Expert: Steve Summers - 7/10/2002

Question
We always go to Carpinteria to beach camp for our family highlight vacation and have really enjoyed it. However, driving from Mesa, Az. can be a pain. Can you tell me if the beach & facilities at Carlsbad are as nice?  

Answer
South Carlsbad is also very nice, and it is quite popular. However, there are a number of differences.

-Carlsbad is on the bluffs above the beach, while Carp is on the beach level.

-There is the long open trail to Rincon at Carp, while Carlsbad does not have a similar feature.

-Carp definitely has that "small beach town" atmosphere, with places like The Spot, The Palms, the Fish Barrel, Giovanni's, etc. Carlsbad is a little more built up, with its proximity to Legoland. You have some larger restaurants nearby, like Claim Jumper, Marie Calendar's, and In-N-Out. Also have Carlsbad outlets. However, in Leucadia, there are some smaller "local" eateries: The Potato Shack, Juanita's Tacos, KJ doughnuts and Leucadia Pizzeria.

In summary, Carlsbad also has its fine points, but my family prefers Carp, even though Carlsbad is a much closer drive. If you do go, you will probably have a good time.

PS, my family will be in Carp Aug 4-11. Stop by the "Springer" campsite and say hi if you are in the area.