A day trip to Carlsbad is an absolute delight that’s perfect for everyone, no matter what your taste buds crave! I had the pleasure of visiting this vibrant city post covid for the second time, and let me tell you, it was a completely different experience. The last time my boyfriend and I were here, the streets were empty, businesses were closed, and there was an eerie stillness in the air. But now, it’s like the city has been reborn, bustling with people, music, and energy. You can clearly see the changes of the vibe of the town in my photos below too.

It’s incredible how a few years can make such a difference in our lives and surroundings. Looking at my photos from 2020 and 2023, the transformation is simply astounding. In 2020, it felt like the mood was captured through the gray tones that surrounded me. My clothes were black and white, my face fully covered with a mask and sunglasses. It was a time when the world was going through a challenging period, and we were all trying to adapt to the new normal.

Fast forward to 2023, and the change is remarkable. The background colors are vibrant, lively, and simply mesmerizing. I’m no longer wearing dark clothes, but instead, I’m donning a light and airy top that perfectly complements the positive energy around me. And to top it all off, there’s a beaming smile on my face that shows just how much I’m enjoying my life at the moment.

As we strolled through the main town, we were tantalized by the sights and smells of the numerous restaurants that lined the streets. It was a feast for our senses! Our growling stomachs couldn’t resist the urge to indulge in some delicious food, and we stumbled upon Harumama Noodles and Buns. This was the first time I had heard of this restaurant, even though they have several locations in Southern California. We were craving some scrumptious ramen, and the rave reviews online made it an easy choice for us.

We quickly realized that this was a popular spot, and the wait times were around 30-40 minutes on a regular day. But we didn’t mind waiting, as the lively atmosphere was a treat in itself. We saw people of all ages and backgrounds, eagerly waiting for their turn to savor the delicacies. While we were waiting, we decided to explore the town a bit more. We saw a donut shop with gluten-free options that made our mouths water, but we decided to save our appetites for lunch. And then there was an ice cream shop with a long line of people waiting to order, which we vowed to try on our next visit.

As the wait time drew to a close, we headed back to the restaurant. And once we were finally seated, we ordered some tantalizing dishes to share – the fat duck ramen, the pork belly bao, and the character buns with the nutella filling for dessert. I can’t explain if it was our hunger or the food itself, but everything tasted heavenly! The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the presentation was visually appealing.

Overall, our day trip to Carlsbad was a culinary adventure that left our taste buds and souls satisfied. We look forward to exploring more of this vibrant city in the future.