We will drive down from Laguna Beach and my younger son wants to see Legoland(he is 11 and into the technical models at this point). Although I have a reservation at Residence Inn, should we just opt for continuing to San Diego and not staying in Carlsbad? Thanks again in helping me decide.

I would say just continue to where you're staying in San Diego.

Yes, I think it's a good idea, since there is so much more to see and do in San Diego and we'd have two full days. Thanks for replying.

Carlsbad is my favorite beach town - there are some cute shops and restaurants, a great outlet mall if you are into shopping, beautiful beach with board walk for walking , I think you would enjoy spending some time there -
I prefer it to downtown SD .

I like Carlsbad also and would stay over a night or two. Cute downtown and nice beach. And I liked these two places for breakfast and lunch: Daily News Cafe and Grand Deli.

Legoland is fun but geared to kids but nothing for teens so that might work out. Carlsbad is a great town on the ocean. Weather is ideal and the surf is relaxing. Of course SD has much of that too but is more like a city.

Well, I read about the antique shops there, which is a plus.. and my teen could enjoy hanging out.. I'm undecided. I do have the reservation to overnight there.
If I choose to go on to S.D., I'd have to add another night on our place on Coronado, which would be okay too. Hmmm... decisions.. thanks to all who added their two cents.

Personally I would rather spend a night in Carlsbad than I would in Coronado

Okay sunbum, I think we'll stay the one night in Carlsabd, then one on Coronado, if nothing else to have change of scnery and enjoy the choices. Thanks(J59)

Well I hope you wont be disappointed jetset- my daughter lived there for a year and I LOVED coming to visit- now she is in Sacramento and I miss Carlsbad visits a lot .

You can tell your son that the hotshot snowboarder in the Olympics lives there-his last name is White- forgot the first name

Thanks, and we did watch the Flying Tomato during the Olympics!
What were your favorite things to do while visiting and where did you enjoy dining? Thanks for your input, J.

I enjoyed bike riding along the coast (my daughter lived 2-3 miles from the heart of downtown Carlsbad so beautiful ride into town) In the mornings we walked the boardwalk at Tamarack Beach -great exercise and people watching.
Spent a lot of time at the beach - Carlsbad State Beach and poking around through the stores in Carlsbad Village.
Serious shopping is at Carlsbad Company Stores outlet mall.

My daughters favorite restaurant is Cafe Pomodora - Italian food which is wonderful.
We enjoyed breakfast at the Carlsbad Inn- outdoor courtyard.
She says there is good Mexican food at Juanitas Carnitas in Encinita and we also enjoyed dining at the Rocking Baja Lobster in Oceanside.
Your son might enjoy a walk out on the Oceanside Pier and there is a little restaurant at the end of the pier - hamburger joint. When we were there you could see dolphins from the end of the pier.
Dont think you'll run out of things to do- especially if you are only spending a night.

Thanks so much. You have great suggestions. Take care, J.