Visitors Guide to Legoland California

Legoland California

Legoland California opened in Carlsbad on March 20, 1999 as the first Legoland theme park in the United States and the third worldwide, following the original in Billund, Denmark and the Legoland Windsor park in the United Kingdom. Aimed at families with elementary-age children, Legoland offers a variety of hands-on and interactive attractions, as well as play areas and traditional rides.

Our recommendations below come from our ongoing survey of Theme Park Insider readers. Vote here to take part in our surveys and submit your picks for top attractions.

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What to Do

Top 10

  1. Miniland
    The heart of any Legoland theme park, this collection of Lego models includes famous landmarks from around Southern California, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Washington DC, and New York City.
  2. Lego City Deep Sea Adventure
    A submarine ride located in Castle Hill. Height requirement: 52 inches to ride alone
  3. The Dragon
    A Vekoma Junior Coaster with a short dark ride introduction, located in Castle Hill. Height requirement: 40 inches
    The Dragon
    Photo courtesy Legoland
  4. Ninjago The Ride
    A Triotech interactive dark ride located in Lego Ninjago World. Height requirement: 48 inches to ride alone
  5. Lost Kingdom Adventure
    A Sally Dark Rides interactive dark ride located in Land of Adventure. Height requirement: 30 inches
    Lost Kingdom Adventure
    Photo courtesy Legoland
  6. Emmet's Flying Adventure
    A flying theater ride located in The Lego Movie World. Height requirement: 40 inches
  7. Driving School
    Kids can drive individual cars through the "streets" of Fun Town. Must be between 6 and 13 years old to ride. This is moving to a new location, reopening in summer 2025.
    Driving School
    Photo by Robert Niles
  8. Explorer River Quest
    Boat ride in Dino Valley.
  9. Kid Power Tower
    Pull yourself up these observation towers located above Fun Town. Height requirement: 40 inches
    Kid Power Tower
  10. The Hideaways
    One of the best theme park playgrounds anywhere, this multi-level wooden structure is located in Castle Hill.
    The Hideaways

Other Attractions

Dino Valley

  • Coastersaurus: Gerstlauer junior coaster
  • Duplo Little Dino Trail: Track ride

The Lego Movie World

  • Benny's Playship: Play structure
  • Queen Watevra's Carousel
  • Unikitty's Disco Drop: Kiddie drop tower (Height requirement: 40 inches)

Fun Town

  • Duplo Playtown
  • Legoland Express
  • Sky Patrol (Height requirement: 34 inches)
  • Junior Driving School
  • Lego Factory Tour
  • Adventurer's Club: Walk through
  • Skipper School: Boat ride

Pirate Shores

  • Captain Cranky's Challenge: Swinging ship
  • Pirate Reef: Water playground. (Seasonal. Height requirement: 36 inches)
  • Splash Battle (Seasonal. Height requirement: 36 inches)

Castle Hill

  • The Royal Joust: Track ride. (Height requirement: 36 inches. Ages 4-12 only)

Land of Adventure

  • Dune Raiders (Height requirement: 36 inches)
  • Beetle Bounce (Height requirement: 36 inches)
  • Pharaoh's Revenge: Play area
  • Cargo Ace

Imagination Zone

  • Bionicle Blasters: Spinner (Height requirement: 42 inches)
  • Lego Ferrari Build and Race
  • Lego Mindstorms
  • Lego Technic Coaster: Mack Rides wild mouse coaster. (Height requirement: 42 inches)

Lego Ninjago World

  • Ninjago Training Camp: Play area

Coming in 2026

Indoor roller coaster - This new space-themed ride will be the park's first indoor roller coaster.

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Park Map

Legoland California is located in Carlsbad, just off Interstate 5 about 30 miles north of San Diego.

Where to Stay

Legoland Hotel and Legoland Castle Hotel
The Legoland California Resort's two official, on-site hotels are located within a few steps of the park's entrance.

Other Carlsbad Hotels
Legoland California is surrounded by several other hotels just a short drive from the park.