Just under 40 minutes from San Diego, the Village By the Sea is one of those places you can’t help but fall for. It’s the perfect mix of everything a Southern California town should be, boasting youthful vibes, a touch of European class, and pristine coastal scenery. For many it’s just a vacation spot to visit popular attractions like Legoland, and the Sea Life Aquarium, but for long time residents of Carlsbad, this beachfront charmer is a safe, and friendly community with an affinity for wellness, and culture. Carlsbad made Kiplinger’s list of top retirement destinations, offering a variety of home options, reputable medical facilities, and a passion for the good life.
Carlsbad earned its namesake from the famous 19th century Czech Republic mineral water spa in Karlsbad, Bohemia, and is reminiscent of those beach vacations you never wanted to end. The entire stretch of Pacific coastline is pretty breathtaking, but the 7 miles of sand, surf, and sun that runs along the city’s edge is what converts so many snowbirds into permanent coastal dreamers. Whether you’re walking along the Carlsbad Sea Wall, or sinking your toes in the sand at Tamarack, and Carlsbad State Beach, the lifestyle is like a virtual postcard, where near perfect year round temps make it hard to want to stay indoors.
The San Diego area, and great food pair so synonymously with each other it’s almost cliche. With the ocean at your doorstep, and local farms bathed in endless sunshine, it’s no surprise that chefs consider Carlsbad a culinary treasure. From authentic Mexican fare, to the freshest seafood, Carlsbad caters to a wide variety of epicureans whether its Michelin star dining, ethnic cuisine, or those hole-in-the-wall gems you keep coming back to. The people in this city know that fabulous food is best enjoyed with a local brew from institutions like Burgeon Beer Co., and Culver Beer, or a vine ripened varietal from La Costa Wine Co., or Witch Creek Winery.
The entire city is a canvas of artistic talent with more than a dozen galleries, local events including the Carlsbad Village Art Walk, and the Arts In Public Places Program showcasing a display of intriguing exhibits. Wall murals add a vibrant display of unexpected color to city streets, along with the inspiring sculptural masterpieces that are scattered throughout the town. With everything from summer concerts in the park, and live theater, to energetic music festivals, the performing arts are the perfect way to unwind, but your idea of fine art is sitting on the beach watching a spectacular California sunset, you’ve come to right the corner of paradise.
