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.

Sea World penguins

One of the most compelling reas0ns that people flock to see San Diego is the variety of attractions ranging from boat tours and rides to city tours and theme park attractions.

The top theme parks in San Diego County are SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California, San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, and Belmont Park. Among these popular attractions are seasonal events, rotating shows, world-class exhibits and rides, restaurants and collections of amazing animals.

Other types of attractions in San Diego include museums. The best collection of museums on the West Coast can be found in Balboa Park. In addition to focus on the sciences, there’s Old Town, which is an historic place comprised of a collection of buildings dating back over 100 year.  One of the most haunted houses (Whaley) is located here.

Attractions such as boat tours range from bay excursions, fishing trips out in the ocean, ferry boat rides, tours of a several types of ships, cruise ships docked in port, gondola rides at Coronado Bay, and kayak rentals.

Museums, botanical gardens such as Quail Botanic Garden in Encinitas, and Del Mar, home to the annual fair, a drive-through holiday lights show, and thoroughbred racing all provide sports, flowers, arts and crafts that are entertaining throughout the seasons.