Carlsbad is a large geographic area covering about 25 square miles and actually includes La Costa.  Old Carlsbad with a vibrant downtown is considered the heart of the city and is located along the north coast.  State Street has many unique shops with beach wear and gifts and is a popular walking area for tourists and locals alike.  The local Farmer's Market is held on Wed. and Sat. afternoons and is my favorite place to find great produce, potted plants and cut flowers.  Local theatres, restaurants and micro breweries are among the highlights of the area.  Further east on Carlsbad Village Drive is the old Carlsbad Library with a highly regarded geneology section.  The city of Carlsbad sponsors Music in the Parks every Friday evening throughout the summer at three local parks and is something I look forward to each year.  Not to be missed is The Flower Fields and the annual display of ranunculus blooming east of I-5 in spring.  Families head to Legoland throughout the year for interactive entertainment.  For more information on Carlsbad check out www.carlsbadca.gov, www.carlsbad.org., www.shopcarlsbadvillage.org, www.legoland.com/California.htm  and www.theflowerfields.com.  Don't forget to check out my Communities info page for more ideas on what to do and see and how to get there.