Carlsbad

Fast Facts:

• Area of City: 42.19 sq. miles
• Year of Incorporation: 1952
• Location: 27 miles north of San Diego, 90 miles South of Los Angeles
• Population: 104,652

Attractions and Things to Do:

	LEGOLAND California Resort:  128-acre Park designed specifically to appeal to families with children ages 3-12.  The Park features roller coasters, LEGO-themed rides, interactive shows, hands-on attractions, LEGO-building play areas, and the famously breathtaking Miniland, restaurants, shopping, landscaped features and gardens
	LEGOLAND Water Park: LEGOLAND California Resort features the world’s first and only LEGOLAND Water Park.  The imagination will really flow at this interactive, splash-filled, fun time for the entire family.  Business hours depend on season.
	Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park:  Once part of the original 2,538 acre working rancho and vacation retreat of Leo Carrillo (who acted in almost 100 films from 1927 to 1950 and co-starred in the TV series The Cisco Kid), this historic ranch is an extraordinary educational and recreational resource.
	K1 Speed: Discover fast, fun competitive, and exciting indoor go-kart racing with an authentic European Motor sport feeling at K1 Speed, the largest indoor karting facility on the West Coast.
	SEA LIFE Aquarium:  SEA LIFE is designed to be a child’s first interactive guide to the life of the sea, combining active, hands-on learning with fascinating educational talks, and opportunities to have up close and personal encounters with a variety of sea creatures.
	The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch: Noted for being one of the most beloved spring traditions in the area, the ranch opens annually in March for six to eight weeks showcasing the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus.  Also check out the miniature rose garden and the All-American Rose walk-of-fame that features 170 All-American Rose selection winners since 1940.  Several special events take place over these few weeks.
	The Gemological Institute of America:  Known for more than 70 years as the world’s leading educator to the gem and jewelry industry, the GIA offers tours through the irresistible world of diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry. (Tours are by reservation only)
	The Museum of Making Music:  The music products industry has a multifaceted history (1890s to today) that is showcased in the fascinating Museum of Making Music-a division of the NAMM Foundation.  The museum depicts stories of hard work, challenge, inspiration and pioneering innovation and shows the profound relationship between the industry, popular music and global culture.
	Carlsbad Premium Outlets:  A great place to go bargain-hunting while you’re in San Diego County.  Beautiful outdoor center offers some of the world’s leading designer and brands.  Conveniently located near Legoland and the beautiful beaches of Carlsbad.
	Shops at Carlsbad Village Faire: Located in the heart of the historic village of Carlsbad, Village Faire has over 33 restaurants, shops and services.  Monthly events and entertainment.

Carlsbad: Where to go for fun

Encinitas

Fast Facts:

• Area of City: 19.4 sq. miles
• Year of Incorporation: 1986
• Location: 25 miles north of San Diego, 95 miles south of Los Angeles
• Population: 64,145

	La Paloma Theater: La Paloma opened in 1928 and was one of the first theatres to show “Talkies.”  Over the years many performers have graced the stage of La Paloma such as Loreena McKennitt, Nickel Creek, Ralph Stanley, Jerry Garcia and Eddie Vedder.
	Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet: The 101 in Encinitas is still considered by many to be an “unspoiled and unchanged reminder of the era of Hwy 101.”  The downtown area is reminiscent of the quiet, natural beach towns that existed prior to World War II and has the feel of earlier times, retaining its beach, artsy, Hwy 101 culture.  But in the 21st Century, it also has the bustle and boom of top retail shops, fine dining and cultural evens and attractions.
	Quail Botanical Gardens: Explore four miles of garden trails, enjoy restful vistas, flowering trees, majestic palms, and the nation’s largest bamboo collection.  Thanks to our mild climate, plants from all over the world thrive here.
	San Dieguito Heritage Museum: The San Dieguito Heritage Museum was founded in 1988 to collect, preserve and interpret the local history of the San Dieguito river area, which includes the communities of Leucadia, Encinitas, Olivenhain, Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe.
	San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve: With more than 7 miles of hiking trails over 1,000 acres, the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve offers a multitude of recreational opportunities to visitors. As one of Southern California’s and San Diego’s prime birding location, the Reserve attracts birdwatchers from around the country and indeed the world. San Elijo Lagoon is also popular with trail runners, who enjoy an early morning workout amidst the tranquil scenery.
	Self-Realization Fellowship Center: This temple is a branch of Self-Realization Fellowship, a worldwide religious organization founded by Paramahansa yogananda in 1920 to teach scientific techniques of meditation that will lead to a direct, personal relationship with God.  Visitors are permitted to wander the serene and wondrous gardens and grounds.

Encinitas Overview

The Encinitas Visitor’s Center, located at 138 Encinitas Blvd., within the Chamber of Commerce‘s offices, is an informational site promoting Encinitas. The center directs visitors to local landmarks, restaurants, lodging and provides information on area demographics. Maps, publications, brochures, and souvenirs are available, as well as discounted tickets to Legoland, Wild Animal Park, and the San Diego Zoo. The natural beauty of our communities, along with temperatures between 40 and 85 degrees year-round make Encinitas a spectacular place to live.

	San Diego Zoo:  World famous 100-acre tropical garden that houses 4000 animals of 800 rare and exotic species.  Popular zoo activities include a three-mile guided bus tour, sky tram, children’s petting zoo, and a baby animal nursery.  One of the most popular exhibits is a family of Giant Pandas.
	San Diego’s Zoo Safari Park: 1,800-acre preserve where wild animals roam free over vast expanses as they would in their native habitats of Africa and Asia.  Take the Journey into Africa tour, where you board a open-air tram and experience an eye-level encounter with animals such as rhinoceros, cape buffalo, Roosevelt’s gazelles, and African crowned cranes.
	Sea World:  Located in Mission Bay, this 189-acre park features six major shows, fascinating attractions and dozens of exhibits containing marine life from around the globe.  Journey to Atlantis is the largest attraction in the park offering guests a six-minute journey that includes a 60-foot plunge and a heart-pounding negative G force drop set against a backdrop of the sunken city.
	Balboa Park:  What could be better than an entertaining park where your kids can experience art, culture, and learn something new along the way?  The largest urban cultural park in the United States, Balboa Park is often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West”.  Its 1,200 lush acres are home to 85 cultural attractions, including 15 museums, eight gardens and the San Diego Zoo of course.  Some of the activities include the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Balboa Park Carousel, the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad, the San Diego Automotive Museum, Museum of Man, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the San Diego Natural History Museum, among many others.
	The Big Bay, San Diego’s Waterfront:  No stay in San Diego is complete without a trip to the waterfront.  San Diego Bay is bustling with activity, as it serves as the home port for Navy ships, a large sport fishing fleet, thousands of pleasure craft, and an increasing number of cruise ships.  Mission Bay, a 4,600-acre aquatic playground, is the largest facility of its kind in the world feature separate, designated areas for sailing, power boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing.  The USS Midway Museum is a retired aircraft carrier that now serves as a fascinating interactive floating museum.  The Maritime Museum of San Diego consists of several historic sailing vessels docked on San Diego Bay including old tall ships, passenger ferries, and even a Russian submarine.
	Old Town Trolley Tours:  Old Town Trolley tours will show you California’s second largest city, where blue skies, exciting attractions and 70 miles of beaches come together to create a vacationer’s paradise.  Hop aboard one of the trolleys and you will experience “Transportainment”, a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.
	Knott’s Soak City:  San Diego County’s wildest water adventure park! Thirty-two water-logged acres packed with 22 of the most intense water rides imaginable – all themed to the surf woodies and long-boards of the 1950s San Diego’s coast!  Only Open May through September.
	Disneyland:  “The Happiest Place on Earth” is an enchanted kingdom of fantasy and imagination filled with classic family-friendly attractions and magical entertainment, dining and shopping.  Also visit Disney California Adventure Park.
	Scuba Dive, Ocean Enterprise: If you have ever wanted to learn to dive, now is the time! San Diego is a perfect place to learn and get certified.  Or, if you are already certified, check out Ocean Enterprise for rentals, scuba trips, etc.  Ocean Enterprise is Southern California’s largest full-service dive center, offering all levels of instruction for individuals and families, with a variety of classes every month.  Tested and approved by a Beachfront Only Employee!
	Gaslamp Quarter and East Village:  The Gaslamp is littered with sidewalk eateries, upscale restaurants to low key-cafes, jazz and dance clubs, boutiques, cigar shops, and galleries.  East Village became a buzzing neighborhood with the completion of Petco Park.  It boasts a very artsy feel, with great food, new boutique hotels popping up annually, art studios, and more.
	La Jolla, Prospect St. and Girard Ave.:  La Jolla is one of San Diego’s most exclusive and desireable zip codes, offering an atmosphere reminiscent of a European resort village tempered with the casual attitude of Southern California.  The formerly “old money” town has seen a fresh influx of young families.  Snuggled into a cove that offers excellent offshore diving and gorgeous views, La Jolla village clings to a Mediterranean theme, where you can find hotels and eateries, boutiques and estate jewelers.
	Old Town State Park:  Step into the Alta California of days past. The park recreates local life, circa 1821 to 1862.  Five orginal adobes are part of the park grounds, which includes shops, restaurants and museums.  Places to linger include San Diego House, the Mason Street School, and of course, the Bazaar Del Mundo.  The Bazaar is a permanent fiesta, with fab shopping and ethnic food.
	Coronado:  Coronado is decidedly upscale – the streets are filled with historical homes and the downtown main drag is a pedestrian’s dream of chi-chi shops cozied up to gourmet eateries.  On the Pacific side, the Hotel Del Coronado, opened in 1888 and recently refurbished, is the star.  On the San Diego Bay side, visitors can shop and browse to their hearts’ content at the Ferry Landing Market Place, full of one-of-a-kind boutiques and restaurants.  The Coronado Ferry runs between here and the mainland, adding more potential for fun transportation plans.
	Seaport Village:  A must-visit for tourists and a popular day-trip destination, Seaport Village offers 14-acres of waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment.  Located on the edge of San Diego Harbor with gorgeous views of the bay, the area has more than 75 shops and over a dozen themed eateries, all surrounded by lush landscaping and Cape Cod-inspired architecture.  Cobblestone paths are perfect for carriage rides through the village, a romantic staple on warm summer nights.
	Horton Plaza:  Horton Plaza is a funky and chic outdoor mall, covering over six city blocks and designed like a Dr. Seuss/Disney collaboration.  Shopping options range from BCBG and Nordstrom to A&F.  The adjacent cinema and Lyceum Theatre blow the doors wide open on entertainment options.  This is one of the few places you can shop into night, dine and then catch a fine theatre production.

Theaters:

• La Jolla Playhouse – Tony Award-winning professional non-profit theatre.  Current and Upcoming shows include “Ruined” and “Little Miss Sunshine”
• Old Globe Theater – Internationally-acclaimed, Tony Award-winning, the Old Globe is one of the most renowned regional theatres in the country, and has stood as San Diego’s flagship arts institute for over 70 years.  Current and upcoming shows include “The Winter’s Tale” and  “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.
• San Diego Civic Theatre and Balboa Theatre – Non-profit theatres providing world-class theatre-going experience in a vibrant downtown theatre district.  Current and upcoming shows include “The Color Purple”, “The Nutcracker”, Holiday concerts, and comedy roadshows.

Comedy Theaters:

• National Comedy Theatre – San Diego’s Home for Improv Comedy.  Shoes every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and 9:45 PM
• Comedy Store La Jolla – Sister store to the famous Comedy Store on Sunset Strip, shows run nightly and feature nationally renowned comedians with individual talent show and best of shows.

Don’t Want to Spend Money?? Free Things to do in San Diego!

1. Head to San Diego’s many beaches, all free to the public, to swim, body surf or hang-ten. Play in the sand, collect seashells or just bask in the sun.

2. Visit La Jolla Cove and see the magnificent sunset on the ocean. La Jolla Cove is one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world. Great for a daytime or sunset picnic.

3. Visit Seaport Village during the weekends for free entertainment and hours of leisurely strolling and window-shopping. Or just sit in the grass and gaze at passing yachts and ships on picturesque San Diego Bay.

4. Stroll through the 16½-block historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego and view the renovated turn-of-the-century Victorian architecture, home to boutiques, art galleries, specialty shops and more.

5. Fly a kite along the grassy field in the Tecolote Shores of Mission Bay Park, a 4,600-acre aquatic park. Here, away from trees and overhead wires, friends and family gather to launch colorful kites into the bay breezes.

6. Enjoy free organ concerts at 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Spreckels Organ Pavillion in Balboa Park. The Organ Pavillion features one of world’s largest outdoor pipe organs, a San Diego landmark since 1914, where organists play traditional favorites, waltzes and show tunes on enormous 32-foot pipes.

7. Visit Old Town and witness the living legacy of San Diego history. Guests are also invited to wander free through Old Town’s historic buildings, including the blacksmith shop, Seeley Stables, Stewart House, Estudillo House and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego.

8. Bike or jog along Mission Bay Park’s many trails. Joggers and walkers share more than 20 miles of scenic running paths that wind through sunlight and shade near the shoreline and feature workout courses at planned stations along the route.

9. Stargaze outside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park on the first Wednesday of every month. The San Diego Astronomy Association sets up huge telescopes to offer guests a great view of all the stars in the night sky.

10. Take a scenic, one-hour drive to Mt. Laguna. Once there, hop out for an invigorating hike and enjoy the fresh mountain air whispering through the pines.

11. Step back in time with a stop in Julian, a century-old gold mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Pick up a free map at the Chamber of Commerce for a self-guided walking tour of the area’s historic sites and later enjoy a slice of homemade apple pie – a Julian specialty!

12. Grab your picnic basket and head to Torrey Pines State Park where you can watch talented and daring hang-gliders do tricks in the strong winds that sweep along the coastline cliffs.

13. Cross the border into colorful and exciting Tijuana, Mexico. Entrance is free, the people are friendly, and the shops offer unique gifts and apparel as well as great window-shopping.

14. Rollerblade, skateboard or bicycle along the Mission Beach Boardwalk, a scenic 3-mile boardwalk along picturesque Mission and Pacific Beaches.

15. Visit Mission Trails Regional Park to explore the cultural, historical and recreational aspects of San Diego. Stop at the Visitor’s Center and learn about the wonders of nature and the people who once lived on the land. Or, roam through the park’s 40 miles of natural and developed hiking and biking trails.

16. Go scuba diving or snorkeling off San Diego’s shores and see spectacular creatures of the sea. La Jolla Cove offers some of the clearest waters on the California coast, as well as miles of protected underwater preserves to explore.

17. Go bird watching at the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Located high above Torrey Pines State Beach, the area is home of the rare and ancient Torrey Pine as well as a beautiful protected habitat for swifts, thrashers, woodpeckers and wrentits.

18. Stroll through Balboa Park and marvel at its beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. While there, take advantage of the park’s variety of offerings, including 15 museums (select museums free on Tuesdays), free daily park tours, public organ concerts (Sundays), and spectacular gardens (seven are free daily).

19. Visit other museums around town that offer similar free days. In its La Jolla facility, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is free on the third Tuesday of each month; the downtown facility is free daily.

20. Gather family, friends and firewood for a cozy beach bonfire at one of the beaches in San Diego County, including Moonlight Beach.

21. Explore the tidepools in Point Loma at low tide and get up close and personal with flowery anemones, scampering shore crabs, elusive octopus, spongy deadman’s fingers and many other magnificent sea creatures.

22. Drive to the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla for breathtaking, 360-degree views of San Diego, including the gently curving La Jolla coastline and Mission Bay. Spectacular views of San Diego’s East County communities also await guests at the top of Mt. Helix.

23. Visit the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and experience the natural beauty of the desert. The 600,000-acre park is one of the largest state parks in the United States and each spring, following winter rains, explodes into a rainbow of colorful wildflower blossoms.

24. Take a scenic walk along The Big Bay, San Diego’s “largest attraction.” With 27 miles of waterfront featuring bayside parks, marinas, hundreds of shops and restaurants, and miles of promenades and bikeways, the Big Bay appeals to all ages and interests.

(Taken from sandiego.org)

OCEANSIDE EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

• Tiki Swim, September 25: The inaugural TIKI Swim takes athletes on a 2.4 mile swim from the Oceanside Pier to the Oceanside harbor. www.tikiswim.com

• Oceanside Harbor Days, September 24 & 25 - The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Oceanside Harbor Days on September 24 and 25 at the Oceanside Harbor. Visitors enjoy popular events including roaming pirates, trendy local bands, arts and craft exhibits, great food and fun activities for the entire family. The event is free to the public. A free shuttle service is available from the Oceanside Transit Center. More information: 760-722-1534 or www.OceansideHarborDays.com

• The California Surf Festival, October 13: The California Surf Festival celebrates awareness and support for surf history preservation through the California Surf Museum.

• Mission San Luis Rey’s Annual Dia de los Muertos, October 30 - Dia de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” is a Mexican cultural celebration that transforms Old Mission San Luis Rey, “King of the Missions,” into an all-day community event on Sunday, October 30. The largest festival of its kind in San Diego County, the mission comes alive with entertainment at this free family-friendly event including mariachi bands, local ballet folklorico dancing groups, Aztec entertainers, elaborate alters and much more. Children enjoy interactive arts and crafts activities and an exciting mini-carnival. More information: 619-233-5008.

• California Surf Film Festival- November 9 - The California Surf Museum presents the 4^th annual California Surf Film Festival on November 9, 2011. This international event highlights surf culture through films, music, art, photography and interaction with surf professionals. Produced as a benefit for the California Surf Museum (CSM) in Oceanside, the film festival includes exciting and groundbreaking new surf films with many of the filmmakers in attendance. More information: 760-721-6876 or www.surfmuseum.org

• Bike the Coast/Taste the Coast- November 5 - Bike the Coast is a community-based bicycle tour with four out-and-back routes all finishing at the Oceanside Pier. The coastal bike trails through the five North County Coastal Cities of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach and Del Mar are some of the most popular and beautiful bicycling routes in the country. At the finish of the bicycling event, the “Taste the Coast” exposition features fun, food and activities for family and friends.

• Oceanside Turkey Trot, November 24: “Move your feet before you eat” at the 6th Annual Turkey Trot!  The 5mile/5k run/walk is one of the fastest growing holiday traditions.  The course is a very fast downhill 5mile/5k which starts at the Civic Center and finishes at the Pier area along the Beach.

• Iron Man 70.3, March 31, 2012 – Athletes will enjoy the calm waters of the 1.2 mile swim course in Oceanside Harbor, the tough one-loop 56-mile bike course that includes the coastal beauty of San Clemente State Park and the challenging inland hills of Camp Pendleton 13.1 mile run through the coast neighborhoods of Oceanside.  Registration and more information: http://ironmancalifornia.com/

• Oceanside Historical Museum: Thursday – Saturday: 10am – 2pm (305 North Nevada Street | 760-722-4786)  Oceanside’s History preserved and shared.  Enjoy the memorabilia and photos and research archives.  Tours are also available.

• Oceanside Museum of Art, July-October – In addition to its stellar exhibits that showcase the cultures of Southern California, Oceanside Museum of Art has an on-going calendar with events that appeal to every member of the family. Upcoming events include the Summer Soiree cocktail reception and art auction on July 23; Culinary Cinema Series combining a screening of the art-house movie Noodle with great food on August 4; Free Family Art Days on and August 7 and October 2; 333’s Jazz at the Museum on August 18; and a Halloween themed Art After Dark on October 28. More information: 760-435-3721 or www.oma-online.org

• Jazz at the Beach, July 16 & September 25 – Oceanside’s outdoor beach amphitheater is the venue for KIFM smooth jazz radio’s Jazz at the Beach concerts on July 16 and September 25. With the stunning Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, guests enjoy music from popular smooth jazz musicians such as Gerald Albright, Rick Braun and Peter White. More information: 619-443-6903

• Monthly Historical Walks, July-September – The Oceanside Historical Society features Downtown History Walks on the second Saturday of each month beginning at 9:00 a.m. Participants meet Oceanside native and 101 historian John Daley at the Oceanside Civic Center for a walking tour of historic homes, buildings and sites including the famed Top Gun house, three Irving J. Gill buildings and the Oceanside pier and bandstand. The walks are free and done at a leisurely pace. No reservations necessary. More information: 760-722-4786

Complete Events Calendar from the City of Oceanside.

Event Calendar from Visit Oceanside, California Welcome Center

CARLSBAD / ENCINITAS EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

• Encinitas Stars in the Park Movie Nights: Bring the family out for a fun night of entertainment with Stars in the Park.  Movies are free and start at 8pm on 9/24) and 7pm on 10/22.  Movies on queu: “Megamind” and “Toy Story 3″.  Bring blankets and low back chairs!  Park locations to be announced. http://encinitasparksandrec.com/special_events.php

• Carlsbad Village Street Fair, Nov 6 – The Largest one-day street faire in the nation!  100,000+ people will take in the beauty of this seaside city while browsing through unique booths, indulging in delectable eats and enjoying family entertainment.  With shopping booths, rides for kids, live entertainment, a beer garden, and international food court ,there is something for everyone!

• Carlsbad Marathon & Half:January 23, 2011Carlsbad is a winter marathon and half marathon unlike any other – from the ideal winter weather to the spectacular coastal course, the award winning event will wow you.  Each participant gets a technical fabric shirt, goodie bag, spectacular finisher’s medal and more.  The boutique style event has an emphasis on quality and individual service, which sets it apart from the mega marathons.  Register early!

GREATER SAN DIEGO EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

• Hot Air Balloon & Biplane Adentures by California Dreamin’: Year-round, Del Mar and Temecula | 800-373-3359Take an unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Ride or Biplane Ride…escape from the ordinary to fly like a bird and sail among the clouds!  Ask about the spectacular Sunset Flights over the Del Mar Coast.

Coupons:

• $10 Off LEGOLAND/SEA LIFE Hopper: Expires 12/31/11
• View all coupons on SanDiego.org

Discount Tickets:

• Legoland
• Disneyland Resort
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• SeaWorld San Diego
• San Diego 3-for-1 Pass: Admission for five consecutive days at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park and SeaWorld San Diego. Just $121 for Adults, and $99 for children.
• Southern California 2-Park Flex Ticket: Save up to 15% at SeaWorld and Universal Studios.  Visit as many times as you like for 14 consecutive days.  Adults $109, Children $99.
• Go San Diego Card: For one price you can enter over 55 attractions, including the San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park, Legoland,  Belmont Park, Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City Water Park, Wild Rivers Water Park, several museums including the USS Midway Museum San Diego Air and Space Museum, Musuem of History, Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, and many more…. PLUS, Whale Watching Excursions, Harbor Excursions, Trolley Tours, and the list goes on.  Free Bonus through March 2011 includes SeaWorld San Diego with 3, 5, & 7 day cards.  1 day to 7 day passes , rates ranging from $65-$268 for adults, and $54 to $198 for kids.  See website for complete details.
• Southern California CityPASS: includes 5 major attractions – 3-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket to Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park, 1 day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego and San Diego Zoo OR San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park.   Ticket cards are valid for 14 consecutive days on the calendar.  Prices from $269 for adults and $229 for children.

View all attraction tickets and discounts on the Official San Diego Visitor’s website