Vacationers who have invested in condo rentals in Carlsbad, California, may spend a lot of their time by the water. As this beautiful city is one of the best ocean side locales on the West Coast, individuals will want to enjoy the wonderful and relaxing atmosphere that being so close to the beach provides.

Individuals who wish to enjoy a day by the sea but are not sure where to go should head to the Carlsbad State Beach. This public park offers a great number of exciting activities that visitors may find enjoyable, such as swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking. According to the beach’s website, it is an extremely popular attraction among both tourists and locals alike.

A particularly fun thing that individuals can do at the Carlsbad State Beach is camp. The site is located on the top of a cliff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and provides absolutely fantastic views of the surrounding area. In addition, the campsite offers many amenities that individuals may find desirable, such as showers and toilets.

View from San Luis Bay Inn II

Individuals who have an interest in taking a vacation to a beautiful urban area with fantastic beaches, attractions and nightlife should certainly consider Avila Beach, California, as an ideal destination for a fun and exciting trip. There are many things to do in Avila Beach that are sure to entice travelers of all ages.

When visiting this fabulous West Coast destination, travelers should stay in Avila Beach vacation rentals or Avila Beach resorts. While there are many to choose from, the San Luis Bay Inn II may just be the best spot, based on its location, accommodations and many amenities.

The San Luis Bay Inn is situated on a cliff that overlooks the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The view from its many guest rooms and studio suites is amazing, providing picturesque scenes of the central California coastline and the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains.

These Avila Beach accommodations have been designated as having Silver Crown status, which means that they are among some of the most upscale and premier vacation suites in the world. Individuals will not soon forget the fantastic experiences that they have while staying the San Luis Bay Inn, which is why investing in a vacation rental at this resort is an excellent investment that is sure to pay off.

While staying at the San Luis Bay Inn, travelers will have their pick of a plethora of fun, exciting and relaxing things to do. Although it may be difficult to leave the beautiful waterfront resort, it is certainly worth it in order to explore the beautiful surrounding area.

A fantastic site to visit in Avila Beach is the Avila Hot Springs, located on the border of Port-San Luis Harbor. This amazing body of water was discovered by individuals digging for oil in 1907. Since then, it has been a popular site for tourists and locals alike.

At the Avila Hot Springs, visitors can soak in the sulfur-rich hot springs or take a swim in the freshwater pool, which always heated up to a very comfortable temperature. On the grounds of the park, there is even a snack shack, restaurant and camping site, making it ideal for day trips or even overnight stays.

Another thing that individuals looking for something unique to do should go on a Central Coast outdoor day tour while in Avila Beach. This way they can explore and experience the entire area surrounding the coastal resort town on bicycle, kayak or foot.

An old adage says that “man works from sun to sun, but a woman’s work is never done.” An amendment to that homily might also be “a mother’s work is never done!”   This is because raising kids is a lot of effort, energy, and yes, work! From newborns to adolescents, kids have to be tended to. That’s why when folks are traveling with kids, and especially moms, it is important that the destination has plenty to keep the young ones busy. If the kids are happy, there is a good likelihood that mom, whose work is never done, will be happy too.

Resort destinations are fully aware that making kids happy makes for happy moms. Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort, in Carlsbad, California maintains a weekly calendar of kid-friendly activities.  Family fun time at MarBrisa runs the gamut from Seashell Painting to Sunset S’mores to Bobblehead Painting, Seashell Critters, Tie Dye T-Shirts, Ice Cream Social, Beach Frame Decorating, and Sand Art. Friday nights the nearby Sheraton Pool Dive-In features family friendly movies like ‘Gnomeo & Juliet.’ Since MarBrisa borders one of the nation’s best known theme parks for kids, LEGOLAND California, the resort is well-provided for seeing to the needs of children.

Carlsbad Seapointe Resort has outfitted their property with a Family Pool and Children’s Spray & Play, a Sand Box with Pirate Ship Playground, Dolphin Golfin (mini golf), Foosball Table, and Ping Pong Table. Seapointe further keeps kids happy with Ice Cream Socials, Wii Sports, Scavenger Hunts, S’mores, and Popcorn & Flick movie nights.

The Coronado Beach Resort, in San Diego takes full advantage of its sandy Pacific seaside locale by scheduling Tuesday Shell Hunt Beach Walks, and Thursday Sand Dollar Painting, Root Beer Floats, Movie & Popcorn Nights, and Towel Origami. Guests can also use available bicycles and baby trailers, and a lounge with pool table Xbox and Video Games to keep the kids busy.

Indian Palms Vacation Resort in Indio, California is conveniently located for a host of cultural and educational outings. The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center, and the Living Desert Wildlife & Botanical Preserve, offers worlds of unusual and fun information that makes for a great experience that will enlighten kids (and parents) for years to come.

Guests with kids in tow at RiverPointe Napa Valley, like being near to the Sonoma TrainTown Railroad & Petting Zoo. TrainTown’s small scale railroads afford children the chance play engineer on their own miniature train. The Safari West Wildlife Preserve & African Tented Camp allow visitors to observe wild animals in the great outdoors and it is something that kids can experience live. RiverPointe also provides Childcare Services upon request.

Villa L’Auberge – Resort in Del Mar, California serves as the ideal taking off point for parents who want their kids to experience the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, the Birch Aquarium, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

Making the most of the few steps away beach and Pacific Ocean when you stay at the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, is as easy as checking in. Boogie boards, sand toys, pool toys beach chairs, along with board games and puzzles, ping pong tables, Children’s Pool,  Children’s Play Area, Arcade & Game Room, and Jogging Strollers, are some of the complimentary accessories and facilities that moms can avail themselves of to keep their kids occupied.

The Southern California Beach Club in Oceanside, California caters to families with various Arts & Crafts and Water Color Classes, and an on-site Game Room. Located steps from the Pacific Ocean, guests can check out a selection of beach toys for any moms who want their kids to amuse themselves by playing in the sand. Older family members can bicycle up and down the adjoining ocean-facing strand in one or another of the beach cruisers provided for registered guests.

The Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel in Carlsbad, California has a separate pool area, the Children’s Interactive Water Park, complete with rotating water wheel. The Resort’s Activity Center and Video Game Room with Nintendo Wii games is a big favorite that kids are more than eager to play with. Being minutes away from the Museum of Making Music is a treat for kids, too, since the interactive displays like you-can-be-a-DJ turntables are always fun to try out. As close as the Museum of Making Music is the always popular LEGOLAND California whose rides and exhibits are an endless thrill.

Besides the specific amenities and activities that these resorts make available, there is more to a vacation when you check in. All of these properties are luxury resort condos and the accommodations are more than a cut above what can be expected at a traditional hotel. Families can have a vacation THEIR way in a lodging with larger rooms that can easily fit parents and kids, including some with rollaway beds or sofa beds for guests. Typical units have full kitchens complete with dishes, cutlery, stove, microwave and refrigerator, giving families the option of eating their meals in-suite. This is a big savings since moms can make whatever meals she knows that her kids are hungry for. Just bring your own groceries.

There is never a real vacation from a mom’s responsibility for raising her kids. However, when families actually go on a vacation, for a night, a weekend, or a week or more, where they stay can make the job of keeping the young ones a little easier and make memories that last long after everyone returns home.

The waters of the Gulf of Mexico offer visitors some of the most beautiful views in Southern Florida, and people with Marco Island vacation rentals can enjoy a day on the gulf on a boating excursion.

Travelers looking to go boating can start from one of the many marinas on Marco Island or on the nearby mainland, particularly in the city of Naples. Regardless of where the excursion begins, however, a boat trip is guaranteed to offer travelers a relaxing afternoon of fun.

The area surrounding Marco Island is perfect for a wide variety of activities. Keewaydin Island is known for its pristine sugar sand beaches, and a boat trip to the destination is a great way to go swimming, looking for shells or suntanning.

A sea excursion also gives travelers an opportunity to see the wildlife that lives near Marco Island. Visitors can see grazing manatees, nesting herons, hunting ospreys and even dolphins playing in the boat’s wake.

For a more adult experience, visitors to Marco Island can take an evening cruise, sipping a glass of champagne as they enjoy stunning views of the sun setting over the gulf.

Skating By The Sea

Coronado Ice Skating

Coronado Ice Skating at Hotel Del

The ice-rink is next door to the Hotel Del and one block from the Coronado Beach Resort. 3-hour ice skating sessions cost $20 for adults and $15 for kids (10 & under). For more details, visit the Hotel Del’s holiday events page http://www.hoteldel.com/holidays.aspx

If Coronado is just a bit too far away for you, San Diego County has 6 other options. Visit SignOnSanDiego and read their “San Diego, On The Rocks” article for details on the closest ice skating rink near you.

Photo Sources

Top Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/concep007/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Below Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonnyandsandy/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

When I heard we were going to Carlsbad, California, I got so excited! I’ve gone to Carlsbad twice. Once in 2007 and once in 2009. Both trips were so much fun.

     We went to the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Padres baseball games, and Knotsberry Farm.  What was also cool was I got to ride bikes on the beach. But best of all, I got to see my Aunt Ally.

     Later in the week, we stayed at the Carlsbad Sea Pointe Resort. Very nice! It has an arcade, basketball court, tennis court, ping pong, a pool table, two swimming pools, putt putt, and  very nice rooms. It is a fantastic place to stay.

     Also, there are amazing restaurants. The beach is awesome. The water is so clear.

     Unfortunaly, we had to leave. I was so sad! I never wanted to leave! Carlsbad is such a nice and amazing place to stay. I hope I will go back someday.

~Griffin Brooks  Daphne, AL

Located in the romantic and historic Coronado Island, Coronado Beach Resort vacation rentals emulates the unique beachside charm. With the excellent amenities and great access to area attractions, Coronado Beach is a perfect place for a fun and relaxing getaway.

Relax in a studio, one or two bedroom condos offering great amenities including pools, hot tubs, basketball, and tennis courts. Take pleasure in the perfect blend of urban and beach atmospheres for your personal getaway. Guests can relax and unwind in elegant and intimate décor in every room. When you walk in, you are greeted with chic furnishings complete with a fireplace.

Overlooking the Coronado Bay Bridge, guests can enjoy a stroll along the nearby Coronado Beach. With easy access, stroll along the shops, restaurants, and theater in the charming downtown area of Orange Avenue. San Diego is also home to the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND California. A short drive away, guests can also take a trip to the Mexican border to experience authentic Baja cuisine, beautiful beaches and more. Come and stay at Coronado Beach Resort and take that relaxing vacation that you’ve always dreamt about.

Coronado Beach Resort Video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYAjzeM71LA

Video created by ResorTime.com

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort – Carlsbad, CA

Just steps to the majestic Pacific Ocean, the award-winning Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort vacation condos are in the heart of the picturesque coastal Village of Carlsbad. Stroll through the large lush green courtyard of our luxury San Diego resort to the steps leading down to the rolling surf, or walk through surrounding Carlsbad and visit its countless boutiques and cafes.

In addition to many on-site activities, guests may wish to spend a day at LEGOLAND California, just 10 minutes away from this San Diego beach resort. Guests venturing further will find our North San Diego luxury resort location just a short drive to SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Del Mar Racetrack, Disneyland Park, Knott’s Berry Farm and a host of water-related sports and activities.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYq-mGYKN6Q

Video created by ResorTime.com

My strong desire to travel and explore has lead me to some of the most exquisite beaches in the world. I have swam in several different oceans and sank my toes into many different types of sand, including black sand, lava rocks and sand as white and fine as sugar. It is hard to compare them all…but here are a few of my favorites beaches to vacation at.

1. Carlsbad, CA has fantastic beaches for the active person. On any given day of the year at a beach in Carlsbad, you will find people jogging, walking, playing volleyball and Frisbee, and of course surfing. There is plenty of room for all along the 6 mile stretch of beaches in Carlsbad. The sun is warm and the water is very refreshing. This is perfect for a family beach vacation.
   

   Carlsbad State Beach

2. Upon traveling to Hawaii (Oahu), I found myself at the most relaxing beach known to man. The water was very calm and the most gorgeous shade of turquoise. I floated on a raft for hours while the rest of my troubles just melted away. Kailua Beach can be found by taking the scenic Pali Highway 12 miles north of Honolulu towards the tiny beach community.
   

   Waikiki Beach

3. The Gulf of Mexico has always been intriguing to me because of the warm water and white sandy beaches.  On a Mexican adventure I took, I found Cozumel to have unbelievable snorkeling and scuba diving. The water temperature is very pleasant while at the same time viewing the most colorful and exotic fish I have ever seen.
   

   Park Royal Cancun Beach

4. Myrtle Beach I found to be a fantastic destination for the whole family. The many resorts there cater to family-friendly activates while offering excitement and entertainment along the boardwalk. The beaches are amazing and the southern local flair is welcoming and friendly.
   

   North Myrtle Beach

5. Last but certainly not least, I have a special place in my heart for Miami Beach. The Latin influence exudes out of this exciting beach metropolis. The beaches are expansive while offering incredible people watching and your chance to really let loose.
   

   Miami Beach

   Let us know if you have your favorite beach vacation and a picture of it… we will add it to our blog!