Carlsbad, California, 'The Village by the Sea', 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 on the Pacific Ocean coast and has several miles of beaches for swimming and surfing. There is world-class golf and spas, Carlsbad Village Theatre for the arts, plus the town is also the site of the famous Legoland attraction. A half hour drive up the coast, you can visit the peaceful and beautiful old Spanish mission at San Juan Capistrano.
Take in the views of the colorful flower farms or even take a tour of one. There's the Museum of Music Making as well as historic sites. Carlsbad is also close enough to San Diego to take in its attractions, yet even though it is a vibrant community, it is further from the crowds of the bigger cities.