Carlsbad

Carlsbad is a coastal Californian town on the Pacific coast between Los Angeles and San Diego. The coastline benefits from the long stretch of Carlsbad State Beach, where you can join the local Californians lazing on the shore or take a board out onto the foaming surf.

The buzzy Carlsbad Village Drive and surrounding blocks are packed with antiques, clothing, and book stores, plus eateries offering all kinds of international cuisine. There are also plenty of things to do to keep active minds entertained, with a major aquarium and a music museum offering interactive exhibits.