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Carlsbad

Carlsbad History

   Although Carlsbad is located along the water, its name came from water located below the ground.
   In the 1880s, sea captain John Frazier struck fresh water at a well near present-day Carlsbad. The entreprenuer began selling his water at the local train station, and the town soon became known as Frazier's Station. A test determined that the water was chemically similar to that found in Karlsbad, Bohemia, one of the most famous spas in Europe. Soon thereafter, the town was renamed Carlsbad, and a partnership named the Carlsbad Land and Mineral Water Company was founded.
   A major marketing campaign ensued, touting the virtues of the refreshing water. Tourists flocked to the area, and the population grew as visitors discovered the town's mild climate and beautiful beaches.
   The warm weather was also a blessing to local farmers. In 1923, Luther Gage and Frank Frazee opened the first floral farms in the region. Floral cultivation was soon a booming business in Carlsbad. Today, the city is the world's leading producer of ranunculus plants, and nearby fields produce up to 90 percent of the world's poinsettias.

Activities

   Each spring, the hills of Carlsbad become a rainbow of pink, gold, red, orange and white as the Flower Fields bloom at Carlsbad Ranch. Visitors are encouraged to visit the floral farm and walk through its scenic, scented pathways. The Flower Fields also include a majestic rose garden and a wide range of flowering plants for sale at a significant discount over retail price.
   LEGOLAND California is the only theme park of its kind in America. Kids and adults alike can enjoy more than 40 rides and attractions. Drive electric cars, pilot helicopters and explore Medieval castles amid 20 million brightly colored LEGO bricks.
   Carlsbad Village offers gift and antique shops set in New England and Mediterranean-style architecture. Twice a year, the Carlsbad Village Faire brings together more than 100 vendors for food, fun and festivities.
   The city's local museums prove that learning can be fun. The Carlsbad Childrens Museum is a hands-on educational center that includes a marketplace, fishing boat and solar energy-powered train. And The Museum of Making Music traces the history of innovations in popular music. More than rare 450 musical instruments are on display.
   Visit one of three local lagoons to get in touch with nature. Buena Vista Lagoon to the north has a nature encounter center and protected watergrass area. Batiquitos Lagoon to the south is home to several varieties of native waterfowl. And Agua Hedionda Lagoon has both a nature encounter area and a watersports area.
   Carlsbad is a golfer's paradise. The city is home to two world-class resorts, several courses and more than 30 golf-related businesses, including Callaway, TaylorMade and Top-Flite.
   Carlsbad hosts many annual sporting events, including the PGA Mercedes Championships, the Toshiba Tennis Classic, the San Diego Marathon and the Carlsbad 5000.
   Other annual events include the Seaside Celebration and Expo, Oktoberfest, and the Poinsettia Display at Carlsbad Ranch.

Carlsbad Fast Facts

   Location: Carlsbad is located between Oceanside and Del Mar, about 35 miles north of San Diego
  *Total area: 40.79 square miles (37.44 square miles land area; 3.36 square miles water area)
  *Population: 78,247
  *Housing units: 33,798
   Average annual rainfall: 11.13 inches
   Average temperatures: 69ºF in summer, 55ºF in winter
*Information provided by 2000 Census

Schools

   The Carlsbad Unified School District comprises 13 public schools. There are also several private and parochial schools that serve the community.
   Carlsbad is also home to schools in the Encinitas Union School District, the San Marcos Unified School District and the San Dieguito Union High School District.

Beaches

   Carlsbad lies along the Pacific Ocean and is home to two state beaches.
   Carlsbad State Beach is a popular local spot for swimming, surfing, scuba diving, fishing and beachcombing. This small 14-acre beach is located at the foot of coastal bluffs, offering four miles of sand beach and jogging trails. It's also close to Carlsbad Village.
   South Carlsbad State Beach features swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking. The large bluff-top campground is very popular, especially in summer.

More Carlsbad Photos
Photos by John Vanhara for CoastParadise.com

   
                     Homes                                                 Beaches

Maps of Carlsbad

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