Just minutes from Del Mar in the coastal community of La Jolla, Birch Aquarium brings the wonders of the Pacific Ocean to life through hands-on exhibits and world-class marine life displays. As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, this hilltop attraction combines cutting-edge ocean research with interactive experiences that connect visitors of all ages to the sea.
Where Science Meets Wonder
Birch Aquarium houses more than 5,000 fish representing over 400 species across 60+ Pacific Ocean habitats. The star attraction is the massive 70,000-gallon kelp forest tank, a two-story display featuring leopard sharks, moray eels, and an endangered Giant Black Sea Bass swimming through towering kelp that can grow up to a foot per day. Watch as scuba divers feed the residents and answer questions during regular dive shows.
The aquarium’s diverse exhibits showcase everything from tropical coral reefs teeming with colorful fish to the mysterious deep-sea creatures that live in darkness. Don’t miss the stunning seadragon habitat, one of the largest in the world, where these elaborate seahorse relatives drift like underwater leaves through the water.
Get Your Hands Wet
One of the most popular features is the Tide Pool Plaza, where visitors can touch and interact with local tide pool animals, including sea stars, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, and lobsters. Trained staff and volunteers supervise the touch pools to ensure safe, respectful encounters that teach guests about the important roles these creatures play in coastal ecosystems. The outdoor plaza also offers breathtaking views of La Jolla Shores and the Pacific Ocean from its hilltop location.
For an even deeper connection to San Diego’s marine environment, join one of Birch Aquarium’s Tidepooling Adventures. These 90-minute guided outings take participants to explore real tide pools along the coast, where naturalists help spot elusive creatures and share fascinating facts about life in the intertidal zone.
Community Education That Makes Waves
Birch Aquarium extends its impact far beyond its walls through innovative community programs. The Aquarium Express van travels to Title 1 schools throughout San Diego County, bringing hands-on ocean science programs directly to students who might not otherwise have access. The Beach Science program gives sixth graders a three-part experiential learning adventure that includes classroom activities, field research at a working pier, and an aquarium visit.
The recently launched Science Bites program brings Scripps research into high school classrooms, with educators training teachers on a curriculum that features topics such as atmospheric rivers, carbon sequestration, and climate science. These free lesson plans incorporate both Indigenous knowledge and current oceanographic research to make learning relevant and engaging.
Meet the Little Blue Penguins
The aquarium’s Little Blue Penguin habitat is the only place on the West Coast where you can see the world’s smallest penguin species. These charming birds live in a specially designed 2,900-square-foot home complete with burrows, a sandy beach, and an 18,000-gallon pool. An interactive research station at the exhibit explains how Scripps scientists work to protect these penguins from threats like climate change.
Visit during extended summer hours to enjoy the aquarium until 7 p.m., perfect for catching sunset views from the coastal cliffs as you explore the exhibits. Grab a bite at Blue Wave Bistro and stroll through the galleries as the evening light dances across the ocean. The aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with admission priced at $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3-17.
Want to discover more amazing local attractions that bring education and entertainment together? Discover more amazing local businesses that make our community special and learn about the organizations dedicated to ocean conservation and scientific discovery right in your backyard.
Sources: aquarium.ucsd.edu, yelp.com, Birch Aquarium Facebook Page, delmarcoastalconnections.com
Header Image Source: Birch Aquarium Facebook Page
