Before Legoland was built, Carlsbad in North San Diego County, California, was just another pretty beach. She had all the right stuff--sand, ocean, parking lots, hotels, restaurants, and outlet shops.

But Legoland has really put the city on the map as an attraction. What a difference a theme park makes!

First known and recognized for its spas over 100 years ago, local waters were believed to have healthy, rejuvenating properties. Today luxury spas in Carlsbad such as La Costa offer similar spa treatments to help people feel well.

Resorts, golf and even an annual even from March through May, the Carlsbad Flower Fields, all provide enough reasons to visit and stay. But families pour into the city from the I-5 Freeway, ready to visit Legoland California which began as one theme park and has now grown to three separate admission attractions--the original park shown in the photo, a Sea Life Aquarium which is much smaller and charges less for admission, and a Legoland Water Park with kid-size adventures in water play.

While Legoland may seem strictly like a kids' place, don't be fooled. The models on exhibit are build by Lego master builders, all adults, and their handiwork is well worth seeing. From a miniature Las Vegas, to New York, there are cities to study, places to play, rides for kids to enjoy and the meals are fairly affordable. Parents like the park because of its kid-focused amenities ranging from healthy snacks to clean, diaper-changing stations and places where moms can relax and feed their tiniest charges.

Nearby attractions include Wild Animal Park in Escondido, SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo in the city south, and Disneyland to the north in Anaheim- Orange county.

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