• Must-sees

2-3 hours

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

$29.95
/person normally
San Diego Birch Aquarium
Birch Aquarium San Diego
Birch
Family-friendly
Indoors

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What you'll do

If you're looking for a San Diego aquarium, look no further than Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla.

Visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps with Go City®

  • With us, there are no entry fees on the day – all you've got to do is show your pass.
  • Birch Aquarium admission included. 
  • Hands-on activities including touch pools.
  • Feedings, talks, and multimedia displays.
  • Passholders also get free access to many more attractions in California.

Learn about coral reefs, watch baby seahorses play, listen to whale songs, and even pet sea stars at this immersive aquarium in San Diego.

You'll see everything from sharks and lobsters to turtles while learning all about ocean science and the marine environment. There are daily feedings and sea life interactions to watch, and if you want to get hands-on, you can head to the touch pool and pet sea stars and crabs.

The Birch Aquarium interprets the research and discoveries of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography – a world leader in marine science – so you'll be learning straight from the source.

Birch Aquarium highlights

Tide Pool Plaza: Have the unique opportunity to touch local tide pool creatures like sea anemones, sea stars and sea urchins.

Seadragons & Seahorses: View one of the largest seadragon habitats in the world

Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins: Don’t miss the only opportunity in the western U.S. to see Little Blue Penguins

Embodied Pacific: Ocean Unseen: Explore Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Indigenous science through the eyes of contemporary artists. Ten installations offer guests the chance to engage in scientific exploration through immersive, interactive experiences.

Riveropolis: Experience water-play that uses play and the magic of flowing water to inspire creativity and community building through an interactive miniature river.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours available as add-ons

Daily feedings and talks



Where you'll be

Operating hours

Daily: 9AM – 7PM

We recommend checking directly with the attraction's own website for updates on opening hours as the aquarium may close early for events. 

Closings & holidays

The aquarium will be closed on the following dates:

  • Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
  • Closed on September 30, 2024 - October 3, 2024.

All holiday hours are subject to change without notice.

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