One of our favorite beach destinations for families in California is the delightful city of Carlsbad. A laid-back village on the fabulous Pacific Coast, Carlsbad is located just to the north of San Diego. It is a chilled out, pretty town and with plenty to do for kids, a wonderful sandy beach, tons of family-friendly hotels and restaurants and something kids will adore: Legoland and Legoland Water Park! We were able to experience Carlsbad fully thanks to a home exchange here that allowed us to live the city like locals and we grew overly fond of the place. Before we went, however, we knew next to nothing about this most beautiful corner of California.