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Plan Your Visit to Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Here is what to sort out before you go: tickets, hours, parking and the house rules.

Birch Aquarium: Entry Ticket

Highlights

Experience watching adorable penguins in action.

Explore vibrant coral displays and diverse aquatic habitats.

Learn about marine species including seahorses and leopard sharks.

Engage with interactive exhibits focused on ocean conservation.

Enjoy scenic views overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Birch Aquarium - Ticket Information

Where to Buy

Book ahead for the date and entry time you want. Weekends and holidays are the ones that go, and the aquarium does occasionally sell out.

What's Included

The ticket on this page is general admission. It covers the permanent exhibits, the seasonal displays and every daily talk and feeding. Behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters are separate products run by the aquarium and are not included.

Ages and Rates

Two age bands: Adult covers 13 and over, Child covers ages 3 to 12. Children aged 2 and under go free and do not need a ticket.

Birch Aquarium - Timings

Birch Aquarium is open daily, generally from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though closing times can extend during peak seasons, so it's best to check the Daily Schedule on the official site for exact hours on your visit date. Last entry is always one hour before closing, regardless of the day's schedule.

The aquarium tends to be busiest between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., particularly on weekends and holidays, so guests hoping to avoid crowds may want to plan a visit for 3 p.m. or later.

Most guests spend around two to three hours exploring the exhibits, though this can vary depending on group size and how much time is spent at daily talks, feedings, and presentations listed on the Daily Schedule.

How to Get to Birch Aquarium?

Address
Directions

Aquarium Address

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla, CA 92037

The aquarium is located on the campus of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Good to Know Before Visiting Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium is open daily, with closing times that vary by season, so it's worth checking the Daily Schedule for the exact hours on your visit date.

The aquarium is closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Complimentary three-hour parking is available onsite, but space is limited, so carpooling is encouraged; buses and large vehicles like RVs are not permitted in the lot.

The entire aquarium is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs can be borrowed from Guest Services on a first-come, first-served basis.

Trained service animals are permitted inside the aquarium, though they are not allowed in certain areas such as the Behind-the-Scenes Penguin experience.

There is no formal dress code, but guests must wear clothing and closed-toed shoes for Behind-the-Scenes Tours.

Backpacks, luggage, and other personal items must stay with guests or in their vehicle, as there is no bag storage available.

Outside food can be eaten in designated outdoor areas like the seating near the Whale Fountain, but there are no indoor areas set aside for eating.

The Gift Shop is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until the aquarium closes, and Blue Wave Bistro offers food and drinks onsite throughout the day.

The free Bloomberg Connects digital guide can be downloaded before your visit for access to animal facts and behind-the-scenes content on your phone.

Birch Aquarium - Additional Info

Facilities
Accessibility
Dining
Gift Shop

Birch Aquarium at Scripps sits on a bluff overlooking La Jolla Shores and the Pacific Ocean, with more than 60 habitats spread across its indoor and outdoor spaces.

Outdoor areas include Tide Pool Plaza and Blue Beach, an oceanfront space with shark and ray viewing, seating, and games.

The aquarium offers complimentary three-hour parking, though space is limited and carpooling is encouraged; accessible spaces and a curbside drop-off point are available near the front entrance.

Guest Services can provide wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis, and lunch cubbies are available for storing small bags, though there are no indoor areas set aside for eating.

Visitors can also use the free Bloomberg Connects digital guide to access exhibit information, animal facts, and behind-the-scenes content on their phones throughout the visit.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps - Nearby Attractions

La Jolla Shores Beach Located less than a mile down the hill from the aquarium, La Jolla Shores is a wide, sandy beach popular for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and surf lessons. The gentle surf conditions and grassy beach park make it an ideal stop for families before or after visiting the aquarium.
Scripps Pier (Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier) Situated directly below the aquarium campus, this iconic 1,090-foot research pier is operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography for marine data collection and research vessel support. While the working pier itself is closed to the general public except during special guided aquarium tours, the beach beneath it offers popular sunset photography and walking opportunities.
La Jolla Cove & Shell Beach Located approximately 3 miles south, La Jolla Cove is a protected marine reserve known for clear waters, tide pools, sea caves, and wild populations of California sea lions and harbor seals. Visitors can walk along the coastal bluff trail to observe local marine wildlife resting on the rocks and beaches.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Situated roughly 4 miles north along the coast, this 2,000-acre coastal park protects rare Torrey Pine trees, sandstone cliffs, and native coastal sage scrub. The reserve features several miles of hiking trails that lead to viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean and pristine beach stretches below.
Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial Located 4 miles inland atop Mount Soledad, this hilltop landmark features a prominent cross and a series of memorial walls honoring U.S. military veterans. The summit provides 360-degree panoramic views across San Diego County, including the La Jolla coastline, Downtown San Diego, and Mission Bay.
Downtown La Jolla (The Village) Positioned 2.5 miles south, the Village of La Jolla serves as the area's main commercial district, offering boutique shopping, art galleries, cafes, and fine dining options along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue.

FAQs about Visiting Birch Aquarium

What are Birch Aquarium's hours?

Birch Aquarium is open daily, generally from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours can extend during peak seasons. Check the Daily Schedule for exact hours on your visit date.

What time is last entry?

Last entry is always one hour before closing.

Is Birch Aquarium open every day of the year?

No. The aquarium is closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

The aquarium tends to be busiest between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., especially on weekends and holidays. Visiting at 3 p.m. or later is generally quieter.

Where is Birch Aquarium located?

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037, on the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus at UC San Diego.

Is parking available onsite?

Yes, complimentary three-hour parking is available, though space is limited and carpooling is encouraged.

Is Birch Aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the entire aquarium is wheelchair accessible, with ramps at Tide Pool Plaza and the Little Blue Penguins habitat. Wheelchairs can be borrowed from Guest Services on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is food available onsite?

Yes, Blue Wave Bistro offers sandwiches, soups, coffee, and beverages throughout the day. There are no indoor seating areas for eating, so guests bringing outside food typically use outdoor seating near the Whale Fountain.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes, the Gift Shop is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until the aquarium closes, offering sustainably sourced merchandise, apparel, and exclusive penguin and Scripps Oceanography collections.

When did Birch Aquarium open?

The current building opened in 1992, though a public aquarium has existed on Scripps' campus since 1905.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, trained service animals are permitted inside the aquarium, though they're restricted from certain areas like the Behind-the-Scenes Penguin experience.

Is Birch Aquarium accommodating for sensory sensitivities?

Yes, it's a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue, meaning staff are trained to support guests with sensory needs.