure teamed with a little pampering will find so much more.

Cape Rey Carlsbad

Cape Rey Carlsbad brings the ocean inside and is strategically located to enjoy everything Carlsbad has to offer. The 215 room hotel is the perfect ocean-side destination for exploring the city. Ocean blue and sand-hued hallways are lined with iconic photos of San Diego by Aaron Chang and the whole property wraps around the focal point pool and adjacent restaurant, Chandler’s. Grab a seat on the patio to enjoy breathtaking sunsets and coastal cuisine by chef Teri McIllwain made with local produce, while you enjoy a cool craft brew by one of the city’s iconic craft breweries. The hotel will also lend you a bike so you can cycle sea-side or into neighboring Carlsbad Village. For those who seek more of an adventure, they can arrange excursions with local deep-sea fishing outfitters, sailboat cruises, horseback riding, surfing lessons and more. If you’re more into relaxing, make sure to book an appointment at on-site Ocean Crest Spa.

Batiquitos Lagoon

Batiquitos Lagoon is a tranquil, coastal wetland north of San Diego between the cities of Carlsbad and Encinitas. The calm saltwater lagoon is connected to the Pacific Ocean by two jetties. It is a nature preserve today, but thousands of years go it was 30-50 feet under the ocean and home to Native Americans who dined on shellfish out of the lagoon and deposited their shells along the trail, which are still visible today. Stroll along the three-mile eucalyptus tree lined path and see migratory waterfowl like ducks and herron side by side pelicans and sandpipers.

Carlsbad Lagoon

The city’s namesake lagoon also goes by Agua Hedionda Lagoon and is made up of mud flats, salt and freshwater marsh and deep water. Where you just found tranquility at Batiquitos Lagoon the atmosphere here is quite the opposite. Spend the day on 400 acres of water enjoying year-round activities like boating, water skiing, jet skiing, stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking and water-cycling. You can bring your own gear (learn how to ship luggage), or rent by the hour if you’d rather use theirs.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

Every Spring from the beginning of March through the middle of May, discover 50 acres of extraordinary color blooming on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The fields feature Tecolote Giant Ranunculus flowers in vibrant hues of pinks, reds, yellows and whites, which hit their peak in April. Also find a miniature rose garden and the All-American Rose walk-of-fame that features 170 All-American Rose selection winners since 1940. Stroll through the fields or opt for an antique tractor ride through them. You can even take blooms home from the ranch’s gift shop.

Ocean Crest Spa

Tucked inside the seaside Cape Rey hotel, this spa brings all the tranquility and healing powers of the ocean inside and incorporates them into its experience. The 5,600 square food space features seven private treatment rooms, a spacious couples suite complete with soaking tub and a private outdoor area; men’s and women’s locker areas with eucalyptus steam rooms and indoor/outdoor relaxation areas. Attendants will customize any of the massages, facials and body treatments on the menu to you specifically using high end organic products like California’s Tasha & Co. Organics; 100 percent- vegan sea products by Osea Malibu; Phyto C and Organic Male OM4, a complete organic skin care system for men.

Photo courtesy of Cape Rey Carlsbad