Birch Aquarium, part of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, offers a fun family day out.
Schoolchildren and families at Birch Aquarium can observe over 5,000 animals representing 380 species. The aquarium is located on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus off the Pacific Ocean.
Birch Aquarium Exhibits
Birch Aquarium exhibits include: “Coral Reef,” a gallery of interactive displays on reefs worldwide. Live coral and reef inhabitants like lionfish, chambered nautilus, and giant clams are featured. “The Hall of Fishes” is a collection of 60 tanks holding Pacific fishes and invertebrates collected from all along the west coast, from Mexico’s tropical waters to the Pacific Northwest’s cold waters.
A 70,000-gallon kelp tank forest is the largest habitat on site and can even be watched online through the Kelp Cam. “Tide Pool Plaza” is an exhibit where the center volunteers teach about living tide pools.
At Tide Pool Plaza, visitors can observe and touch various tide-pool animals. The habitats feature windows that provide up-close views of local sea creatures such as starfish, lobsters, hermit crabs, and sea cucumbers from San Diego’s tide pools.
“Shark Reef” is a 13,000-gallon tank hosting tropical reef habitats. If you are a shark connoisseur, this exhibit is excellent with species like white-tip and black-tip reefs, brown-banded bamboo, Port Jackson, and wobbegongs. There are educational displays to brush up on your shark knowledge and even learn how to preserve them.
Birch Aquarium was established in 1903 to conduct marine research in the local waters. The researchers found so much information that they outgrew the laboratory in a boathouse at the famous Hotel Del Coronado.
Several years later, they could purchase enough land to construct a permanent site at La Jolla Shores in 1910. Soon after, the first building solely meant to house an aquarium was built on the ground.
It was a modest wooden structure housing 19 tanks, while the oceanographic museum was nearby. To recognize the growing scope of research, the name was changed to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1925. The original building is now featured on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Birch Aquarium is a leader in seahorse breeding. As a result, they offer a program called “There’s Something About Seahorses” that reduces the need for wild collection by zoos and aquariums. It exhibits over a dozen seahorse species housed in a special seahorse nursery. It’s a hands-on experience for kids of all ages.
“Wonders of Water” teach visitors about erosion and ocean currents by creating rapids, canals, dams, and islands at interactive water stations. “Feeling the Heat: The Climate Challenge” teaches the science behind global warming and highlights the research done on climate change.
You can learn about the current and projected environmental changes and the latest ideas for reducing emissions. Visitors can participate in interactive activities and exhibit shows.
Birch Aquarium Discounts Coupons
- A visit to the Birch Aquarium is affordable, even without any discount. We recommend you visit the Aquarium Website to check for special offers first.
- $2 off adult admission (up to four people) when you check in using the Foursquare app. Active Duty US Military ID Holders receive $2 off each ticket.
- Birch Aquarium is included with Go San Diego Card and AAA cards, $1 off admission for up to four visitors.
- There is free admission to UCSD Alumni Associates and Benefactors who present their Alumni Access Card.
Where is the Birch Aquarium
The Birch Aquarium is at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037. It’s open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily except for major holidays.