As the host of many seminars, festivals and programs year-round, the Discovery Center has facilities for numerous water and land-based activities. The exploration of its three lagoons with its mud flats, marshes and deep waters, is a must for Carlsbad visitors.

While seasoned travellers may venture into Cartagena's gritty Bazurto Market on their own, those not yet toughened by locals-only markets of the region may prefer to explore as part of a guided tour. This sprawling market, where trade starts before the crack of dawn, features incredibly fresh produce and seafood from Cartagena and beyond. Much of it makes its way to the tables of local fine dining establishments within the space of the same day. There is plenty to look at and taste, including local street food and multiple succulent varieties of tropical fruit you're unlikely to have encountered before.

A little further outside of the city of Carlsbad, you can find the ruins of an old copper mine that was active during World War I, set next to a beautiful creek with waterfalls. The mines can be reached via a short hike from the main road in San Elijo and the paths are signposted.

The world's first skate-park was completed here in Carlsbad in March of 1976. Get your knee and elbow pads, don your helmet and rip up the park that gave birth to a worldwide sport that everyone learned to love.