CARLSBAD
Legoland - Great amusement park for younger kids. Located just east of the I-5 freeway off the Cannon Rd. exit.www.legoland.com
Terramar Beach - A beach for locals - good surf and quiet privacy away from crowds. Cannon Rd. west to Carlsbad Blvd., turn left to go to first signal (Cerezo) and pull of the road on right and take public stairway.
Museum of Making Music - Very interesting display of more than 500 musical instruments, check out website http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org
Leo Carrillo Park - The actor Leo Carrillo owned a huge ranch back in the center of Carlsbad, since developed into hundreds of houses of course, but his original residence has been restored and turned into a park. www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us/parks/carrillo/index.html
La Costa Resort and Spa - The place that put Carlsbad on the map - world-renowned spa plus great golf http://www.lacosta.com
Aviara Four Seasons - My favorote golf course for the scenic views and tour of Aviara real estate, plus don't miss the seafood buffet at the California Bistro on Friday nights. http://wwwfourseasons.com/aviara
Batiquitos Lagoon - While in Aviara, take a walk around the Batiquitos Lagoon for bird-watching and all-around relaxation http://www.batiquitosfoundation.org/
Snug Harbor - Want to get out on the water, but don't want to brave the ocean? Kayak, ski, wakeboard, or canoe on a quiet lagoon just east of the I-5, take the Tamarack exit east and turn right on Adams http://www.carlsbadlagoon.com/
OCEANSIDE
Oceanside Harbor - The only small craft harbor between Dana Point and San Diego, it has slips for 900 boats, boat launching ramps, boat rentals, three main restaurants (Joe's Crab Shack, Jolly Roger, and Monterey Bay Canners), and the only place I know of where you can get Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee - at the Nautical Bean http://www.nauticalbeancoffee.com/
Downtown/Pier - Finally the downtown pier area is being developed - hotel, condos, timeshares, and office/retail all under construction, and sales have been brisk. The 1,900 ft. wooden pier is the longest on the west coast, and has a Ruby's Diner at the end - a great walk! http://www.pierfishing.com/pier_of_the_month/oceanside.html
The Mission - The Mission San Luis Rey de Francia was established in 1798, four miles up river from the coast. It was the 18th and largest of the 21 missions developed by Padre Junipero Serra. http://www.californiamissions.com/cahistory/sanluisrey.html
Oceanside Historical Society - An active registrar of the the history of Oceanside. 305 N. Nevada http://oceansidehistoricalsociety.org/
Guajome Regional Park - Nestled in the serene and historic San Luis Rey valley, Guajome Regional Park is a beautiful ecological preserve featuring native chaparral vegetation. There is a wonderful lake perfect for fishing and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Quiet, modern campsites are available year round. http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/camping/guajome.html
Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center - At the southern edge of Oceanside, you’ll find the Buena Vista Audubon Society’s Nature center on the Buena Vista Lagoon. The Center offers a variety of natural history experiences. http://www.bvaudubon.org/
California Surf Museum - The museum is actively locating, collecting, documenting and preserving historic surfing related artifacts and memorabilia. Through a series of rotating exhibits, the California Surf Museum presents a varied picture of the many facet of surfing. http://surfmuseum.org/
Golf
Center City Golf Course, known as 'Goat Hill' because of its hilly terrain, it's nothing fancy but it's cheap - $17.50 per round on weekdays. 2323 Greenbriar Dr between Mission Ave and Oceanside Blvd. just east of I-5. http://www.golfsd.com/city_center.html
El Camino Country Club, Oceanside's only private club, located in Henie Hills (named after Sonia Henie, the figure skater). 3202 Vista Way http://www.golfsd.com/el_camino.html
Emerald Isle Golf, a decent 18-hole executive course at 2,452 yards, located at 660 S. El Camino Real http://www.emeraldislegolf.net/
Oceanside Municipal Golf Course is about 8 miles from the coast, so you get a little more sunshine 825 Douglas http://www.golfsd.com/oceanside.html
Arrowood is Oceanside's newest course, opening in 2005, and designed by Ted Robinson, Jr. It blends in nicely with the natural river bed, and offers scenic views and ocean breezes in the afternoon. One of the better golf experiences in the county! http://www.arrowoodgolf.com/ A review: http://www.sandiegogolf.com/course_reviews/arrowood_golf_course.aspx
VISTA
Rancho Buena Vista Adobe - A real-life experience of the good ol' days, when there were just cowboys and indians around here. Great place for a wedding too. http://www.ci.vista.ca.us/adobe/
Vista Historical Museum - same location as the RBV Adobe, 651 E. Vista Way - see both! http://www.geocities.com/vistahistoricalmuseum/vista/main.htm
Avo Theater - An old movie house now set-up for plays, ballets, and other performances. 303 Main St.
Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum - This place is a trip http://www.agsem.com/
Moonlight Amphitheater - Part of Brengle Terrace, a regional park http://www.moonlightstage.com/rentals/
The Wave Waterpark - Your typical water slide extravanganza. 101 Wave Drive, in downtown. http://www.thewavewaterpark.com/
Krikorian 15 Theaters - Part of the $80 million-dollar new retail development in downtown. It's a tremendous collection of movie theaters and restaurants, all with the family in mind. Great civic improvement by city. http://www.kptmovies.com/locations/location_info.cfm?ID=7