Who hasn’t played with Legos? Lego has been part of the childhood of entire generations of children (and adults!). From Denmark, the birthplace of Lego, the famous bricks have spread all over the world in just a few decades. At the same time, the same happened for theme parks. After the first park opened in Billund in 1964, 6 other parks named Legoland opened in Europe, Asia, and North America. One of the largest and most famous ones is located in the United States. In 1999, Legoland California opened in San Diego County, California, more precisely in Carlsbad.
Legoland California is connected with the SEA LIFE Aquarium and it is possible to purchase the combined ticket for the two parks. But before we talk about the tickets, here are some more details about the park, including directions, from San Diego and Los Angeles, attractions, and recommended hotels.
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Location and Directions
Legoland California is located in the city of Carlsbad, about 30 miles north of San Diego. Getting there by car is very easy. Just take the San Diego Freeway northbound and get off at Exit 48. From there, it will just be a few more minutes until you reach Legoland. The same goes for those arriving from the north, maybe from Los Angeles if you are on a road trip in California.
You can also get to the park by public transportation from San Diego, but of course, it takes a little longer than driving there. Here are the two alternatives:
- Option 1 (train & bus, approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes): From Santa Fe Station in San Diego take the Coaster train to Carlsbad Poinsettia Station. Here, in front of the station, you will find Buses 444 and 445. Both buses will take you to Legoland. You need to get off at Palomar Airport Rd & Armada Dr, located a few minutes walk from the park entrance.
- Option 2 (train and 2 buses, about 2 hours 40 minutes): From Santa Fe Station in San Diego, take the Pacific Surfliner train to Solana Beach Station. Here, in front of the station, you’ll take Bus 101 in the direction of Oceanside. Get off at the Carlsbad Blvd & Island Way stop. From here you need to walk 5 minutes to cross the train to Carlsbad Poinsettia Station. As for the first option, you will have to take either Buses 444 or 445 and get off at Palomar Airport Rd & Armada Dr, a short walk away from the park entrance.
If you are traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego but you don’t have a car or don’t want to use it to reach the park, you can also consider buying a ticket with transportation included. You can find more information at the link below.
Ticket to Legoland California with transportation from Los Angeles
Legoland California Tickets Price and Opening Hours
The times of the park are very variable depending on the time of year you come here. On this website, you will find the updated hours of operation. Generally, Legoland opens between 9:30 am and 10:00 am and closes between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
The same applies to the Legoland Water Park, which is closed in winter, and the SEA LIFE Aquarium. On the same website, you will also find the updated hours of operation for these two side sections.
Legoland ticket prices range between $89.99 and $114.99 for children and between $94.99 and $120.99 for adults, depending on the day and time of year. Click on the links below to find very convenient special offers to visit the main park and its two appendices: Legoland Waterpark and SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Benefits of the Go California Explorer Pass
If you’re planning a trip to California and are planning to see other parks, such as the San Diego Zoo or the famous SeaWorld, consider purchasing the Go California Explorer Pass, which will save you money on tickets.
Why visit Legoland California?
If you’re in California, spending a day in Legoland is certainly worth it. Legoland theme parks have one feature that sets them apart from most amusement parks and the California theme park is no exception. Not only do they have fun rides, but they also have reconstructions of symbolic cities and places. Visiting Legoland as a family will be fun for both parents and children.
Miniland USA is the area of the park dedicated to reconstructions and, as the name clearly says, the main theme is the United States. You will feel like a giant as you overlook the famous casinos of Las Vegas or move like Godzilla between the New York City skyscrapers. On a boat you will be able to sail from the Statue of Liberty to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The route also includes Mount Rushmore and even famous international monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal.
Among the most characteristic areas there is the reconstruction of New Orleans, built in Billund, in the original Danish factory, and then transported to the Californian coast. A fun fact about the model of the Capitol in Washington DC is that there are two mini-figures representing the sitting President and the First Lady and they are replaced after each presidential election.
Legoland California Resort attractions
Around Miniland USA, which is located in the center of the park, there is a series of themed areas full of rides and games.
- Explorer Island: this wild dinosaur-themed ride gives you both the adrenaline of roller coasters like the Coastersaurus and the chance to feel like real paleontologists digging to look for dinosaur skeletons in the sand.
- Ninjago World: in recent years, Ninjago has become one of the most successful themes in the Lego world, also thanks to the cartoon series. In this area of the park, children can meet the characters of the saga and improvise being ninjas by playing numerous games based on martial arts.
- Land of Adventure: this is the area of adventure and mystery, with journeys between the tombs of the pharaohs and the discovery of the ancient lost kingdoms.
- Imagination Zone: here you can see how Lego heroes are built! You immerse yourself in mental trials and meet the most famous characters from Lego films. This is one of the most exciting areas of the park for young and old, where the attractions range from roller coasters to 4D movies.
- Castle Hill: this is a beautiful roller coaster in a medieval setting of castles, ladies and knights.
- Deep Sea Adventure: here you will enter a submarine and see marine life, including sharks.
- Pirate shores: a pirate ship and a battle with water cannons make this area the best place to cool off while having fun on hot summer days.
- Fun Town: this is a very entertaining section of Legoland. You’ll find driveable Lego cars and boats, also made of Legos, that you can sail in the pond, but also various rides and the famous Lego factory.
Legoland Water Park and SEA LIFE Aquarium
Next to Legoland California there are two other parks, which can be visited with a single ticket. In the summer, the Legoland Water Park wing is open. This is the classic water park with slides, pools, and water-themed attractions. The Lego theme recurs in the settings, but the real reason why it’s worth spending a few hours or a day in this area of the park is to have fun and cool off from the heat of summer in California.
SEA LIFE Aquarium is home to numerous marine species. If you are looking for great water-themed attractions, including performances by killer whales and dolphins, I recommend without a doubt the SeaWorld in San Diego. But if your kids want to see sharks, manta rays, and other deep-sea species up close, this is a good alternative, ideal to combine with a day at Legoland.
Where to Stay near Legoland California
Legoland is located in Carlsbad, so it might be useful to find accommodation near the park, without having to make a same-day round trip from San Diego or, worse, from Los Angeles. Even if this is one of your stops during a California coast road trip, staying overnight in this area could make it easier for you to split the stages. Here are some tips on where to stay overnight near Legoland:
- Legoland California Resort and Castle Hotel. Especially if you choose the cumulative ticket to also access the side parks, there is no more comfortable hotel than the one inside the park. The Lego theme distinguishes it right down to the individual rooms and is therefore also a valid option for those who want their children to enjoy the Lego experience at night.
- MarBrisa Carlsbad Resort. One of the best hotels in the area in terms of price and quality is this resort with 3 swimming pools, 4 Jacuzzis, a children’s play area, as well as sports facilities and fields.
- Carlsbad Seapointe Resort. If you are traveling by public transportation and looking for a good hotel, this is the one for you. It is located close to Carlsbad station and also to the bus stop where you can take a bus to Legoland. There is a swimming pool and a whirlpool, sports fields, and a playground.
Looking for something different? Click on the link below to see all available hotels in the surroundings of Legoland and Carlsbad. If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in San Diego, check out our article on where to stay in San Diego.
Looking for tickets to another Legoland?
In the United States there is another Legoland, in Orlando, Florida, which is actually the largest Legoland in the world. If you are looking for information on what to see and how to buy a ticket, wait for our upcoming article.
