Most young families we work with have LEGOLAND California Resort on their San Diego itinerary. We advise them not to buy admission at the gate because you can legitimately buy discount LEGOLAND California tickets online through authorized ticket sellers.
This also saves time and helps keep a little more cash in your pocket to spend on LEGOs during your visit (because, trust me, the kids will ask)!
Here’s what you need to know. How you save money depends on the date of your visit because prices and deals change constantly. It also depends on how many of our other attractions are on your to-do list because there are a few sightseeing passes to consider.
I’ll give you reliable options so you can decide what the cheapest LEGOLAND tickets are for your trip. We fact-check all of this constantly and often help our clients crunch these numbers. Our findings weed out invalid coupons and deals and help inform what we share below.
Know Before You Buy: Gate Prices, Parking, and Upgrades
How much time to spend at LEGOLAND: You’ll need to think about how much time you’ll spend there before buying tickets. Most people spend one full day at LEGOLAND California. If you visit with a LEGO enthusiast or like to explore theme parks slowly, you may want a multi-day pass.
They often run second-day-free promos, which makes the latter strategy more cost-effective. Alternatively, if you are pressed for time, even one half-day at LEGOLAND California theme park is entirely doable.
Always Check Opening Dates and Times
Before booking a San Diego vacation that involves visiting LEGOLAND, California, you must check opening dates and hours. The water parks have seasonal hours, and the theme park is closed on some Wednesdays from September through February (except Thanksgiving and winter breaks). Check the calendar.
Gate Prices for LEGOLAND California Tickets
Prices for LEGOLAND California tickets, whether they include just the theme park or hopper tickets with SEA LIFE Aquarium and the water park, rise and fall based on the day you book them. This is called dynamic pricing. Weekends are typically more expensive than weekdays, and summer tickets are more expensive than school-day tickets, for example.
LEGOLAND California sells tickets at the main entrance gate ticket booths, and reservations are required for online tickets. Current gate prices START at:
- 1-Day LEGOLAND park-only admission: $129/ages 2+
- Kids ages 0-2 years old do not need to purchase a ticket.
Read all terms and conditions before purchasing a LEGOLAND California ticket especially for refund policies and expiration dates.
LEGOLAND Parking Prices
You can buy parking in advance. The parking fee at LEGOLAND California is currently:
- $34 for general parking (if purchased online)
- $54 for preferred parking (if purchased online)
Reserve ‘n’ Ride, VIP Experiences, and Other Upgrades
Once you arrive in the park, you can shorten wait times by purchasing an upgraded pass through the app called Reserve ‘N’ Ride (there are three levels).
For those looking to book a VIP experience, LEGOLAND California Resort offers various packages, including a personal host, priority ride access, exclusive experiences, and more.
You’ll need to do some number crunching to see which tickets and methods listed below are the best deal on your dates. We’ve found that buying directly through LEGOLAND is cheaper on some days, while buying through authorized sellers is cheaper on others.
1. Online Deals Through LEGOLAND California
I ALWAYS recommend starting by checking the LEGOLAND website so that you understand the prices on the day of your visit. Right now, the best place to buy 1-Day LEGOLAND California tickets at the lowest price on off-peak days is through the park online. Ticket prices START at (before taxes and fees):
- 1-Day LEGOLAND: from $79
- 2-Day LEGOLAND: from $99
You can buy other tickets at a discount off the gate price in addition to Reserve N Ride and other upgrades.
2. Other Discount LEGOLAND California Tickets (2nd Day Free + Promo Code)
aRes Travel is a San Diego-based, authorized ticket seller to major California attractions, including LEGOLAND California. They offer ways to buy discount tickets to LEGOLAND California, and tickets to other popular San Diego attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
These tickets can be printed at home or pulled up on a mobile device, so you can head straight to the gate without the need to redeem a ticket voucher. These tickets do not use dynamic pricing, which is why they can be lower on some peak days.
You will likely come out ahead on peak days. Tip: Save money on LEGOLAND tickets with aRes Travel and then buy a Reserve ‘N’ Ride (when available) through LEGOLAND.
All LEGOLAND California Ticket Deals
LEGOLAND California 1-Day Tickets
Use promo code LEGO to save and extra $5 off of the discounted price below.
Discounted price: From $79/ages 2+
LEGOLAND + Sea Life Hopper – 2nd Day Free
Second visit must be within 5 days of the first visit.
Discounted price: From $99/ages 2+
LEGOLAND Resort Hopper – 2nd Day Free
Second visit must be within 5 days of the first visit.
Discounted price: From $139/ages 2+
You can also have the details sent immediately to you for later, plus our other exclusive promo codes. Click to request all San Diego discounts by email.
3. Go City San Diego (Most Popular Sightseeing Pass)
The Go City San Diego pass saves up to 50% off of admission to 45+ top San Diego attractions, including LEGOLAND California, in three simple steps:
- Choose the pass option that best suits you (you can buy an All-Inclusive pass or Explorer pass) and buy your pass in advance.
- Get your pass on a mobile device or print it at home.
- Show the pass at any eligible attraction, and you’re in for free.
The passes are available in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 7-day options, each at different prices. Make sure the attractions you’d like to visit are listed on the option you buy. This is by far the most popular discounted, bundled San Diego attractions pass.
Helpful Tips
Sometimes, a 1-day All-Inclusive Go San Diego pass costs less than a one-day General Admission LEGOLAND California ticket. Go San Diego includes access to the theme park, but you can pay when you arrive to include the SEA LIFE Aquarium and the water park. You can also purchase some upgrades in advance.
Go City San Diego – Exclusive Discount!
Use promo code GOSDO5LJM to apply an extra 5% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes when you buy through Go City! This discount stacks on top of sale rates!
(Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.)
See also: 15 San Diego Discounts: Experience the City for Less
4. San Diego CityPASS for Specific Attractions
Another more limited sightseeing pass choice is San Diego CityPASS. This pass ONLY makes sense if you visit LEGOLAND California AND San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park AND at least one of the other three participating attractions across nine consecutive days.
Otherwise, buying discounted tickets individually or using Go City San Diego (which has many participating attractions) is more advantageous.
The pass types include:
- LEGOLAND California + 3 Attractions
- SeaWorld San Diego + 3 Attractions
- SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California + 3 Attractions
The three attractions can be your choice of:
- San Diego Zoo OR San Diego Zoo Safari Park (not both)
- USS Midway Museum
- City Cruises
- Old Town Trolley Tours
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
You will still need to use the My CityPASS app to make a LEGOLAND California reservation before you visit. Learn more about San Diego CityPASS.
Adding the Water Park and SEA LIFE to Sightseeing Passes
5. Combo Tickets With Specific San Diego Attractions
Again, you can save big money on admission by combining your ticket with other local theme parks. Crunch the numbers to be sure.
For reference, my promo code on San Diego Zoo and Safari Park tickets brings down the price to $67/adult and $57/child at each park (request the details from me). So, you’ll need to know the price of LEGOLAND tickets during your dates to see if these combos work for you.
Based on current pricing, a LEGOLAND park-only adult ticket would need to be priced around $99.99 or higher on the date of your visit to make these packages worth it.
LEGOLAND & San Diego Zoo Safari Park Combo Deal
This combo deal includes one LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE Hopper and a 1-Day Pass to San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Price: $163.99/adults (ages 12+) and $153.99/kids (ages 3-11)
LEGOLAND California, San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park Combo Deal
This combo deal includes 1 LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE Hopper, 1 day at the San Diego Zoo, and 1 day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Price: $232.99/adults (ages 10+) and $212.99/kids (ages 3-9)
LEGOLAND California + Disneyland Combo Deal
Get a 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket and Legoland California 1-Day park admission bundled together (Price: $521.99/adult and $521.99/children ages 3-9)
6. Vacation Packages: Hotels + LEGOLAND Tickets
Sometimes, booking a vacation package with hotels, tickets, and other extras can be more cost-effective. Staying at a LEGOLAND resort hotel is a blast for little kids because they’re heaving with interactive LEGO features and play areas.
LEGOLAND Hotel Tips
Vacation Packages Through LEGOLAND
Bundle LEGOLAND California tickets and the LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel in a vacation package.
The Ultimate LEGOLAND Family Fun Vacation
Bundle LEGOLAND California tickets and a nearby hotel to save on a LEGOLAND California Resort vacation. This is best for hotels outside of LEGOLAND California Resort.
The Best of San Diego Adventure Package
Customize your own San Diego vacation package! The package includes your choice of tickets to four popular San Diego theme parks: SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and LEGOLAND California, as well as hotel accommodations.
See also: Best Hotels Near LEGOLAND California Resort
7. Go City Los Angeles Pass
The Go City Los Angeles pass works exactly like the Go City San Diego pass mentioned above. This pass, however, includes some famous theme parks in Los Angeles like Universal Studios Hollywood.
LEGOLAND California is included in the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass. We have families buy this pass if they’re on a Southern California road trip. Remember that with Go City passes, you’ll need to make a separate reservation to enter LEGOLAND (instructions come with the pass). Plus, you can take advantage of my exclusive discount.
Exclusive Go City Los Angeles Discount!
Use promo code GOLA5LJM to apply an extra 5% off ALL Go City Los Angeles sightseeing passes! This discount stacks on top of sale rates!
(Pass has limited value for families in San Diego during Kids Free October — we recommend individual tickets instead during this timeframe. See promotional terms and conditions.)
8. Annual Passes for Frequent Visitors
I recommend annual passes for San Diego residents and those who visit the park multiple times per year.
Four levels of annual memberships are available: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Elite. The LEGOLAND Silver Pass provides unlimited visits to LEGOLAND California, while the Gold, Platinum, and Elite include admission to SEA LIFE California Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park.
When choosing a pass, you need to pay attention to blackout dates and the types of exclusive discounts each one offers. They also offer a monthly payment plan and pass prices range from $179 to $349. The higher your pass level, the more discounts you receive.
Tip: You Can Upgrade Your Ticket to an Annual Pass
If you love the park so much during your visit that you want to upgrade to an annual pass, go to Guest Services in The Beginning. You can upgrade on the day of your visit or within 30 days of your visit. But you must do it in person because it can’t be done online or over the phone.
9. Kids Free October for LEGOLAND
During the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion in October, children can score free admission to LEGOLAND California and other major San Diego theme parks, museums, and more. Yes, this is why October is one of the best times to visit San Diego with kids.
These tickets typically go live in September. Last year, you could get one free One-Day Child Hopper Ticket for ages 2–12 with a full-price One-Day Adult Hopper Ticket to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium. The Brick-or-Treat Halloween event isn’t included.
10. Honest Kids — Free Kids Tickets
Sometimes, there’s a promo code to receive a free child ticket when purchasing an adult ticket (the promo code automatically applies at that link). This is an excellent deal, but it applies only to combo tickets: the 1-Day SEA Life Hopper and the 1-Day Water Park Hopper.
It doesn’t seem to have an expiration, so you can take advantage of it now, but we’ll keep monitoring it. There are a lot of free kids’ ticket deals floating around from places like McDonald’s or Valuepak, but this Honest Kids one has been around for a long time, so it’s the one we keep listed here. It’s not always the best deal though, in my opinion.
11. AAA Discount LEGOLAND California Tickets
LEGOLAND California often offers a 5% discount on select tickets and a 10% discount on hotels to AAA members. You can check with your local branch for offers as well.
While it’s nice to use memberships like this for extra savings, you will save more through the park’s online sales or authorized sellers. I’ve seen a couple of AAA landing pages advertising 35% off. I’m an AAA member, so when I punch through to purchase, it aligns more with the 5% off, maybe a little more.
12. LEGOLAND Military Discounts
LEGOLAND California offers several substantial, special military discounts that change annually. The military can buy cheaper LEGOLAND tickets online that currently include:
- 1-Day LEGOLAND: $74.50
- 2-Day SEA LIFE Hopper: $87.50
- 2-Day RESORT Hopper: starts at $149
Plus, there is also a 10% military discount on the amazing LEGOLAND hotels.
13. First Responders, Nurses, Government Workers
ID.me advertises 35% off for each of these service groups and military. Use your login to check it out.
14. Costco LEGOLAND California Discount Tickets
BEST DEAL FOR: Those who get lucky and find them.
Costco has not recently been selling as many theme park tickets as it used to. Most online reports of people seeing Costco LEGOLAND tickets are several years old. Or they appear almost as quickly as they disappear.
I shop at Costco in San Diego and haven’t seen tickets at my local store. You can keep an eye out because you never know. They are randomly spotted sometimes, even in out-of-state warehouses, but check the park’s website first to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
15. Lego Club Magazine Discounts
Subscribers to the LEGO Club Magazine often receive various discounts throughout the park and cheap LEGOLAND tickets. It’s free, geared toward ages 5–9, and sent out five times yearly until kids turn 10. If there’s a free ticket, it’s usually the same as the Honest Kids ticket offer above where you buy a full priced adult Resort Hopper and get a free kids’ ticket.
However, I definitely recommend a subscription to anyone interested in LEGOs. The free downloads and activities are neat.
16. Teacher Discounts
LEGOLAND California often offers special teacher discounts that change throughout the year. At the time of this writing, there are no discounts available. However, you can check here or login to the site to learn more!
17. Group Discounts for 15 or More
If you have 15 or more people, you can walk up to a front gate ticket booth on the day of your visit to purchase group tickets at $10 off per ticket. I would not do this because it will likely be cheaper for everyone in your group to buy LEGOLAND discount tickets online in advance.
18. Travel Agent Discounts on LEGOLAND Theme Park Hopper
I keep an eye on travel agent discounts, and the one LEGOLAND offers is pretty good. Travel Agents can buy two Hopper admission tickets at 50% off or up to six Hopper admission tickets at 20% off. You’ll need to present a valid IATA card or a business card plus a photo ID at a LEGOLAND ticket booth.
This Awesome Awaits at LEGOLAND California Resort
The resort caters to kids ages 2–12 and has a theme park, aquarium, seasonal water park, and two super fun hotels. Here’s a short list of popular things to do:
- Minifigure trading with staff members.
- Halloween’s Brick-or-Treat Monster Party Nights, trick-or-treating, contests, and other special events during this festive season.
- Miniland USA cities and famous buildings built with LEGOs.
- The Kids’ NYE LEGO ball drop and other events during the winter holidays
- Scavenger hunt at King’s Market in Castle Hill (where The Dragon roller coaster is located).
- Grannie’s Apple Fries with their cinnamon dust, caramel and whipped cream topping.
- LEGO Driving School, where kids drive their own cars and earn a “driver’s license.”
- The seasonal water park.
- The Model Shop is where you can watch Master Builders create awesome things.
- Dino Valley themed area with rides and hands-on experiences (I really love the colorful LEGO dinosaurs – it’s really impressive).
- LEGO Movie World, where you can meet LEGO Movie characters and enjoy several rides based on the hit movies like Emmet’s Flying Adventure ride and Unikitty’s Disco Drop. Parents, be prepared for a spin through The Awesome Shop.
Fun fact: I was part of the LEGO Movie press junket and I got to interview Morgan Freeman and Chris Pratt at the park!
FAQs About LEGOLAND California Resort Tickets & Logistics
Since I live here, I help families plan vacations in San Diego. These are the questions that I receive the most. Grab a coffee because this San Diego theme park is so popular that my inbox overflows.
Where is LEGOLAND California located?
LEGOLAND California is located at One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008, in North San Diego County. Many people mistakenly believe the park is in Los Angeles (it’s not).
Are LEGOLAND California reservations required?
Yes. If you have purchased discount tickets through authorized sellers, you must purchase a date-specific ticket or make a reservation to enter the park. You will also need to make a reservation if you have a Go City or CityPASS sightseeing pass (instructions are included with your pass).
How can you get free kids’ tickets to LEGOLAND?
As we’ve outlined, there are various ways to get free kids’ tickets throughout the year. In October, during Kids Free San Diego, LEGOLAND California offers discounts, such as one child ages 12 and under receiving a free ticket when accompanied by a paid adult. You can also currently get that deal year-round through a promo that is available, thanks to Honest Kids. These offers apply to park hopper tickets.
Does the park offer any other kind of special tickets or passes?
Yes, you can purchase a VIP Experience pass, which grants you priority access, private experiences, and your very own host.
How much is parking at LEGOLAND?
The parking fee at LEGOLAND California is currently $34 for general parking and $40-54 for preferred parking.
When is the park open?
This is the most important tip for your LEGOLAND California visit. The park is open seven days a week all year round, but it closes on certain Wednesdays between September and February. The water park also has seasonal hours. The exact hours of the day the parks are open vary year-round and based on special events. Check the calendar before you buy tickets.
Can you bring food into the park?
No outside food or beverages are permitted unless they are for babies and infants or guests with special dietary or medical needs.
What is there to do at the park?
The park features more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions. Your kids can take the LEGO Factory Tour, get behind the wheel at Driving School, and ride the Coastersaurus. From DUPLO Playtown to Safari Trek, there are many attractions that entertain the whole family. Don’t miss the character meet and greets, live shows, and 4D shows.
Is LEGOLAND fun for adults?
The park is geared toward children ages 2 to 12. While most of the rides are for little ones, adults will enjoy the elaborate LEGO scenes and structures. Check out mini versions of the Las Vegas Strip, New Orleans, and New York, made entirely from the mini blocks.
My clients (and I agree based on my own visits) say that visiting LEGOLAND tends to be more tiring than other theme parks because everything is kid-centric (aside from having an adult beverage at some restaurants).
Can you get skip-the-line access at the park?
Yes, you can purchase special passes to make ride reservations through the Reserve ‘N’ Ride application. Three levels of passes are available online: Express, Deluxe, and Ultimate. These upgrades cost between $35 and $100 per person and can reduce your wait time between 25% and 95%, depending on the level you purchase.
Can you purchase LEGOs at the park?
Yes! The park features several places to stock up on your kids’ favorite toys. Check out the LEGO® Ideas Shop, The Big Shop, the Minifigure Market, and The Dive Shop.
Can I go shopping at LEGOLAND California for free?
Yes! You must buy a 1-Day ticket and pay for parking to enter the park. If you spend $25 or more and are inside for less than one hour, guest services will refund the cost of your ticket and parking.
What kind of food is available at the park?
The park offers a variety of eateries for when you work up an appetite. Burgers, barbecue, and pizza are just a few of the options. For lunch, choices include Garden Deli and Cafe, The Market, Ninja Kitchen, and more. For dessert, swing by Fun Town Treats, Castle Ice Cream, or Granny’s Apple Fries. You can find vegetarian and gluten-free options as well.
Do I need separate tickets to visit SEA LIFE Aquarium?
You do need to have a ticket that allows entry into SEA LIFE Aquarium. You can buy a SEA LIFE Aquarium ticket or it’s included on certain park hopper tickets and annual passes.
SEA LIFE Aquarium is a massive indoor aquarium featuring 5,000 real sea animals, from sharks to rays. Learn about the sea creatures, and don’t miss feeding time. LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE are located right next to each other.
Does my LEGOLAND ticket include entrance to the water park?
Only certain annual pass holders or guests with a Resort Hopper or Water Park Hopper ticket can access the water park without purchasing an additional ticket.
You can only access the water park through LEGOLAND, so you can upgrade your LEGOLAND-only ticket to include access to the water park when it is open for the season.
The water park has all sorts of fun for children, including a wave pool, water slides, and water play structures. Make a splash in Wipeout Lagoon and float down the lazy river. If you don’t mind getting soaked, take a ride on the Pirate Reef or wait for the water cannons to blast you at the Joker Soaker.
When is the LEGOLAND water park open?
The water park is open seasonally, and its hours depend on the day of the week and time of year. It’s usually open between mid-March and August, with some dates in September and October.
Hours of operation vary between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Check the park’s calendar for specific dates when planning your trip.
LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel: What are the benefits?
You can book into either the LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel for the ultimate LEGOLAND California holiday. Guests receive early access to certain rides 30 minutes before the park opens to the public, from 9:30–10 a.m.
However, you get a free hot breakfast when you stay at either hotel (this does not apply to check-in day). See also: What It’s Like to Stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel
How do you buy LEGOLAND California discount tickets? See our purchasing guides for:
- San Diego Zoo tickets
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets
- SeaWorld San Diego tickets
- Sesame Place San Diego tickets
- Disneyland tickets
- Universal Studios Hollywood tickets
- Knott’s Berry Farm tickets
- Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets
- Universal Orlando tickets
- SeaWorld Orlando tickets
- LEGOLAND Florida tickets
- LEGOLAND New York tickets
Katie Dillon
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