Tickets

Details

Reviews

Location

FAQs

Back to list

Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, CA

2300 Expedition Way • La Jolla, CA 92037

View on Map

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

View Gallery

Based on 1,984 reviews

LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad, California

Disneyland Resort Theme Parks in Anaheim, California

San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California

Birch Aquarium is not currently available.

Check out our other great San Diego Things to Do.

View All Things to Do

Authorized Reseller

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.

Promotional Images (23)

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

Write a Review

curiosityseeker19

"Worthwhile educational aquarium"

Reviewed February 21, 2026 NEW

Nice aquarium and research center for those persons interested in aquatic life such as fish, jellies, sea horses, sea dragons, rays, sea anemones, small fish and big fish. There is a small flock of small penguins. A lot of activities for children. Family friendly Rather small place so only 1 to 2 hours tour. Wheelchair accessible.

Inspiration812643

"It's OK and WAY too many kids SCREAMING!!!"

Reviewed February 19, 2026 NEW

While the Aquarium does have some good exhibits, I do not believe that it was worth the price we paid for admission. I would expect to pay about 1/2 of what we were charged. I have been to Zoos that have better aquarium exhibits than the Birch Aquarium. With that aside, I would like to warn anyone going to the Birch Aquarium about the sheer noise created by the kids in attendance. At times the noise from the screaming children was so loud inside of the exhibit area we had to leave and head outside where it was still full of screaming but less of an impact since the screams were not bouncing off of the exhibit walls. We attended mid-week so I am guessing the noise problem gets worse on the weekends. Good luck

TrailTrekker15

Tallahassee, Florida

"Small Aquarium Overlooking Pacific"

Reviewed January 20, 2026

My family and I visited Birch Aquarium as the last use of our Go City passes. The view from the tide pool area was stunning and provided a panoramic view of the ocean and local coastline. Overall the aquarium had a decent sampling of sea creatures from the west coast, but this is a small, regional aquarium. There were also some penguins from the Australia region. There was a good variety of fish from colder waters and warmer waters along with some jellyfish, sharks and seahorses to name a few. My 1-year old really enjoyed it. A large part of the aquarium was devoted to the research work done by the university and Scripp’s. I found the layout confusing and not very interesting. For instance, the had a phone on the wall where you could listen to a nearly 20 min interview with an aquanaut. For a phone exhibit, that is ridiculous. I will say Birch Aquarium is a good place for a 1 hour stop with young children. Compared to other aquariums I’ve been to, this one lacked organization and had a limited variety of sea creatures. I would not recommend making this a high-priority place to visit when in the San Diego area especially with how many great attractions there are.

943stacyl

Columbus, Georgia

"Awesome Aquarium"

Reviewed January 19, 2026

Great rainy day activity! It was so packed on the day we went- but we were still able to see and experience the whole thing. Loved the outdoor tide pools and the variety of fish! Overall amazing!

FellowTraveler115727

Chicago, Illinois

"Small but pricey"

Reviewed January 04, 2026

Small aquarium geared towards children. The loggerhead turtle is interesting. Admission is way too high. Wait until late entry as it doesn’t take more than an hour to view. Parking free but annoying 1 way lot. Beautiful ocean views.

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

Attractions

Hotels & Lodging

Nearby Things to Do

Nearby Hotels & Lodging

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.