5 Reasons Carlsbad, California, Is Really Good For You

Despite the name, Carlsbad is actually a great place to travel. Not only that, the destination can be very good for your health. In fact, visiting Carlsbad is like investing in a coastal health and wellness retreat. Here’s why:

1. It's Slow Paced And Sunny

Carlsbad is a coastal California city, lush with palm trees, strawberries, wildflowers, beaches and wildlife. The destination has a vibrant surf culture, as well as a laid-back village with galleries, boutiques and local eateries. In this type of atmosphere, it's hard to not feel relaxed and happy with life, which is excellent for your health and quality of living.

2. There's A Rich Spa Culture

Carlsbad is full of world-class spas, and is an excellent destination if you're looking for a health and wellness retreat. Reap the benefits of alkaline water at Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa, where you can receive curative treatments in Oriental-, Egyptian- and Roman-inspired rooms. Additionally, Ocean Crest Spa transports you to a world of tranquil waters with light blue hues, wavy textures and sea creative-inspired shapes woven into the design, as well as soothing ocean music, books of beach and wave photographs and ocean artwork. You can opt for a treatment incorporating local California fruit and herbs, or for an Ocean Journey featuring pure Patagonian seaweed.

Moreover, yoga is often part of a balanced wellness retreat, and Carlsbad offers a unique option for this. The Floating Yogis give Standup Paddle Board Yoga classes, which involves bending, twisting and stretching while floating in the ocean on a paddle board. Not only does the experience allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature, it also works your core.

3. You Can Connect With Your Creative Side

Carlsbad is home to a rich arts culture, much of which can be experienced by walking around the Carlsbad Village. Your first stop should be the eclectic New Village Arts Foundry Studios, a collection of artist studios all in one building where you can wander around and watch creative minds at work. The vibe is very Woodstock, with classic rock blasting and a lot of free thinking energy. You can also head over to the Village Faire where there are numerous galleries to choose from, like Carlsbad-Oceanside Art League, Lynn Forbes School of Sculpture, Oceanside Art Gallery and MTA International Gallery. From there you can simply wander the village streets for endless creative opportunities.

4. Farm-To-Table Is Important

In Carlsbad, you’ll find a plethora of innovative restaurants passionate about the farm-to-table movement. For a sustainable lunch, Naked Cafe serves low-calorie, healthy dishes made with fresh produce, wholesome grains and flavorful herbs and spices. Open only for lunch, some menu items you’ll find include the “Pesto Scramble” with four egg whites, pesto, green onion and tomato served with grilled zucchini, mixed baby organic greens and a whole grain spinach tortilla; a stack of organic whole grain “Fuzzy Monkey Pancakes” with roasted grains, sliced almonds, golden raisins and fresh bananas served with unsalted butter, powdered sugar, fresh strawberry, blueberry puree and 100% pure maple syrup; and the “Goddess Wrap,” which features sauteed sesame ginger tofu wrapped in a spinach tortilla with brown rice, vegetables and black beans topped with shittake mushrooms.

Additionally, West Steak and Seafood and Bistro West, both part of West Inn and Suites, source produce, herbs and spices from their own three-acre (1.2 hectare) farm. Not only are the ingredients good for you in these restaurants, but almost all menu items are made from scratch, from the sauces to the pastas to the pizza dough. Additionally, at West Steak and Seafood you can order handcrafted stem-to-stem cocktails featuring herbs and fruits from the garden.

5. It's a Great Destination For Outdoor Recreation

In Carlsbad, you’ll find numerous opportunities to be active in the outdoors. Start out by enjoying a hike at Batiquitos Lagoon, one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the southern California coast. Along with numerous hiking trails and chances for aerial views of the lagoon and surrounding flora, visitors can visit the onsite nature center. Other worthwhile places to hike in Carlsbad include La Costa Canyon Park, Calavera Preserve and Anza Borrego State Park.

Moreover, Carlsbad is home to myriad beautiful beaches. Go for a run on the beach while trying to spot dolphins, whales and sea lions, swim, surf, kayak and more. Carlsbad is also a very bike-friendly city, with plenty of scenic bike paths and rail trails to keep you active in the outdoors for weeks.

Are you ready for a relaxing trip to Carlsbad, California?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.