WHERE: A dream vacation for the under-10 set, Legoland is between San Diego and Los Angeles. About 30 minutes north of San Diego and just off the Pacific Ocean, the park is a quieter alternative to Sea World and Disneyland.

WHY GO: Any parent who has filled a Christmas list has probably bought some kind of Lego toy (and probably stepped on a brick or two in the dark). Legoland California brings the popular building toys to life through rides and monstrous re-creations.

ABOUT THE PARK: Legoland is small for an amusement park. It's broken up into themes. The newest part is Land of Adventure, an Indiana Jones-like area that opened in early March. There's also Dino Island, Fun Town, Explore Village, Pirate Shores, Castle Hill, Miniland USA and Imagination Zone.

HIGHLIGHTS: The park has three roller coasters, and none of the three lasts more than 2 minutes. The Technic is the fastest. Water lovers will enjoy Pirate Shores, but be prepared to get wet. The new Land of Adventure has a laser-gun thrill ride, which young boys enjoy.

TRY TO AVOID: The log ride in Pirate Shores lasts about 2 minutes and there are just four vehicles, so the wait is long even if the line is short. Also: Legoland is big enough for Lego fans but not too big. You can see the whole park in less than a day, so don't get a two-day pass; it's not necessary.

EATING: There are several places, including healthy options such as Garden Restaurant. For a treat, try Granny's Apple Fries with vanilla whipped cream. You also can bring in your own food.

WHAT AGE: Most every ride is for children and adults, but they're best suited for children younger than 10. Every ride has a height requirement, and the park is strict about the numbers. Don't expect your children to get on the ride if they don't meet the requirements.

COST: Adults, $59; children 12 and younger and adults 60 and older, $49. Discount tickets are available through retailers such as Costco and local grocery chain Ralphs. We paid $40 a ticket on the Internet. Parking is $10 a car.

LODGINGS: Several hotels are within 5 miles of the park, including Holiday Inn Carlsbad by the Sea (www.ichotelsgroup.com, 760-438-7880), a Hampton Inn (www.hamptoninncarlsbad.com, 800-675-8738) and the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa (www.starwoodhotels.com, 760-827-2400).

WHAT ELSE: The park is less than 5 minutes from the Pacific Ocean. There's also an upscale outlet mall, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, two miles from the park. For nature lovers, there's a huge garden of flowers called the Flower Fields a block away from Legoland.