Physical Environment of Carlsbad

The Carlsbad physical environment is primarily coastal. Within short proximity to the ocean, there are hills resting just beyond the downtown area. The average elevation is 400 foot above sea level. The area is relatively dry with a yearly rainfall of 12.3 inches. One of the noteworthy features of the area are a series of lagoons situated along the coastline of Carlsbad. One lagoon was named Aqua Hedionda by the Spanish explorer, Gaspar Portola, after its pungent odor, which means Stinking Water.

View from the Hill

Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad, California is a coastal town ideally situated thirty miles north of San Diego. My wife and I are exploring Carlsbad as a possible option for our future relocation. We have vacationed in this area several times in the last few years. We have used this city as a home base as we venture eastward to search for an affordable location which maintains temperate coastal temperatures. Carlsbad's landscape is varied. It has a sandy beach that stretches for several miles which attracts surfers, joggers and swimmers. Adjacent to the beach is a small downtown area with many shops and restaurants. Unique to the Carlsbad area are a series of three lagoons that push gently inland. These lagoons create restful nature areas teeming with wildlife. Further inland are hilly, chaparral expanses. As the urbanization of San Diego increased, suburbanites drifted northward to develop bedroom communities in the North County. As a result Carlsbad's population has grown from below 10,000 in 1960 to over 100,000 currently.