LEGOLAND California

It’s hard to say who enjoys LEGOLAND California more: the little ones running around in a magical world created by 60 million plastic LEGO bricks, or their parents. This theme park in North San Diego County—about 35 miles north of downtown—offers multiple ways to bring out anyone’s inner child, and also features a water park, an aquarium, and two onsite hotels. 

Rides and Attractions at LEGOLAND California 

While most of the rides at the Carlsbad theme park are geared toward grade-school or preschool-aged kids, anyone who loves LEGO will find plenty of fun here. 

Start at the section of the park that put it on the map when it opened in 1999: Miniland USA showcases a jaw-dropping expanse of miniaturized LEGO recreations of global cities, from Washington D.C. to Sydney. You could spend hours studying the details, from Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium to the tiny LEGO people going to Comic-Con in downtown San Diego. Fun fact: The LEGO replica of New York City’s Freedom Tower is the tallest LEGO building in the country.

Beyond Miniland, the park is home to roller coasters, shows, and attractions, with different areas of the park devoted to themes such as The LEGO Movie, pirates, adventurers, and Ninjago. Longtime favorite rides include the Fun Town area’s Driving School—where kids get behind the wheel of electric LEGO cars and are awarded driver’s licenses afterward (little ones aged 3 to 5 have their own Junior Driving School); The Dragon roller coaster; and Ninjago: The Ride, where you wave your hands in front of sensors to earn points against ninja foes. 

Fans of the LEGO movie series will love THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD. This dedicated area features characters, attractions, and rides inspired by the films, including the Build Watevra You Wa’na Build play zone, a recreation of Emmet’s apartment, and Emmet’s Flying Adventure Ride, where you sit on a Triple Decker Flying Couch and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the LEGO movies within a full-dome virtual screen.

Nearby, Dino Valley has dinosaur-themed activities, LEGO-constructed dinosaur models, and three rides, including Coastersaurus, a mellow coaster that offers views of a 10-foot-tall Parasaurolophus. Dig for fossils in a sandy play zone, try your luck in carnival games, and meet strolling characters T. Rex Costume Fan and Paleontologist.

For more hands-on fun, don’t miss the LEGO Ferrari Build & Race attraction, where you can sit inside a life-size Ferrari F40 made with 350,000 LEGOS and then build a mini LEGO Ferrari, which can be tested manually on big ramps or scanned and raced on a virtual track. Any day at the park there are also live shows, from martial-arts displays to dance parties to the LEGO World Parade, the summertime entertainment that includes floats, dancers, and strolling characters.

Dining at LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND California offers an array of creative dining options that often go beyond classic theme park fare. Consider the barbecue and craft beer at Knight’s Smokehouse BBQ, or the ramen, rice bowls, and salads at Everything is Ramen. Within the SEA LIFE Aquarium is the Ocean Journey Café, a hidden gem where fish, sandwiches, and salads are the focus. For a sweet, don’t miss a LEGOLAND original, Granny's Apple Fries—fried apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon and served with a creamy dip.

LEGOLAND’s SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park

Aside from the classic rides and LEGO-building opportunities, LEGOLAND Resort has two other big attractions that you can access with an upgraded admission ticket. 

SEA LIFE Aquarium features interactive exhibits and giant marine displays, all inhabited by diverse sea creatures from colorful fish to majestic sharks (as well as the occasional adventurous LEGO character). Experience bioluminescence and make actual contact with starfish and sea urchins while also learning about marine conservation.

Open from March through October, LEGOLAND Water Park is home to a wave pool, slides, and a lazy river. The water park also has its own dining, a store where you can buy swim gear, and cabanas to rent for extra shade. There’s a big changing area and locker rentals so that you can change in and out of swimsuits as part of your theme park day. (Check the LEGOLAND calendar for dates—during some months, the water park is only open weekends.)

Tickets and upgrades at LEGOLAND California

Buying your LEGOLAND park tickets online will always save you money—roughly $50 per person. Consider add-ons such as the Reserve & Ride program (which lowers your wait times from 25 to 90 percent), a Hopper to combine attractions, or a VIP Experience pass, which includes priority access to all rides and attractions, a behind-the-scenes model shop tour, and a personal host to escort you around the park.

Where to Stay Near LEGOLAND 

LEGOLAND California offers two distinct lodging options right outside the park gates, all equipped with LEGO decor and interactive elements. The LEGOLAND Hotel has themed rooms such as Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, LEGO Friends, and DUPLO—plus a fun disco-themed escalator. The LEGOLAND Castle Hotel offers themed rooms such as Knights & Dragons, Royal Princess, and Magic Wizard. A stay at either hotel comes with perks including early park access, play areas for kids, and a complimentary breakfast. The LEGOLAND website typically offers sales or deals that bundle in admission tickets too.

Otherwise, you’ll find a wide variety of brand-name and independent hotels nearby in Carlsbad, such as the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa and the boutique-style West Inn & Suites.