Carlsbad, California

Over 22,000 builds and 57 million bricks make up the park´s collection of models ranging from a full-scale Star Wars "X-wing" to miniatures of many U.S. cities. With rides, shows and restaurants, Legoland California is 128 acres of family fun.

Since 2004, the Carlsbadians of So Cal Surf Lessons have been teaching the art of riding the wave. Year round, one may learn to be "one with the board" from safe, qualified, CPR and First Aid trained instructors, some of whom are professional surfers.

The world's first skate-park was completed here in Carlsbad in March of 1976. Get your knee and elbow pads, don your helmet and rip up the park that birthed a worldwide sport that everyone learned to love!

For a family-friendly, easily accessible beach, Carlsbad State Beach, also known as Tamarack Beach, is a safe bet. With spaces proper for many aquatic activities, accessible picnic areas, restrooms, showers and water fountains, this beach and nearby campground, are a great option for anyone hoping to enjoy the Carlsbad coastline.

If mild seclusion and stellar surf are high on your list of beach requirements, Terramar is for you. With soft sand and small, delicate reefs, this piece of coast produces wonderful waves. Due to the limited visibility of the access, this may be one's best chance for a quiet day enjoying the beach. Be sure to arrive prepared for the time you plan to spend, as there are no restrooms or nearby stores.

For a tweak to your definition of "Dinner and a Movie", try this innovative theater experience. With seat-side waitstaff and full restaurant at your beckon call, electric, reclining leather seats with footrests and 21+ showings that boast a full bar, this is an experience to remember and, for some, an experience that will make you forget that you could ever see a movie any other way.

An amazing, interactive experience of the world's waters and their inhabitants, large and small. Merlin's Sea Life Aquarium provides families with the opportunity to explore and learn about the exciting sea life!

Designed by Arnold Palmer, Golf Digest and Golf Magazine named the Park Hyatt Aviara one of the best resort courses in the United States. Enjoy playing exquisitely manicured grounds overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Preserve with all the modern amenities!

Voted no.1 for "Best Massage" for three consecutive years, this spa, seated on the edge of downtown Carlsbad, uses and sells the same alkaline water that helped put its city on the map! It's also aptly located on the Historic site of the original artesian well.

As the host of many seminars, festivals and programs year-round, the Discovery Center has facilities for numerous water and land-based activities. The exploration of its three lagoons with its mud flats, marshes and deep waters, is a must for Carlsbad visitors!

A sprint distance race for all skill levels consisting of a1K ocean swim, 25K rolling bike course, and a 5K mostly-flat run, the Carlsbad Triathlon is one of the world's longest running races of its kind. You're invited to join, volunteer for, or just watch this stunning display of human resiliency!

Known as the largest single-day street fair nationwide, the bi-annual Carlsbad Village Faire hosts vendors of myriad unique wares, cuisine from around the world, a children's area and live entertainment in the beer and wine garden produced by The Rotary Club of Carlsbad. More than 100,000 people come each year!

Galleries, interactive exhibits and an ongoing concert series educate visitors in a unique and fun way about the history of music and musical instruments. Come experience and explore America's musical history and finesse!

The flagship K1 racetrack is the largest indoor go-kart racing track on the West Coast! With 60,000 square feet of track housed within a 75,000 square foot building, the fun is nonstop and endless: you are going to love it.

This is California's first Drive-Thru hamburger stand: IN-N-OUT Burger, was opened in 1948 and the rest is history. Try this Burger and Fry, legend of the West, for lunch, dinner or even late-night, indulging in its tasty deliciousness!

Paon, meaning "peacock" in French, presents its French cuisine with a Californian flair. Sitting surrounded by an Art Deco inspired and romantically illuminated environment, enjoy local, seasonal produce and a great wine bar!

Whether you're looking for a solo lunch at the bar or a group dinner on the patio, the award winning service and good portion sizes of classic Italian cooking will leave you satisfied. Their lounge also features a happy hour!

House specialty Fire-Grilled Chicken and award-winning salsas star on a menu that strives to be the "freshest and healthiest Mexican food". Pollos Maria is an experience in and of itself while in Carlsbad!

With a focus on taking locally sourced food and building each dish from scratch, Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen, produces fresh flavorful food with a "keep it simple" attitude. Enjoy a menu full of vegan and vegetarian delights as well as meat and fish dishes.

The Village Kitchen will transport you back to Sunday afternoon at grandma's house, only this time you can take a whole pie home with you and not have to share! Moreover, for good southern diner fare, give this place a shot.

Since 1967 Tip Top Meats has offered their customers the very best meat and poultry dishes at affordable prices. The key element here is the quality, excellent cuts of tender meat that will just melt in your mouth. From the extensive menu, beside steaks, you can choose Eastern European favorites, such as schnitzel, rouladen, sauerbraten and much more.

Freshness and sustainability are the key worlds Bistro West is based on: it features Contemporary Comfort Food, meaning that everything on the menu is created in-house, choosing ingredients exclusively produced in the nearby own farm of the restaurant!

Tour Italy without leaving the States. Chef de Cuisine Jesse Paul has crafted a menu that highlights the unique cuisine of each region in Italy. Enjoy a glass of Italian wine selected to perfectly complement your entree while taking in the beautifully-appointed dining room.

The wide selection of food options make this a great place for groups with picky members because you will realize that there is something for everyone. Whether craving for pizzas, burgers, tacos, salads, meat or fish dishes, they have it all. While you are here, don´t forget to enjoy BJ's award-winning, handcrafted beers!

Authentic Mexican food is served by the friendly staff at this popular restaurant which can be found in the heart of old Carlsbad. The restaurant is famous for their margaritas and many of their draft beer selections are from San Diego's own breweries. From the menu you can choose many traditional delights like enchiladas, burritos, fish tacos or why not just built your own Taco Platter with your favourite ingredients.

Hidden from the busy areas of Carlsbad, Blue Ocean is best described as a Asian fusion restaurant. The menu features traditional sushi such as rolls and sashimi, but also surprises you with robata (Japanese-style grilling), that includes food like pork belly, lamb chops, waygu meatballs and BBQ rib. The food is served in a modern restaurant with a bustling atmosphere.

Situated just blocks from the beach, Pizza Port is a popular restaurant that can get packed with mostly locals. The vibe is fun, loud and full of life, making it a great place to visit with friends. Pizza and local beer are the stars at this restaurant and that is what brings people here.

If you would like an assortment of pastries and sandwiches to enjoy with organic coffees and espresso beverages, Vinaka may be right up your alley. Enjoy free wi-fi at in-and-outdoor seating and wrap up your time with some cake or ice cream!

The food at The Naked Cafe are cooked with simple, clean and natural recipes using wholesome grains, robust herbs and spices, and the freshest produce, to create that sensational taste. From the menu you can choose breakfast, salads, wraps, sandwiches and other mouth-watering delights. All food are served by the knowledgeable and professional staff.

Come and experience one of the most innovative ways to produce the freshest ice cream and frozen yogurt right before your eyes. You decide the ingredients and with the help of -321 degrees of liquid nitrogen the helpful staff can instantly create your ice cream. With over a trillion combinations, there is no palate that can be satisfied here.

Pay a visit to this delightful place for breakfast, lunch or just for a coffee. The menu features everything from sandwiches to salads, omelettes, fresh pastries, waffles and pancakes. There is a spacious patio where you can enjoy your food and drink in the sun.

If you are up early and need a special coffee fix, Starbucks is there for you. With several location in Carlsbad, one can be found on Carlsbad Blvd. Starbucks offers coffee, espressos, lattes, teas, and assorted pastries. They are open daily.

The word ‘Gelato’ come from the Latin “gelatus” that means “frozen” and at this little gem they prepare gelato in small batches every day, using only authentic Italian recipes. They offer many tasty flavours so you will for sure find your favourites. They even have vegan ice cream.

Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner or for a cup of coffee and desserts, Corner Bakery Cafe serves it all. Hot, made-to-order food, tasty sandwiches, homemade soups, wholesome salads and decadent desserts are made with fresh ingredients to increase the lovely flavours.

Enter into this lovely boutique and let the aroma of freshly-baked Bundt stimulate your senses. This is more of a take-out place where you can choose from ten delicious Bundt flavours and forty unique cake designs to bring back to your hotel or for your picnic.

As the name implies, Carlsbad Danish Bakery has been preparing fresh specialty danishes for decades, along with cakes, cookies and other pastries. They've been a landmark since 1984, so if you´re feeling hungry during an afternoon in Carlsbad, give this spot a try!

Family owned and operated since 2008, Campus Cafe is known for succulent sandwiches and Asian dishes alike. Take your Chicken Curry or California Club out to a table by the koi pond for a relaxing lunch followed by a cup of tea or a strong Espresso!

"Breakfast has been our business since 1990" is the motto of The Daily News Cafe that serves breakfast all day. Each of its menu items is simple, beautiful and delicious, so come here and enjoy a glass of fresh orange juice and a freshly made cake!

Souplantation's hearty, made-from-scratch soups and bakery items make it the perfect stopover on a chilly day. Although there are locations throughout the country, menus vary by region since Souplantation uses farm-fresh ingredients: so here you will enjoy the very taste of California!

Al's Cafe has the look of a traditional American diner and is a gathering venue for locals and an almost-compulsory stop for visitors. The extensive breakfast menu is served all day and lunch specials vary but rarely stray from American-style dishes. You may even be served by Al himself!

A full coffee and espresso bar and a case full of gourmet chocolates combine to ensure you will be able to indulge your sweet tooth. The Chocolate Bar is one of the most popular gathering venues in town because of the lovely atmosphere and the delicious hot drinks and delicacies!

Looking for something quick and healthy? You probably would never believe that you could get over five servings of fruit in a glass, but Beach City smoothies gives you just that! They also serve fresh juices, Acai and Pitaya fruit bowls and gourmet pretzels.

The first Gastropub in Carlsbad has 20 craft beers on tap, changed seasonally, and an eclectic farm-to-fork menu, all with the flair of a British-style pub. They run weekly specials on drinks that will be served by an extremely professional staff!

Despite the name, Mas Fina Cantina serves American cuisine and seafood in addition to Mexican dishes. It is a small, locally-owned restaurant, popular for its full bar that serves cheap drinks prepared by the knowledgeable hands of the friendly staff!

Twenty-20 is the signature restaurant at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa. This upscale dining establishment isn't pretentious, but warm, inviting and particularly elegant in every detail. Come here and sip a drink while enjoying the breath-taking coastal view!

Check the calendar for weekly live music performances from all genres and other regular events at Boar Cross'n! They have theme parties, like Irish breakfast on Sunday mornings and happy hour all day on Wednesdays: you will never get bored at Boar Cross´n.

If you love a crowd, The Alley is the place for you. It is one of the most popular places among locals and, any night of the week, you can find music to dance to, either in the form of patrons belting it out during karaoke or performances from live bands and DJs!

Listen to live music and get a glimpse of works by local artists at Relm. Their staff is equipped with the knowledge of its extensive wine list necessary to help you find the right glass to enjoy in this laid back setting!

Open seven days a week, Hennessey's Tavern is a great Irish sports bar and restaurant, located in the heart of Carlsbad. With daily specials, happy hours and live music, it attracts locals and visitors who are looking for a fun night out. There is also a menu offering typical pub fare if you would feel hungry.

Bargain hunters, here's your chance to snag a deal on the latest fashions from Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, DKNY and much more. Premium Outlets are quite popular nationwide for their exceedingly frequent deals on luxury names. Have a look at Banana Republic, Barneys New York, Cole Haan, Crate and Barrel, Juicy Couture, Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren, Theory, Tommy Hilfiger and more!

The open air mall houses a collection of over forty clothiers, specialty retailers and restaurants to fill a day, or even two. They feature brand names, such as Anthropologie, Coldwater Creek and Urban Outfitters, as well as independent and quirky boutiques!

A fountain courtyard is the centerpiece for this shopping center, which is home to restaurants, shops and other businesses. Salons, boutiques, spas and much more can be found, so save some time to pay it a visit and you won't be disappointed!

Also known as the "Carlsbad Mall", this shopping center is anchored by well-known retailers Macy's, JCPenney and Sears. It features over 150 stores, restaurants and entertainment options, so it's basically the place to go during a rainy afternoon with the family or some friends!

The State Street Farmers' Market is held on State Street, in the heart of Carlsbad Village, every Wednesday, winter and summer, no matter what! Indulge in fresh, organic produce and discover a spot mostly visited by locals, far from touristic attractions!

California Wear has been selling name brand, original clothing and other items to tourists visiting Carlsbad since it opened its doors in 1993. They feature an assortment of beachwear, accessories and regional items as well!

Specializing in women's jeans and shoes, Blues and Shoes is the perfect shop to visit for every bohemian chic woman out there! Furthermore, they're equipped with skilled personal stylists to assist you from beginning to end.

Shopping can be manly too. You won't find any lace or bows here, just wood, leather and metal. Guy Stuff sells a unique assortment of items, including historical documents and items, swords, knives, firearms and coins. It's definitely a must-see even if you're not planning to buy anything!

At Clever Element, unique and interesting items made from independent artists, designers and fair trade artisans can be purchased. This shop offers a variety of ever-changing products since new artists are added weekly. Clothes, accessories, jewelry, toys, art and organic soaps and candles are some of the articles sold here.

Founded in 2010 by Pascal Besset, an Executive Chef from the South of France, this store truly knows how to provide top quality, uniquely handcrafted salami and truffles. The products are made with the finest natural meats with Mediterranean and European influences to get that perfect taste.

Coolest Shoes In California started to sell only one product - the French designed Glagla in August 2008 and today they carry 14 comfortable brands that reflects the California leisure lifestyle. The team here gladly serves great customer service and will help you to find a pair of comfortable, stylish shoes.

There is a smaller airport, McClellan-Palomar Airport, 3 miles Southeast of Carlsbad, but San Diego International Airport is the major hub served by most major airlines.

To get to/from the San Diego International Airport to/from Carlsbad you have different options:

-the coaster, the commuter rail service that operates daily (except holidays such as New Year's Eve Day or Thanksgiving)
www.gonctd.com/coaster

-Amtrak Intercity, available 365 days per year
www.amtrakcalifornia.com

-taxis are always available and if you are not interested in any specific taxi company, a Transportation Coordinator will be there helping you getting on the first taxi

West Coast Taxi
(760) 434-1530

Tri-City Cab
(760) 533-4448

Carlsbad is located in the Pacific time zone, and all times are reflected in Pacific time.

The North County Transit District provides transportation via bus and train service and serves the whole San Diego County; you will find:

-the Coaster, a train that connects Carlsbad to Oceanside, Encinitas, Sorrento Valley, San Diego and more

-the Sprinter, running every 30 minutes during weekdays

-the bus Breeze with single ride tickets, day and monthly passes (all the information on the website here listed)

Carlsbad has many transportation options to traverse the city, for example:

At Your Service Taxi Cab +1 760 622 4710

Carlsbad West Taxi +1 760 720 0326

The United States Post Office (USPS) takes care of the post services, so check their website for the detailed information and get the stamps at the post office or at the countless newsagents. You will find one here:

Rite Aid
7100 Avenida Encinas
+1 760 431 7380

CVS Pharmacy
2510 El Camino Real
+1 760 729 8941

Sav-On Pharmacy
7660 El Camino Real
+1 877 728 6655

Country Code: +1

Area codes: 760 and 442

110-volt