The days just got longer, the weather is warming up, and kids will be out of school on Spring breaks with summer quickly following, so we’re sharing one of our favorite destinations for a quick family getaway: Carlsbad! From The Flower Fields to the new Dino Valley at Legoland California, the beach, activities and the perfect spot to hit them all retreating to The Cassara, we’ve got everything your family needs for your next trip.
THE CASSARA IN CARLSBAD
Nestled on 12 lush acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean and directly above the seasonal
Carlsbad Flower Fields, The Cassara Carlsbad Tapestry Collection by Hilton boasts a modern Mediterranean atmosphere carefully designed to incorporate and embody the
seasonal colorful ranunculus flowers located just steps away. We immediately locked into the incredible view when our family entered the lobby and took in the Italian architecture and colors.
It’s the perfect place to plan your family spring getaway and either take advantage of the Flower Fields Stay & See Package or book one of The Cassara Carlsbad‘s 29 two-bedroom Karlsbad Family Suites. These spacious suites feature a king room with a parlor, a separate guest room with two twin beds and which allows for parents to have a different bedtime than their kids — such a luxury!
Plus there are so many amenities for families on property. The quiet pool has a stunning view, complimentary cabanas, and fire pits near the restaurant making it a great spot to relax and enjoy locally sourced libations and small bites available at The Cassara Kitchen & Bar.
Our kids were super excited about the splash pad and family pool. They could spend the whole afternoon playing in the water and swimming. It was such a fun surprise to see how many activities cater toward families… not only is there a playground, outdoor table tennis and an arcade, but there is a full activity center where families can shoot pool, dance to music on the jukebox, and even do arts and crafts! Of course we had to try everything and couldn’t pick a favorite!
The family-friendly Cassara Carlsbad will absolutely be a vacation spot for our families and did we mention the resort is immediately adjacent to LEGOLAND California, and also has access to a special pedestrian entrance into the park too!
LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA’S NEW LAND: DINO VALLEY
Dinosaurs may be extinct, but Dino Valley will bring LEGO to life on an epic scale in dinosaur form. Get ready for Legoland Dino Valley to open this Friday, March 22! Our families love Legoland California so we cannot wait to explore the new land near the entrance of the Park as it will feature three roar-some rides, an interactive build and play area, and tons of prehistoric fun.
Dino Valley will be home to 35 prehistoric LEGO models created out of more than 1.8 million LEGO bricks. The largest LEGO model of the land, an 11-foot-tall LEGO T-Rex has also found its home in the new lands’ interactive ride, Explorer River Quest.
There is something for every age in Dino Valley from the DUPLO ® Little Dino Trail, a four-seater ride to journey through the LEGO ® DUPLO ® Dino safari. Kids can use cameras to ‘capture’ the dinosaurs and play hide & seek with them along the way. And if you want to see the giant T-Rex then embark on a river expedition to interact with LEGO dinosaur models in Explorer River Quest. Plus the favorite dinosaur ride, Coastersaurus, will continue to bring guests through the prehistoric jungle of LEGO dinosaurs circling around the 1,100-pound Brachiosaurus and then whizzing by the ten-foot tall Parasaurolophus scavenging for food.
There is also an Interactive Dino Area where families can dust off the dirt to reveal fossils in the Dino Dig area, ans build roar-some dinos with LEGO DUPLO bricks in the building zone. Meet and greets with all-new costume characters in this land and also Legoland California’s 25th birthday is this year so this summer they will also be launching North America’s first-ever LEGO ® World Parade. Be sure to book your trip to Legoland California this year!
FLOWER FIELDS
One of the spectacular things you can take in and experience when you visit Carlsbad are the Flower Fields. For over 65 years, the hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean in north San Diego County has been transformed into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. These 50 acres of extraordinary color, better known as The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch®, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year – from early March through early May. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in southern California.
In addition to the Ranunculus, there are three acres of roses, orchids, sweet pea blossoms, and petunias. Festivities range from Kids Day to Easter Service, Mother’s Day, Dinners, Photography workshops and live bands slotted for several afternoons. Our families always enjoy exploring the grounds and the kids love riding in an open-air wagon through The Flower Fields via an antique tractor. The ride includes an audio commentary telling the history as well.
Make sure you don’t miss the brilliantly hued American Flag. Red, white and blue petunias strategically planted on a 300 by 170 foot hillside pay tribute to the United States. It’ extremely patriotic. You will also want to make sure to check out the one-of-a-kind living maze of colorful “old fashioned” sweet pea blossoms.
