Seaside Dining in the Carlsbad Area

One of the pleasures of living near the ocean is having the opportunity to enjoy dining while enjoying the views, either directly on the ocean or within a short distance so you can appreciate the views, sounds and smells.

There are a number of opportunities to dine near or on the ocean north of San Diego. In Oceanside there are a number of casual dining places with views. A favorite eatery in the marina, with terrific views is Joe's Crab Shack.

Heading south into Carlsbad perhaps the best view spot with more than casual dining is Vigilucci's on the Coast Highway by Tamarack Surf Beach (there is another Vigilucci's elsewhere in town but no views). While it is across the road from the ocean there are great views from the outdoor and indoor eating areas. There is some traffic to watch as well, however.

Another favorite dining spot is right on the beach at South Carlsbad State Beach. Simply load up the cooler, grab the chairs or blanket and your grill, and head for the beach to enjoy the sunsets. Actually most of the beaches are good for dining al fresco, but this is a favorite.

If you prefer to dine at the beach at a table and also have a good sized fire, head south on the 101 for Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. There are picnic tables as well as a number of firepits. But get there early - they are in high demand, especially in the summer.

Further south in Cardiffyou will find Restaurant Row right on the ocean. These places, save for the eateries right on the cove in La Jolla and 2 places in Del Mar, offer the best ocean front dining. You have three choices right on the ocean - Charlie's By The Sea, The Charthouse, and The Beach House (I recommend eating upstairs here on the deck - first come, first serve - for the best views and good food with wine flights to try). Across the Coast Highway you will find Yogi,s Las Olas  and Ki's. There are some views but isn't not quite the same as sitting right in front of the ocean and watching the surfers.

Several miles down the Coast Highway and off to the right just past the Del mar Beach Colony and along the ocean are 2 well-known Del Mar restaurants - The Poseidon (you can make reservations on-line at Open Table) and Jake's. Generations of San Diegans, and visitors, have dined at these famous eateries right at the beach (for 33 and 25 years respectively).

What could be better? Seafood, terrific views and watching the sun set over the ocean? You might even glimpse the "green flash" just as the sun slips below the horizon.