Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA Call Birch Aquarium at Scripps: 858.534.FISH Visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps online

Experience a dazzling variety of marine life from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical seas of Mexico and the South Pacific. Explore touchable tide-pool displays overlooking the spectacular La Jolla coastline. Discover the marine sciences through a museum with interactive exhibits that showcase cutting-edge discoveries by Scripps explorers. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: adults, $11; seniors (60 and up), $9; youth (3-17), $7.50; under 3, free. Three-hour courtesy parking. (Learn more about Birch Aquarium exhibits here.)

Birch Aquarium at Scripps FAQ's:

Operating Schedule:

•  The Aquarium is open daily (including weekends and holidays) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day & New Year's Day

Admission Fees:

•  Adults (18+): $11; Children (3 – 17): $7.50; Children (2 and under): free; Seniors (60+): $9. Prices are subject to change.

•  Parking: 3-hour courtesy parking.

Popular Shows & Exhibits at Birch Aquarium at Scripps:

Dive Shows

Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30 pm; Saturdays 2:00 pm; Sundays 10:30 am
Watch as Scripps Aquarium divers take the plunge into the aquarium's 70,000-gallon kelp forest tank in a half-hour show about La Jolla's kelp forest habitat. Visitors learn about "underwater" San Diego as divers spotlight the creatures within--from lurking leopard sharks to suspicious stingrays. They'll also discuss the health and beauty of San Diego's amazing "amber forests" offshore. The kelp forest habitat comes alive when the divers descend, feeding the fishes and answering questions about the oceans.

Tide-Pool Plaza Discovery Center

Tide pools exist in the rocky basins at the ocean's edge and are home to many hearty animals that survive tremendous changes in moisture, temperature, and salinity. These pools are exposed and hidden as the tides cycle between low and high, approximately every six hours. Birch Aquarium's outdoor tide-pool plaza is a great place to view these animals in their natural environment. The tide-pool Discovery Center offers opportunities to touch tide-pool animals. Aquarium naturalists are on-hand to answer questions and educate visitors about this unique habitat and the marine life that calls it home.

Reef Shark Tank Exhibit

Sink your teeth into the aquarium's 13,000-gallon shark tank, containing seven tropical sharks. The sharks featured include white tip and black tip reef sharks, brownbanded bamboo sharks, and wobbegongs...thrilling visitors with their large teeth and five- to six-foot bodies. It is an exciting opportunity for guests to witness these amazing creatures, as they are not usually found in California waters. Shark Days is a summer festival that offers a variety of shark encounters, from touching baby sharks in the aquarium to hands-on laboratory experiences.

Hall of Fishes

Features more than 60 tanks of Pacific fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. The largest habitat is a 70,000-gallon kelp forest.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Special Programs and Activities:

Family Days

Family Days is Birch Aquarium's new monthly program that embraces family learning and togetherness by blending arts and crafts, science, special tours and one-of-a-kind activities all ages will enjoy. Programs are included with aquarium admission and are ongoing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us for these dynamic opportunities to explore the ocean world.

Oceanography Adventures

Throughout the year, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps offers amazing sea-life adventures on and off-site for children and adults. Visitors may find themselves snorkeling with sharks, sea kayaking at La Jolla Cove, or learning the mystery of marine jellies with their children. Some activities include an expert team of Scripps naturalists, such as their whale watching excursions.

Full Moon Pier Walk

Birch Aquarium has some special nights in store for you. Learn about the history and scientific uses of Scripps Research Pier on a guided tour along its platform. Though this La Jolla landmark is usually closed to the public for oceanographic research, we will walk the length of the pier under the full moon and take water samples, collect plankton, observe sea conditions, and explore the nocturnal habits of marine life. Full Moon Pier Walks are offered seasonally. Check the Birch Aquarium calendar for specific dates and times here.

Call Birch Aquarium at Scripps: 858.534.FISH Visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps online Check the Birch Aquarium calendar for specific dates and times here.