The upscale community of La Costa in the city of Carlsbad, just east of the Batiquitos Lagoon, is known for its golf and tennis tournaments.

Development began in the mid-1960’s when Allard Roen and his partners bought the land for a residential and recreational community called Rancho La Costa.

Carlsbad’s therapeutic waters inspired the idea of adding a spa, and in 1965, La Costa became the first U.S. resort to offer a full -service spa.

The inn turned into a country club that became popular with the rich and famous. La Costa went on to host major golf and tennis events, such as the Davis Cup, the Mercedes Championship, and The Accenture Match Play event.

Interesting Fact: La Costa was named by its developers, and means “the coast” in Spanish.

Landmarks: The La Costa Resort and Spa is the nucleus of La Costa. Many homes are built around the two championship golf courses that held dozens of PGA events. The Leo Carillo Historic Park was once home to the Hollywood actor best known for his role as Ponsho in the “Cisco Kid”. He acquired the land in 1937 and built an authentic working California Rancho there (This is a great place to visit when out and about in La Costa).

Things to do: Zen out and achieve inner balance with classes and treatments from the Chopra Center, founded by health and wellness guru, Deepak Chopra.