Chamber Chat: Carlsbad's tourism boom

From luxury resorts to strawberry fields, tourism generates millions for Carlsbad’s economy — and fuels the charm locals and visitors love.

Carlsbad, our quaint “Village by the Sea,” is a gem of coastal North County San Diego. We are known for our idyllic beaches, charming downtown, family-friendly attractions, and year-round Mediterranean climate. With all these assets, Carlsbad continues to grow into a thriving tourist destination.

Carlsbad’s tourism history is robust. The La Costa Resort (now known as the Omni La Costa Resort) was bringing in A-List celebrities decades ago. Then in 1999, Legoland California Resort opened and ushered in an explosion of tourism.

Since 1999, the number of hotels has grown from approximately 5 to more than 45. In that expansion are many more resorts, timeshares, and top-tier traditional hotels. In addition to beautiful golf courses, pristine beaches, amazing spas, and LEGO entertainment, agritourism is also a unique attraction in Carlsbad. Our landscape is blessed with both our Flower Fields and our Strawberry Fields.