City of Carlsbad

Ahhh Carlsbad, One of my favorite cities! It’s so laid back and quaint. There’s sort of a small town feel here thats so refreshing for California. There’s a good mix of all ages but I would say theres mostly young families. And there’s so much to do, seriously the possibilities are endless. Of course there’s the beach, which I love here because it’s not as packed full of people as most beach cities. And it’s pretty clean, just watch out for all of the little rocks that get washed up. There’s also the local farmers market on State street held every Tuesday and Sunday; it’s small but has everything you need & a lot of samples. If you feel like shopping, the Village is filled with unique shops that suprisingly aren’t all overpriced. Beyond that there’s the lagoons, parks, theatre and amazing food!

I have been a resident here since 1996. It has been a fine place to live. My issue with this city is the way they handle business licenses. I have also ran a business here since 1996. I also have 3 other branch offices in other counties. These branches operate separately with their own office, staff, etc. Beginning 2015, the city of Carlsbad is charging me a tax on all these other branches. It is NOT right, not fair and making doing business here in this city very expensive and more difficult than it should be. Carlsbad is NOT business friendly! I would advise having your business in another city that actually welcomes businesses rather than punish them for existing in this space.

Great beach town. Lots of good beach to wander, restaurants to eat at. I like that the beach on this part of the solid coastal urban stretch from San Diego to Oceanside seems just a tad more accesable. Nice walk along overlooking the beach on the beach side of the coastal road, too. Compares well to so much of this stretch of coast, where beach front McMansions seem to hog the view.

I’ve passed by this city many many times throughout the past twelve years, but have never actually set foot in the city until now.
After dealing with gridlock on the 5 South, I stopped by here to get some coffee. I decided to drive around a bit to get a feel of this city. From what I gathered, this city is very much like my hometown. It’s classy and laid back. The people here were friendly, and the streets were meticulously clean. It looks like a family friendly city.
The downtown area, where I stopped for coffee, is a small but very happening place. It reminds me a bit of Riviera Village in RB.
I’d stop by here again for the good vibes the next time I drive down to SD.

Well since I’ve only passed through the City of Carlsbad a few times and never really spend any time here I thought I leave the city review to those that live here or have spend enough time to get it right. As I was entering town I snapped a picture of the new sign that spans the boulevard, now at the time I didn’t realize it was new and was inspired by a similar archway that stood in the area in the 1930s. No one has been able to figure out what happened to the original sign or when it was taken down. The TaylorMade Golf Company funded the construction and installation of the new sign which cost $ 225,000 how cool is that I wonder who got the free set of golf clubs?

I love living in Carlsbad! Although I’m more toward the border of La Costa/​Carlsbad, I will review for the whole shabang.
Carlsbad: shop, play and eat. Tons of great restaurants, a couple of shopping malls: Westfield, Premium Outlets, the Village, etc.
Legoland is a must if you have young kids. Tip: go to Costco (also in Carlsbad) and grab a 3-​day pass. Cheaper.
When in season: visit the Flower fields, Strawberry fields, pumpkin patch and heck. Grab a SUP and hit up the lagoon. Or rent a jet ski, whichever floats your boat ;).
The beaches are my favorite. Even if I didn’t live in Carlsbad, I’d still visit Beech Ave. or South Carlsbad State Beach. Best family beach, relaxing beach, and «workout» beach in San Diego. And by workout I mean Tamarack has a boardwalk I suggest putting on those Nikes and get a run in. Your welcome.
Carlsbad has campgrounds as well. Who doesn’t want to camp out by the ocean?!
La Costa is nice, family friendly, safe neighborhoods. A little pricy, but an awesome beach town.
All in all– live or visit Carlsbad. You won’t regret it!

Carlsbad wonderfully exemplifies what a smaller version of San Diego would look like at it’s best. The public transportation is much better than some of the neighboring cities, with there being at least one Coaster train station.
Terrain throughout this city heavily depends which portion you are standing in. It seems like half off the city is industrial and half of it is a cute shopping district. Like other parts of Southern California, try to have some form of air conditioning, at least a fan perhaps if you live here. Lots of companies are headquarters here and this is a much sought city along the water.
At least you may want to visit Carlsbad.

6 weeks after my last review– we are still having troubles. Again– no support at all from the city. After countless requests for information on our own account– we receive the suggestion that we have more to do but no direction what so ever in what that means. Business owners– I strongly suggest doing business in other areas of San Diego county. The lack of concern or ownership in account management is beyond frustrating. Aren’t our city officials supposed to be supportive of those in their community?

I love living here! It’s a little beach town with only slightly bigger ambitions! It’s a town where you get to know your neighbors quickly and love the fact that you’re all in it together! I feel safe walking around from morning till night., and seriously feeling grateful!

Not my favorite city but it’s alright there are a lot of bars and nice restaurants in the Village. The people seem a little uptight and little snotty not as laid back as Encinitas. The beach is a little different and kind of weird but anyway. I try not to come here that much because of the people and the police are usually on a power trip. Don’t get me wrong Carlsbad is a pretty city with the flower fields but it’s just not my type I like Temecula better.

Easily one of my favorite cities in California. Here’s why:
+ The weather is awesome 24÷7÷365. Even when the weather is bad, I love being in Carlsbad.
+ You can have that «small town» feel but not be disconnected to society. Orange County is a little over an hour away and San Diego is 30 minutes away.
+ Awesome beaches and oceanside property. There are some amazing stretches of beach where you can sit and enjoy the ocean.
+ Amazing sunsets… it’s simply awesome.
+ Restaurants… from Pizza Port to West Steak, there’s some amazing food here in Carlsbad.
I really enjoy coming here and will continue to bring the family out for vacations as long as it remains as cool as it is today.
Return Factor — 100%

Best city there is!

Awesome place. Love surfing warm water jetty. Always a blast and usually always a good wave

Moved to Carlsbad three months ago, all aspects of my life have improved. Life is Rad!

Love Carlsbad. good food and people.

I just moved to Carlsbad in July 2011 and feel like I am living in paradise. I didn’t realize how far Carlsbad goes east into the hills until I started looking at houses. Most of the reviews of Carlsbad are talking about the Village, where all the tourist places and shops are, and the beach.
But Carlsbad also consists of thousands of wonderful properties where you can buy a home for a good price and have great neighbors. A lot of Carlsbad (away from the beach) can be considered a bedroom community where people live but don’t work here. And San Diego is only 30 minutes away.
The Village: Carlsbad Blvd and State Street are the main drags. That’s where the tourist places are, some really great shops, even if some of them are really touristy, and the Village Faire with shops, eating and spas.
OK, granted, it’s not as hip as many other beach towns, but it’s comfortable, friendly and convenient. Even though I live 3 freeway exits away, I find myself in the Village on a regular basis. But if what you’re looking for are hot and heavy bars that stay open late with lots of action, this ain’t the place — and how glad am I.
El Camino Real: A lot of tourists never even get up to the El Camino Real section, where there are tons of stores, everything very convenient. Most of the places are older, but it’s beginning to upgrade. We’re going to get five star theaters at Dove and El Camino Real. Encinitas is close so you can also go there to shop. El Camino Real is a great alternate to the 5 freeway. If the freeway is crowded, you can take El Camino Real all the way from Oceanside to San Diego.
The nice thing about North County is that there are so many hills and canyons, the landscape is varied, and the many many many home communities are off the beaten path. Even the shopping centers are masqued by beautiful landscaping so you have to know they’re there to even find them. Check out The Forum — Sur La Table, Bed Bath and Beyond, Anne Klein, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, The Counter, Panera’s bakery and café, many more stores, and Jimbo’s natural foods.
The one thing that is surprising is that there aren’t oceanfront restaurants. What’s up with that? But Fresco is a great Italian restaurant, and Vigilucci’s Seafood and Steakhouse will give you a good meal. And there are no end to good breakfast places in Carlsbad.
Come to visit and then come to stay… you won’t believe how nice life can be.

Carlsbad is definitely not as ‘hip’ as other beach towns, I agree. It is much more suburbia than train wreck. It is more innovation than underdog. It is little known, outside of San Diego County, and that is part of its beauty. Thank goodness it is not overrun by too many tourists. The parks and beaches cannot be beat. It’s like living in a resort. House prices are much lower and affordable. Ride your bike or take a jog up Highway 101. It is some of the most beautiful coastline in San Diego County.

Ah, Carlsbad… such a confused little town. Carlsbad purports to be a hip, surferesque, yet sophisticated city located about 25 miles south of San Clemente and 35 miles north of San Diego. I had lived in Carlsbad for about 2 years and have worked here for 4. First major annoyance… the City has an ordinance that does not allow any sort of construction, road work or otherwise, to occur after 5. This may sound great at first, if you’re a home owner and dislike construction noise, however it causes massive traffic issues on the TWO main streets of the city. It really sucks when you leave the office for your favorite lunch spot (which is rare in itself), about 5 miles away, which takes 5 minutes to get to and about 30 to get back. Speaking of road work, the city has been doing work on El Camino (a main roadway) for about 4 years every two months. They are currently doing work on it right now. This is because the City’s officials have absolutely no planning skills… as we’ll see more evidence of later. Second major annoyance… there is a giant dirt field near the 5 freeway dubbed the «Flower Fields of Carlsbad». It’s a dirt field. There are no flowers. It’s dirt. Need proof? I’ve uploaded a photo named «Flower Fields of Carlsbad». For two weeks out of the year these dirt fields are planted with flowers which you can «tour», for a nominal charge, on a carriage. I suppose using the land for some sort of commercial or residential real-​estate would be a horrible idea. If the city really needs flowers to bring in the tourists than how about creating a park with an a nice arboretum. Something they could have a city faire in or something. Something that would prove the city actually cares about its citizens rather of the handful of tourists who may have heard of Carlsbad. Third annoyance… the nightlife is a joke. For a city that has coined itself as a «seaside resort-​town» you would think the oceanfront dining and entertainment would be off the charts! There is a whopping ONE restaurant with an unobstructed ocean view — and it’s not a very good one (but if you’re drinking the Kool-​Aid it’s 4 star!). How about the bars? Nearly every bar in the «village», a rather ostentatious designation for what could be called downtown, has a last call around 11:30 to midnight, cover charges, horrible prices, and the rudest wait staff you will ever experience. Visit one of these establishments during the day, when you can see the carpet, and you’d be weary of sitting on anything for fear of catching scabies. Fourth and final annoyance (actually, there a quite a few more)… is the people. I know it’s usually bad taste to generalize a particular group of people but «San Diegans», principally those from North County, have an extreme, almost arrogant, sense of pride. When meeting someone from Carlsbad for the first time they always seem shocked and amazed that you’ve never heard of the city before. The general belief is that Carlsbad is hailed as one of the nations crown jewels and quite possibly the nicest place you’ve ever been! You’ll notice people mention that their schools are the best in the nation (there are two from SD county in the top 100 list and are not located anywhere near Carlsbad). You may also hear that the property values are the best in the nation; this is best in the nation; that is best in the nation; we are the best in the nation. It’s called kool-​aid and it’s made its way into the water supply.

I love the bars and vibe in Carlsbad. I moved near the village because of this. The cops keep it safe, the city keeps it clean and the dozens of bars and restaurants keep your options open for any occasion.

Overrated!
So the bars are not that great, they’re full of Steves and Stacies and the drinks aren’t particularly cheap and the music isn’t particularly awesome.
(Although, I will say that at least they’re not full of marines like in Oceanside).
Uh… the beach is aight… but not that impressive… bunch of cement surrounding it.
The cops have nothing to do… one time, my cousin got stuck in the trunk of our car in a park-​and-​drive in Carlsbad, and 6 cop cars showed up to the rescue! Who’s paying these guys anyway?
Tons of stupid little tourist shoppes with pointless beach knickknacks with sea shells and bullshit!
The entire city is sorta overpriced!
… and the people are snotty.