Address: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Phone: +18585343474
Sunday: 9AM–7PM
Monday: 9AM–7PM
Tuesday: 9AM–7PM
Wednesday: 9AM–7PM
Thursday: 9AM–7PM
Friday: 9AM–7PM
Saturday: 9AM–7PM
Suzanne Duran
We went to see the new baby blue penguins and I love every moment to see them. They had a small presentation and q/a section after and the staff had so much information to share. The rest of the aquarium is a on the smaller side but we loved the jellyfish and sea dragons too. It’s a research center for sea life conservation too and love to support them.
Lindsey
I have fond memories of this place as a kid. My sister was a docent at the petting tide pool while she was in college. The sea cucumbers are my favorite. They have the jelly tumbler and an awesome seahorse tank. Lots of fun stuff to look at. My kiddo had a great time at this most recent visit and there was something for the whole family (the penguins are California burrito sized). It's small but really gorgeous location.
TJ Roxas
One of my favorite places and hidden gems in San Diego. Staff was friendly and unassuming. We were also pleasantly surprised at the quality of food at the snack bar outside, where you can even grab a beer or canned alcoholic beverage. We just ordered a pretzel and fries, and was expecting what you'd usually get at amusement parks, something dry and microwaved. But we are surprised that the pretzel was toasted and the fries were freshly cooked. Obviously, going to the aquarium requires a bit of luck. Unfortunately, most of the animals were asleep or hiding the first time we walk through. It took us an hour to make a full loop around the entire exhibit, so we decided to take another walk around The loop to make sure we didn't miss anything. Luckily, some of the animals that were hiding are first walkthrough had decided to come out of their hiding places. All in all, our visit lasted about an hour and a half. It did feel a little crowded for those uncomfortable with social distancing, especially considering you can only buy tickets via online time slots on their website. Would suggest wearing a mask or bringing one just in case. In addition, we did see other guests who were disappointed that they could not buy tickets at the gate because they didn't know that ticket sales were online only. FYI, this is for June 2022. Totally recommend for families with younger kids, lovers of all marine animals, couples looking for a fun date idea, or photographers who love capturing nature.
joseline lopez
This is a fun place to spend time with the family. The aquarium has a wide variety of well maintained exhibits. The tide pools on the outside allow you to interact with local sea creatures. The view from the outside is breath taking as you can see the ocean. You have to reserve your tickets, so be sure to purchase them beforehand.
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Yes they allowed us to bring water and a small lunchbox of snacks.
I am a senior so the fee was $ 15.50. I didn't look at other prices. It is very small and it only takes about 1 hour to see the small selection of fish.
I just called and they're open every day 9-5 with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years!
Crowded! Difficult to find parking near the entrance
The tickets are available for purchase at the gate and they do offer discounts for students and military. They also offer a pretty decent membership you can join if you like going there.
There is a small tidal pool with small starfish, sharks eggs, sea cucumbers, anemones and more that you can touch.
It is an aquarium so you look at fish instead of catching them. You can fish at the Ocean Beach Pier but not the pier near the Birch Aquarium.
Yes...2 kids free per paid adult.
Yes but you can only use it the first weekend of every month. The next time you'll be able to use it is on September 1st and 2nd (Saturday&Sunday). Just bring your bank of America card and your I.D. The ticket is only for the person who has bank of America, if you have kids with you, they will need to buy tickets. Unless they have a Bank of America card. Hope this answered your question.
Splash! Café offers an array of gourmet delights next to the life-sized gray whale fountain. Relax outdoors during your visit and choose from a variety of hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, snacks, and more. Located outside the aquarium gates, admission is not required in order to eat at Splash! Café. Please visit our website to see current menu offerings.
Adjacent to the aquarium is a sign for parking which is located next to the aquarium. If you are in close proximity to the aquarium, you should be able to see the sign for aquarium parking.
Family is $89, 2 people is $75, individual is $55 (all have a $10 discount for vets, seniors, and students)
Adults $24.95 Child (3-17) $19.95 - 2 and under are free Senior (60+) $22.95 Students $22.95
$19.50 adult $15 child
Currenrly closed. Might change though with changing mandates.
https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/visit
Birch Aquarium is reopening outdoors-only beginning Saturday, February 27, with a special members-only day on Friday, February 26. All of our outdoor areas have all been activated to offer a variety of activities for you to explore and enjoy including a new seahorse activity. To see a complete list of family-fun activities: https://bit.ly/2ZAI6ZK Advanced reservations for a specific time and date are required for everyone, even members. Reserve your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3eWEDLu
Yes. First weekend of each month.
Check their website, depending on the age of kids, they might have fun events!
They also have live shark eggs you can look at and some eggs that have already hatched that you can touch.
Only trained service animals are permitted at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. For the health and safety of your pets, we request they not be left in cars in our parking lot. If a pet is found in a car, they may be removed and held by University of California San Diego police.
This is an aquarium for looking at fish, not catching them... You can go fishing at certain areas on the beach if you have a license. Ocean beach pier allows fishing without a license. You do have to bring your own pole. This particular dock is dedicated to research.
It's a very small aquarium, but the view from the deck to the ocean is beautiful
Yes. They will even have a scuba diver wearing bunny ears in one of the tanks on Easter.
Website states, hours may vary due to holiday.
Yes, there is a food stand just in front of the entrance to the aquarium. They serve a variety of hot foods there and there are tables where you can enjoy the wonderful San Diego weather just in front of it.
I bought tickets online and it was good for any day.
Yes they are https://www.sandiego.org/promotions/kids-free.aspx
The price of an adult ticket is $ 19.50 and the price of children is $ 15. In total it would be approximately $ 85 dollars
No, you cannot eat any of the fish.
Parking is free Kids 2 & under are free Kids 3-17 are $15.00 Adults are $19.50 Seniors are $16.50 Students and staff are $16.00
When we've been there, it seems some of the tide pools are always open. There are feeding times which may be posted on the website. I think they rotate the tide pools so one is always open.
Yes, it is outside the entrance
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