Accueil Aquarium Birch Organisez votre visite

Organisez votre visite au Birch Aquarium de Scripps

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

Aquarium Birch : billet d’entrée

Points forts

Venez admirer ces adorables manchots en pleine action.

Découvrez des récifs coralliens aux couleurs chatoyantes et une grande diversité d’habitats aquatiques.

Découvrez des espèces marines telles que les hippocampes et les requins-léopards.

Découvrez des expositions interactives consacrées à la préservation des océans.

Profitez d’une vue imprenable sur l’océan Pacifique.

Aquarium Birch - Informations sur les billets

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.

Comment se rendre au Birch Aquarium ?

Adresse
Directions

Adresse de l’aquarium

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

L’aquarium se trouve sur le campus de l’Institut océanographique Scripps de l’Université de Californie à San Diego, situé sur une falaise surplombant l’océan Pacifique.

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

Equipements
Accessibilité
Restauration
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

Quelles sont les heures d’ouverture du Birch Aquarium ?

L’aquarium Birch est ouvert tous les jours, généralement de 09h à 17h, mais les horaires peuvent être prolongés en haute saison. Consultez le programme quotidien pour connaître les horaires précis le jour de votre visite.

A quelle heure est la dernière entrée ?

La dernière entrée a lieu toujours 1 h avant la fermeture.

Le Birch Aquarium est-il ouvert tous les jours de l’année ?

Non. L’aquarium est fermé le jour de l’An, à Thanksgiving et le jour de Noël.

Quel est le meilleur moment pour s’y rendre afin d’éviter la foule ?

L’aquarium est généralement le plus fréquenté entre 09h et 14h, surtout le week-end et les jours fériés. Il y a généralement moins de monde si vous vous y rendez à partir de 15h.

Où se trouve l’aquarium Birch ?

Le Birch Aquarium at Scripps est situé au 2300 Expedition Way, à La Jolla, CA 92037, sur le campus de l’Institut d’océanographie Scripps de l’Université de Californie à San Diego.

Y a-t-il un parking sur place ?

Oui, un parking gratuit d’une durée de 3h est disponible, mais les places sont limitées et le covoiturage est recommandé.

Le Birch Aquarium est-il accessible aux personnes en fauteuil roulant ?

Oui, l’ensemble de l’aquarium est accessible aux personnes en fauteuil roulant, grâce à des rampes d’accès situées à Tide Pool Plaza et dans l’habitat des petits pingouins bleus. Des fauteuils roulants peuvent être empruntés au service d’accueil, dans la limite des stocks disponibles et selon le principe du « premier arrivé, premier servi ».

Peut-on se restaurer sur place ?

Oui, le Blue Wave Bistro propose des sandwichs, des soupes, du café et des boissons tout au long de la journée. Il n’y a pas de tables à l’intérieur pour manger ; les clients qui apportent leur propre repas s’installent donc généralement aux tables en terrasse, près de la fontaine de la baleine.

Y a-t-il une boutique de souvenirs ?

Oui, la boutique de souvenirs est ouverte tous les jours de 09h30 jusqu’à la fermeture de l’aquarium. Elle propose des articles issus de sources durables, des vêtements ainsi que des collections exclusives sur le thème des manchots et de l’Institut océanographique Scripps.

Quand le Birch Aquarium a-t-il ouvert ses portes ?

Le bâtiment actuel a ouvert ses portes le 01/01/1992, mais un aquarium public existe sur le campus de Scripps depuis le 01/01/1905.

Les animaux d’assistance sont-ils autorisés ?

Oui, les animaux d’assistance dressés sont autorisés à l’intérieur de l’aquarium, mais leur accès est interdit dans certaines zones, comme l’expérience « Dans les coulisses des manchots ».

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.