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Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, CA

2300 Expedition Way • La Jolla, CA 92037

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Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, CA

Buy tickets online to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, CA

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Based on 1,984 reviews

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About Birch Aquarium

Good To Know

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
See more than 5,000 fish in 60+ habitats plus a museum featuring cutting edge research from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego.
Family-friendly aquarium.
Visit Splash! Café by The French Gourmet.
Credit cards accepted.
Guests are welcome to bring food and drink into the aquarium.

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Description

More than 60 habitats featuring a variety of amazing marine life. Visit today! Animal Feedings Daily. Since 1992. Check Event Updates. Plan Your Visit. Panoramic Ocean Views. Cutting Edge Research. San Diego's Best Aquarium. 60+ Habitats. Fun and Educational.

Birch Aquarium Reviews

Based on 1,984 reviews

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thomasmA6488KR

"Plan ahead and go early."

Reviewed November 12, 2025 NEW

It was an interesting drive to get here (Birch Aquarium), but the last entry was 30 minutes before arrival and it closes two hours earlier than listed on Trip Advisor.

519tingtingh

"Small but good collection of seahorses and sea dragons. Recommend dropping in for day trip at La Jolla"

Reviewed October 26, 2025 NEW

Saw someone else’s review that the place was small, and although true, the collection of seahorses and sea dragons were very diverse and well presented. We also saw some fish feeding which was very interesting and spent around 1 hour there. The gift shop also had some nice collection of shirts and pins which we purchased.

kadorto

Indianapolis, Indiana

"Lower your expectations"

Reviewed October 05, 2025

Very nice aquarium but also pretty small. We traveled a bit to get there so it was disappointing to see that there wasn’t a whole lot to it. I think they could do a bit more to engage the scientific aspect of oceanography and expand from that viewpoint. This is definitely a been there done that type experience. Expect to spend an hour. Maybe 2 going through the exhibits. 3 stars

richbonilla

Loveland, Colorado

"Excellent Visiy"

Reviewed October 05, 2025

awsome displays and art work - many touch and discover exhibits. location is beautiful with some great outside overlooks . parking was easy..discounted tickets only available if your ticket purchase is online..no discounts honored at walk up windows

WeatherMike

Beaumont, California

"Basic museum with limited displays."

Reviewed August 30, 2025

My wife and I were looking for some inexpensive attractions in San Diego, so we decided to go to the museum. Pretty basic museum with limited displays and information. It's 4 levels of pretty much nothing to look at. We went through the museum in about 30 minutes. Pretty disappointed. I don't get all the 5-star reviews, because there is nothing here. Go to a real museum in Natural History Museum in NYC and Washington DC to see actually displays.

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Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way • La Jolla, CA 92037

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Frequently Asked Questions about Birch Aquarium

What are the hours of operation?

Birch Aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Birch Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Is parking provided?

Birch Aquarium at Scripps offers 3-hour free parking. Designated handicapped parking stalls are located next to the traffic circle at the front of the aquarium. Additional 3-hour parking is available on Expedition Way from June 1 through September 15. Due to space restrictions, parking for buses and large vehicles, such as RVs or trailers is not allowed in the parking lot. There is public parking along La Jolla Shores Drive that may accommodate large vehicles.

What should I wear?

There is no formal dress code, but guests are required to wear clothes and shoes for their safety.

Where is it located?

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037.

Is the tour/attraction/activity appropriate for children?

Yes, this is a family-friendly aquarium.

Is the attraction/tour/activity wheelchair accessible?

Birch Aquarium strives to be fully accessible. Wheelchairs are available free of charge and on a first-come, first-served basis at the Information Desk located in the Galleria.

Can I leave and re-enter on the same day?

Guests are welcome to leave and re-enter Birch Aquarium at Scripps on the same day. Upon leaving, guests may receive a hand stamp for re-entry.

Can I bring my camera?

Guests are encouraged to take photos and video for personal use. Flash photography is allowed inside the aquarium, except where noted. No tripods.

How long is the tour?

Most guests find that two to three hours is the right amount of time to visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

Can I bring my own food/beverages?

Food and beverages are permitted inside Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch or purchase coffee, snacks, or a delicious meal from Splash Cafe by The French Gourmet.

Can I bring my pet?

Only trained service animals are permitted inside Birch Aquarium at Scripps. For the health and safety of your pets, we request they not be left in cars in our parking lot. If a pet is found in a car, they may be removed and held by the University of California San Diego police.

Can I bring my stroller inside?

Strollers are permitted throughout Birch Aquarium at Scripps, with the exception of the Infinity Cube. We ask that guests be considerate of others, especially when navigating dark galleries to see the exhibits.

What is the smoking policy?

For the health and safety of our guests and animals, smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed anywhere on Birch Aquarium at Scripps property, including outdoor exhibits, sidewalks, Splash Cafe, and the parking lot.