Carlsbad, California

Carlsbad in my opinion takes first prize as the best city in North County. This coastal resort city becomes a mom's best friend due to the public parks, the Tamarack board walk, an ancient volcano, the Flower Fields and the kid's mecca called Lego Land. The area has old town roots located in the Carlsbad Village area. Next, take a short drive south on the 5 where luxury homes and shopping reside in Aviara; thus promoting a city with many different things to do and a wide range of diversity. Carlsbad is located 87 miles south of Los Angeles and 35 miles north of downtown San Diego. The majority of San Diego County's top twenty-five employers have their locations closer to Carlsbad than San Diego.

The growth seen in Carlsbad over the past seven years is remarkable. What was once farm fields, trails and a historic dirt bike track have now all been turned into housing developments and corporate offices. The 2010 population estimated by the California Department of Finance totaled 106,804 as compared with the 2000 census total of 78,247 and the 1990 census total of 63,126.

The shoreline of Carlsbad's coastal lagoon belonged to the indigenous Luiseno and Dieguenos Indians for centuries before the arrival of the Spaniards. Conquistador Don Gaspar de Portola and Franciscan priest Juan Crespi arrived in Alta California; blazing the trail now known as El Camino Real.

The Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa has a story to tell as well. John Frazier a former sea captain was digging a well for his farm which covered much of today's downtown area of Carlsbad, 127 acres. Frazier struck at 415 feet an aquifer of mineral water. Encouraged by his success, he sank another well at 510 feet. Analysis showed the mineral water was similar to the water from the world famous Karlsbad, Bohemia, health resort, so they named the water Carlsbad Mineral Water. Frazier found the water to be very therapeutic. Train passengers also experienced many health benefits when passing through. Frazier and several other businessmen formed the Carlsbad Land and Mineral Water Company. They built beautiful homes, one known today as Niemans Restaurant, a hotel and a spa next to the mineral wells. They also renamed the town from Frazier Station to Carlsbad after the famous water.

"It was during the late teens and early twenties that most of the ground work and infrastructure of community awareness was built. A sense of unity developed among the growing population as churches, theaters, hotels, and newspapers all established footholds in the community. Neighbors pulled together to face adversity as well as to build something new and beneficial. This realization that together they could build something important laid the groundwork for city incorporation 30 years later." Carlsbad Historical Society

Due to all the hard work performed long ago Carlsbad has become a thriving area but has still maintained a small family town type of feeling. For more information on Carlsbad's history the historical society offers extensive details decade by decade till just after WWII. Family attractions can be found under the attraction tab.