Carlsbad is a coastal community located 35 miles north of the City of San Diego surrounded by mountains, lagoons and the Pacific Ocean. Even though the city dates back more than 100 years, it was incorporated July 16, 1952. Carlsbad has substantially grown in population and size from 7,000 people and 7.5 square miles to 73, 688 and the City now encompasses approximately 42 square miles.