Experience world class golf, spas, beaches and more in coastal San Diego County
In Carlsbad, experience the casual luxury that typifies Southern California — the luxury of free time, the luxury to disconnect from the office and instead re-connect with loved ones – on seven miles of uncrowded beaches, lush trails, serene lagoons and expansive world-class golf courses. Revel in the luxury of fine dining without the wait, and the luxury of uncompromising hospitality, spas, wellness and VIP service in accommodations ranging from boutique properties to upscale resorts.
Located just minutes from San Diego and 60 miles from Orange County, Carlsbad is an easy destination for great getaways and vacations. Carlsbad is also known as home to golf manufacturing titans Callaway, TaylorMade, Cobra and Titleist, which are constantly evolving the sport. In Carlsbad, golf isn’t just a game, it’s a way of life. Beautifully designed, world-class courses offer unmatched amenities, such as GPS-equipped golf carts that help gauge your next shot, gorgeous clubhouses to relax in, golf classes with top golf pros, and nearby resorts and spas for when you’re done playing and want to unwind.
A stay in Carlsbad can be memorable for families with children of all ages. Carlsbad, home to LEGOLAND California Resort and a range of family-friendly properties and attractions, has long been recognized as an anchor to the multi-generational family vacation experience in Southern California. Cape Rey Resort & Spa offers families direct beach access, while Omni La Costa Resort and Spa boasts the Kidtopia Club program, where kids take part in unique night camp programs and interactive sea-themed games. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Spa caters to kids of all ages with its Camp Hyatt activities like beach volleyball and Batiquitos Lagoon nature walks. The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, adjacent to LEGOLAND, offers families a private entrance to the park. The Carlsbad by the Sea Resort is located just across the street from Carlsbad Premium Outlets and features rooms overlooking the garden courtyard.
As families with older children return to Carlsbad, they discover a destination of extraordinary natural beauty where new memories can be created. From an extensive trail system to expansive beaches and tranquil lagoons, opportunities abound for families to share in outdoor adventures, including kayaking at Agua Hedionda Lagoon, perfect for birding and wildlife viewing; hiking 38 miles of open space trails; or hitting the waves. There’s no better place to pass along a passion for golf than on award-winning courses like those at the Omni La Costa Resort, voted the No. 1 Family Golf Destination in the U.S. by Golf Digest.
Other top family attractions include the Museum of Making Music, Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center, Leo Carrillo Ranch and an endless array of outdoor and beach fun. Clean, uncrowded beaches are perfect for surfing and sandcastle building with kids. Restaurants and hotels in Carlsbad are some of California’s most family-friendly. West Inn & Suites was named among the top-10 family-friendly properties in the world on TripAdvisor in 2013. But, don’t forget the family’s best friend — Carlsbad offers pet-friendly hotels, shops, restaurants and unique services including doggie menus, canine fashion shows, dog parks and pet-friendly beaches.
Carlsbad’s reputation as a spa destination continues to flourish with luxurious spa resorts and a multitude of tranquil day spas offering spa services for any budget. Carlsbad is home to America’s first full-service spa resort, the legendary Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. Carlsbad spa options are limitless and ready for anyone to enjoy. Enjoy Ocean Pearl Spa at Sheraton Carlsbad, Aviara Spa at Park Hyatt, Ocean Crest Spa at Cape Rey, and a multitude of relaxing day spas including Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa.
Among the many excellent golf experiences in Carlsbad is Aviara Golf Club at Park Hyatt Resort. Named by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the best resort golf courses in America, Aviara Golf Club overlooks the beautiful Batiquitos Lagoon nature preserve. The only coastal California course designed by Arnold Palmer, Aviara Golf Club features a memorable 18-hole, par-72 layout of more than 7,000 yards.
Omni La Costa Resort’s golf program invites guests to explore the same greens that Nicklaus, Player, Mickelson, Woods and more have conquered. Start at Champions Course, the only course in California designed by Dick Wilson, which has been restored to its original glory. After finishing a round at this 18-hole course, ready the clubs for another day of exciting golf at the Legends Golf Course. The remade course offers guests all-new challenges while preserving the legacy that made the course popular in the first place.
Designed by Greg Nash, The Crossings at Carlsbad is one of Southern California’s most challenging courses. With the beautiful Pacific Ocean to the west and foothills rising to the east, this 18-hole championship caliber municipal golf course offers visitors a magnificent setting in a relaxed California coastal environment. The course is named for the five bridges, or crossings, that were designed into the layout to meet existing environmental and topographic conditions. Rancho Carlsbad Golf Course is another challenging full service golf facility offering an 18-hole executive golf course, state-of-the-art driving range and a short game practice area for chipping and putting.
For more information on golf and travel experiences in the Village by the Sea, visit www.visitcarlsbad.com.
