To get away from the Inland Empire heat wave (108 degrees), we ventured to the coast for a day of relaxation and adventure. Landed up in Carlsbad Village (located just north of San Diego, California. Carlsbad Village is the downtown commercial area of Carlsbad, California located along the Pacific coast. This entire area is tourist orientated. The area is accessible and parking is free throughout the Village. Streets are lined with a wide range of shops (antique, clothing stores, Art, jewelry, toy, florist, and just about anything you can imagine). One could spend days visiting all these different stores. Eateries abound in the area. One can enjoy a fast food meal at "McDonald's" or a upscale meal at "West Steak and Seafood Restaurant" (4980 Avenida Encinas). The possibilities are endless. We enjoyed our lunch at "Wicked Maine Lobster" (3040 Carlsbad Boulevard). Excellent selection of seafood entries. Staff is extremely friendly and professional. As one wanders around the area, you will notice numerous colorful and old wooden buildings along the streets. The "Carlsbad Inn", "Alt Karlsbad Hanse House", "Twin Inn" and "The Daily News Restaurant" are just examples of many outstanding old buildings to view and explore. Many hotels and vacation rental properties are found throughout the village. If your adventures, bike rental are available from numerous shops. Benches are located along the streets and in the parks. Took a break and sat on a bench and observed the parade of old classic cars that when by. A reminder of a trip to Havana, Cuba and it multitude of old vehicles. A truly remarkable experience viewing the old classic cars of a bygone era. Carlsbad Village has something for everyone. Our trip was exciting and very enjoyable. Most definitely will be returning to Carlsbad Village in the near future. Note: Due to Corona Virus regulations, mask and social distancing is mandatory throughout the Village.

Carlsbad Village is the city's classic commercial district right off the Pacific Ocean. There is a wide variety of restaurants, including some nice outdoor dining alternatives, along with shops and offices. Parking is plentiful and free in the evening. The Saturday evening we dined here there was a definite youthful vibe but folks of all ages were out and about. We did not stay late but the nightspots did look promising.

Near the train station is the Tourist Office go there first, there is parking and the people are very helpful. If you have problem go to the station parking there always seems to be room there. The small theatre is always worth a visit along with the Artists studios and Gallery on State Street. Unfortunately, this year the Antique Market on State Street seemed to have closed down. There are still plenty of small interesting shops to visit and the beach is still worth a walk along.

Look for the unusual, the unexpected, and the artistic expressions found in nature and within the manifestations only mankind could give us. This is how we approached our search for the "mural and floral" lifeblood of the "village." Eureka! We found gold!!! Carlsbad has a well-deserved reputation for being the city of flowers. Visit the flower fields for a tour through heaven's gifts: Ranunculus! In every color and profusely in bloom. But there is more, a lot more, to define Carlsbad in both art in flora. For us, it was stopping to look at every delightful planting space and also for admiring the artistic displays on the sides of walls. Such imagination! Such beauty! Carlsbad Village earns high marks for its beauty, manmade and otherwise.

Our family get-together at the Carlsbad Inn was right in the heart of the Village (or so we think, anyway). The impressive overhead street signage for Carlsbad is, by now, widely recognized as the "you have arrived" point of entry to the Village. This was a first time visit for our guests and they loved everything about the Village from the excitement of the trains roaring through, the variety of great eating places, quirky little shops along the way, and the abundance of public art murals. For us, it was a deja vu experience seeing the Village through those first-timers' eyes. At night, the lights give the signs and shops such a festive look.

I love the village, I walk it every day with my pup. Most places are super dog friendly, even most of the stores. Water bowls are everywhere which makes my fur baby happy. I would have given it a 5 rating except for the homeless situation that the city and council are NOT dealing with. They claim that their hands are tied by Sacramento. Why then does Solana Beach not have these issues? It's very important in my opinion to NOT FEED THE BEARS. Visitors and residents need to stop giving the beggars money, most of these people do not wish to work. One lady in particular sits outside Sun Diego smoking cigarettes and begging passerbyers and cars alike. So those that give her money are just paying for her cigarettes. This needs to stop.

I stayed near the beach off Carlsbad Village Drive. Lots of restaurants within walking distance. The Village Fair market square, only two or three blocks away, was fun and interesting, with lots of shops and food options varying from very expensive to quite affordable. People are very friendly and helpful, and walking around feels safe. Loved that there are so many dogs, many in strollers because walking on the hot pavement is not healthy for them. The beach is accessible from almost anywhere along Ocean Avenue, although the steps back up are brutal in the heat. Easy to get around with Uber or Lyft.

The city is gorgeous with plenty of shops and a beach that’s not overcrowded. A lot of people were wearing masks and social distancing. The weather was great and everyone was super friendly. A must if you’re in the area.

We spent some quality time as a family near Csrlsbad. We visited Legoland, where our grand daughter enjoyed the whole day on the rides, the miniature world as well as the actual construction of the lego pieces. Next day we visited an amazing place called MECM Miniature Craftsmanship Engineering Museum in Carlsbad which had a massive collection of working miniature models of hundreds of engines, ships boats, cars and aircrafts. Truly, a delight to watch. We were lucky to be in Carlsbad in April / May as at this time Flower Fields is open to the public. This is a stunningly beautiful spectacle of Flowers of all colors as far as the eye can see. Carlsbad also has a beautiful beach where one can relax and spend some time in the water and sand. All in all, Carlsbad is a small, but beautiful town in Southern California with many activities for a tourist on vacation.

The fact that I never saw the sun or stars in Carlsbad is a negative. The marine fog layer is so thick, not close to any weather I would live in. I need the blue sky and sun. I would never pay this much to live near the ocean with no sun. it’s comical people Think this is beautiful ocean living and yes I was born and raised in the Bay Area so I know coastal fog 🤮 you think this is beautiful ocean living 🤣🤣 please do yourself a favor and travel.