Carlsbad Boardwalk – Take a Romantic Stroll Along the Carlsbad Seawall

If you’re craving long walks along the beach, romantic multicourse meals, and maybe a side-by-side soak in a hot carbonated bath, head to Carlsbad, California. This laidback town is just 36 miles north of the San Diego International Airport and less than an hour’s drive south from Orange County’s Irvine, making it an easy destination to reach.

Beach Time: Spend some time swimming and sunbathing together on Carlsbad’s seven miles of beaches. If you’d rather go for a seaside stroll, the Carlsbad Seawall stretches for about a mile along the town’s main street, Carlsbad Blvd, with several beach access points along the way. Peddle along the boardwalk on a bicycle-built-for-two from Raw Skin Surf & Sport for $14 per hour or $60 all day. 

More Water Fun: For some wave-free water fun, head to Carlsbad Lagoon to rent stand-up paddle boards, canoes, jet skis, speed boats, and more. Prices range from $15 for a single kayak rental to $140 for one-hour of waterskiing with instructor, boat, and equipment.

Wine Tasting: Stop by Witch Creek Winery Tasting Room in Carlsbad’s walk-able downtown. For just $5 per flight, you can sample a white wine, three to four red varietals, and your choice of an orange muscat dessert wine or a port.

Flowers: Every spring, couples pose for pictures amongst rainbow-colored rows of ranunculus at the Carlsbad Flower Fields. Walk hand-in-hand among thousands of blooms; wander through a maze made of pink peonies, and stop to smell the roses. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are open to the public March 1 through Mother’s Day. ($11 adult admission.)

Mineral Baths: Connect with history and your honey at the Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa. At this spot in 1882 a farmer accidentally discovered a natural mineral spring. The town was later named for its Czech Republic sister city, Karlovy Vary, famed for its mineral springs and health spas. Today you can take a bath at this unusual spa in naturally carbonated mineral water, reportedly rich in healing energy. Choose from three elaborately themed treatment rooms: the Roman Caesar Room, the Egyptian Cleopatra Room, or the Exotic Oriental Room. A mineral bath is $65 per person, with tubs big enough to fit two. Afterwards, couples can receive side-by-side treatments like facials, body wraps, and massages (starting at $50 apiece).

Spend the Night: A plate of chocolate-covered strawberries and a pair of fortune cookies is a sweet way to kick off your Carlsbad retreat with the Serendipity package at West Inn & Suites. Although this hotel attracts families for its spacious suites, complimentary breakfast buffet, and free shuttle to LEGOLAND California (and anywhere else within a five-mile radius), this boutique hotel makes a romantic choice for couples too. I recommend booking one of the hotel’s three romance packages to get the most love for your buck! Snuggle up and choose from a stack of romantic movies to pop into the DVD player when you book the “I Love You” package. The hotel’s pool (heated to a toasty 83 degrees in the winter) and hot tub may be enough to lure you from your room. (Rooms: $159-$309 per night.)

Dining as a Duo: There are two romantic dining choices at this hotel. Both focus on farm-to-table food, serving up fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs year-round from their own organic garden. Bistro West is a slightly more casual option, serving contemporary comfort food. West Steak and Seafood is the prime choice for date night. For a memorable experience, book a multicourse tasting dinner with wine pairings through the West Concierge. (Prices vary for customized menus.)

Feed that hungry heart with a romantic getaway to Carlsbad today!

Photo: Travel Mamas