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;
- it provides a pathway for the annual Carlsbad marathon, Ironman triathalon, and the popular 5000K run
- bicyclists and runners find it a pleasant route along the edge of our continent
- it provides a point of orientation for those who are unfamiliar with the area – “just follow the 101 north…”
- and it is the best way to commute along the coast if you wish to avoid the freeway traffic jams that occur at rush hour
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.
**************************************
ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com
Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village), Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego
Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News
All content ©Copyright by Jeff Dowler. All rights reserved.
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
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
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, 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
Gena - thanks again for the kudos. It wasfun to do and I plan to do more...and get better at it.
Jeff
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
Makes me miss San Diego....if only the cost of living would come down, I might move back.
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
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!
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.
Huge fan of the 101.... love the post and the videos.... Great ideas! Kathy
Just as Kathy is, I am a big fan of the 101 and I live in Ventura,Ca. At least twice a year we head up to Carmel and Monterey. Nothing else like it. Thanks for the post Jeff.
Love the 101! As for Carlsbad - the first time I waterskied,when I was in high school, was at Carlsbad. Great memories! Thanks for sharing, Jeff. What a great tour!
Love the 101! As for Carlsbad - the first time I waterskied,when I was in high school, was at Carlsbad. Great memories! Thanks for sharing, Jeff. What a great tour!