One of the pleasures of living in California is the amazing array of topography - from beaches to mountains, forests to wine country, and deserts to cities, the variety is truly remarkable. And living in Carlsbad and surrounds allows you to experience much of what California has to offer, within just a few hours.

Essentially the entire west coast from Oceanside to the Mexican border is beaches.

These range from easily accessible, where you can park along the road and walk right onto the beach, to those which are far more remote and require a vigorous climb down stairs and trails (e.g., Torrey Pines and Black's Beach in La Jolla - be forewarned, Black's Beach is a well-known nude beach, although not all is clothing optional). Some offer amenities (like snack bars, showers and volleyball at Encinitas's famed Moonlight Beach) and others offer nothing but incredible beauty, the ocean and the sand. Surfing is, of course, found all along the coast and aficionados have their favorites. You can hang glide above the bluffs at Torrey Pines with dramatic views of the ocean and the expensive mansions dotting the hills above the water.

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Beach Life in and Around Carlsbad

Visit Torrey Pines State Reserve

Fabulous Moonlight Beach in Paradise

Carlsbad Area Beach Life

Take a trip slightly northeast of Carlsbad, about 50 miles of so, to the valleys, grasslands, and the mountains. Mt. Palomar, cresting at over 5000 above sea level affords incredible views of the inland empire with views stretching 50+ miles on clear days. Be adventurous and take a bike ride 5 miles up (or go the long route, about 14 miles). I visited some time ago on a rainy cloudy day and at the top was above the clouds with breathtaking views. The famous Mt. Palomar telescope is there and can be visited. There are camp sites and homes for rent as well as some small retail amenities as well as a post office.

Not too far away from Mt. Palomar is the former gold rush town of Julian, now considered the Apple Capital of Southern California. A quaint town with shopping, a few restaurants and small hotels and bed and breakfasts.

READ MORE:  Julian - The Apple Capital of Southern California

You can explore other mountainous areas by heading northeast of Carlsbad. The town of Idyllwild, CA is a charming art-focused town in the Santa Rosa and San Bernardino Mountains northeast of San Diego County.

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Take a Trip to Idyllwild, California

Idyllwild, California - A Hiker's Paradise

About 2.5 hours east one can visit the desert - Anzo Borrego Desert State Park for example. The drive is amazing through the inland empire. As temperatures rise the terrain becomes more arid and desert like, with miles of open land. The park has amazing wildflowers at certain times of the year.

If golf, dining, and shopping in the desert are your thing, head north to the Santa Rosa and San Bernardino Mountains, then down the hills (about 5000 feet - but take a few moments at the top to take in the incredible views of the desert and the Palm Springs area far below, including La Quinta, Ranchi Mirage, Palm Desert and Indian Wells ). The contrast between the barren hills and the green valleys is a dramatic contrast. Be aware it gets hot - I was there in July and it was 115. Be prepared with plenty of water. There is plenty of shopping, golfing and dining, and you will find contrasts between high season and off seasons in terms of crowds and what's open.

READ MORE: A Visual Journey to the Desert Cities - Palm Springs and More

City life abounds here as well. A little more than a half hour drive brings you to downtown San Diego. Or head north less than 2 hours to the thriving metropolis of Los Angeles where there is more city life than you can possibly imagine and some of the best dining, entertainment and shopping on the west coast.

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The Getty Center in Los Angeles - A World Class Museum

The Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood

San Diego Area Fairs and Festivals

On top of the terrific weather, with all the geographical diversity (e.g. surf in the morning, go snow boarding or skiing in the afternoon in the winter), it's easy to see why so many folks enjoy all that Carlsbad, and Southern California, have to offer.