Carlsbad, located just 15 miles north of San Diego, is a major flower growing center, beach resort and antique collection gift shop area. The city was named for the popular 19th-century Karlsbad Spa in Europe. The city is located right on the Pacific Ocean coastline and has several miles of beaches popular for both swimming and surfing. Carlsbad State Beach offers overnight camping. Carlsbad has a wide variety of scenic, shopping and educational attractions.

There's something for everyone to enjoy in this balmy coastal city. Golfers are lured by the dozen or so courses, including the world-class Aviara Golf Club and the La Costa Resort and Spa. Over four miles of beautiful beach will captivate swimmers, surfers and sunbathers for hours. Bird-watchers and walkers can explore Carlsbad's three lagoons, where the Luiseno Indians made their homes for centuries. The immaculate buildings and tree-lined streets downtown are not marred by high-rises or strip malls, but shoppers should not despair - a designer outlet complex is within reach. The small-town, relaxed environment here fits nicely with the fields of colorful flowers and the mountain and ocean vistas. But kids need something too, and Legoland, targeted to kids 12 and under, offers a whole world of lego-constructed animals and every other design imaginable, in addition to rides and shows.