SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND® California Resort

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1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
|
Open:
10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday)
10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday)
Experience spectacular sea life up close as you journey through LEGOLAND's SEA LIFE Aquarium. With 16+ interactive exhibits, it's fun for the whole family!
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
SEA LIFE Aquarium
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Highlights

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Your Family’s Complete Guide to Life in Our Ocean Habitats

Sea Life Aquarium Legoland CaSea Life Aquarium Store at Legoland Ca

A vacation to LEGOLAND California is an easy way for young families to make memories together. And when you know a few tricks, the adventure of making your kids happy doesn’t have to be expensive either!

Combine your LEGOLAND California vacation with a visit to SEA LIFE Aquarium for an easy and fun family experience.

Carlsbad City Beach
Carlsbad City Beach

SEA LIFE Highlights

Located in Carlsbad, California, this attraction is home to an array of creatures of the sea! View tropical fish and baby cuttlefish. You can even encounter a shark!

This California resort is home to the very first Beluga whale sanctuary, where you can meet Little White and Little Grey through the glass! Not to mention, many of nature’s other gentle sea creatures.

See anything from a starfish to a shark! There are plenty of opportunities for interactive learning activities at this all-encompassing aquarium geared toward kids. However, people of all ages are welcome.

Entrance to Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland Ca
Entrance to Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland Ca

Keep a Sharp Eye Out for LEGOS

Of course, since this aquarium is within LEGOLAND California, you will see little LEGO divers inside several tanks. See how many you can find as you make your way through the Aquarium.

Local Tips
Don't Miss the Ocean Tunnel
Walk through SEA LIFE Aquarium's Ocean Tunnel to get a mesmerizing 360-degree view of sharks, rays, and tropical fish swimming all around you.

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Ticket Options: SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND California

Below is ticket information you’ll need to know for your visit to the theme park.

Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland California
Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland California

General Admission

Standard tickets to the SEA LIFE Aquarium are $25. Guests are required to use the tickets on the pre-selected day.

SEA LIFE is free for children two years old.

SEA LIFE & LEGOLAND California - Combo Ticket

Admission to LEGOLAND California with the SEA LIFE Aquarium add-on varies based on the day of the week and season but starts at just $89 if you buy the ticket ahead of time online. The price at the gate starts at $149.

2-Day Resort Hopper – 3 Park Adventure

LEGOLAND California offers a 2-day pass that includes admission to the main park, the SEA LIFE Aquarium and the waterpark! These prices start at $149 but is also based on the day of the week and the season.

The fine print to know is that the ticket must be used on the date selected and the second day within 3 days of the 1st visit. The waterpark must be the same day as the main LEGOLAND California park.

The Annual Pass

The annual pass to LEGOLAND California Resort, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and the LEGOLAND Water Park begins at $229.

Please keep in mind, while I ensure the prices are updated on this page, prices are always subject to change.

Be sure to check prices ahead of your visit.

Lion Statue Outside the San Diego Zoo
Lion Statue Outside the San Diego Zoo

Get Discounted Tickets to LEGOLAND California

The cheapest way to see LEGOLAND California is with the pre-purchase of a Go City San Diego pass.

The All-Inclusive Go City San Diego pass includes admission to LEGOLAND California plus other family-friendly locations in Southern California like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and many more! For an added saving, use our discount code GVSD5OFF, and save an extra 5% at check out!

Full Disclosure About the Go City San Diego Pass and LEGOLAND Admission

If you’ve seen some of the guides we’ve put together for the most popular attractions in San Diego like our San Diego Zoo or complete guide to LEGOLAND California, you already know that I love recommending the Go City San Diego pass!

I had a friend visit the site recently and thank me for the information. He then proceeded to joke with me that he was surely getting a Go Pass because I clearly love them!

The thing is, the Go City San Diego pass is the easiest and cheapest way to visit many of San Diego’s top attractions!

But unfortunately, only the parent park, LEGOLAND California, is included. But if you have your heart set on visiting the SEA LIFE Aquarium don’t worry, you can upgrade your ticket at Guest Services when you are at the park.

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Encounter the Hidden Secrets of LEGOLAND Castle Hotel at LEGOLAND California

Designed with families and their kids in mind, LEGOLAND Castle Hotel at the LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad is a feast for the imagination. You're sure to have as much fun as Todd does on his tour!

Stay at the Legoland Castle Hotel

What To See at SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND California Resort

Fer Looking into the Huge Aquarium at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca
Fer Looking into the Huge Aquarium at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca

There’s a lot to see at SEA LIFE! As a part of the famous LEGOLAND California Resort, SEA LIFE Aquarium allows guests to experience over 6,000 creatures and 350 different species of sea animals.

We’ll get into the details below about my family’s favorite exhibits and the learning experiences specifically for kids but let me just say, don’t be surprised if the aquarium becomes your kid’s favorite new park.

You’ll get to watch their faces fill with joy as they splash in a simulated bioluminescent tide under a starry sky. They can also take some time to play Shark Mission. Shark Mission is a game that fosters their learning and teaches them about the life of sharks.

Join the Aquarium during one of their scheduled feeding demonstrations to learn about the care that the animals receive at this fantastic attraction.

SEA LIFE focuses on providing optimal learning experiences. Education is essential, which is why this Aquarium offers an atmosphere where your children can learn and grow. With over 16 interactive zones and exhibits, the Aquarium provides the best environment for your child to appreciate the life of animals under the sea.

Live Show at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca
Live Show at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca

Aquatic & Wildlife Fun for Everyone

Despite its small size, the aquarium packs a lot of wildlife into the attraction! The interactive exhibits, talks, feedings, and close encounters were designed to engage children. Parents can expect SEA LIFE to be both a positive and educational introduction to our ocean habitats.

Guests will see an array of tropical fish, sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays. And with over 350 different species, chances are SEA LIFE will give your little ones a chance to get up close with their favorite sea creature.

Be sure to grab a Dive Logbook from the entrance. Kids collect stamps throughout the aquarium at designated areas. Don’t forget to collect your special souvenir from the gift shop!

SEA LIFE Aquarium Conservation Project

Ocean Tunnel with a Shark at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca
Ocean Tunnel with a Shark at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca

The message SEA LIFE strives to share is Breed, Rescue, and Protect. Their care system is derived from decades of experience from their very own marine biologists.

SEA LIFE Aquarium has partnered with SEA LIFE Trust to develop and support projects that protect these beautiful sea creatures worldwide.

In 2015, they raised over $430,000 globally to support the projects and partner organizations who work on protecting seahorses, turtles, sharks, whales, dolphins, otters, and more!

You can become a part of their conservation efforts by visiting the Aquarium and learning how you can raise awareness to save these magnificent marine animals.

Exciting Exhibits to See at SEA LIFE Aquarium

Here are just a few of the exhibits that you don't want to miss when you visit SEA LIFE Aquarium at the LEGOLAND Resort.

Freshwater Exhibit

Come meet the locals!

The marine species in this exhibit are residents of Southern California’s streams, rivers, and lakes.

Interactive Touchpool Exhibit

It’s hands-on!

You’ll touch rockpool sea creatures like urchins, abalone, and a personal favorite, the sea stars.

Kingdom of the Seahorse Exhibit

Stare in amazement as these endangered seahorses link their tails together, and dance through the water. If you visit the exhibit during feeding and talk times, you will learn what they eat, and how they function as a species.

During the breeding season, you can witness the magnificence of the males giving birth. This is the only species in the world where a male is the partner who births the young ones.

San Francisco Harbor

Stand at the glass where you can look at hundreds of different kinds of fish in their habitat.

Fish are not the only sea creature in there, though. San Francisco Harbor Exhibit is known for its giant octopus!

Shark and Ray Lagoon Exhibit

This relaxing exhibit is the perfect chance to sit back and watch the sharks and stingrays as they glide across the lagoon.

Shark Mission

Watch as your child navigates a gigantic touchscreen to learn fascinating information about sharks.

Your child will absorb the importance of their existence and understand the conservation efforts surrounding these magnificent sea creatures.

Through interactive games, children will absorb valuable knowledge, and leave the park having a deeper appreciation for these predators of the sea.

Shipwreck Exhibit

LIFE SEA’s coral reef is easily the most colorful exhibit in the entire resort!

Guests will see tropical fish of nearly every size and color as they dart around the reef.

Gold Rush River at the Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca
Gold Rush River at the Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca

The Shoaling Exhibit

Watch as glimmering schools swim around you and your family. You’ll feel as if you’re part of the current itself.

Tropical Ocean Exhibit

One of my family’s favorites, walk through LIFE SEA’s underwater tunnel and watch as the sharks, schools, and stingrays swim overhead.

The Optimal Learning Experience for Your Children

Fer in Front of a Lifesize White Shark at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca
Fer in Front of a Lifesize White Shark at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca

It's a Kids Aquarium in a Kid-Centered Resort!

Every single exhibit that is at SEA LIFE Aquarium is kid-friendly. This entire Aquarium is centered on kids and includes family-friendly activities throughout the whole attraction.

Feeding and Questions Activities

The animals' caretakers invite people of all ages to join them while they feed the marine life. Encourage your child to ask questions to learn about sea life, diets, behavior patterns, and more!

Tropical Ocean Exhibit

Take a trip through an underwater tunnel to see the wonders of life under the sea. Watch as sharks swim above you while schools of bright, colorful fish dance around the glass.

Emmets Superstore Live Show at Legoland Ca
Emmets Superstore Live Show at Legoland Ca

LEGOLAND Resort

Not only is the Aquarium an all-inclusive atmosphere for kids, but so is the entire Resort! From the hotels to the water park and LEGOLAND - all of it was created with your kids in mind.

Local Tips
Don't Miss the Ocean Tunnel
Walk through SEA LIFE Aquarium's Ocean Tunnel to get a mesmerizing 360-degree view of sharks, rays, and tropical fish swimming all around you.

Plenty of LEGO Attractions - All in One Place

Dani Walking in the Exhibits at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca
Dani Walking in the Exhibits at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca

The great thing about SEA LIFE is that it has many exhibits to offer, and the location is smack-dab in the middle of many other attractions as well.

Let’s look at an attraction in SEA LIFE and then a couple nearby as well.

Looking Inside the Ocean Tunnel at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca
Looking Inside the Ocean Tunnel at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca

Ocean Discovery

At the Ocean Discovery exhibit in SEA LIFE Aquarium, your children can take the time to learn about the animals inside of this enormous 200,000-gallon habitat!

Learn about the different species of animals as their beautiful colors swirl and mold together. This exhibit is terrific for seeing how sea life differs from land animals. In turn, you will learn to appreciate every animal for its unique existence.

Legoland California Main Entrance Sign
Legoland California Main Entrance Sign

LEGOLAND California Park

SEA LIFE is in the middle of LEGOLAND California Park.

This park provides a kid-friendly atmosphere full of fun rides and amazing LEGO models! Even though the resort is kid-centered, people of all ages have come to appreciate this unique park.

Boats at the Coast Cruise at Legoland Ca
Boats at the Coast Cruise at Legoland Ca

LEGOLAND® Water Park

There is a third section of LEGOLAND Resort in San Diego, the LEGOLAND® Water Park. The weather in California is usually dry and warm making it perfect for a dip in the water.

Take a ride down a slide that plunges you into shallow water at the bottom to cool off!

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Local Tips
What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

How to Get To SEA LIFE and Where to Park

EV Charging
EV Charging
Lot Parking
Lot Parking
RV Parking
RV Parking

Lobby of Legoland Hotel at Legoland Ca
Lobby of Legoland Hotel at Legoland Ca

Directions to SEA LIFE inside of LEGOLAND Resort

LEGOLAND California resort is located east of the I-5 freeway. It's only 30 minutes north of San Diego, off the Palomar Airport Road Exit.

No matter which direction you come from, you should end on LEGOLAND Drive, where you will see directions to the parking lot.

Parking Information

The parking fees per vehicle are as follows:

  • Cars: $25
  • Preferred Parking: $35
  • Motorcycles: $25
  • Campers/RVs: $35

Bicycles and buses are free to park.

How You Can Prepare for a Visit

Disabled Accessibility
Disabled Accessibility
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Smoking
No Smoking
Picnic Tables
Picnic Tables
Playground
Playground
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
RVs Allowed
RVs Allowed
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Operating Hours

The regular operating hours for SEA LIFE Aquarium are 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

However, be advised the opening and closing times change frequently.

How Long Does it Take to See SEA LIFE?

It can take as little as 60 to 90 minutes to immerse yourself into the full experience that SEA LIFE has to offer.

However, you are more than welcome to appreciate the beauty of sea life for as long as you wish and my family can easily spend 3+ hours at the park.

There are no lines to wait in as there are so many enjoyable exhibits to experience! You will not find yourself waiting for more than five minutes at any given time.

Start Your Dive at the Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca
Start Your Dive at the Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca

SEA LIFE Aquarium: LEGOLAND’s Best Kept Secret

There is no wrong time of year to visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium. However, if you're interested in attending events, spring, summer, and fall are your ideal seasons to visit!

With over 6,000 animals, there is no need to worry about missing out on SEA LIFE's excitement.

Since each habitat is calculated to their natural wild habitats, the animals are always active.

Legoland Castle Hotel
Legoland Castle Hotel

My Favorite LEGOLAND Hotel: The LEGOLAND California Hotel

While San Diego and Southern California may have a ton of family-friendly options for a hotel stay - when you’re visiting LEGOLAND, I really think there is a ‘best’ choice.

The LEGOLAND California Hotel is just steps away from the LEGOLAND theme park and is the perfect hotel stay for kids of all ages. The LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is another fantastic choice.

Hotel guests can search for pirate treasure or channeling their inner ninja. Plus, with dedicated LEGO build areas and an indoor castle play area, there’s plenty of fun and imagination for everyone.

Strollers

Be advised, strollers are not allowed for the safety of everyone. If you have younger children or infants, plan to bring an infant carrier.

You can park your stroller at the Aquarium’s entrance for your convenience.

However, guests may bring a stroller on the days when LEGOLAND Theme Park is closed, as the aquarium gets fewer visitors on those days.

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