LEGOLAND® California

The Basics

LEGOLAND has 10 sections: The Beginning, LEGO Ninjago World, Imagination Zone, Land of Adventure, Castle Hill, Pirate Shores, Miniland USA, Fun Town, LEGOFriends Heartlake City, and Explorer Island. At Miniland USA, city landmarks have been spectacularly recreated entirely out of LEGObricks. At Explorer Island, a mini steel Coastersaurus curves and dips around life-sized LEGOdinosaurs. At Fun Town, young kids can build with soft play bricks, and Pirate Shores is a pirate-themed area with rides and attractions for kids of all ages.

Visitors can buy single-day, multi-day, or park hopper tickets that include entry to nearby Sea Life Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park. Travelers wanting to avoid the stress of traffic and parking at LEGOLAND can opt for an admission package that includes transportation from San Diego, Los Angeles, or Anaheim. Entry is also included in a discounted multi-attraction pass.

Things to Know Before You Go

• LEGOLAND is a must-do for families with kids, especially 12 years and younger.

• Expect to spend a full day exploring the theme park.

• LEGOLAND is wheelchair accessible and offers stroller rentals and parking.

• Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but there are plenty of shops and dining options inside.

How to Get There

LEGOLAND is located in Carlsbad, about 45 minutes northwest of San Diego. Most visitors book transportation ahead of time or take public transport—route 101, 444, or 445 buses and Coaster commuter train from Downtown San Diego stop near LEGOLAND California. If you’re driving, take Interstate 5 to the LEGOLAND/Cannon Road exit.

When to Get There

LEGOLAND is open daily, except for select Tuesdays and Wednesdays from September through February. There really isn’t a bad time to visit, but it is busiest in summer; other times of the year are less crowded. If you want to avoid the long lines, plan to arrive before noon and start at the back of the park.

Nearby Parks

Make the most of your visit and opt for a park hopper pass. It includes admission to LEGOLAND, Sea Life Aquarium to explore the depths of the ocean without getting wet, and LEGOLAND Water Park to cool off with a splash. You’ll need at least two days to see them all.

Is one day enough for LEGOLAND California?

No. There are three separate attractions at LEGOLAND® California: LEGOLAND Theme Park, the SEA LIFE® Aquarium, and LEGOLAND Water Park. At times of year when the lines are long, LEGOLAND Theme Park alone can take a full day. It’s worth buying a 2-day ticket so the family can experience all three destinations.

Can I go to LEGOLAND California without reservations?

No: Even members and pass holders need to make an advance reservation for LEGOLAND California, although guests at LEGOLAND California hotels do not. Non-members can reserve dated tickets for LEGOLAND California by booking online in advance. This also lets you confirm the park is open when you plan to visit.

Can you bring water and snacks into LEGOLAND California?

Yes. You can bring bottled water, baby food, and small snacks that don’t need heating or refrigeration into LEGOLAND California. You can also bring any food that’s necessary for religious or medical reasons. You are not allowed other food and drink, alcoholic beverages, or glass containers (except for baby food jars).

Is there parking at LEGOLAND California?

Yes. There is ample paid parking at LEGOLAND California, with reentry possible throughout the day on a single ticket. Accessible parking is located near the park entrance but requires a valid placard, while there are charging stations for electric vehicles at the Castle Hotel and LEGOLAND Hotel parking lots.

Is LEGOLAND California worth it?

That depends on the age of your family. LEGOLAND California says it targets kids aged 2–12, but many tweens will find most of the rides at the theme park too tame. Many families find the theme park most suitable for kids under 8, although the water park has racers and a flume.

What should you not miss at LEGOLAND California?

The LEGOLAND California Theme Park includes the 2-acre (0.8-hectare) LEGO® MOVIE™ World, featuring Emmet’s Flying Adventure, a virtual flight through the movie universe with 4D technology. Science-loving kids aged 9 and up will love the Mindstorms robotics workshops, while Miniland USA features LEGO recreations of your favorite US cities.

Ways to explore

LEGOLAND California features 10 themed worlds, including LEGO® NINJAGO World, where kids can pretend to be ninjas, Dino Valley with dinosaur-themed rides and imagination areas, THE LEGO MOVIE™ World, where you can venture into Unikitty's Disco Drop, and the new LEGO Galaxy (2026) with a space coaster and space adventures. Collectively, they offer interactive play areas, rides, attractions, and 4D shows—and, in the case of MINILAND USA, city landmarks recreated with LEGO bricks.

Prebook single-day, multi-day, or park-hopper tickets that include entry to nearby Sea Life Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park for discounts over day-of tickets.

Accessibility

While not all rides are accessible, the park offers a wide range of accessibility policies and amenities.

Age limits

None, although some rides have height and weight restrictions.

What to pack

Sealed water bottles and individual snack bags, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, handheld bag

What to wear

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate layers that you don’t mind getting grubby, plus good walking shoes.

Not allowed

Luggage and large bags, most outside food and drinks, inflatable toys and balls, drones

Amenities

Dining options, restrooms, storage lockers, gift shops

Address 

LEGOLAND California is located in Carlsbad, within commuting distance of San Diego, Anaheim, and Los Angeles. Some public transit options are available, although the best way to get there is by car, taxi, or rideshare service; the resort does not offer its own shuttle transportation.

Driving

LEGOLAND California is roughly 40 minutes north of San Diego; take 1-5 N. If coming from Anaheim or Los Angeles, take I-5 S. Paid parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

While some public transit routes, including the Pacific Surfliner train and the 101 bus, serve the area, traveling via public transit can be slow and involve a lot of walking. Taxis are typically a better bet.

Best times to visit

LEGOLAND’s opening hours vary by day of the week and month; however, the park is typically open from mid-morning until late afternoon or early evening. It’s a good idea to arrive early in the day.

Best days to visit

Weekends and holidays are likely to be especially busy at LEGOLAND California—opt for a weekday if you can.

Best months to visit

LEGOLAND California is open year-round. You may want to skip the crowds and heat of peak summer, as well as January, when there are more park closures.

Special events

The amusement park hosts events and activities throughout the year, including a winter holiday fireworks festival.