This is the first in my regular “Destination Spotlight” stories, in which I’ll give a quick taste of some places to check out in North America and around the world.
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
This is an outstanding beach town about a half hour north of San Diego. There’s a great, walkable downtown filled with cool restaurants such as Shorehouse Kitchen and The Goods, which dishes out inventive donuts and good coffee. You’ll find plenty of independent shops, including Fahrenheit 451 book store. The Beach Terrace Inn is a fun, boutique hotel on the water. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is named for a Hollywood actor who played the role of Pancho in The Cisco Kid TV show, and had many movie roles over his career. He built a wonderful ranch high in the hills above the city, which you can tour.
The Beach Terrace Inn is a sleek hotel in Carlsbad that’s right on the beach. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The Flower Fields is an incredible facility that grows acres and acres of ranunculus flowers, which bloom in late winter or early spring. There’s also a rose garden, a Santa’s Village and a playground for kids. There’s also a Carlsbad Premium Outlets shopping centre. Taking the kids or grandkids? Carlsbad also is home to the Legoland theme park. Try renting an electric bike with Pedego and touring the area. The beach in Carlsbad goes on for miles.
