Fifteen minutes north of downtown San Diego, you will find Birch Aquarium, a hidden gem nestled among the cliffs of La Jolla. As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch Aquarium’s hands-on exhibits explore the latest in oceanographic discovery, while introducing guests to a variety of amazing creatures.
In the Hall of Fishes, guests come face to face with a Giant Pacific Octopus, a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Moon Jellies and Leopard Sharks, to name a few. Out on Tide Pool Plaza, you will take in stunning ocean views while getting hands-on with local tide pool animals including juvenile sharks, then it’s off to Seadragons & Seahorses, where you will see one of the largest Weedy Seadragon exhibits in the world.
Meet the world’s smallest penguins in Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins which follows these pint-sized penguins on their journey from hatchlings to adults, highlighting the challenges they face in a changing climate while celebrating the features that make them so unique (and adorable). Don’t miss daily Penguin feedings and talks.
Tickets are $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3-17 (free ages 2 and under). Annual memberships are also available. Advanced reservations are required. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu to view the daily schedule and to reserve your tickets today.
Visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Address:
2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla, CA
92037
Phone:
(858) 534-FISH
Hours:
Open daily from 9AM - 5PM with extended seasonal hours from Memorial Day to Labor day to 7 p.m.
Website:
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA