Carlsbad: The Gem of the Californian Coast
By RyAnn Reynolds
The beauty of Carlsbad goes beyond its stunning coastline. It’s also seen in how relaxed and nourished the town can make your body feel. Just 45-minutes north of the San Diego airport, this charming California town offers more than picture-perfect beaches and endless sunshine. Locals will tell you, “It’s all good in Carlsbad,” and it really is. Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend, a family trip to LEGOLAND® California Resort, a round of golf, or a solo reset by the sea, Carlsbad has a talent for being the perfect spot to visit, no matter the occasion.
When it comes to where to stay, Park Hyatt Aviara sets the standard. Following its recent $50-million renovation, this Carlsbad golfer’s paradise feels more elevated than ever. Spread across 200 acres of rolling hills overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon, the resort blends elegant yet relaxed rooms with lush scenery and pools that shimmer as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s the kind of place where wellness marries indulgence effortlessly.
Start your morning with a dreamy beach Pilates session led by Mary Reaston, the kind owner of Yoga Your Way. Think cat-cows in the sand, the sound of waves rolling in, and views of surfers catching their first rides of the day. If Pilates isn’t your thing, try an upbeat Jazzercise class in the town where Judi Sheppard Misset first brought it to life. There’s something infectious about its mix of energy, joy, and fun that keeps you smiling long after class.
Wellness is part of daily life here. You don’t come to Carlsbad to escape life; you come to remember how good it can feel. Studios like Breathe Degrees invite a total reset for your nervous system. Aron Crow, an expert facilitator, offers a thoughtful introduction to the active meditation, then guides participants through a three-minute polar plunge challenge after the intense breathwork. This deep exploration of mind and body through the power of breathwork and contrast therapy leaves you feeling grounded, open, and alive.
That’s what Carlsbad feels like, a sweet reset for the senses. Days unfold with ease, from morning movement to enjoying fresh local strawberries topped with whipped cream from the beloved Strawberry Shack in the Carlsbad Village. Local boutiques invite slow shopping, offering artisanal pantry goods, handmade candles, and coastal treasures. Cliffside trails meet the sea breeze and wildflowers. Even the sunsets feel intentional, as if the town were destined to be a place for rejuvenation.
The same ideology can be seen in Carlsbad’s dynamic dining scene, where chefs create dishes with the mindful energy the town is known for. Think farm-to-table restaurants that celebrate the season, with local farms offering the freshest ingredients. Ember & Rye, a notable steakhouse by Richard Blais, serves locally sourced steak, seafood, and craft cocktails overlooking the 18th hole at Aviara Golf Club, San Diego’s only Arnold Palmer–designed course. The Park Hyatt’s Pacific Point offers artful sushi, shareable plates, and cocktails with mesmerizing sunset views from its terrace. Try the Wagyu Short Rib Ssam layered with gochujang barbecue sauce, pickled vegetables, butter lettuce, and crispy onions. It’s a dish that you won’t forget.
For dinner downtown in the charming Carlsbad Village, Michelin-decorated Chef Eric Bost brings a fiery element to the table at Campfire Restaurant. The bold, creative menu is served inside a retro Quonset hut filled with outdoorsy charm. The open wood-burning fire adds smoky depth to dishes like charred octopus, crispy broccoli with chermoula (arguably the best broccoli you’ll ever have), and fire-kissed pork belly garnished with fresh blackberry and mint. Be sure to save room for dessert — the house-made s’mores toasted tableside will remind you that s’more flavor means s’more fun.
Carlsbad is a year-round destination where slowing down feels like second nature. With endless perfect weather, wellness isn’t something Carlsbad sells; it’s simply woven into the town’s natural fabric. For those who visit, it’s a gentle reminder to relax, breathe, and enjoy feeling good.
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