button activation (the kids love this). Learn about musical styles and vintage instruments.

At the end of the exhibit is a room full of instruments, which you can play yourself (with headphones on). There’s an age limit though, so the youngest children aren’t allowed in this room. Maybe mom and dad can take turns! Call 760-438-5996.

There is a fabulous restaurant just down the street at 5801

In the northern regions of San Diego County in Southern California is a lovely little seaside village called Carlsbad. It’s a great place for a mini vacation for the family.

If you’re kids are still preteen or younger, Legoland stands out as the big attraction. Though primary colors are emblazoned everywhere, this has to be one of the most pleasant theme parks for parents to take their kids. Short lines, a relaxed atmosphere, nice landscaping, a healthy caf?, and the fact that you can do most of it in a day are it’s best aspects.

Then there’s the beach. Carlsbad State Beach is off of Carlsbad Blvd., just a short walk from the village center. There’s plenty of sand to enjoy the seashore experience. A boardwalk lines the back of the beach for those sunset strolls. Just take the Tamarack Ave. exit off the I-5 and go west for about a mile.

A little further to the south is South Carlsbad State Beach. There is a campground stretching along the top of the bluff overlooking the ocean with a staircase down to the beach. For more info on the beaches, call 800-444-7275.

If you’re in Carlsbad in the springtime, the Flower Fields should not be missed. From March to about the middle of May, you can walk through the 50 acres of colorfully carpeted fields yourself or take a guided tour. The fields are located at 5704 Paseo de Norte. Call 706-431-0352.

Not too far from Legoland and the flower fields is the Museum of Making Music at 5790 Armada Drive. Saunter through rooms exhibiting the musical history displays and enjoy musical samples with pushbutton activation (the kids love this). Learn about musical styles and vintage instruments.

At the end of the exhibit is a room full of instruments, which you can play yourself (with headphones on). There’s an age limit though, so the youngest children aren’t allowed in this room. Maybe mom and dad can take turns! Call 760-438-5996.

There is a fabulous restaurant just down the street at 5801

kids. Short lines, a relaxed atmosphere, nice landscaping, a healthy caf?, and the fact that you can do most of it in a day are it’s best aspects.

Then there’s the beach. Carlsbad State Beach is off of Carlsbad Blvd., just a short walk from the village center. There’s plenty of sand to enjoy the seashore experience. A boardwalk lines the back of the beach for those sunset strolls. Just take the Tamarack Ave. exit off the I-5 and go west for about a mile.

A little further to the south is South Carlsbad State Beach. There is a campground stretching along the top of the bluff overlooking the ocean with a staircase down to the beach. For more info on the beaches, call 800-444-7275.

If you’re in Carlsbad in the springtime, the Flower Fields should not be missed. From March to about the middle of May, you can walk through the 50 acres of colorfully carpeted fields yourself or take a guided tour. The fields are located at 5704 Paseo de Norte. Call 706-431-0352.

Not too far from Legoland and the flower fields is the Museum of Making Music at 5790 Armada Drive. Saunter through rooms exhibiting the musical history displays and enjoy musical samples with pushbutton activation (the kids love this). Learn about musical styles and vintage instruments.

At the end of the exhibit is a room full of instruments, which you can play yourself (with headphones on). There’s an age limit though, so the youngest children aren’t allowed in this room. Maybe mom and dad can take turns! Call 760-438-5996.

There is a fabulous restaurant just down the street at 5801

ke the Tamarack Ave. exit off the I-5 and go west for about a mile.

A little further to the south is South Carlsbad State Beach. There is a campground stretching along the top of the bluff overlooking the ocean with a staircase down to the beach. For more info on the beaches, call 800-444-7275.

If you’re in Carlsbad in the springtime, the Flower Fields should not be missed. From March to about the middle of May, you can walk through the 50 acres of colorfully carpeted fields yourself or take a guided tour. The fields are located at 5704 Paseo de Norte. Call 706-431-0352.

Not too far from Legoland and the flower fields is the Museum of Making Music at 5790 Armada Drive. Saunter through rooms exhibiting the musical history displays and enjoy musical samples with pushbutton activation (the kids love this). Learn about musical styles and vintage instruments.

At the end of the exhibit is a room full of instruments, which you can play yourself (with headphones on). There’s an age limit though, so the youngest children aren’t allowed in this room. Maybe mom and dad can take turns! Call 760-438-5996.

There is a fabulous restaurant just down the street at 5801

March to about the middle of May, you can walk through the 50 acres of colorfully carpeted fields yourself or take a guided tour. The fields are located at 5704 Paseo de Norte. Call 706-431-0352.

Not too far from Legoland and the flower fields is the Museum of Making Music at 5790 Armada Drive. Saunter through rooms exhibiting the musical history displays and enjoy musical samples with pushbutton activation (the kids love this). Learn about musical styles and vintage instruments.

At the end of the exhibit is a room full of instruments, which you can play yourself (with headphones on). There’s an age limit though, so the youngest children aren’t allowed in this room. Maybe mom and dad can take turns! Call 760-438-5996.

There is a fabulous restaurant just down the street at 5801

button activation (the kids love this). Learn about musical styles and vintage instruments.

At the end of the exhibit is a room full of instruments, which you can play yourself (with headphones on). There’s an age limit though, so the youngest children aren’t allowed in this room. Maybe mom and dad can take turns! Call 760-438-5996.

There is a fabulous restaurant just down the street at 5801 Armada Drive, called the Karl Strauss Brewery Restaurant. It has delicious food and a nice outdoor eating porch with a view.

Carlsbad Village is the section, which has a tree lined small town atmosphere. You’ll find antique stores, specialty shops and restaurants along State Street near Grand Ave. and Carlsbad Village Drive.

Carlsbad is located about 35 miles north of San Diego. Take the Carlsbad Village Ave. exit and go west. For Legoland, the Flower Fields and Museum of Making Music, take the Palomar Avenue Road exit.

If you’d rather get there the fun, relaxing and scenic way, take the train! The Coaster runs from Oceanside in the north to San Diego in the south and has a station at 2775 State Street. There’s 24 hour free parking in case you’re staying in Carlsbad and want to take a day trip by train down to San Diego or one of the beach towns in between. Call 800-COASTER.

So, between relaxing at the beach, downtown strolling and dining, flower gazing, exploring musical history, or playing at Legoland, you’ll probably need more than just a day in Carlsbad! There is a wide range of accommodation choices, from the campground, to small motels, to the big Aviara Four Seasons Resort. Take your pick and have a great trip with your family!