Carlsbad

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Carlsbad is Allright!

A May 2003 trip to Carlsbad by khmktg

Carlsbad is a great place to stay if you can't decide between Anaheim and San Diego - it's the best of both worlds and on the Pacific Ocean to boot!

  • 8 reviews
  • 1 story/tip

Carlsbad is Allright!Best of IgoUgo

Overview

The staff at Seapointe Resort is exceptional. Our favorite on-site activities included the pancake breakfast, welcome reception, s'mores night, and family party on Saturday at the adult pool.

Quick Tips:

If you can, stay in town if you like to walk and see the sights. There is a great bike lane, and walk along the ocean (alongside Hwy 101).

Best Way To Get Around:

You definitely need a car to stay at Seapointe. Town is about five miles away, there are stores and restaurants closer, but Hwy 101 (Carlsbad Blvd.) is a BUSY road so you don't want to be out there walking after dark!

Carlsbad Inn Beach ResortBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Carlsbad Seapointe Resort"

Best Things Nearby:
Across the street from the Pacific Ocean - lots of beach. The town of Carlsbad is about five miles away - everything you'll ever need.

Best Things About the Resort:
Family pool and spa separate from the adult pool and spa. Great activities staff and events. Plenty to do onsite or off.

Resort Experience:
Our one-bedroom unit was smaller than other units we've stayed in, but it was fine for two adults and one child. Three level complex, upper floors have views of the ocean. Most units have view of the swimming pool, spa, and/or playground. Very nice staff, clean, covered, and gated parking. Walk to the ocean. Carlsbad is a quaint town with small shops, strip malls, all the necessities.

Carlsbad is an ideal location. It took about 25 minutes to get to the Scripps Aquarium in LaJolla. 40 minutes to the San Diego Zoo. We enjoyed the outlet mall in Carlsbad. Approximately 90 minutes south of Los Angeles. Lots of surfing going on!

  • Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
  • Activities: Excellent
  • Amenities: Very Good
  • Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
  • Family Friendliness: Excellent
  • Service: Excellent
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by khmktg on June 4, 2003

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
3075 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad, California 92008
(760) 434-7020

Fidel'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Centrally located in the heart of Carlsbad, Fidel's is the place to go. Great Mexican food, fast - fast - fast service. Affordable, great for families, yummy margaritas.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by khmktg on June 4, 2003

Fidel's
3003 Carlsbad Ave. Carlsbad, California 92008
(760) 729-0903

Carlsbad Company StoresBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Carlsbad Company Stores"

One of the nicest outlet malls I've been to. An open-air shopping mall with great upscale shops like Ralph Lauren, Waterford, and Strausberg (sp?). Other retailers too including The Gap, Zales, Big Dog, etc. Restaurants, Starbucks, fountains, ATM machine, and you gotta check out the ladies restroom. Very nice!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by khmktg on June 4, 2003

Carlsbad Company Stores
5620 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad, California 92008
(760) 804-9000

Aquarium ScrippsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Scripps Aquarium"

The aquarium and museum is a nice size for a morning or afternoon visit. You can go at your own pace, there is a seating area in front of the largest display where it is nice to just sit, relax, and enjoy the ever-changing view! Also important to note is that this is one of the least expensive family entertainment options.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by khmktg on June 4, 2003

Aquarium Scripps
354 Santa Fe Dr Carlsbad, California 92024
(760) 753-6501

San Diego ZooBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Spend the extra dollars to take the bus tour and the Sky Safari, it's worth the money! Our daughter loved the sky safari (similiar to a gondola) that takes you from one end of the zoo to the other. The exhibits were great, like you would expect. The food was good, the staff was very nice and helpful. The petting zoo could use some improvement.

The crowds really diminished after 2pm and were all but gone by closing time. It felt like we had the place to ourselves. The express bus is very helpful getting around. The zoo has great strollers so you can leave yours at home.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by khmktg on June 4, 2003

San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive San Diego, California 92101
(619) 231-1515

OceansideBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Great beach with fishing pier, casual eateries, restrooms, barbecues, covered picnic areas, etc. Exactly how you picture Southern California! We spent a couple of hours chasing gulls, jumping the waves, watching the surfers, dining on burgers and french fries, and soaking up the sun. What a great way to spend the day.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by khmktg on June 4, 2003

Oceanside
Oceanside Pier and Beach Carlsbad, California

Farmers MarketBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Farmer's Market"

Farmer's Market featuring local vegetables, fruit, baked goods, and crafts. Everything looked delicious! The tamales were fantastic, lots of cold beverages to choose from. We purchased fresh corn, avocadoes, bagettes, and berries. It was a wonderful treat. It isn't very large, so you can see the whole thing in under an hour, but we did two laps just to make sure. Combine it with a little window shopping in the village - makes for a nice afternoon. I believe it was held on every Thursday.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by khmktg on June 4, 2003

Farmers Market
Village Drive Carlsbad, California 92104

Skinsational SpaBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

This was definitely the highlight of my trip! For Mother's Day my husband surprised me with a gift certificate for a massage on Tuesday, and a pedicure on Friday. Nothing better than a little "me" time away from the hubby and kids for a few hours to feel completely pampered. Skinsational was heaven. The staff was wonderful, the best massage I've ever had, the pedicure was fun. I was concerned that the place might be a bit stuffy for my taste, and although everyone was completely professional, it was warm and inviting. I'd give it an A++ - sneak away from the family and have a few minutes to yourself!

About the Writer

khmktg
khmktg
Everett, Washington

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