ZooCalifornia, US

Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium offers an immersive journey into the wonders of the Pacific Ocean, serving as the public outreach center for the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

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About

Birch Aquarium offers an immersive journey into the wonders of the Pacific Ocean, serving as the public outreach center for the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Perched dramatically on a bluff in La Jolla, California, it commands breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Shores. Housing over 9,000 animals from more than 400 species, the aquarium provides an intimate connection with marine life, showcasing the groundbreaking research of UC San Diego scientists and fostering a deep appreciation for our ocean planet.

Among its captivating exhibits, the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins stand out, being the only place on the West Coast to observe these world's smallest penguins in their 18,000-gallon lagoon mimicking their natural habitats. The Seadragons & Seahorses exhibit mesmerizes with over a dozen species, showcasing Birch Aquarium's global leadership in seahorse propagation and seadragon conservation. The Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery takes visitors on a comprehensive journey through Pacific ecosystems, featuring the elusive Giant Pacific Octopus, a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle, schooling fish, and vibrant coral and mangrove displays. The awe-inspiring two-story, 70,000-gallon Giant Kelp Forest pulsates with leopard sharks, Garibaldi, and giant black sea bass, offering a glimpse into local underwater ecosystems.

Beyond its stunning displays, the Birch Aquarium distinguishes itself through its commitment to education and conservation. The interactive Tide-Pool Plaza allows hands-on discovery of local marine invertebrates, while engaging programs and behind-the-scenes tours offer deeper insights into marine science. It's a place where visitors of all ages can engage with scientific discovery, be inspired by the ocean's beauty, and feel empowered to contribute to its protection, making for a memorable and impactful experience for every guest. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

The Birch Aquarium's roots trace back to 1903 with the establishment of the Marine Biological Association of San Diego, a precursor to the esteemed Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The founders created a small public aquarium and museum to share their marine research discoveries with the world. After outgrowing several modest laboratories and facilities, including a "Little Green Lab" at La Jolla Cove, the first dedicated aquarium building was constructed on the Scripps campus in 1915. A significant leap occurred in 1992 when the current $14 million facility opened its doors, initially known as the Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum, eventually becoming Birch Aquarium at Scripps. This modern iteration greatly expanded the institution's public outreach. The aquarium has since continued to evolve, notably celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022 with the addition of the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit and receiving the AZA Quarter Century Award for its sustained commitment to animal care and conservation.

What to do here

Observe the diverse marine animals, participate in hands-on activities at the tide pools, watch daily animal feedings and diver shows in the Kelp Forest, and take in the panoramic ocean views from the bluff. Engage with interactive displays to learn about Scripps Institution of Oceanography's research. For a more in-depth experience, consider booking a behind-the-scenes tour focused on seahorses or octopuses.

Seasonal info

The aquarium offers extended summer hours (until 7:00 PM) from March through Labor Day. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. During winter months, the aquarium may offer special tidepooling excursions.

Accessibility

Birch Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps provided for areas like Tide-Pool Plaza and the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit. Wheelchairs are available to borrow from Guest Services on a first-come, first-served basis. Designated accessible parking and curbside drop-off are available. The aquarium is also a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue, offering sensory bags and a Social Story app to assist visitors with sensory sensitivities. Trained service animals are welcome.

Don't miss

Don't miss the adorable **Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins**, the mesmerizing **Seadragons & Seahorse** exhibit with its delicate Leafy and Weedy Seadragons, and the vast **Giant Kelp Forest** teeming with Leopard Sharks and Giant Black Sea Bass. Explore the interactive **Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery** to find the Giant Pacific Octopus and the rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle, and engage with local marine life at the outdoor **Tide-Pool Plaza**.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Sea Lion

Brown Pelican

Harbor Seal

Leopard Shark

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Purchase Tickets Online in Advance

** Booking your tickets ahead of time on the aquarium's website can save you time upon arrival and helps secure your entry, especially during busy periods.

Arrive Early or Late

To experience the exhibits with fewer crowds, plan your visit for when the aquarium first opens or later in the afternoon, particularly on weekdays.

Check the Daily Schedule for Feedings

Consult the aquarium's daily schedule upon arrival or online for animal feeding times and diver shows, such as the penguin feeding at 10:00 AM, to see the animals at their most active.

Utilize Free Parking

Take advantage of the free 3-hour parking available in the adjacent lot. If you plan to stay longer, inquire about extended parking permits at Guest Services.

Don't Miss the Ocean Views

Head out to the Tide-Pool Plaza area not only for the touch pools but also for the spectacular panoramic views of La Jolla Shores and the Pacific Ocean.

Consider a Behind-the-Scenes Tour

For an enhanced experience, look into booking a specialized behind-the-scenes tour focusing on specific animals like seahorses or octopuses, which offers unique insights into animal care and conservation.

Frequently asked questions

: Most visitors find that approximately 2 to 3 hours is a good amount of time to explore all the exhibits and enjoy the scenic views at Birch Aquarium. Some may spend less, around 1.5 hours, while others might stay longer, especially if attending shows or having a meal.
: Yes, Birch Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible. The facility provides ramps for areas like the Tide-Pool Plaza and the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit. Wheelchairs are also available to borrow from Guest Services, and there are designated accessible parking spaces.
: Key highlights at Birch Aquarium include the **Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins**, the captivating **Seadragons & Seahorses** exhibit, and the immense **Giant Kelp Forest** with its diverse array of fish. Also, be sure to visit the **Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery** to see the Giant Pacific Octopus and rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle, and interact with marine invertebrates at the outdoor **Tide-Pool Plaza**.