Sinatra & Friends: The Rat Pack Era at La Costa
When Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Hollywood’s Biggest Stars Escaped to Carlsbad. During the golden age of Hollywood, there was a place where movie stars could relax away from studio lights, red carpets, and photographers. That place was La Costa Resort in Carlsbad. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, La Costa became one of…
Tournament of Champions at La Costa: When Carlsbad Became Golf’s Biggest Stage
How One Championship Helped Put Carlsbad on the National Map. For three decades, the best golfers in the world began their season in Carlsbad. From 1969 through 1998, La Costa Resort hosted the prestigious Tournament of Champions, welcoming only PGA Tour winners from the previous season. It wasn’t simply another golf tournament—it was…
John Wayne (“The Duke”)
John Wayne’s connection to the Twin Inns is one of Carlsbad’s favorite local stories, although it’s important to distinguish between documented history and local tradition. According to longtime Twin Inns staff, local historians, and the owners over the years, John Wayne (“The Duke”) was a regular guest at the Twin Inns restaurant during…
When Hollywood Discovered La Costa
Long before North County San Diego became known for luxury resorts and championship golf, one destination captured the imagination of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Today known as the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, La Costa became one of Southern California’s most glamorous escapes during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, welcoming movie stars, television personalities, legendary…
The Old Hollywood Experience in Carlsbad/Storytelling
When Carlsbad Was Southern California’s Best-Kept Secret “The best stories don’t simply teach history…they transport people there.” Setting the Scene Location: Twin Inns Length: 5–7 minutes Theme: Wonder • Nostalgia • Hollywood • Community • Preservation Storytelling Tip Before you begin… Pause. Allow your guests to admire…