Carlsbad is a seaside resort town in Southern California founded in the 1880s, when a sailor named John Frazier claimed that the water from a local well had a healing mineral composition, similar to the famed healing springs of Karlovy Vary, a historic spa town renowned for its therapeutic waters. Seizing the opportunity, he and local promoters rebranded the town as Carlsbad, establishing it as a premier wellness retreat.

For my birthday weekend, I set out to discover whether Carlsbad still lives up to its reputation – and if alkaline water truly enhances beauty from inside out.

How does alkaline water benefit beauty?

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Carlsbad’s mineral water became a sought-after remedy, attracting visitors eager to drink and bathe in its naturally alkaline springs. While the town evolved, the spa culture gradually faded—except for one remaining link to its past: Carlsbad Alkaline Water Spa.  

I drove to the unassuming building that sits on the very site of Frazier’s original well. Detached from the municipal water system, Carlsbad Alkaline Water Spa taps directly into an underground aquifer over 1,500 feet below the surface. The owners claim it’s rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium—elements that contribute to its alkalinity and potential health benefits, such as better hydration.

So, I collected some of the water and put its beauty claims to the test.

Hotel resorts in Carlsbad, CA

We were staying at Aviara, an exclusive community and home to high-end retreats like the Four Seasons Residence Club and the Aviara Golf & Country Club. We’d booked a weekend at the Park Hyatt Resort Aviara for my birthday weekend. Vibrant jacaranda trees bloomed in shades of purple, and the scent of hyacinth laced the breeze. I added my mineral water to a container and wandered down a private hiking road that led to Batiquitos Lagoon.

While Carlsbad has largely moved on from its identity as a destination for alkaline water, it remains a charming seaside weekend getaway in its own right. After breakfast, we took a stroll through the Carlsbad Flower Fields, a flower theme park rich with vibrant ranunculus blooms. We wandered through Carlsbad Premium Outlets, picking up discount clothes from Vince, Ralph Lauren and Le Cruset. It was a lovely birthday.

I sipped on my special alkaline water throughout the day.

The Best Restaurant in Carlsbad, CA

For my birthday dinner, we dined at Jeune et Jolie, an effortlessly chic, Michelin-star restaurant with blush-toned banquettes and terrazzo floors, and a seasonal tasting menu. The menu is a love letter to French cuisine, reimagined through a West Coast lens. Every birthday dinner has been different. Chef Eric Bost’s prix fixe offering shifts with the seasons, celebrating ingredients at their peak.

Does Carlsbad still offer natural alkaline water?

Though Carlsbad has evolved from its natural mineral water, the city maintains some of the cleanest drinking water in the region, according to Carlsbad’s annual water quality report. While tap water may not have the famed mineral content of Frazier’s original well, it still meets high purity standards—making it a refreshing contrast to Southern California’s often hard, additive-rich water supply.

My test at home reveals that the mineral water is the same PH as the municipal water (see photo). Moreover, according to Harvard Health, drinking alkaline water likely has no significant benefits for internal health, as the stomach and kidneys quickly neutralize its pH levels. So, the famed water is unexceptional. 

However, some emerging research suggests that alkaline water may have topical benefits, particularly for oily and acne-prone skin. A case report found that using alkaline water as a facial rinse helped regulate sebum production and bacterial growth.  

Though drinking alkaline water may not be the fountain of youth, its potential skincare benefits piqued my interest—so I decided to test a DIY beauty treatment.

DIY Alkaline Water Face & Scalp Mist from Carlsbad

Inspired by Carlsbad’s spa heritage, I experimented with a simple alkaline water face and scalp mist—a refreshing treatment for hydration and oil control.  

Ingredients:

•   1 cup of Carlsbad alkaline water  
•   1 tbsp rose water (for added hydration and soothing effects)  
•   1 tsp witch hazel (a natural astringent to help with oil control)  
•   A few drops of lavender essential oil (reminiscent of the breeze in Carlsbad)  
•   Small spray bottle  

Instructions:  

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well and mist onto freshly cleansed skin and scalp.
2. Store in the fridge and use for up to a week.

Carlsbad has evolved beyond its reputation as an alkaline water destination, but it remains one of Southern California’s most celebrated seaside getaways. While the city’s famed mineral water no longer defines its identity, wellness is still deeply ingrained in its culture—from luxury spas and clean beauty boutiques to nature-driven experiences like hiking Batiquitos Lagoon.