CARLSBAD CALIFORNIA
Carlsbad California For A Fun Family Getaway
By Laura Eggers Underhill

In the northern regions of San Diego County in Southern
California is a lovely little seaside village called Carlsbad. It’s
a great place for a mini vacation for the family.

If you’re kids are still preteen or younger, Legoland stands
out as the big attraction. Though primary colors are
emblazoned everywhere, this has to be one of the most
pleasant theme parks for parents to take their kids. Short
lines, a relaxed atmosphere, nice landscaping, a healthy
café, and the fact that you can do most of it in a day are it’s
best aspects.

CARLSBAD ATTRACTIONS
Then there’s the beach. Carlsbad State Beach is off of
Carlsbad Blvd., just a short walk from the village center.
There’s plenty of sand to enjoy the seashore experience. A
boardwalk lines the back of the beach for those sunset
strolls. Just take the Tamarack Ave. exit off the I-5 and go
west for about a mile.

A little further to the south is South Carlsbad State Beach.
There is a campground stretching along the top of the bluff
overlooking the ocean with a staircase down to the beach.
For more info on the beaches, call 800-444-7275.

If you’re in Carlsbad in the springtime, the Flower Fields
should not be missed. From March to about the middle of
May, you can walk through the 50 acres of colorfully
carpeted fields yourself or take a guided tour. The fields are
located at 5704 Paseo de Norte. Call 706-431-0352.

Not too far from Legoland and the flower fields is the
Museum of Making Music at 5790 Armada Drive. Saunter
through rooms exhibiting the musical history displays and
enjoy musical samples with pushbutton activation (the kids
love this). Learn about musical styles and vintage
instruments.

At the end of the exhibit is a room full of instruments, which
you can play yourself (with headphones on). There’s an age
limit though, so the youngest children aren’t allowed in this
room. Maybe mom and dad can take turns! Call 760-438-
5996.

CARSLBAD ACTIVITIES
There is a fabulous restaurant just down the street at 5801
Armada Drive, called the Karl Strauss Brewery Restaurant. It
has delicious food and a nice outdoor eating porch with a
view.

Carlsbad Village is the section, which has a tree lined small
town atmosphere. You’ll find antique stores, specialty shops
and restaurants along State Street near Grand Ave. and
Carlsbad Village Drive.

Carlsbad is located about 35 miles north of San Diego. Take
the Carlsbad Village Ave. exit and go west. For Legoland,
the Flower Fields and Museum of Making Music, take the
Palomar Avenue Road exit.

If you’d rather get there the fun, relaxing and scenic way,
take the train! The Coaster runs from Oceanside in the
north to San Diego in the south and has a station at 2775
State Street. There’s 24 hour free parking in case you’re
staying in Carlsbad and want to take a day trip by train down
to San Diego or one of the beach towns in between. Call
800-COASTER.

So, between relaxing at the beach, downtown strolling and
dining, flower gazing, exploring musical history, or playing at
Legoland, you’ll probably need more than just a day in
Carlsbad! There is a wide range of accommodation choices,
from the campground, to small motels, to the big Aviara
Four Seasons Resort. Take your pick and have a great trip
with your family!









Laura Eggers Underhill loves the Southern California
beaches. Photography, film and traveling are her passions.
She is your travel guide at http://www.southern-california-
beaches-vacation-guide.com
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