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Agua Hedionda Lagoon, Tamarack
LOCATION:
Along Carlsbad Boulevard (Highway 101) from just north of Cannon Road to Oak Avenue, Carlsbad [Map it]
HOURS:
7 a.m. to sunset year-round
PARKING:
Free along Highway 101, plus a free lot at the north end of Tamarack Beach
PHONE:
760/438-2675 (lifeguards)
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Special Comments:
Limited parking keeps crowds to a minimum at Carlsbad State Beach. Among the more interesting features are the two sets of rock jetties that divide the beach. The southern set of jetties is an outflow for the water that cools the turbines in the Encina Powerplant. The northern set of jetties form the inlet for Agua Hedionda Lagoon.
Reputedly named by early Spanish explorers, Agua Hedionda means "stinking water." The origin of the name is uncertain but one source speculates that the Spaniards may have smelled a nearby native village, a sulfur spring or decaying matter on the shores of the lagoon.
Don't be scared off by the name though. The lagoon is an excellent place for boating, water skiing, riding personal watercraft (PWC), boardsailing and fishing.
Take the time to educate yourself regarding laws and restrictions on the lagoon as it is divided into specific activity zones. In addition, vessels must meet certain requirements and you must purchase a permit from the city of Carlsbad before operating on the waters of the lagoon.
The city issues annual permits directly or you may purchase day-use permits from Snug Harbor Marina (760/434-3089). Applications, a vessel requirement checklist and permits may be obtained by mail or in person at Harding Community Center (760/602-7510), Stagecoach Park (760/602-4690), Calavera Community Center (760/602-4680) or the Swim Complex (760/602-4685) during regular office hours.
Tamarack Beach, at the foot of Tamarack Avenue, has about one mile of boardwalk along Carlsbad Boulevard on the bluffs above the ocean where rollerblading, walking and bicycling are favorite pastimes.
Food/dining:
Carlsbad village is a mile north of Tamarack on Carlsbad Boulevard and features a variety of restaurants and an upbeat nightlife. Some of the more popular restaurants include Jay's Gourmet, Fidel's Norte and Pizza Port.
Restrooms:
Tamarack has restrooms and showers at the parking lot.