Birch Aquarium, San Diego County Travel Guide

4.5 (7930)

Explore the wonders of the ocean at Birch Aquarium, where marine science and conservation come to life with stunning Pacific views.

Perched atop a scenic bluff in La Jolla, California, Birch Aquarium at Scripps is more than just an aquarium; it's the public exploration center for the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Showcasing marine life from the Pacific Northwest to the tropical ecosystems of Mexico, it offers an engaging blend of education and stunning ocean views.

A brief summary to Birch Aquarium

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, La Jolla, California, 92037, US
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Birch Aquarium.

Arrive early or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Check the daily schedule for animal feedings, talks, and special events.
Take advantage of the free three-hour parking, but consider carpooling as space is limited.
Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and money.
Don't miss the outdoor Tide Pool Plaza for a hands-on experience with local marine life.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Explore Birch Aquarium on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Birch Aquarium, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From downtown San Diego, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Bus Route 30 provides a direct route to Birch Aquarium. The bus departs from Old Town Transit Center every 30 minutes. The journey takes approximately 49 minutes to La Jolla Shores Drive & Scripps Institute stop. From there, walk 100 feet east to Expedition Way, then walk downhill 0.3 miles to the aquarium entrance. The fare is $2.50 per ride.
Walking

If you are near La Jolla Shores, you can walk to Birch Aquarium. From La Jolla Shores beach, head east on La Jolla Shores Drive, then turn right onto Expedition Way. Walk uphill for approximately 15 minutes to reach the aquarium entrance. Note that the walk involves a moderately steep incline.
Driving

Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037. From I-5, take the La Jolla Village Drive exit and head west. Turn left onto Expedition Way and follow the signs to the aquarium. Free 3-hour parking is available in the aquarium's parking lot. After three hours, parking is $8 per every 24 hours. Limited parking for buses and large vehicles is available along La Jolla Shores Drive.

Discover more about Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium at Scripps offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of marine research and ocean conservation. Founded in 1903 as part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the aquarium has evolved from a small laboratory to a leading public outreach center. Today, it welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually, including 40,000 students, with a mission to inspire understanding and protection of our ocean planet.The aquarium's exhibits showcase a diverse range of marine habitats and species. The Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery takes you on an immersive journey through the Pacific Ocean's most vibrant ecosystems, from the chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest to the colorful reefs of the tropics. Don't miss the Giant Pacific Octopus, the Scripps Pier habitat, and the Open Ocean habitat with its rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle.Tide-Pool Plaza offers a hands-on experience with local marine life, allowing visitors to gently touch and learn about animals like starfish and sea anemones. The Seadragons & Seahorses exhibit features one of the largest seadragon habitats in the world, highlighting the aquarium's successful seahorse propagation program. The Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit is the only place in the western U.S. where you can observe these charming seabirds.Beyond its exhibits, Birch Aquarium is committed to education and conservation. The aquarium's climate-based programming reaches over 40,000 students each year. The aquarium also participates in conservation breeding programs and collaborates with community and experts for the greater good of the ocean.