Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Overview

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public outreach center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. It is a premier educational destination that showcases a variety of marine life and ecosystems through interactive exhibits and stunning ocean views.

Cultural and educational significance in marine science and conservation

Educational Marine Life Family-Friendly

Location

Address

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, California

Neighborhood: University City

Coordinates

32.867100, -117.257600

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$25

Children

$12 (ages 5-12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May and October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning 8-10am

fewer crowds, better lighting for marine life viewing

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1-2 hours

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild with occasional rain

• whale watching season
• marine life breeding exhibits

summer

hot and humid

• extended hours until 9pm
• night tours

autumn

cool and pleasant

• fall foliage
• harvest displays

winter

cold, possible rain

• holiday decorations
• winter illuminations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets online 2 weeks in advance for best prices
Photography allowed but no flash
Comfortable shoes recommended for walking
Cash needed for parking and some vendors

What to Bring

essential

valid ID booking confirmation water bottle

seasonal

raincoat (winter) warm jacket (winter) sun hat (summer)

not allowed

large bags drones professional tripods outside food pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate - involves walking and stairs

• steep stairs
• uneven surfaces
• no shade in some areas

Medical facilities: first aid station at main entrance

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, credit cards, mobile payments

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $25-30

parking $10

food $15-20

souvenirs $10-50

Dress Code

comfortable clothing for walking, comfortable, casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes required, shorts above knee, sleeveless tops, flip-flops, revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• 2-4 weeks recommended
• official website for best prices
• full refund 48 hours before
• express passes available

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Birch Aquarium at Scripps App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive GPS map, Audio guide in 8 languages, AR marine life identification, Real-time queue status, Digital ticket storage

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafeteria, Main plaza

Charging Stations: Rest areas, Café

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: San Diego International Airport

Distance: 25 km

Travel Time: 30-45 minutes

taxi

$40-50 30 minutes

public_transport

$5 45 minutes

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

metro

$2 15 minutes

bus

$1.50 20 minutes

taxi

$10-15 10 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Family-friendly destination for generations

Historical Significance: Home to significant marine research

Insider Tips

Free cultural performance every Friday at 5pm
Best local snacks from vendor at north gate
Guards may allow special access if asked politely
Local artists sell work on weekends near back entrance

Local Recommendations

• Try the famous seafood at the on-site café
• Ask for guide Maria who speaks 4 languages
• Staff canteen serves authentic local food at great prices
• Early morning joggers can enter free before 7am

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hi

thank_you Thanks

where_is Where is the...

how_much How much does it cost?

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance archway

Best Time: Golden hour (6-7pm)

Tips: Shoot from low angle to capture full structure

Result: Dramatic silhouette against sunset

#BirchAquarium #Travel #InstaWorthy

Central courtyard fountain

Best Time: Early morning for reflections

Tips: Get close to water level

Result: Perfect mirror reflection

#Reflection #MarineLife

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor exhibits, main halls, courtyards

prohibited areas special exhibitions, sacred areas, security zones

flash photography not allowed with marine life

commercial photography permit required

drone policy strictly prohibited

tripod policy allowed in gardens only

selfie sticks allowed with caution

Nearby Attractions

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Distance: 500 meters

Walking: 7 minutes

Type: Research Institution

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Distance: 2 km

Walking: 25 minutes

Type: Nature Reserve

Reviews

4.5

Based on 15,420 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book online to save 20% and skip lines"
"Best photos from the east tower at sunset"
"Free guided tour at 10am is excellent"

Contact Information

+1 (858) 534-3474

info@aquarium.ucsd.edu

https://aquarium.ucsd.edu

Social Media

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