Birch Aquarium

Aquarium · San Diego

Birch Aquarium

Aquarium · San Diego

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Highlights

Discover a charming oceanside spot filled with interactive tide pools and captivating marine exhibits that promise hours of family fun and breathtaking views.

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037 Get directions

aquarium.ucsd.edu

@travelleisure

"Take a private tour, offered daily, for a look into the fascinating world of seahorses, or explore tide pools with a naturalist for a real-life outdoor learning adventure. Guests ages nine and up can take a walking tour of Scripps Pier featuring hands-on experiences." - Travel + Leisure Editors

22 Fun Things to Do in San Diego With Kids

View Postcard for Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

@afar

"Great place for family or anyone who loves the ocean Birch Aquarium is located near the coastline. Although it is a small aquarium, they have some spectacular fish tanks and exhibits. The seahorse exhibit is really nice, the dragon seahorse has to be one of the most gorgeous creatures that lives in the oceans. Outside on the patio is a little petting stingray exhibit along with a great view of part of the La Jolla coastline. Tip: Don't bother paying for your tickets online- they charge an extra $1 per ticket and when you get there, you still have to wait in line to exchange the print out ticket for a "real" one."

The Perfect Day in San Diego

View Postcard for Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Beatrice Richer

Google

It’s not a very large aquarium and can be walked through at a leisurely pace within 1-2 hours. Free parking, slightly pricey ticket. The diversity of the animals is actually quite nice, there are entire sections devoted to seahorses, coral, and little blue penguins. Very impressed with the staff keeping an eye on children regarding the touch tanks and coral exhibit and gently urging them not to over stimulate the animals. I enjoy places where staff keep the animals wellness in mind while also being informative about their life and behaviour.

Nicole Albritton-Burnett

Google

Small aquarium but fun for kids. They loved seeing all the sea life, creating boats to go down the water, and playing with the foam blocks. My husband and I enjoyed the views while they played. My favorite part was the penguins area. They’re so cute.

Victoria M

Google

I would say I had a decent experience. It was fairly small and had a hard time enjoying just because I had high expectations. But, I can see all the little kids enjoying the area where you can create your own raft and watch it float down the little stream they made specifically for it.

Jan Block

Google

We went during museum month so it was half price. They are doing construction on the fish tanks so there isn’t that much to see. There are only penguins, seahorses, coral and a small amount of tide pool area outside. There are some kid play activities. Overall, it’s ok at half price but we won’t visit again until the construction is finished

Valoria

Google

Never got a chance to visit when I was a student. Didn’t realize the school owns this fabulous place too, wow. Why didn’t I study oceanography or marine biology? Must be super fun. I had a wonderful day here during the homecoming event! Saw lots of amazing creatures.

Sarah Cordial

Google

We have been visiting Birch Aquarium on and off for several years and it never disappoints. The exhibits are well maintained and provide ample information. The creatures are fascinating and just awe inspiring. The ocean views from their outdoor touch pools are absolutely breathtaking. We also love sitting down and just watching the kelp sway back and forth and the ocean friends go about their day in the aquarium’s large tank. The only downside, when visiting on certain days, the place can get quite busy/packed. We visit maybe 1-2x a year and we would definitely visit again. We paid $84.85 for 2 adult tickets and one child ticket.

Otto J

Google

One of the main attractions called the Hall of fishes closed on September 2024 for renovations, this is the big fish tank that you see in most pictures, and it was disappointing not being told about this until were were inside. The aquarium is rather small, penguin section is very nice and the place is absolutely a fun place for kids. Ticket prices are a bit expensive for what you are getting, but parking is free, and the views towards the beach area are really good, specially at sunset.

Casey McDonald

Google

This place is always a pleasure to visit. Great for bringing your kids and exploring what the sea has to offer. I love the layout of this space and how it has indoor and outdoor experiences. They did a nice job setting up the penguin viewing area and made it really immersive towards the left wing. I appreciate how close the bathrooms are and how well-thought out the space is.