la costa resort

Carlsbad, Calif.–When a neighbor knocked on our door and asked us to watch their family’s house for the weekend, we asked where they were going for the weekend.  “LaCosta Resort,” came back the reply. For those who know San Diego’s north county region, you’ll be fully aware that La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, home to Legoland California. And in short order Legoland has grown, adding two additional attractions –Sea Life Aquarium, which opened last year, and Legoland Water Park, which opened in the summer 2010.  Geared toard toddlers, youngsters and pre-teens, Legoland is a weekend unto itself, and ideal for our neighbors with children no older than six.

La Costa Resort is a place where adults don’t have to compromise their vacations for the needs of the children. In addition to a fantastic swimming pool near the PGA ranked golf course at the resort, La Costa accesses Legoland, Carlsbad beaches, and is only a thirty minute drive from San Diego Wild Animal Park.

It’s likely our neighbors went to Carlsbad to enjoy the resort and Legoland on their three-day trip. La Costa Resort is among the top two places to stay on Legoland vacations. Highly recommended if you don’t mind paying a bit more.

Sea Life Aquarium  in Carlsbad, California’s Legoland opened in August 2008 adjacent to LEGOLAND California. Exquisite deep-sea wonders include display tanks filled with more than 5,000 creatures ranging from shoreline marine life such as starfish and crabs to larger species such as sharks and rays. The Sea Life network is a renowned supporter of marine conservation, having campaigned successfully to improve protection for species ranging from endangered sea turtles to sharks.

Look at all the Legoland Admission Options!

Sharks Revealed – an interactive exhibit designed to introduce children to these mysterious and misunderstood creatures of the deep was introduced in 2009.  Examining the life cycle and evolution of sharks, guests discover how sharks eat, breathe and sleep.

Replacing the Kelp Forest exhibit which was on display at SEA LIFE since its opening in August of 2008, Sharks Revealed includes a graphic timeline showing the evolution of sharks from 350 million years ago to today; a live display of sharks showing their development from eggs to adults; local shark species found off the coast of Carlsbad; an interactive “shark lab” where guests can get a hands-on experience using microscopes; a large-scale model of a “mermaid’s purse” for a fun photo opportunity; plus crafts and artifacts.

The SEA LIFE Aquarium in Carlsbad already has more sharks than any of the other 29 SEA LIFE Centers world-wide including black tip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, zebra sharks, leopard sharks, epaulettes, Port Jackson sharks and the rare grey reef sharks. Several new species will be part of the “Sharks Revealed” exhibit including the brown banded bamboo shark, the white spotted bamboo shark and the coral catshark.

The company behind iconic brands such as LEGOLAND family theme parks, Madame Tussauds and The London Eye, UK-based Merlin is the world’s biggest aquarium operator and already has 31 other Sea Life attractions in Europe. Last year, Merlin also acquired the Underwater Adventures Aquarium in the Mall of America in Minneapolis.

The second biggest visitor attraction operator in the world and the fastest growing company in the sector, Merlin Entertainments is swiftly making a name for itself in the U.S.  In addition to the two aquariums, Merlin currently has seven other attractions in the U.S. with three more scheduled to open in 2010, including a Phoenix Sea Life Aquarium.

LEGOLAND California has been voted the Best Children’s Park for the last five years by Amusement Today; and Merlin is also the company behind Madame Tussauds attractions in New York, Washington D.C., Las Vegas and Hollywood; and a LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Chicago.