Visit Carlsbad, California one of three ways: On a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Carlsbad, a close neighbor of San Diego (about 30 miles away), is home to Legoland. Just about everything inside the park (designed for children ages 2-12) is made out of or related to Legos. Other tourist and recreational locations in Carlsbad include the Leo Carillo Historic Ranch, the world famous Flower Fields — which bloom March to May every year — and seven miles of beaches and coves.
Getting there: $400 round-trip to San Diego; 21-day advance; nonstop on Delta Air Lines. During sale periods, rates from $150 each way on AirTran or Frontier.
BUDGET:
Stay: The Pelican Cove Inn Bed and Breakfast is located two blocks from the beach and three blocks from the Village of Carlsbad. All 10 guest rooms have fireplaces, feather beds, private entrances and a private bath. Rates from $145 with a full breakfast. 320 Walnut Ave. 1-888-735-2683, www.pelican-cove.com.
Eat: When in the West, get a burger fix. In-N-Out Burger has been rated as one of the top fast-food restaurants in several customer satisfaction surveys. Even renowned chef Julia Child was a fan. Fresh beef burgers are free of additives, fillers and preservatives of any kind. $3.50 and under. 5950 Avenida Encinas. 1-800-786-1000, www.in-n-out.com.
Experience: Batiquitos Lagoon is a 526-acre protected coastal salt marsh with tidal mud flats and is one of the few remaining tidal wetlands in southern California. More than 185 species of birds can be seen here throughout the year. Docent-led nature tours and self-guided walks (walking/hiking trail is about 2 miles long) are offered (reservations not required). 7380 Gabbiano Lane. 760-931-0800, www.batiquitosfoundation.org. Take in the scenic coastal beauty aboard the north/south Coaster commuter train (from Carlsbad Village or 195 S. Tremont St.) to downtown San Diego. More than 20 trains run on weekdays, with additional late-evening service on summer weekends (one-hour duration each way). Tickets are $12 round-trip and include trolley and buses. www.gonctd.com/coaster.
MODERATE:
Stay: Hilton Garden Inn's Beach Summer Family package includes breakfast and a 15 percent savings on admission to Legoland, Sea World, San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park (when purchased at the hotel) — all within a half hour's drive. Rates from $169. The hotel offers a 24-hour convenience mart, lounge, heated pool/whirlpool and complimentary shuttle service within five miles. 6450 Carlsbad Blvd. 855-476-0800, www.hiltoncarlsbad.com.
Eat: Find a fun vibe and classic American comfort food, cocktails, wine and brews at 83 Degrees. Dishes are organic, natural and farm-to-table, with starters from $7; $12-$18 entrees. 660 Carlsbad Village Dr. 760-729-7904, http://83degrees.net.
Experience: Catch an outdoor Summer Pops performance of the San Diego Symphony. Ten weeks of concerts (June 27-Sept. 1) feature guest performers such as En Vogue, Amy Grant, Michael Bolton and musical tributes to the Rolling Stones, Bee Gees and the music of Pixar. The 50-acre hillside venue overlooks the Pacific. On-site are special nurseries, gardens and an award-winning rose garden. Lawn tickets $20; up to $84 for top performers. Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way, San Diego. 619-235-0804, www.sandiegosymphony.org.
SPLURGE:
Stay: The Travel Channel rated La Costa the second most family-friendly resort in America and the Spa at La Costa was recently named the No. 1 wellness spa in the nation by Spa Magazine. The Summer Experience package includes premium accommodations (fairway, courtyard or garden views); a $30 daily dining credit per adult; $45 daily spa treatment credit per adult; and a $90 per adult credit toward regularly priced tee times (or practice range), or tennis court time with rental racquet and balls. Rates from $409. Resort amenities include spacious pools, including the Edge Adult Pool, the Athletic Club with group fitness classes, Kidtopia Kids Club and Splash Landing with two 100-foot water slides. 2100 Costa Del Mar Road. 760-438-9111, www.lacosta.com.
Eat: Fresh seafood is prepared over a mesquite charcoal grill at Fish House Vera Cruz. Boston clam chowder and Romano potatoes are customer favorites. In addition to the standard menu ($16-$30), about 15 to 20 different fish are offered each day at market prices. 417 Carlsbad Village Drive. 760-434-6777, www.fishhouseveracruz.com.
Experience: Carlsbad mineral water was discovered in 1882 and today is used in various spa treatments for health benefits, physical improvement and relaxation. One-hour treatments in private themed rooms from $99 (salt glow and carbonated alkaline mineral bath or herbal wrap and mineral bath) and $149 for a two-hour royal treatment (mineral bath, aromatherapy, mud facial or herbal body wrap and a one-hour full body massage). Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa, 2802 Carlsbad Blvd. 760-434-1887, www.carlsbadmineralspa.com.
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