History of Carlsbad

The community of Carlsbad is named for the popular 19th century Karlsbad Spa in Europe, but its history reflects the heritage of many cultures. In 1769, Don Gaspar de Portola led a group of Spanish explorers known as the Luiseño people. Luiseño people call themselves Payomkowishum (also spelled Payomkawichum), meaning "People of the West."

In the 1880s a former sailor named John Frazier dug a well in the area. He began offering his water at the train station that was known as Frazier's Station. A test done on a second fresh-water well found the water to be similar to one of the most famous spas in Europe. The site of John Frazier's original well can still be found at Alt Karlsbad, a replica of a German Hanseatic house, located on Carlsbad Boulevard. Originally homesteaded by Lafayette Tunnison, it had been sold to Frazier in 1883.

Gerhard Schutte, a merchant, born in Oldenburg, Germany in 1838 migrated to Nebraska and then in 1885 headed west for retirement and opportunity for a better life with his wife Bertha. Schutte offered Frazier $40 an acre for Frazier's property. Schutte's then partnered with Samuel Church Smith, whose daughter's health needs had brought him west from Columbus, Nebraska also. Naming himself as president and Smith as secretary, Schutte filled out the structure of his organization with D. D. Wadsworth as vice-president and Henry Nelson as treasurer. Frazier was asked to join the firm as water superintendent.

The naming of the town followed soon after, along with a major marketing campaign to attract visitors. Delighted with the ready-made identity that had been bestowed on them, they announced the official formation of the Carlsbad Land and Mineral Water Company. The area experienced a period of growth, with homes and businesses sprouting up in the 1880s. By the end of 1887, it was reported by the Daily Bee that "no town on the California Southern Railroad is growing faster than Carlsbad."

Carlsbad Today

The City of Carlsbad is a popular beach town is not only home to nearly 105,000 residents but also is a great place for visitors. Located 35 miles north of the city of San Diego. The city covers 42.8 square miles, 40 percent of which is open space. Plenty of room for the famous Legoland. There are miles of hiking trails. Gorgeous lagoons, resorts, and nearly seven miles of 3 coastal beaches.

• South Carlsbad State Beach 
• Carlsbad State Beach
• North Carlsbad beaches

Two places for the family that are a MUST if visiting Carlsbad, Ca. is Legoland and the Aquarium Sea Life in Legoland. New sharks revealed. Sea Life champions the cause of marine conservation through education, awareness and direct action. www.sealifeus.com or call 760-918-LEGO 

Carlsbad offers plenty of fun. If golf is your sport The Crossings of Carlsbad is a must! This course offers plenty of challenge and gorgeous scenic natural views. Ocean views along with rugged canyon terrain makes this a golfers retreat. Voted in Golf Magazine as a "Top 10 New Courses You Can Play."

If golfing is not your thing mybe shopping is. You may find some great shopping deals at the Carlsbad Premium Outlet with nearly 90 outlet stores that include Barneys New York, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Crate and Barrel, Juicy Couture, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren, Theory, Tommy Hilfiger and more!

After a busy day of shopping, you may want to relax at the La Costa Resort & Spa. This picturesque tranquil spa is surrounded among 400 lush garden acres. Fun for the whole family. A pool and large waterslides called Splash Landing is a big hit for the children. Two champion golf courses, tennis courts, spa, salon and dining.

Or, enjoy the famous Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad. 200-acre, Spanish colonial-style pleasure palace set high on a bluff carpeted with wildflowers. Its Arnold Palmer-signature golf course is superbly laid out around the natural topography of the resort.

For adventurous fun enjoy a Biplane or Warbird flight at Barnstorming Adventures. If you want, you can experience loops, rolls, half-cuban eights and more. Or, imagine air combat fun. Ever wonder what it would be like to go on a combat mission. You'll fly under the  guidance of your assigned pilot but you will call the shots!

Carlsbad Village Farmers' Market and Food Fair - Buy local San Diego Produce

Every Wednesday: 1 pm-5 pm
Every Saturday: 1 pm-5 pm

Roosevelt St between Grand Ave and
Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, California 92008
Map

Manager: Christy Johnson
Website
Email: christy@shopcarlsbadvillage.org
Phone: (760) 687-6453