A coastal resort city in northern San Diego County, Carlsbad extends along seven scenic miles of California’s Pacific shore. Home to 112,299 residents (2014), “The Village by the Sea” has a relaxed, small-town charm, beautiful beaches and rich history.
Historical Evidence shows that Carlsbad’s earliest residents—the Carlsbad Ankylosaur and the duck-billed Hadrosaur—roamed this shore some 70 million years ago. But in historic times, it was the Luiseño and Diegueño, or Kumeyaay, Californian natives who settled the coastal area.
In the 1880s the town gained attention after John Frazier dug a well and offered the water at the new California Southern Railroad station. Testing on a second well showed a mineral fingerprint similar to that of Karlsbad, Bohemia, a renowned spa. So the new town, then known as Frazier’s Station, was named Carlsbad, later changed to Carl to avoid confusion with the New Mexico town, and finally back to Carlsbad by popular demand. Once the word of sweet water got around, the area grew, with avocado, olive and citrus groves filling the landscape along with new homes. Carlsbad was incorporated in 1952.
An affluent city, with charming boutiques and sidewalk cafes, Carlsbad is today perhaps best known as the home of the 128-acre family theme park, LEGOLAND® California, and Sea Life Aquarium.
Carlsbad attractions also include pristine fishing lagoons, nature trails, bird-watching destinations and a historic village. It is also home to the nation’s largest desalination plant.
Carlsbad’s area of just over 39 square miles is divided into quadrants. The northwest quadrant was first to be settled and today includes historic Old Carlsbad. Hosp Grove Park features eucalyptus trees and ocean views, while nearby homes range from modest bungalows to luxury estates. The northeast quadrant is primarily single family homes. The southeast quadrant has several master-planned communities, parks, open space and resorts. The southwest quadrant stretches along the coast south of town and includes the Aviara resort neighborhood overlooking the ocean and Batiquitos Lagoon
