The history of Carlsbad, California, can stretch all the way back to a remote Spanish settlement founded during the 1700s. Spanish colonials had specifically established a cattle ranch along a section of a rural highway known at the time as the “Camino Royal.” The first Anglo Americans settled the region in the mid-19th century, who quickly adopted the ranching culture of their Mexican American neighbors. A sailor named John Frazier dug a well in the area around the same time and began offering its contents to passengers on the nearby Santa Fe Railway. Travelers subsequently took to calling the pitstop as “Frazier’s Station.” Other entrepreneurs followed suit and discovered a wealth of freshwater springs throughout the countryside. Research conducted at these bodies of water revealed that they possessed similar qualities to the springs of the Czech resort town of Karlsbad. As such, the hoteliers decided to rename Frazier’s Station as “Carlsbad,” in an attempt to encourage travel to their mineral wells. The site of John Frazier's original well can still be found at Alt Karlsbad, which is located on Carlsbad Boulevard.

Throughout the 1880s and 1890s, efforts by the area’s hospitality specialists to generate tourism became far more sophisticated. The leader of that endeavor was a group of professionals that operated the Carlsbad Land and Mineral Water Company: Gerhard Schutte, Samuel Church Smith, D.D. Wadsworth, and Henry Nelson. They vigorously led a national marketing campaign that saw the number of visitors to the region explode throughout the Gilded Age. The arrival of more economic activity led to the development of more local industries, including large-scale commercial farms. Among the many different types of produce grown on those plantations were avocados, olives, and citrus fruits. Even though real estate prices collapsed at the end of the century, the local hospitality industry remained strong due to Carlsbad’s beautiful weather and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Carlsbad continued to grow as such, becoming large enough to become one of southern California’s leading cities. Carlsbad is now a major player in the modern tech industry and is still known today for its many wonderful vacation retreats.

Omni La Costa Resort displays a unique type of architecture known as California Mission Revival. An offshoot of the larger Spanish Colonial Revival-style, California Mission Revival first emerged in the United States during Gilded Age. The movement specifically enjoyed its greatest popularity from 1890 to 1915, although it continued to be used by architects well into the late 20th century. The California Mission Revival style of architecture—and subsequent Spanish Colonial Revival style—have a historical and cultural predominance in the southwestern United States, as it is a common sight throughout that region of the country. Franciscan monasteries constructed throughout California during the 1700s served as the primary source of inspiration for California Mission Revival-style architecture. In a manner reminiscent to those monasteries, buildings developed with California Mission Revival architecture embraced design principles that focused on necessity and security. As such, California Mission Revival-themed blueprints featured structures centered around an enclosed courtyard with massive adobe walls. The walls themselves had broad, unadorned stucco surfaces that contained limited fenestration, red clay tiling, and low-pitched roofing. Other prominent structural components to California Mission Revival-style buildings included an enfilade of interior spaces, semi-independent bell-gables, and curved “Baroque” gables installed on the primary façade.

Frank Sinatra, singer and actor part of the famous Rat Pat known for selling 150 million records worldwide.

Dean Martin, actor known for his roles in such films like Rio Bravo, The Wrecking Crew, and the original Ocean’s 11.

Bob Hope, comedian and patron of the United Service Organization (USO).

Charlton Heston, actor known for his roles in such movies like Ben-Hur, El Cid, and Planet of the Apes.

Bing Crosby, world-famous singer and actor known for his roles in Going My Way and The Bells of St. Mary’s.

Lucille Ball, actress best known for her roles as Lucie Ricardo in the hit television show, I Love Lucy.

Johnny Carson, comedian best remembered for hosting The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Desi Arnaz, actor and musician known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the hit television show, I Love Lucy.

Sam Snead, winner of 7 major golf championships that include the PGA of America and Senior PGA Tour.

Ray Floyd, winner of 4 major golf championships that included the PGA Championship and the Masters Tournament.

Arnold Palmer, winner of 7 major golf championships that include the PGA Championship and the Masters Tournament.

Jack Nicklaus, winner of 18 major golf championships—the most of any professional golfer.

Earl Warren, 14th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court (1953 – 1969)

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, First Lady to former U.S. President John F. Kennedy (1961 – 1963)

Richard Nixon, 37th President of the United States (1969 – 1973)

While no major films were ever shot at the Omni La Costa, it has been the host of the La Costa Film Festival since 2013. The event is an annual four-day celebration, in which a wide variety of films are showcased for the first time. Films of all types are welcome at the La Costa Film Festival, whether they be full-feature-length or short. The climax of the film festival is a spectacular gala, where renowned Hollywood actors receive the coveted “Legacy Award” for their contribution to cinematography. Among the previous Legacy Award recipients are Andy Garcia (2013) and Ed Harris (2014).