Legoland, California – and Fun Overnights in Carlsbad Area!

As I’ve been harping, San Diego is a favorite getaway destination of ours in the Southern California area, with tons of things to do and see.  We explored a new area this weekend for my son’s birthday, starting with an impromptu overnight in Solana Beach at the Courtyard by Marriott.  We got a great deal on this hotel, and were so pleasantly surprised with what a gem it was!  The room was huge, and we were a block from the beach!  There was a full bar and cafe on site with happy hour, a pool, and a nice fitness center. The kids were big fans!  We’d definitely stay again!

View from our balcony, which is always nice to have traveling with kids!  Ocean is just on the other side of those buildings 🙂 

Huge room with a pull out sofa bed!

Over at Solana Beach, surfers thrive at sunset time after work, and the waves are not too crazy. My kids love the beach, and had a blast running into the water, as well as playing and writing in the sand.  While it is a bit of a hike down the many steps to the sea and a bit hard to find the path from the main road, it was well worth the effort! We wish we’d had more time to play there!

Sandpipers at beautiful Solana Beach

Perfect way to end the day!

Nothing like impromptu beach time! 

The day after our stay, it was only a short 20 minute drive to the main gate of Legoland, California.  My son chose a day here for his 7th birthday with a buddy in lieu of a birthday party this year, and it was a hit!  He’s the perfect age for this park. My daughter, now 4, really enjoyed it this year too – she has been before, but was too young/short to ride many attractions. The main issue with Legoland for families is the many variations and height requirements, though they have worked to add more for toddlers and little people.  In most cases, you have to be at least 34-40″ to ride at all (depending on the attraction) with a parent, but have to be 48″ to ride alone without someone over 18.  This can make for complications, though we learned if short on adults, workers will ride with you. My son was tall enough to ride alone and had a blast doing so, but his 7 year old buddy isn’t quite there yet so was frustrated.

Legoland Entrance

So many legos! 

Who can resist a Lego Death Star 

All in all, everyone in our party deemed it an “amazing” day, and I’d definitely recommend Legoland for Lego fans of all ages, but primarily those ages 4-9 years old. Legoland is offered as a package add on with transportation from Disneyland now, which is kind of neat, and also features the fun Legoland Hotel (my kids love it there) and is building a new Castle Hotel with princess themed rooms as well that my daughter is ecstatic to see.  The Sea Life aquarium is really fun to walk through as well, and in the summer the water park is fun for the kids. They’ve really worked to make this a multi-day destination, and there’s plenty to do and keep busy if you decide to add it to your California bucket list! 🙂

One of many neat rides! (Adult chaperone required) 

 

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!