Just north of San Diego, this lovely “Village by the Sea” is more than home to Legoland, it’s a vibrant beachside community that comes to life in spring thanks to the spectacular flower blooms in nearby Carlsbad Ranch.
Where to Stay
Surrounded by natural beauty and tucked away in a secluded area, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa offers visitors a retreat to relax mind, body and soul. From two championship golf courses and a world-class spa experience to luxury rooms overlooking stunning vistas, the hotel provides an unforgettable getaway. Explore the vibrant pools by day and enjoy a delicious dining experience at sunset at Bob’s Steak and Chophouse or Vue, overlooking the greens and fairways.
Park Hyatt Aviara boats five exceptional restaurants, both adult and family pools, spacious cabanas and Topgolf Swing Suites. Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara, renowned for its transformative treatments, offers a wide variety of therapeutic experiences, mindful practices and personal wellness programs.
A charming hotel right on the sand, Beach Terrace has been a family-owned property since the 1960s. With coastal decor touches, the rooms are spacious, many with terraces and ocean views. Partake in a light breakfast poolside before hitting the beach and take in the sunset views from the cozy firepit area.
Where to Eat
Start your day with a sweet treat at Café Trope and a cup of coffee at Lofty. If you’re tastebuds demand something hardcore, try the bloody Mary and breakfast sandwich at Crackheads.
For lunch, try recent arrival Wildland, an all-day restaurant, bar and bakery known for their salads, sandwiches and out-of-this-world pizzas. PureTaco brings Mexican flair to its taco bar with hand-pressed tortillas, specialty margaritas and local beers on tap. Savory hand pot pies are the star of Pop Pie Co., each perfectly paired with a tasty side dish.
Campfire brings “honest” food to the table, meant to be shared with others, from porridge bread and smoked pork belly to octopus and a koji-aged ribeye. Blue Ocean Robata and Sushi is your best bet for rolls, nigiri and robata grilled skewers served with sake, cocktails or wine.
For the Michelin-star experience, book at table at Jeune et Jolie for impressive French fare served in a stylish setting with a delightful bar.
What to Do
There’s plenty of fun and sun to be had in The Village. Grab an E-Bike from Carlsbad E-Bike & More to start your exploration, including shops, sweets, art galleries and scenic rides. Get creative at Barrio Glassworks and enjoy your own lesson in the art of glassblowing. You can take surf lessons at Alive and Stoked from Mike Jacob, who battled and survived a rare metastatic bone cancer and now provides a safe space to learn and engage with water.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch welcomes springtime enthusiasts to wander amongst the colorful 55 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus: a flower renowned for its large, double-petaled blooms that sit atop tall, straight stems. The dazzling attraction stretches eight to ten weeks each year, from early March through early May, with a full slate of activities including live music performances, workshops and wellness classes. For the 2025 season, artist Alex Heveri’s Glass in Flight will features over three dozen glass and steel sculptures of sparkling butterflies, dragonflies, bamboo, bees and insects that complement the gardens and fields.
