Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never planned. Last week, I mentioned our upcoming trip to Idyllwild. But when Southern California decided to crank up the heat, we quickly changed out plans. Mountain retreat? Not this time. Instead, we set our sights on the refreshing ocean breeze of Carlsbad, booking a hotel right along the iconic Coast Highway for a Carlsbad staycation we won’t soon forget.
Who would have thought that a destination less than 30 minutes from our front door could feel like such an escape? This impromptu coastal getaway turned out to be the perfect way to celebrate my wife’s birthday. It left us wondering why we’d waited so long to discover the magic of a local staycation. The proximity, the beauty, and the relaxed pace combined to create something truly special—without the exhaustion of long-distance travel.
How this unplanned Carlsbad staycation became a favorite
One of the things we’ve always loved about Carlsbad is the seawall. The paved walkway drops down from the street level to the beach. With nothing but walkers and joggers, the seawall walk has always been one of our favorites. We love the fact that a couple of hundred feet away, the surf crashes on the beach (okay, sometimes it just laps, depending on the tides). And, isn’t that vibe what a beach town is all about?
I was able to do the beach walk every day during our stay. Sadly, my wife wasn’t able to make it each day because her chronic fatigue symptoms were running in high gear. But that didn’t ruin our trip. Instead, we got creative about how to spend our time. Our balcony became a favorite hangout to watch the ocean, especially when Mother Nature tossed in a thunderstorm on Sunday morning. What a great show!
Between the swaying palms, the dramatic cloud formations, and the surprise double rainbow, we felt like we were getting a special show just for us. There were a few things we missed, though. And we’re hoping to do this again in the near future.
The Carlsbad Murals beckoned
I would have loved to have spent time seeking out the murals in Carlsbad. A walking tour of the murals would have been a lot of fun, but when chronic fatigue hits, those kinds of things go out the window.
One of the things we didn’t realize about Carlsbad is that it has an impressive public art scene. It’s something most visitors probably never think about. Since 1985, the city’s Art in Public Places program has cultivated over 100 public art pieces throughout the area. The Village district, which is just a few blocks from where we stayed, is particularly rich with vibrant street art.
In working on this post, I discovered five stunning murals at Village Faire Shopping Center. Truthfully, we were at the shopping center, but didn’t know to look for them! Those murals are titled “Twin Inn in Carlsbad.” They were created by local artists Ira Cosmos, Bobbie Harrington, and Cheryl Ehlers. One thing is for sure. I’m itching to return and find this display!
The fact is, I love street art. I think it truly helps to brighten up a town. In a way, it feels very retro—signs of a more tranquil time when people had time to slow down and enjoy life instead of rushing off to the next appointment or day’s task.
Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead
Even though our staycation wasn’t what we expected, it was a great experience. Have you ever had a last-minute change of plans that actually made the experience turn out better than what you’d planned? Do you have a favorite staycation place? I’d love to hear from you, so please leave a comment with your time on the puzzle and your staycation thoughts. Thanks for being here! Next week, I’ll be taking you to Joshua Tree National Park. You won’t want to miss it!
See all my Friday Morning Posts here. If you missed last week’s post, you can use this link to view Mayor Max — The Doggone Delightful Idyllwild Mayor.
Nice picture. My time was 10:15.
Thanks, Diana. That’s a respectable time, way better than mine! 🙂
5:39 Happy Birthday to your wife.
6:24 Yes, there are times when I really enjoy staycations, but then there are times when I like checking out new places too. I enjoy finding murals in unexpected places also. Thanks for sharing.
6:45 and internet issues. Happy Birthday to your wife!
6:36 for me late this afternoon. im so glad you had a great getaway, great choice
7:41 and belated Happy Birthday to your wife
12:59 this is a beautiful photo
My time was 10:02, a slow time for a very colorful puzzle. Thanks for the nice article on your staycation. What a great idea to spend the time in Carlsbad! I hope you are able to go back and explore the murals so you can tell us all about them.
12.16 every time to relax is a joy to have!
My time today was 4:54. Vacations close to home are a great way to avoid the usual stresses of travel and discover the wonders of your community!