Are you ready for a road trip? Great – here it is. This is all about Route 101 in Carlsbad – things to see and do, and a bit of the history. Have a great ride.
Carlsbad is located about 30 miles north of San Diego on the beautiful Southern California coastline, easily accessible from downtown as well as from California’s largest city, Los Angeles, about 100 miles to the north.
The 5 freeway may be the fastest way to travel north and south through our lovely community, but it is also the busiest. And you miss the colorful and eclectic beauty of this seaside paradise called Carlsbad by not taking the historic Route 101, also known as the Coast Highway, and more formally as Carlsbad Boulevard [each town along the coast from Oceanside to the Mexican border seems to have a different name for this historic coastal route].
Route 101 has an interesting history, following the route originally taken by Spanish explorer Juan Gaspar de Portola; this highway is also known as El Camino Real, the “King’s Highway” or “the Royal Road” (a popular name for major thoroughfares in many Southern California towns, sort of like Main Street). It seems that a trip along Route 101 allows you a view of just about every slice of life on the west coast, along with spectacular views of the coastline, ocean, surfers, and sunsets.
Route 101 is a bit like other famous and historic roads in the US – Route 66 running east and west, and Route 1 (there is a Route 1 on both coasts – known as the Pacific Coast highway up in LA and beyond). There is a history behind each, as well as lots to see and experience depending on your whims. Prior to the building of our massive freeway, the 5 (which runs parallel to the coast from the Mexican border all the way to Washington state to the Canadian border), Route 101 WAS the way to travel the coastline through Carlsbad from points north and south. It still is a reflection of a simpler, quieter lifestyle that IS so typical of Carlsbad and other seaside communities.
Like the 5, Route 101 runs the length of the Pacific Coast. Established as one of the earliest highways in 1925 by the Bureau of Public Roads, this roadway in the Carlsbad area was built beginning in 1952. At some points the 101 is more freeway-like, such as in the valley north of Los Angeles, but here in Carlsbad the road is a quieter, more peaceful trek (at times 4 lanes but in some areas just 2) with fabulous coastal views, stop lights, many opportunities for sightseeing, dining and shopping, and, simply, is THE way to see the wonderful town of Carlsbad and its neighborhoods.
Visit this website for a bit of history and some old photographs.
For many, Route 101 serves at the way to get to and from the beach;
There is lots to do along Carlsbad’s Route 101 – shopping, dining, swimming, running, cycling, touring in your convertible, watching sunsets (a popular activity for many Carlsbadians), fishing, surfing, vacationing, and so much more. Indeed, it is impossible to list all the establishments and activities located alongside it – there is something for everyone. Many beachfront homes border the 101 (ranging in price from about $1.3 million to upwards of $8 million), as does more than one trailer park (the ones with views sell for over $600K), several gated communities (e.g., Poinsettia Cove), and the roadway is packed with vacation rentals just south of Carlsbad Village until you reach the Aqua Hedionda Lagoon. Several popular hotels line the 101 and offer ocean views – The Hilton, and the Carlsbad Inn right in the heart of Carlsbad Village, are the best known.
Read: 101 Things to do In and Around Carlsbad
The 101 is not just a road, but also serves as inspiration for many things: The 101 Diner, for example, and the 101 MainStreet Association in Encinitas (to the south). Herb Alpert recorded a song, “Route 101”, and Highway 101 is the name of a country western band. Why not check out this video by the surf band, The Super Stocks, and their song “Surf Route 101.”
Reading about Route 101 is one thing, but a drive is how you will really capture the feel of this historic road along the Carlsbad coast.
The Route 101 journey begins at the Oceanside border to the north and heads south into Carlsbad Village after leaving the Buena Vista Lagoon. After you pass the Army and Navy Academy you will find yourself cruising into the heart of Carlsbad Village. We pass a number of retail stores, a couple of surf shops, Jay’s Gourmet (a very popular and long-standing eatery in Carlsbad), the Ocean House and several other restaurants, Alt Karlsbad, a building built in the late 1800s and housing the first mineral springs in town (Carlsbad was named for the popular spa, Karlsbad, in the Czech Republic), Witch Creek Winery Tasting Room, and then the well-known Carlsbad Inn on the right with terrific ocean views (the main part of town is to the left for about 8 blocks). As you leave the village proper you will see the popular concrete boardwalk to your right high above the ocean affording terrific views, great people watching, and a pleasant place to walk, ride your bike or walk your dog.
We pass along Tamarack Beach and the Encina Power Plant, then we cruise through one of the residential areas with beach front housing and along one of the more dramatic views in Carlsbad (see video)
We end our road trip along the South Carlsbad State beach by the Batiquitos Lagoon just before entering Encinitas (see video).
Before we end our trip, take a look at some of the sights you will find along the 101, then watch the sun set as the day ends. I hope you enjoyed your trip.
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Wow, that was a great video ride. I haven't driven the PCH in many years. Maybe we can include that on our next family vacation.
Thanks, Randy. It really is a nice road to drive in my area. The most dramatic drive is the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur. Absolutely worth the trip.
Jeff
What a great post and excellent video ! Thanks for sharing a piece of history with us !
Jeff, great job on the video, your a pro ! I'm sure the buyers in Carlsbad will love being able to view this and really get a feel for your area. Wish I was there !
That was great Jeff!! Makes me want to move back to the beach. I really need to make that a plan.
I drove Hwy 101 from Aberdeen, WA, to L.A. one summer just because I could. I was young, single, and had plenty of time and money. Now, everything is quite the opposite...lol
Jeff, you really have out-done yourself...between the videos with smooth dialogue and steady camera to your background and historical information you truly are the expert in Carlsbad as well as in the media to show it at its best! I remember visiting my grandmother in La Jolla a few years ago (well, like 45:) when I was little and there were no freeways so the coast roads were our only option. It was beautiful then and still is today!
Jeff, what a great tribute to hwy 101! I especially loved your videos. I'm amazed at what a great job you did not only speaking and highlighting all of the beautiful areas but driving at the same time and obviously holding the camera. WOW!
What camera were you using? It does a spectacular job or should I say that you have gained the insight on using the camera quite professionally.
Great post and superb videos.
Jeff,
I bet thats a very nice view you would get by driving up and down the ocast from the beach pictures.
Jeff, I drove many miles on RT 101 back in the early 70's when I was in the Navy. There are some great views along many stretches of the road.
Melissa - thank you so much, What a nice compliement. It was fun to do and I learned some things as well. I love driving on this Carlsbad road along the beach no matter what the weather.
Jeff
Missy - well that is the intent, to gve folks a perspective on an area they may be moving too. I had have a whole slew of people email and call about moving to Carlsbad in recent months.
Jeff
Bryant - make your plan NOW. Don't delay. Life is a beach, ya know.
Jeff
Diane - what a nice thing to say. Thanks! I'm glad it provided a nice glimpse of the coastal road of today in Carlsbad. I have seen some "old" pictures and it is amazing how much things have changes in just a few decades.
Jeff
Wow, Gena. I am honored. Thank you.
I only use my trusty Kodak v705 for photos and videos, although I am now leaning toward a Flip video camera.
Jeff
Neal -well the pictures don't do the views justice, but you get the idea.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
What a great post, you're like a personal tour guide for Carlsbad! I can't belive you wrote 101 Things to do in Carlsbad.
George - yep there are, and I expect lots of changes. I have run into more people who have been stationed here in the past. As you know it is still a big military town.
Jeff
Lynda - why thank you. That was a fun post to write, but it took forever to gather all the information, take pics, etc.
Jeff
Jeff: I LOVE Carlsbad....and your historic trip you took us on! I've spent a lot of time there.
Thx for sharing.
I really enjoyed your post. I was in the Carlsbad area quite a few years ago and imagine it has changed in a big way.
This blog should be an excellent Localism business getter for you.
Kat - well since you have been in Carlsbad you KNOW why I love it. Glad you enjoyed a trip down "memory lane."
Jeff
Thanks Diane. I seem to refer to the 101 in so many of my posts and when working with Carlsbad buyers, so it made sese to write about it (and the historic contest was a bit of an incentive to take the time to do so). Lots of fun but a lot of work.
Jeff
Right you are. I've done that coast highway and believe it to be one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Jeff, I really enjoyed the post and the videos. I have spent some time in Oceanside but never have I been to Carlsbad. Have heard about it for years and now I have the real feel for the area from your presentation - very very nice!! In a couple of years the husband will be at Camp Pend and now I know where I will want to visit!
Lovely - boy am I homesick. I love driving on route 1 and route 101 from San Francisco (my former home) south to Carlsbad -- We used to take that drive every summer! It is magnificent. Thanks for the memories.
Now this is a great example of how I see video as beneficial to our industry. It doesn't hurt that your area is so nice too of course.
Jeff, glad that Bob could see what a great job you did on this. And what a steady hand you have while driving and thinking about what you want to say all at the same time. MOST impressive. You have set the bar very high. Congrats on a well deserved feature.
What a super post. Drove the Why once years ago. Would like to get back one day soon
What a super post. Drove the Why once years ago. Would like to get back one day soon
What a super post. Drove the Why once years ago. Would like to get back one day soon
Wow, that's great. It's almost like being there. You did a wonderful job. That's amazing. You're a great guide!
Very cool post. Brings back lots of memories driving down from Garden Grove in Orange County to visit my great grandmother in San Diego in the mid to late 1950s. Lots of orange trees in the OC, great ocean views in San Diego. It was an all day thing and we'd end up spending the night down there.
Great memories!
thanks for the vid. Cali is the place to be!
Jeff what an amazing post about your area. This is one of the best localism posts I have seen!
Jeff I absolutely love it down there!! I've been on 101 a couple times and did 1 from LA up this past December! All the photos and videos were excellent and would make anyone in their right mind want to make Carlsbad their home!! Great job!
Wow, Jeff - how could anyone NOT want to be in Carlsbad if they were going to be in that part of California?
Thanks, Lenn. So when you are here next time you will let me know, right?
Jeff
Jo - well you should have a great time, not only for all there is to do from Oceanside all the way through Carlsbad and beyond, but to just enjoy the views as you cruise along the coast. Thanks for your kind words.
Jeff
Joan - thanks so much. The California coastline IS pretty impressive, and a leisurely drive IS the way to go.
Jeff
Steve - That's a nice compliment. But you are so right - there is much we can do with video in our business and this is just one example. I enjoy sharing what I have learned about where I live too.
Jeff
At least once a year I drive to LA to see my friend Melanie. California is amazing. And very diverse. One day I hope to get a mobile home and drive across the entire Country.
Gena - thanks again for the kudos. It wasfun to do and I plan to do more...and get better at it.
Jeff
I've never driven 101 in that part of San Diego County. I did one time use 101 from San Diego to Delmar and there were places it ended and it got to be more of hassle than a good thing.
Who would have thought you could make the 101 sound so cool when I normally think of the horrific traffic.
Jeff, Brilliant job on your blog. Congrats on the win. I drove the coast hwy 101 From Oregon to CA. It was he most beautiful scenery I'd every seen. I stopped at several light houses, got to view sea lions sun bathing on rocks and the large rock formations in the water was amazing. Great job
Hi Jeff...What a wonderful trip you took us on!
If it was not April and the temperaters not in the 70's here you might have made me sad not to be there on the beach. I think my favorite picture is the one of someone lounging in a chair on the beach.
You made me feel as though I was right there with you in your very special spot in the world.
Thank you,
Kathleen
Hi Jeff - beautiful!! I love your narrative and the pictures you used to tell this story of history for your area. I am right here just minutes from the east coast Route 1 here in NH.
Nice job with your post and congrats on the winning entry - well-deserved!
Ann
TIme is really running short so I apologize for not responding to all the comments individually. Thanks for all the compliments. Those of you who have driven this road know what I mean...and our traffic here is NOT what it is like on the 101 north of 101. This is a much sleepier kind of coastal route. I appreciate everyone stopping by and commenting, and am glad you enjoyed my little tour. It was fun to do, a good learning experience and hopefully will benefit buyers moving to the area.
And thanks for the congratulations on the contest. It was a surprise to me. I had fun with the post and am honored that others thought it worthy.
Jeff
Jeff, Congatulations! What a wonderful, information packed and elequently wrtten post. I am honored to be placed in a winners catagory with you. Thank you for such a fine contribution. Deb
Makes me miss San Diego....if only the cost of living would come down, I might move back.
Hey, Carlsbad looks a lot better than I remember it from the 70's! Of course, I was in 2nd grade, then. (Military Brat) Great use of all the media. Did you use a flip video? What software did you use to embed in your post? THANKS!
Jeff,
Congratulations! This is a great tour of Carlbad and the 101! I love the coastal areas of California and Carlsbad is one of my favorite. I can't remember the name of the gardens, but I love that hillside of flowers thats close to the Lego Land Theme Park! Do you know what it is called?
MIchelle - you are referring to the Flower Fields off Palomar Airport Road. Thanks for the compliment.
Jeff
Richard - thanks so much.. I think it's a great place to visit, adn I love living here.
Christy - well it was a fun thing to do as well. Glad you enjoyed it.
Paul - I'm pleased it was a pleasant trip down memory lane. I imagine it has changed tremendously since then.
Michael - Can 't disagree with you on that point.
Bill - hey, thanks, that is some high praise. Much appreciated.
Jeff
Sandy - I have done the same trips on the 101 - lots of fun and so much more enjoyable than the 5. Granted it takes longer but you get to see so much more (although some of the vies on the 5 are pretty nice, too).
Jeff
Sharon - Thanks forthe kind words. I hope it is equally appealing to buyers who are considering the area, too.
Jeff
Kelly - As a newbie (well 3 years) to California I continue to be amazed at the diversity one can see here. And you should do that trip - I have driven from Boston to LA 3 times now, taking different route - amazing to take a trip like that and spend time to enjoy it.
Jeff
Find a Notary - well you;re right., It realll only becomes a consistent toad to follow heading north once you leave La Jolla, but then you are good for about 40 miles through Oceanside. But because it is a local road with stop signs and lights, and passes through the downtown areas it is not the quickest way.
Jeff
Great information and tour on Carlsbad, I've not made my way to your area, loos great! Thank you!
Nice post, Jeff, about Carlsbad downtown and road trip. My wife Christi and I enjoy Carlsbad and North SD County, getting there often for family and business.
Great place for walking, running and a bit of exercise. The Carlsbad 5K road race was fun many years ago. That's probably continues each April.
Harrison
Sharon - sorry for being so late to respond. Thanks for stopping by. Come on out and visit - it's a terrific place for a vacation.
Jeff
Thanks, Harrison - yep the race still goes on, as does the marathon and the Iron man. Lots going on in this town - there is something for everyone, and the beaches are terrific.
Jeff
Wonderful Post Jeff!
Driving down Hwy 1 & Hwy101 since the early 70s your post really brought back some memories. I wish I was young again cruising down the West Coast of California. Keep up the good work!
Robert Swetz
Thanks, Robert. It was great fun to take the video adn explore the area further, as well as to write the post. Hope it is helpful to lots of folks who are mpving to the area.
Jeff
Wow Jeff, great photos, videos and description of the area and Route 101. It makes me want to travel there this summer.
Thanks, Thavisak - I'm glad you enjoyed the tour. Hope you get to enjoy it live somedya.
Jeff
Jeff - Just took your tour down the PCH - Very enjoyable, reminded of the days I used to drive into La Jolla from San Clemente - after a day of surfing -
we just did this last year and it was an awesome experience. Thanks.
Nice Tour Jeff...only watched the first one so far but great coverage.
Great post. Makes me want to get in the car and drive South!
Hm. This is really fresh idea of the design of the site! I seldom met such in Internet. Good Work!.
I am from Malawi and now teach English, please tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "The concept of dating services is nothing new; it has a history of its own.Choosing a free online dating service means that you can set up a profile without incurring any costs and so can the plethora of scammers and spammers."
With best wishes :p, Reno.
Great post!!!
Hi Jeff -- Great video, made me feel like I was actually there. Did you mount your camera to the dashboard? Very good quality video.