CBN San Diego

The "Village by the Sea," as Carlsbad is known, is 48 square miles of rolling hills with seven miles of scenic coastline.  It is located 35 miles north of San Diego and 86 miles south of Los Angeles.  It is easily accessible from either city and well worth the drive.  There is an old world charm with the oldest building dating back to 1887 as well as a modern day feel with the Legoland amusement park.

A sea captain, John Frazier, drilled a well and struck water in the 1880s, and it appeared to have the same mineral properties as water in Karlsbad, Bohemia, thus Carlsbad was named for the 19th century Karlsbad Spa in Europe.  Carlsbad is home to two world class spa resorts; La Costa Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Resort, Aviara.

Carlsbad is a premier growing region for poinsettias and ranunculus.  Beginning in March and running for several months, flower lovers excite at the arrival of spring which brings an endless sea of colors to local fields.  The bird of paradise got its start here and is the city's official flower.

Legoland theme park, Carlsbad flower fields, a downtown shopping village with a European flavor, a shopping mall and family oriented vacation beaches are a few of the things you can do and see in town.  You can also parasail, jetski and sky dive for additional thrills.  If you enjoy the game of golf, there's Aviara, an 18-hole public course, Rancho Carlsbad, a public 18-hole executive course and Encinitas Ranch, an 18-hole public course.  LaCosta Resort offers two 18-hole courses and Shadowridge/ Vista and Vista Valley Country Club feature 18-hole private courses.  There is always the Carlsbad Village Certified Farmers' Market which is held every Wednesday 1-5pm AND Saturday 9am-1pm.  Open-air year round and free of charge for all ages.

The seasonal Festivals include special foods, decor, products and fun for the whole family.  In the Spring - Strawberry Festival, Summer - Summer Sensations, Autumn - Harvest Festival, and in the Winter - Winter Wonderland.  The special events in the area; February - Accenture Match Play Golf Tournament at LaCosta, April - Flower Fields , May - Carlsbad Village Fair, July - Triathlon, August - Toshiba Tennis Classic at LaCosta, October - Oktoberfest.  There are 980 acres devoted to parks; Carlsbad State Beach, Batiquitos Lagoon, Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and Buena Vista Lagoon.