Carlsbad, CA Tourist Attractions
|
|
San Diego CountyLocation and general commentsAlthough it bears no resemblance at all to the famous Bohemian spa of the same name (now Carlovy Vary), it must be explained that Carlsbad owes its name to mineral springs which are no longer used, but whose healing properties are every bit as good as those of Karlsbad. Established in 1889, Carlsbad has developed into one of the favorite water-sports resorts in southern California, where a lot of golf and tennis is also played. A new attraction in the form of a leisure park of miniature Lego brick buildings, similar to Legoland at Billund in Denmark, is planned for Carlsbad by the Danish toy company Lego World.
Plaza Camino Real
Westfield Plaza Camino Real is a 1.1 million square foot super-regional shopping center located in Greater San Diego's exclusive North County region. The center is currently home to an attractive mix of 148 retailers including Bath & Body Works, Motherhood Maternity, New York & Co., Vans Off The Wall shoes, Forever 21, Glamour Secrets, Zumiez, Papaya, Color Me Mine, Aeropostale, The Children's Place, American Eagle, Disney Store, Ann Taylor Loft, Victoria's Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister Co. - along with anchors such as JCPenney, Macy's and Sears.
Legoland California
Legoland California in Carlsbad is a must see attraction for anyone interested in what can be done with the tiny plastic blocks. This 128 acre park has 40 hands-on interactive exhibits and family rides. The 5,000 models were built with 20 million Lego bricks.The 128-acre park has replicated notable architectural structures from New York City, New England, Washington, D.C., New Orleans and California. Many of the scenes are animated. Visitors can watch Lego bricks being manufactured.
Museum of Making Music
The Museum of Making Music is home to over 500 vintage instruments, hundreds of audio and video examples as well as an interactive area where visitors can play a variety of hands-on instruments. Exhibits feature a century of musical instrument innovations from the 1890s to present day.
Children's Discovery Museum (closed)
ATTRACTION IS NOW CLOSED.The Carlsbad Children's Museum offers hands-on learning experiences in science, history, the arts and environmental awareness. There is a castle, a kids marketplace, a train and a puppet theater.
Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch feature a colorful display of 50 acres of Ranunculus during the blooming season of March and April. In May it is sunflowers when 20,000 of the colorful plants make a stunning display.
Hadley Fruit Orchards and Orchard Cafe
The Hadley Fruit Orchards and the Orchard Cafe is located just off Interstate 5 in Carlsbad. It offers fruits, honey, nuts and sandwiches to visitors. There is a shipping depot to send gifts home.
Smith-Shipley-Magee House
The Museum is housed in the Smith-Shipley-Magee House, a turn of the century home with furnishings from early settlers. It is surrounded by a variety of old fashioned gardens.
Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve
The Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve is a wetlands preserve on the coast between Encinitas and Carlsbad. There are prehistoric sites here.
