Six Outdoor Activities Every Visitor Must Do In Carlsbad California

Carlsbad is a picturesque seaside village ideally located 30 miles north of San Diego. Here you will find irresistible sandy beaches, three unique lagoons, two luxurious resorts and more than two dozen fine hotels. Visitors love walking around the "village center" that offers outstanding shopping and dozens of great restaurants for every taste and pocketbook. There is a never-ending array of things to do in Carlsbad - this report shares six things every outdoor-loving visitor MUST do.

1. The Flower Fields are one of Carlsbad's most beloved and famous traditions. Fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are in a full bloom for six or seven weeks each year - from early March through early May. The yearly color burst of red, orange, yellow, green and purple blossoms is part of Carlsbad's heritage - and nature's method of announcing the official arrival of spring.

2. Batiquitos Lagoon is a coastal salt marsh with tidal mud flats - one of the few remaining wetlands in California. Many native plants and more than 185 species of birds can be seen at the lagoon. The lagoon is a destination for nature lovers of all types - bird watchers, artists, joggers, naturalists, hikers and plant lovers love the three miles of trails - trails renown as quiet places for exercise, meditation or simply contemplation. Free naturalist-led tours are offered some weekdays and most weekends.

3. Legoland is a theme park designed especially for children - but adults enjoy it, too. The park is clean, pleasantly landscaped and alive with color. There are plenty of rides and attractions plus free play areas where the kids can run around and blow off steam. Oh, and if it's hot, there's no shortage of places for them to get wet and refreshed. Parents appreciate the healthy caf with tasty, healthy food and snack choices that the kids will enjoy - without emptying your wallet.

4. The tree-lined village of downtown Carlsbad is the perfect place to walk, shop, dine and sight-see. Find a parking spot and set off on foot to explore Carlsbad Village where you will find unusual boutiques, eclectic antique shops, lovely jewelry shops, European toy stores, an amazing array of clothing stores, quaint pubs and architecturally significant historic homes. A well-known landmark is the historic Alt Karlsbad Hanse Hous, site of the first mineral water spa, a mainstay of Carlsbad Village since the 1880s.

5. Carlsbad Village offers many restaurants from the very casual to quite upscale. Le Passage on State Street is a local favorite - a delightful French bistro with outdoor dining. Fish House Vera Cruz is a well known and popular family-style seafood restaurant with a marvelous fish market. There are great bars and night spots that get fun and lively, especially on summer weekends,

6. Agua Hedionda Lagoon and its surrounding wetland is an Ecological Reserve under the care of the California Department of Fish and Game. The 3,800 sq. ft. Discovery Center celebrated its Grand Opening on Earth Day, April 22, 2006 and showcases exhibits portraying the wetlands, including the native indians that once inhabited the lagoon. Visitors enjoy spectacular views overlooking the lagoon below and Pacific Ocean. Under the direction of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, the Discovery Center's mission is to promote the environmental protection of the lagoon. Friendly docents are present to answer question and guide you through the exhibit.