Carlsbad is unique among other coastal San Diego communities in that it has 3 lagoons within its boundaries, providing unique recreational opportunities, as well as environmental and preservation challenges. (photos are all of the Batiquitos Lagoon - the top left photo of the Batiquitos Lagoon IS a bit hazy, but that is true of summer days when looking out to the ocean, with the marine layer and all, espcially from a distance. I have yet to see it crystal clear)

Lagoons are fairly shallow bodies of salt or brackish waster separated, typically, from the larger sea by a sand bank, reef or similar structure. There are often adjacent wetlands.

At the north, on the border of Oceanside, is the 350-acre Buena Vista Lagoon (Spanish for "good view"). This lagoon, owned by the California Department of Fish and Game, is managed as a nature preserve and is a fresh water lagoon.

In the middle of the coast is the 388-acre Aqua Hedionda Lagoon, the only lagoon allowing recreational activities. There are 3 areas of this lagoon: the western portion is reserved for personal water craft; the middle is for powerboats only, and the eastern portion is for passive use, i.e., water vehicles without motors (sailboats, kayaks).  

And to the south, on the Encinitas/Leucadia border, is my favorite, the Batiquitos Lagoon, 526 acres. The resort residential area of Aviara and the Four Seasons Aviara Resortborder on the lagoon, with wonderful views from many of the Aviara homes (especially in the Bella Lago and Isla Mar neighborhoods), the golf course, and the resort itself. This game estuary and bird sanctuary is great for birdwatching - there are lots of egrets nesting in the trees, and numerous other species of local birds as well (pelicans, gnatcatchers, and great blue herons). There are several miles of trails (on the North Shore) for walking and running, so this is a very popular area for residents and hotel guests.

The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation has installed a number of informational boards that provide details about the area fish, wildlife, plants and the history of the lagoon.

Carlsbad, and the state,are to be commended for their foresight for setting aside these areas to be preserved and for the enjoyment of the residents, in perpetuity.