There are more small and underrated towns in California than most people realize. This is especially true for underrated coastal towns in the Golden State that are also scenic. In the northern half of the state, they can give the vibes of San Francisco. In the Southern half, many feel like Santa Monica or Newport, but without the high price tags of living there. But, it is not often that a town can feel like two locales at one time, which is what an underrated town in California that has easy access to both Los Angeles and San Diego has managed to do while leaving this fact unknown to many.
Carlsbad is a coastal town in San Diego County, California. Many do not realize, even those who live in the state, that getting to Carlsbad from major cities like Los Angeles and San Diego can be done in a couple of hours or less. But getting out of these major metropolises and enjoying time in Carlsbad feels like a different world. Those who are in the know enjoy the changing of seasons, holidays, and summers there, soaking in the small-town feel while in a city of over 100,000 people.
The larger-than-life city of Hollywood, Los Angeles, might be popular, but California offers similar cities with better vibes.
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Carlsbad Has Easy Access To Both Los Angeles & San Diego
Carlsbad is one of the few unique and underrated places to visit in the US, situated comfortably between Los Angeles and San Diego. Much like the coastal cities on either end of Carlsbad, the city is also a beach town. But unlike San Diego and Los Angeles, Carlsbad has a small-town feel. This is an impressive feat, given that Carlsbad is a city of over 113,000 people.
Located in northern San Diego County, Carlsbad is best known for being home to LEGOLAND. As such, the city already has the feel of being a family-friendly locale. But there is so much more to Carlsbad than just an amusement park. This fact becomes clear on a road trip between San Diego and Los Angeles, where Carlsbad is one of the unique stops while driving along the coastline (34 miles from San Diego and 86 miles from Los Angeles).
Downtown Carlsbad is a mix of buildings that are over a century old and newer buildings. This, along with the boutique shopping and dining, is what gives Carlsbad the charm it has. If more people recognized just how close it was to bigger cities in Southern California and just how much Carlsbad had to offer, it certainly would not be as underrated as it is today.
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Carlsbad May Not Be Known For Fall Foliage, But It Does Have Flower Fields
Carlsbad may not have fall foliage like other cities across the nation, but what it does have is Carlsbad Ranch.
Carlsbad Ranch is home to The Flower Fields. The Flower Fields is one of the most iconic attractions in San Diego County. The fields of ranunculus are thanks to the work of Luther Gage and Frank Frazee that started over 100 years ago, who started cultivating the flowers on their respective properties located near one another.
At the time the ranunculus were being grown, there were two options for the flowers - red and yellow. It was not until Frank's son, Edwin, who quit high school to work on his father's flower farm, that the fate of the ranunculus flower would change.
Thanks to Edwin's eye for detail and desire to want to diversify the flower's colors, Edwin would keep seeds of ranunculus that were colors other than yellow or red. Over time, the two colors of ranunculus became 11. It is the descendants of those flowers that bloom at The Flower Fields that brings thousands of visitors to the over 50 acres of fields for the short window that they bloom every year.
Tickets need to be purchased ahead of time because there are 150 to 450 people who are allowed to enter within each ticket window . This helps to control the flow of visitors into the fields. But, once in The Flower Fields, visitors are allowed to stay as long as they would like.
The ranunculus bloom in the Flower Fields from March to May every year. While it's not during fall, the Flower Fields are the prime reason Carlsbad, California, is the most colorful spring trip ever, as it is a wonderful way to ring in spring.
The Flower Fields Dates Of Operation | March through May |
The Flower Fields Hours | 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Fee | $26.00 per person |
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Best Time To Visit Carlsbad
When it comes to visiting Carlsbad, there truly is not a bad time of year to visit. This is because the climate is fairly mild year round with no real spikes or dips in temperature when it comes to highs and lows.
The temperatures in Carlsbad are as follows:
Months | Temperature In Farenheit In Carlsbad |
March through May | 65 F to 71 F |
June through August | 68 F to 76 F |
September through November | 67 F to 78 F |
December through February | 63 F to 69 F |
For those looking for a place to visit that stays relatively the same temperature throughout the year, Carlsbad cannot be beat. But with that being said, the most popular season for visitors to Carlsbad is summer. As such, accommodations will be more expensive than at other times of year. Therefore, if travel is possible at other times of year, it may be worth it to save some money, not to mention enjoy places like The Flower Fields or festivals in Carlsbad to celebrate fall.
Festivals Happening In Carlsbad To Celebrate Fall, Food, And Holidays
Even though Carlsbad does not turn the colors of fall, the city does know how to celebrate the season. As such, there is something happening just about every weekend until winter to enjoy the transition from summer to autumn.
On October 5, 2024, the Carlsbad Oktoberfest will be coming to town. There will be music, food, and, of course, several types of beer. Additionally, there will be yodeling, beer stein holding, costume contests, and more.
Hours | 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
Fee | $10.00 per person |
Date | October 5, 2024 |
Taste of Carlsbad is coming back for its seventh year and is anticipated to be just as successful, if not more, this year. With over 35 food vendors and 18 beverage vendors serving beer, wine, and specialty cocktails, there will be plenty to eat and drink.
This year's event is sold out. However, for those interested in attending next year, it is good to mark calendars early, as the event sells out in less than an hour every year.
Hours | 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
Fee | Starts at $50.00 |
Date | October 10, 2024 |
Before Halloween, get into the spooky spirit by enjoying Halloween in the Village. The event will take place all day with events, music, candy, and fun. More details will become available as it gets closer to the date. As such, those interested will want to check back to see the specifics of what will be happening in the village.
Hours | TBD |
Fee | Free |
Date | October 26, 2024 |
The Carlsbad Village Street Faire is so popular that over 100,000 people come to enjoy the event. With food, local shopping from over 750 vendors, music, kids' rides, crafts, and more, it is a great way to kick off the holiday season with a little shopping and revelry.
The event is the largest street faire in the nation. As such, it is recommended that shuttles are taken, rather than trying to find parking near the event.
Hours | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Fee | Free |
Date | November 3, 2024 |
This is just a sample of the events that Carlsbad has to offer. As such, it is no wonder that a town which lies between Los Angeles and San Diego is so often frequented, be it just for a day trip or for some, a bit longer.