Build the perfect family vacation at these hotels near Legoland California
Quick summary
Legoland California is the ultimate theme park destination for families with kids ages 2 through 12. With a theme park, water park and aquarium, it'll take more than one day to do it all. So, you'll need somewhere to recharge before another day of family fun.
Related: 8 best theme parks in California for thrill-seekers and families
Legoland California has two on-site hotels that are easy choices for location and theme park perks. There are also other nearby hotels that also offer Legoland benefits and, in one case, close proximity to the beach. If you are looking to book with points (or earn a few), many of these hotels also participate in popular hotel loyalty programs.
Here are six of the best hotels near Legoland California.
The Legoland Hotel and Legoland Castle Hotel are just steps away from the entrance to Legoland California. That's just one of many benefits of staying in an official Legoland hotel.
The hotel has various Lego-themed rooms, including Lego Friends, Lego Ninjago, Lego Kingdom and more. No matter the theme, each room has a separate sleeping area for kids with bunk beds and Lego bricks to play with. There's also an in-room scavenger hunt with fun prizes kids can keep.
There are a lot of other Lego-inspired touches throughout the hotels, like soft Lego bricks to play with at the pool, nightly character meet-and-greets and storytimes, and indoor and outdoor play areas. Hotel guests also get a free full breakfast buffet and early admission to Legoland during their stay.
Room rates start at about $200 per night. Discounted room and ticket packages are also available.
The MarBrisa Carlsbad Resort is a sprawling 43-acre property within walking distance of Legoland California. The hotel, along with others in the area, even has a private entrance you can utilize for quick and easy access to the park.
The hotel has plenty of on-site activities to keep you busy when you aren't at Legoland, like two lagoon-style pools, a splash pad for kids, a playground, a nearby spa and golf course, and multiple dining options. Because the resort is so large with so much to do, there is a shuttle service to help you navigate the grounds.
Most of the hotel's rooms are condo-style suites with full kitchens, a dining table, and separate living and sleeping areas.
Room rates start at around $150 per night.
The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa is one of four resorts surrounding Legoland California that has a private entrance to Legoland reserved for guests. You can walk to the entrance (it's near the back of the park) or drive to the parking lot in the provided lot.
The hotel's heated pool has a waterslide, and the on-site restaurant offers poolside patio dining. There's also a coffee shop serving Starbucks coffee and gelato. Upon check-in, children receive a coupon for a free scoop of gelato.
Guest rooms are bright and spacious, and some have views of the Pacific Ocean. In addition to standard rooms, the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa offers suites with one king bed in the primary bedroom and two twin beds in the second bedroom.
Room rates start at about $200 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is within walking distance of Legoland California and shares a private entrance on the back side of the park with other area hotels. Many guest rooms overlook Carlsbad's beaches, and the ocean hues and beachy ambience spill over into the room decor.
Adjacent to the hotel's large lagoon-style pool and hot tub, you'll find an outdoor recreation area with pool tables, table tennis and cornhole. During your stay, you can also visit a nearby Crossings at Carlsbad golf course. Or if you're feeling sore after running around Legoland with your kids all day, you can indulge in a massage at the Ocean Pearl Spa.
Room rates start at about $230 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach is about a 10-minute drive from Legoland California. However, the budget-friendly price and location steps from the beach make the short drive worth it.
Guest rooms have laid-back coastal decor, and some have views of the pool or the ocean. As a member of the Hilton family of hotels, the Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach also guarantees connecting rooms; this can come in handy if you are traveling with older children or a large family.
The hotel also has an outdoor pool and hot tub, an on-site bar and restaurant, and a 24-hour shop with snacks and drinks.
Room rates start at around $160 or 46,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Bottom line
There are plenty of hotels in the Carlsbad area that put you close to the beach, Carlsbad's famous flower fields and its many golf courses. If you are looking for an option close to Legoland, you'll be happy to know there are plenty to choose from, most of which also have theme park benefits and family-friendly amenities.
Related reading: