Location: Carlsbad (35 Miles / 40 Minutes North of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: Generally Open 10AM – 5PM (8PM during Summer); Additional Hours during School Vacations
Cost: Several options starting at $67 ($57 for Kids ages 3-12 and Seniors 60+). Parking is $12
Features: More than 50 Family Rides; Focused on Kids ages 2 – 12; Attractions built out of LEGO blocks include Pirates, Dinosaurs, Animals, and National Monuments.
Photo Courtesy of LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND Highlights: LEGOLAND California is the only LEGOLAND theme park in the United States. Although it is built to attract kids ages 2 – 12, the Park offers fun for the whole family. There are dozens of action adventure rides, including water rides, that will give someone of any age a thrill. There are many play areas for the kids when they need a break from the rides. People of all ages will enjoy the amazement of seeing 15,000 LEGO models built out of 35 million LEGO bricks. You will definitely be kept busy for a full day with the kids left wanting for more.
Best Times To Visit LEGOLAND:
- LEGOLAND is near the coast, offering a temperate climate with enjoyable temperatures year-round. However, if you are a little finicky about the weather, read our description about San Diego weather along with the following bullet point.
- If you want to avoid the daytime sun, May and June offer the best chance of overcast skies, especially in the mornings. Even if it is sunny, you can always take a dip on one of the water rides. Summer evenings are also a nice way to avoid the mid-day sun but keep an eye on the coastal forecast because you may want to wear a long sleeve shirt or windbreaker on some evenings.
- If your kids are not yet school age, it is definitely best to come when classes are in session. Weekdays during the school year (from September through May) will be the best time for you to visit.
Photo Courtesy of LEGOLAND California
What to Expect
- The terrain is generally flat but you will still want to wear good walking shoes. For those with disabilities, check the Disabled Access FAQ section for more information.
- LEGOLAND Map – Access a printable Park Map and read about the different areas of the Park. Here are a few highlights:
- Explore Village is the best area for younger children
- Fun Town is the place to go if you want a tour of a LEGO factory or if you want to build your own customized LEGO bricks to take home.
- Miniland USA offers jaw-dropping LEGO creations of National Attractions, including Miniland Las Vegas, New York, and Washington, D.C.
- You will get wet on the Pirate Shores water rides and attractions. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes. There are lockers available for a nominal fee near the Park entrance and at Pirate Shores. The water rides open later in the mornings. See schedule for ride hours.
- Rides and Attractions – Many rides require a minimum height of 36″. However, there are plenty of rides for all ages. Kids can get their first experience driving electric cars in the Volvo Driving School, build robots that follow their commands in the Imagination Zone, and ride roller coasters with their parents. Visit the Rides and Attractions page for more details. You can sort the rides by height requirement.
- Food – There are plenty of dining options throughout LEGOLAND. You’ll find ice cream carts, formal dining, and everything in-between. You are not allowed to bring your own food into the Park unless you have a special dietary need. LEGOLAND offers a menu for those with dietary concerns, including Gluten Free, Nut Free, and Dairy Free options. You can also request a special dietary meal with a couple days notice.
- Frequently Asked Questions – Visit the FAQ page for answers to many visitor questions. For example, you are allowed to bring strollers into LEGOLAND. There are also strollers available for rent.
- No Smoking is allowed at LEGOLAND. There is a designated smoking area outside of the Park.
LEGOLAND Video – Get an idea of what to expect by watching the video advertisement for the Pirate Shores attraction and rides.
Photo Courtesy of LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND Shows – There are a few shows ranging from 12 – 25 minutes, including 4D adventures.
Self Guided Education Tours – Print out the Teacher’s Guides and help your kids learn about American Monuments and Dinosaurs as they enjoy the Park.
Birthday Parties -Make your child’s visit all the more memorable by celebrating their birthday with a party of 10 or more.
SEA LIFE Aquarium – Adjacent to LEGOLAND, you will find a sister theme park, which is an aquarium also designed for children ages 2 – 12.
Admission Prices: (Costs are Approximate)
- Parking is $12. See more details below.
- Standard Fee is $67; $57 for Kids ages 3-12 and Seniors 60 and over.
- Active Duty Military Personnel can receive 10% off with identification. Additional discounts are available from local bases.
- Airline employees and travel agents can receive up to 20% off on six tickets or 50% off on two ticket with appropriate I.D.
- Multi-Day and Multi-Park ticket options are also available. (Multi-Park Tickets allow you to visit the adjacent SEA LIFE Aquarium. You can choose between a one-day pass or a multi-day pass that can be used twice within 7 days.)
- LEGOLAND Memberships provide the best deals if you want to visit more than twice during the year. There are several options. LEGOLAND provides a comparison chart to help you figure out the best deal for your needs.
- AAA Members can receive a discount up to $10 off admissions when you present your card at the ticket booth. In certain states you can also access LEGOLAND AAA discounts online or from your local AAA office.
- Tickets can be purchased online to avoid lines that typically form at the LEGOLAND ticket entrance. However, discounts, other than the online discounts, can not be applied.
- Skip to the front of ride lines and get reserved show seats when you buy a Premium Play Pass. Only a limited number of passes are available each day. If you buy a regular admission and then change your mind, ticket upgrades to the Premium Pass may still be possible but are not guaranteed.
Photo Courtesy of LEGOLAND California
Hours – Varies by Season. Generally Open 10AM – 5PM (8PM during Summer). Additional Extended Hours are offered during standard School Vacations. See schedule for full details. Also note, the Park may close if there is bad weather. Fortunately, there is very little bad weather and when it does occur during the winter, most kids are in school anyways.
Directions from Google Maps to 1 Legoland Drive in Carlsbad, CA 92008
Traffic – Getting in and out of LEGOLAND is relatively easy. It is less than one mile from Exit 48 on the I-5 Freeway.
Parking – Parking costs $12 for cars and can range from $5 for motorcycles to $15 for RVs. You can pay extra for preferred parking, which gets you closer to the entrance.
Transit – Buses leaving the Carlsbad Village Coaster train station take you to the LEGOLAND entrance. However, Coaster train service is very limited on weekends. (See San Diego Transit Information for the train and bus schedules and information for the online Transit Planner. Type in LEGOLAND as your destination in the Transit Planner.)
Grayline bus tours are also available to pick up guests at San Diego hotels near downtown and drop them off at LEGOLAND.
Related Themes: Amusement Parks, Architecture, Kids Activities, North County Coastal, Nostalgia, Souvenirs, Top Attractions |
