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Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla

4.5 (198) 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography image

Categories

Tourist attraction
Event venue
Aquarium

Location on the map

La Jolla, San Diego County, California, US

Phone: +1 858-534-3474
Site: https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/

Opening hours

Monday:9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday:9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday:9 AM–5 PM
Thursday:9 AM–5 PM
Friday:9 AM–5 PM
Saturday:9 AM–5 PM
Sunday:9 AM–5 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.5

198 Reviews for Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography 2024:

Review №1

2024-06-30 02:39:02

Went today with my wife and daughter. Have always loved this place since I was a kid. My wife has never been and this was my daughters first. The research and conservation work they do there is great. They now have blue penguins that they bred there. Kids love the tide pools. This place is completely great to bring your kid to and let them go. The staff are all friendly, nice, helpful, and genuine. A happy place to be.

Review №2

2024-06-28 08:23:23

It’s small but enough to have fun! I’ve spent here 2 hours looking at amazing kinds of fish, got to see sharks and penguins. The Aquarium deserves to be praised for their work with the injured turtle, it’s so good to see that she’s doing well after such issues. There’s a really good shop too with many cool things (don’t go there you’ll spend 50$)!

Review №3

2024-06-20 12:43:32

I recently visited the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla after reading some promising reviews and seeing photos that made it look like a great experience. Unfortunately, my visit was quite disappointing.First, the price of admission seemed steep for what the aquarium offers. You can tour the entire place in less than 20 minutes, as there isnt much to see. The exhibits were underwhelming and didnt offer much in terms of variety or engagement.Additionally, I was surprised to see that the aquarium allows visitors to walk around with alcoholic beverages. While Im not one to judge, it was concerning to see parents strolling with bottles of wine and glasses filled to the brim while their children ran around unsupervised. It felt inappropriate for a family-friendly environment and detracted from the overall experience.Living in a beach town myself, Im familiar with aquariums, and I can confidently say that the Birch Aquarium doesnt compare to others Ive visited. The experience fell short in many ways, and I would recommend lowering the admission price to better reflect the value offered.Overall, I left feeling that my visit was more of a donation than an enjoyable outing. If youre looking for entertainment or a memorable experience, I would suggest looking elsewhere

Review №4

2024-04-17 18:45:07

Birch Aquarium offers a pristine and accessible experience, boasting easy parking and a clean environment. While theres some walking involved to reach the location, the stunning view of San Diegos jewel, La Jolla, makes it worth it. Utilizing my AAA discount was a bonus. The aquarium provides an abundance of educational options and multiple interactive exhibits, with highlights including the captivating seahorse and penguin displays. Its an ideal destination for families with kids aged 5 and older, offering an engaging opportunity to learn about the diverse creatures of the ocean.

Review №5

2024-06-09 21:41:01

Relatively small aquarium bit has a great display of Jellyfish, Penguins and other kelp life. The reef displays are also cool! Seadragons were amazing. Their Shark display could’ve been better indoors. Wonderful place to take kids for a couple hours

Review №6

2024-03-19 15:09:15

We were looking for a fun, affordable activity to do on vacation because it was way too windy for the beach. I found Birch Aquarium online, and we decided to check it out.The location is awesome, up on a hillside with views of the ocean. It was easy to get to, and parking was a breeze.I would suggest getting your tickets online as they say they can sell out sometimes.We arrived around 11, and there were a couple of school groups, but they left at about 12 pm, so it was a lot less busy after that.We ended up having lunch at their outdoor cafe, and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food. The guacamole and chips were fresh, and the breakfast sandwich was hearty and delicious.The aquarium itself was a lot of fun! We saw the tanks with the Pacific aquatic creatures first, and it takes you on a journey from the North Pacific to the South Pacific.Next was the tide pool exhibit where we could touch some of the aquatic life. With volunteers and staff there to keep an eye on the aquatic life and answer questions and share details, it was a neat experience.We finished with the shark exhibit, which was a bit underwhelming, the seahorses and sea dragons, which were incredible, and the penguins, which were totally adorable and fun to observe.I would recommend this experience as it was educational, fun, and affordable.

Review №7

2024-04-07 03:02:04

Great middle-sized aquarium. We bought tickets online before coming here on a Saturday afternoon and they were almost sold out. Check-in was smooth, all the staff were great. Its a wonderful place to learn about the coast, its ecosystem, all the flora & fauna. We saw many of these fish for the first time ever. Dont miss the blue penguins, they are so funny! The ocean view is breathtaking as well.

Review №8

2024-06-12 16:50:33

It is what it is. Just a wonderful place to take young kids. The wonders of the underwater world. The sharks are supercool, and the outside tide pools are very interesting. The layout is well thought out and keeps the crowding minimal. There are several tanks to view and lots of different types of fish. My daughters really enjoy the Birch Aquarium.

Review №9

2024-04-28 05:22:43

Lovely aquarium in the La Jolla/Scripps area.Free and adequate parking lot.Standard admission prices are $30 for adults and $25 for children...AAA and other discounts are available.Lots of marine animals and interesting exhibits, although I think the standard admission prices are a bit much given the limited experiences offered...$20/15-ish may be more appropriate.Took about 1.5 - 2 hours to complete the entire aquarium.Great way to kill a few hours.

Review №10

2024-05-01 00:51:40

This aquarium is smaller than the other ones Ive visited. This would be perfect for a day out if you have little ones and do some of the interactive sections. There are a variety of things to see. The outdoor tide pool was awesome. You can touch the different species they have. They have these very large jelly fish called Sea Nettle, which was the first aquarium i saw them at. The views hands down were beautiful of the ocean. There is also an outdoor patio right before you enter the aquarium of food trucks.

Review №11

2024-06-17 06:27:13

Nice aquarium, I’ve been wanting to visit this place for years! It is a small aquarium and I got through it in about 1.5 hours. They did have a lot of sea life including jellyfish, various fish, morays, sea dragons, penguins, a giant sea turtle and more! Some of the exhibits are huge and truly make you feel like you’re underwater. I highly recommend Birch Aquarium for a visit.

Review №12

2024-04-15 04:21:13

Very cool and educational place to spend a couple hours. My 13year old son and I had a blast! Great for all ages. Its dark in some areas so watch out for the knee high kids thats dart out from the abyss. Theyll trip you lol. Feeding time is exciting to watch. The schedule is very easy to access online. I was impressed

Review №13

2024-05-16 03:40:03

We had good weather the day we visited. It is not a Gigantic aquarium and easy to go through in a few hours. Their is an outdoor area to sit down and have some lunch and rest before or afterwards you look at the exhibits.

Review №14

2024-03-12 14:45:21

Such a lovely aquarium that was so much fun for the family to go through. Plus the scenery is beyond gorgeous. We spent a good 3 hours there and saw just about everything. Highly recommend it especially if you have young kiddos.

Review №15

2024-03-01 16:19:56

A great experience for adults and kids. The aquarium is relatively small compared to others. However, it is right sized for shorter attention spans, well maintained/run, close to other sites and attractions in the area, and the ocean and coastline views are unbeatable. Should be on your top 10 list for the area.

Review №16

2024-03-22 14:58:20

As visitors, we were very surprised but how inexpensive the tickets to this aquarium are! We were about to buy tickets are the door and get in immediately - also the tickets give you in and our privileges. The first stop was the penguins and we could have spent all day there! The penguin enclosure is outdoor and so beautiful. So definitely come here on a nice day. The kelp forest was a unique enclosure I’ve never seen as well. They have sharks.. but I won’t spoil that. It’s a smaller aquarium with a cool gift shop. Definitely not an all day event but worth checking out!

Review №17

2024-03-14 00:45:58

Its a small, but nice aquarium. I actually prefer it to the larger aquariums in the big cities. Around 5 is the best time to go because its the quietest. Its relaxing to watch the fish and see the penguins without huge crowds.

Review №18

2024-06-26 03:34:23

A good outing for a family with kids looking for something quick to do.The aquarium is small so don’t expect to stay there more than 1.5 hours.They have a couple stations out where the kids are able to gently interact with some cute little sea creatures.

Review №19

2024-06-23 04:39:57

I respect animals and the ocean and what this place does for them. What I dont respect is SeaWorld level prices in a space smaller than one animal attraction at SeaWorld. Parkings free cool but you charge $30 an adult and $24 for child over 2yrs old? I would understand if it was a location that you could spend 2 or 3 hours at but literally Ive spent more time in Lowes than I have here. NEVER will I go again nor suggest anyone I know go there. It was clean and well kept but Jesus truly a disappointment and disrespectful pricing.

Review №20

2024-05-03 07:00:02

This is a small aquarium that can be completed in less than 2 hours. Make sure to see the penguins BEFORE they eat. They go to sleep after meals and are nowhere to be seen. The displays they have are well done and the staff is really nice. Keep your expectations in check. It’s not Sea World.

Review №21

2024-06-18 00:27:57

Well worth the admission. Locals with kids should consider a membership. The educational value is awesome. For visitors you get a San Diego perspective not available elsewhere.

Review №22

2024-04-09 06:06:47

This aquarium is one of my favorite aquarium in San Diego. HIGHLY RECOMMENED. There are some amazing sea animals and so friendly area. Also it shows how the work has been done by scientists. Natural oriented and great view to city.

Review №23

2024-02-20 20:53:43

Smaller aquarium with excellent exhibits. We enjoyed the clear displays and informative signs.Parking lot is free, but it gets crowded. By 1030, there was a line of cars down the hill. Consider this when planning for your ticket times of you purchased in advance.

Review №24

2024-03-01 19:03:40

A beautiful and fun smaller aquarium! You will need to plan your visit smartly if you want to have a relaxing time. As others have said, parking lot gets difficult as the day goes on. We enjoyed our visit very much!

Review №25

2024-04-09 06:38:35

Beautiful aquarium up on the hill overlooking the ocean. Fantastic animals there: octopus, sea turtle, sea horses, sea dragons, tide pools and of course…the cutest smallest penguins in the world! If you love ocean life, this place is great!

Review №26

2024-02-16 00:01:08

Had a great time here. Aquarium is well kept and some great local sea creatures to be seen. We didn’t have kids but there were lots running around having a blast.

Review №27

2024-02-03 01:20:24

A bit smaller than I anticipated, and the weather didnt allow for the tidal ponds to be open (pouring rain), but they did bring some of the interactive experiences inside to see. I would recommend going in the afternoon so youll miss the school field trips. Overall, it was still a great experience!

Review №28

2024-01-23 20:59:19

Paid $25 for a view of the beach pretty much. Aquarium itself a bit underwhelming for the price point and kinda dirty. Not in the top tier of aquariums imo. Just not very big with a lot of options; some things are under construction. Fun for people watching tho!

Review №29

2024-04-12 20:11:35

Plenty to see and do. Well maintained. Very educational. The penguin exhibit was a special treat. My grandson is an aspiring marine scientist and he had a ball! I especially like the focus on pacific coastline plants, reefs and animals.

Review №30

2024-01-30 07:55:32

As other reviews mentioned, it is small and the sharks tank definitely did not impress but... The price is right and parking is free.They have a few cool tanks - I loved the jellyfish and the pingouins and my kid enjoyed touching the sea cucumber and star fish in the tide pools.Its enough to entertain yourself and a 4 yrs old for an hour or 2 so worth the $25 imo.

Review №31

2024-04-17 16:35:33

Full disclosure: I’m not a fan of zoos or aquariums. I always find myself feeling bad for the seemingly small spaces allotted to the animals/fish. I understand that sometimes they can be good, especially for the endangered species etc.In any case, we put the aquarium on our days agenda and went. I was surprised to find that the fish looked healthy and the staff were very courteous, educated on the various fish and underwater plant life. It’s not a really big aquarium so, I would imagine that this allows the aquariums habitants to have their dedicated time for care. For example, there was a posted note about the octopus, there is a dedicated handler who hand feeds and plays games to the point that the octopus recognizes the handler!This was a nice visit, I honestly don’t know if I would go again but it was a good experience overall. I also saw children classes going on, painting or something FYI.

Review №32

2024-02-25 02:17:42

Its small, but wonderful. Our youngest loved the penguins, and I loved the leopard sharks. Its rare to have such a great time that is also educational

Review №33

2024-02-19 17:47:27

Overall, small aquarium with great ocean views and a collection of different sea creatures. It costs about $25 for adults and may get discounts for children and over 65 years of age. Suggest checking online for the latest prices and schedule.

Review №34

2024-04-14 23:43:54

The large aquarium display is very impressive. The tide pools outside are good as is the penguin display. The rest is pretty generic.

Review №35

2024-04-12 22:33:41

Spend the day in the peaceful setting of colorful, swimming fish, fllowing water and the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop.Birch Aquarium is small, but beautiful and packed with sights to see. They have great educational programs as well.

Review №36

2024-02-27 23:05:51

Such a wonderful place to visit and very kid friendly but also, so much information regarding our oceans and ocean life.! It is a beautiful beautiful place and we enjoyed our day there.

Review №37

2024-04-13 00:36:36

A nice place to go when you have small children that like to run around and look at fish and see the penguins. Gift shop prices are pretty high and food is kind of high but it was nice. They have a really cool play area where the kids can lounge and kick back very relaxing

Review №38

2024-01-11 16:13:27

Birch Aquarium is lovely. We bought our tickets when we arrived, on a Sunday morning, and there was no wait. We had two 1-year-olds with us, and they loved the experience. Highly recommended!

Review №39

2023-08-07 00:07:21

Reviewing after my second time here. Its a small aquarium, but there are a lot of exhibits and displays. I recommend going at opening to avoid the larger crowds. I would plan to spend about 2 hours to explore the aquarium. Theres daily penguin feeding at 10:00 and then fish feeding and diver interaction in the large tank at 10:30. Theres staff all around the aquarium to answer questions. The touching exhibits are always fun. I have a membership, which I think is worth it since I plan to come several more times, especially when I can get first look at special events.

Review №40

2023-09-05 04:41:03

We had previously purchased our tickets online which was a good idea because there was a line to buy tickets we noticed when we arrived. we visited on a somewhat sprinkling and rainy day so there wasnt too much action going on in the outside tanks and displays and most people were walking through the displays and exhibits inside. fyi, this aquarium is extremely small but drink worth the visit as you can easily kill an hour or two looking around. we were able to touch and see some small animals when outside but because of the weather they had to pack up shortly after. i enjoyed the shark tank and we were lucky to have made it on time for when they feed them so that was interesting to watch.

Review №41

2023-04-07 14:40:48

A great experience! Went there with a school field trip and the teenage kids loved it and were not bored. Beautiful views outside and lots of areas to interact with like tide pools and photo opt areas. Gift shop was so cute! Even the bathrooms were clean and well stocked. All the staff I talked to throughout the aquarium was very friendly and helpful. The cafe food was so delicious! Would definitely visit this aquarium again.

Review №42

2023-12-27 09:15:35

Small aquarium, but with plenty to see. Kids will enjoy the elevated platform along some of the tanks. The jellyfish & seahorses were mesmorizing, as was the seaweed tank. The penguins were hiding in their enclosure, so we werent able to see them. Be sure to go outside to see the shark tank, tidepools & enjoy the view of Scripps Pier & Pacific Ocean. A bit expensive, but AAA, military & senior discounts are available in person. The discounts are not available online.We visited a few days before Christmas, so crowds were quite large.

Review №43

2023-07-11 11:17:48

Super cool, super pretty, really informative aquarium! The staff were very friendly especially around the penguins—they were napping in the afternoon, so its recommended to check back often to catch them active. Beautiful exhibits and an incredible view of the coast outside near the sharks. We went on a weekday and it wasnt too busy, no lines for the entrance, gift shop, or restrooms, and parking was made clear and easy.

Review №44

2023-11-05 04:37:15

We had a short one hour visit to the Birch Aquarium, which was very successful, AND FUN!!!It started for us with getting a great disabled parking spot. If it wasnt for those parking spots, it would be difficult to visit the place.We immediately went out back for the views and the reefs. Although it was an overcast day, it was beautiful. I had fun putting my finger in some creature in the reef.We then inside and saw seahorses and other creatures. We then went outside and saw sharks and penguins.It was lots of fun!!!

Review №45

2024-02-12 18:29:05

The parking is crowded over weekends. They have numerous sea mammals to watch and learn about them. You can bring kids food too. They have small play area too where kids play with blocks. They also have sharks and penguins to see.

Review №46

2024-03-31 23:23:51

I love coming to the aquarium, especially when I bring the grandkids. The staff is very nice. The penguins were my granddaughters favorite part.

Review №47

2023-11-17 19:07:33

I completely forgot to write a review back in early August when it happened!Kids have been there with several times. Great little aquarium.I was more impressed with the staff. My son gets excited about any kind of animals, and will talk excessively about it with staff. They were super kind to him and engaged a lot with him.My youngest daughter is mischievous and is a cute little girl with Down Syndrome. She loves to run off if you look away from her and actively will try to hide. Terrifying game for a parent. She slipped away while I was there and within a few minutes I realized I was going to have a very difficult time finding her. The staff was AMAZING. I asked for help, so they called over the radio. Within 30 seconds, at least 15 staff members came streaming out of what I assumed was a break room. They had found my daughter within 3-4 minutes! I cannot thank them enough!

Review №48

2023-12-21 03:55:34

The Birch Aquarium is a lovely little aquarium near UCSD. Its not huge, you can really see it all in 90 minutes or so at an easy pace. Lots of fun things for the little kids to do.

Review №49

2023-10-11 04:23:19

This is a smaller but quite mighty aquarium as we were able to see the shows and took our time. All in all we spent almost 3 hours here and it was great! I enjoyed the penguins, the weedy seahorses and so much more I already forgot the name of. Do yourself a favor and check it out if you like aquariums!

Review №50

2024-06-14 03:17:02

Sharks, penguins are highlights! Nemo and Dora as well . Good aquarium to spend 2 hrs. Sea dragons are attractive

Review №51

2023-07-26 19:46:03

Birch Aquarium is a fun experience overall. There are a great assortment of marine wildlife here, and all of them look like they are extremely well taken care of in overall gorgeous exhibits and enclosures. The large kelp forest enclosures, the shark feeding tank, and the relatively new little blue penguin exhibit our major highlights. Sidenote, the gift shop is phenomenal and has an amazing variety of great gifts, with most of them being fairly reasonable in price. The employees were all wonderful as well.On that note of price however, I cannot stress enough that the aquarium charge is far too much for what is offered here. Even with the great variety of wildlife here, this aquarium is fairly small and if it weren’t for the discount coupon I had, I would only have been willing to pay about half of what is currently being charged for admission right now. It didn’t help matters either that there were several prominent animals that were currently off display, with no notices as to what their status was or where they had been relocated to; not being able to see the sea turtle was a bummer, to say the least. There is also a reservation system in place, which seems to have mixed results in efficiency. The aquarium is frequently way below capacity and still requires reservations to be placed for several hours later. This could be adjusted to be more effective while still maintaining optimal crowd levels.Overall, this is a fun aquarium with some great exhibit and things to see, and his child friendly as well. However, unless you end up getting some kind of discount or Groupon, the cost is not worth what you get.

Review №52

2023-07-09 20:35:48

Buy your tickets online, we found a promo code for an extra $12 off. Kids under 3 are free. Seniors get a discount too.We spent 90 minutes here. The outside play area has picnic tables. A great place for the kids to unwind, and eat a snack after touring the exhibits.

Review №53

2024-06-20 21:03:41

Amazing aquarium with lots of sealife, an amazing shark feeding, and lots of areas you can relax and view the ocean!

Review №54

2024-07-01 16:54:11

Great jellies, seahorses and some of the strangest and most beautiful fish I’ve ever seen. Kelp bed and ocean preservation info is very well presented, touchables are really cool, and the blue penguins are so fun to watch. Loved the big turtle too!

Review №55

2024-06-09 00:42:54

Well planned and executed aquarium for the compact footprint. Its a lot smaller than the Long Beach or Monterrey Aquariums, but offers a lot. The displays are well done and explained well. There are a good variety of ecosystems represented. The tank with the worlds smallest penguins is almost a metaphor for the aquarium. They do a lot more with less space. I appreciated that they have a lot of convenient benches in strategic locations. The tidal pool area is very good, and if you catch a clear day Im sure the view of the beach and ocean is spectacular. Parking is limited, but free. Snack choices are limited, as is the gift shop. I didnt miss it, but just so you know. The entrance fee is fair in my opinion considering what it must cost them to keep the animals fed and the water processed.

Review №56

2023-11-26 07:13:51

Nice aquarium for a quick visit . Needs not more than an hour. Good parking and few very good exhibits. Very good experience for kids going an aquarium first time.

Review №57

2023-06-26 22:53:34

Very cute and interactive area for kids to enjoy. My 20month old loved the aquarium - way better than any zoo- simply because the fish are all there in action.. instead of some little spot who knows where looking like a monkey.. over all love this place. Parking was a bit tight..

Review №58

2024-06-25 09:46:06

Loved it there! Well worth the price. Lots to see

Review №59

2023-09-23 02:53:47

Great density, great hands on exhibits for kids, great summary of local shark behavioral research and many fish. However, no info on birds or shore botany, little on invertebrates, none on seaweed, and an inexplicably huge volume on seahorses and sea dragons. Would have loved to see film of different places nearby underwater, maybe some more microscopy and geology.

Review №60

2024-06-28 03:29:35

I went there because we had a city pass and there were so many positive reviews. It is a very small aquarium, bit disappointed. There is a beautiful view from the patio and also a place to sit and enjoy the beach views. I wouldnt recommend it if you are looking to spend 2 or more hours.

Review №61

2023-07-30 03:04:54

A nice little aquarium with some interactive and research exhibits. Honestly, the staff was the best part. They were all super friendly and knowledgable and good at conveying information to adults and kids. The penguins and hands-on tide pool experience were winners with the kids. And you cant beat a Giant Pacific Octopus.

Review №62

2023-06-10 05:05:41

Neat spot to bring the kiddos and check out aquatic critters. Parking is free, but getting a spot can be a challenge depending on when you arrive. The facility is cozy (relatively smallish) and depending on your pace through the exhibits, the visit can be roughly 1-3 hours.I appreciate that you can set a reservation time for entering the aquarium, which helps prevent overcrowding. There was a good amount of sea life on display from native fish to seahorses, sharks, and penguins. Mini-me particularly enjoyed the hands-on tide pool area. I thought having a Pacific Cleaner Shrimp nibble on my hand was neat.Check online to see other offerings or special events at Birch Aquarium. It’s a nice diversion for the little ones and a good place for any aspiring marine biologists to visit.

Review №63

2024-02-21 00:43:56

First time visiting here! We took our 12 year old daughter and we spent 3 hours learning and being amazed by the various fish. Highly recommend!

Review №64

2024-02-01 18:39:21

Their exhibits are very educational AND beautiful! Exhibits are well-maintained & staff is nice. Easy walk to La Jolla Shore & glider port.

Review №65

2024-02-19 21:45:21

Great aquarium the ocean views are amazing, it reminded me of monterrey bay aquarium, I was there visiting alone, but great place for families, enough to see and learn new things

Review №66

2024-02-03 20:33:23

Tiny, tiny, T I N Y aquarium. For one commonly rated in the Top 10 in the US, I was severely disappointed. Small, often dirty, exhibits. Not much in the way of variety.

Review №67

2023-11-17 23:58:12

10/30/2023I went to this aquarium and wasnt disappointed at all the staff was very friendly and gave you wonderful information if you asked. There was more than enough exhibits of all kinds of sea life It took me about 2.5hrs to go thorough it to see everything. I would definitely recommend this aquarium as a most visit. I used the san diego city pass i would recommend getting one you get unlimited access to so many attractions

Review №68

2023-07-07 07:52:27

Come early, Go City Pass all inclusive rocks with free entry, parking is free which is nice. Many species to be seen, kids can learn a lot. Nice place to be. Regular ticket $24.99 kids (3-17) $19.95

Review №69

2023-10-15 02:45:18

Lovely, informative and relaxing. It was a great way to spend a couple hours checking out all the different sea critters and learning new things. Some of the most amazing things were so small, many people walked on by. Some jellies were tiny and had rippling electric color changing edges. Fantastic! There are a couple of outdoor tide pools where you can pet sea slugs and starfish. Great place for kids and adults.

Review №70

2024-02-13 13:21:10

Small aquarium where one can spend 2-3 hours. They have great displays and the research connection with Scripps makes this a fun educational experience

Review №71

2024-01-29 03:42:23

Really interesting place. Small, but mighty! Lots to see. Loved it

Review №72

2024-01-29 02:19:07

Super great hands-on and visual for all ages. Enjoyed it with the kids, along with the beautiful view of the ocean.

Review №73

2023-11-28 00:23:35

What a wonderful day we spent here! The setting is beautiful, the exhibits are fascinating and the people are warm and welcoming. We did a behind the scenes tour about Seahorses with Izzy as our docent and she was so knowledgeable! Then we had lunch at the Splash Cafe and Chef Greg went above and beyond! The chicken cesar sandwich was delish! Kudos to the entire team.

Review №74

2023-03-20 22:22:54

Even though it was sold out in the morning they were able to fit us into the afternoon slot! It was awesome to have pics and labels for each creature in the aquariums. There was a ledge for people and kids to stand on to see things better. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because the café outside was out of everything but ice cream pretty much when we went.

Review №75

2023-09-24 20:32:44

Learned allot about that amazing turtle Apparently they fixed her broken shell. They have been caring for her for many years. Turtle was the best part for me. The tide pools were in repair so we did not get to see that part. Kids would especially love this!

Review №76

2023-11-25 07:10:46

Incredible place if you would like to see creatures of the ocean! They have interesting creatures, friendly staff, and they hold a whole lot of fun for families! Will definitely go back!

Review №77

2024-05-13 12:36:13

Always a good idea to visit, I was here many years ago and was glad that it has the same perfect ambiance.

Review №78

2024-03-26 17:51:38

Incredible place to check out and learn of the incredible ecosystem that we have here in San Diego. Recommend buying tickets in advance.

Review №79

2023-09-18 11:51:16

Great aquarium with beautiful views! Im not one to usually go into goft shops but they have some great stuff in there as well. Educational and interactive for kids and adults.

Review №80

2024-04-11 03:29:00

Great little aquarium, exhibits are well set up and very informative. Staff are helpful and well educated. Great place to spend a few hours with the kids. Not a big place but welll worth it. I would suggest bringing food as the Splash cafe is a bit pricey. Food is allowed in the outdoor areas of the aquarium though and there is a nice patio outside where food is allowed. Tickets are pretty reasonable, and well worth it.

Review №81

2024-06-03 03:01:25

Great for kids, not so good for adults. Overall a good place to visit in family.

Review №82

2024-05-25 15:01:06

Its been a while since we were last here (we get to the SD area every 3 years or so) and this visit didnt disappoint. The blue penguins were a standout. The sea-horses and -dragons are always worth watching for a while.Recommend getting tickets in advance. The parking lot will look full, but not all the traffic is for the aquarium.

Review №83

2023-03-19 23:38:54

When we went, it was by reservation only. You have to buy your tickets ahead of time and can only go during your reserved time slot.There are lots of cool creatures to see with great educational pieces! They even have Penguins! Towards the back of the aquarium, they have tide pools so youre able to touch some of the fish in them. There is also an amazing view of the Cove and Ocean! Parking isnt great, but its free.

Review №84

2023-05-04 23:18:16

Visiting from out of town and came upon this location. Had really ample free parking in close proximity to the aquarium. Beautiful Whale fountain outside. I would say on the smaller side and more of a 1/2 day excursion as compared to maybe some larger aquariums. However was a lot of fun for my 21 month old and myself. The jellyfish and the big fish tanks, I could have watched for hours. The touch aquariums were nice, however I would have liked to seen more animals, maybe some star fish and more then one sea urchin as they could get very crowded. All in all a great little find for a San Diego trip!

Review №85

2024-02-21 19:06:35

The trip on the weekend was not so exciting as the place was too crowded. It was fun to watch baby penguins feeding. View of ocean was great.

Review №86

2023-03-27 05:04:16

HEY NONE PLANERS you need to plan this trip and get the tickets before coming on line. They do sale out and they only let you in when it’s your times. They do have AAA discounts and military discounts so ask about those. Great place to go and enjoy some down time with the kids. The lil cafe out front of it was okay would never ever in the history of every drink the beach bar cocktail to save my life. Batter acid with gas would have been better. I poured it out and recycled the can. Gift shop was cutie but the start of the show was the ability to pet the sea starts and sharks and the over looking view of the ocean

Review №87

2023-08-22 04:41:39

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a public aquarium located in La Jolla, California. It is operated by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.The aquarium has over 3,000 animals from the Pacific Ocean, including sharks, rays, sea turtles, fish, and invertebrates. The exhibits are divided into different areas, such as the Hall of Fishes, the Seadragons & Seahorses, the Tide Pool Plaza, and the Giant Kelp Forest.Here are some of the things that we liked about the Birch Aquarium:- The exhibits are well-designed and informative.- The animals are healthy and well-cared for.- The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.- There are a variety of educational programs and events.- The aquarium is located in a beautiful setting.There is a parking lot next to the aquarium, but it can fill up quickly. Overall, we had a great time at the Birch Aquarium. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in marine life. Plan your visit for a weekday or during the off-season to avoid the crowds.Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the aquarium.Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.

Review №88

2023-09-09 17:59:14

Such an interesting place to learn a lot about aquatic life! They have species from deep sea, a variety of corals, and a great way of showing off the animals, jellyfish exhibit was my favorite but there’s so much to see, i hope this aquarium gets bigger in the future. Definitely coming back

Review №89

2022-10-16 21:11:52

We took my toddler grandson. We enjoyed our time. Stroller friendly, except for penguin exhibit. You must park stroller to enter that exhibit. They do ticket/time reservations so the aquarium does not get packed. Affordable, enjoyable, educational.

Review №90

2023-10-11 09:02:56

Nestled along the stunning coastline of La Jolla, California, Birch Aquarium is a true gem that offers an immersive ( we spent quite a bit of our time there and the only gripe was that it all still ended very soon :( ) and educational experience for ocean lovers of all ages.We took an Uber to the location though there seemed to be ample spots available to be used for parking needs.The moment you step into Birch Aquarium, youre greeted by the gentle murmur of ocean waves and breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The facility itself is immaculately maintained, with spacious and well-designed exhibits that provide an up-close encounter with a diverse array of marine life. The ambiance creates a sense of wonder and appreciation for the underwater world.Birch Aquarium excels in its commitment to marine education. The informative displays and interactive exhibits offer a captivating journey into the mysteries of the deep blue. Visitors of all ages can learn about marine ecosystems, conservation efforts, and the fascinating creatures that inhabit our oceans. The knowledgeable staff and docents are always eager to share their expertise and answer questions.The star attractions at Birch Aquarium are undoubtedly the marine creatures. From graceful seahorses and vibrant coral reefs to mesmerizing jellyfish and the elusive sea dragon, every exhibit showcases the beauty and diversity of ocean life. The outdoor Tide Pool Plaza is a highlight, allowing visitors to touch and learn about coastal creatures in a hands-on experience.Definitely recommend experiencing that!!!The location of Birch Aquarium is unparalleled, perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The outdoor Tide Pool Plaza and surrounding grounds provide some of the most breathtaking coastal vistas in California. Its the perfect spot to take in the beauty of the Pacific while learning about its delicate ecosystems.It definitely is an ideal destination for families. The interactive exhibits and engaging presentations make learning about marine life fun and accessible for kids. The numerous educational programs and events ensure that young explorers will leave with a sense of awe and wonder.The admission prices for Birch Aquarium are reasonable, considering the educational value and the opportunity to support marine conservation efforts. Membership options are also available for those who wish to visit regularly.Until next time!!!

Review №91

2022-10-06 13:11:05

Great little Aquarium for a day trip. It’s more geared toward a Sunday afternoon stroll. The animals were very active and feedings happen regularly. Tickets are priced well and parking was easy. I’d recommend checking it out. We had a chance to donate towards the up keep of the center.

Review №92

2024-02-24 15:45:38

We visited the aquarium for the oceans at night event, this is a 21+ event that happens on Thursday per month. It was a very fun way to experience the aquarium. They had food, two bars, a DJ, and it just created a really fun atmosphere.

Review №93

2023-10-24 15:05:42

Used to go here a lot as a kid and went back this month while visiting SD for a wedding. A lot has changed from when I was a kid, but still lots of fun. Really enjoyed the jelly fish and other aquarium exhibits. Definitely recommend and kids are free for month of October.

Review №94

2023-02-08 00:00:09

The aquarium is fine, it’s nice seeing all the exhibits and beautiful location, but the museum overall does feel a bit dated. The displays need a bit of an upgrade. The exhibits are carpeted making it a little dingy. The tanks have laminate wood casings around them that are a bit old and dirty, some even chipping off. The shark tank is a bit underwhelming but the penguins definitely makes up for that!For the location and the only aquarium in SD I was expecting a bit more but for my first time visiting it was fun and the views are beautiful.

Review №95

2024-05-15 02:30:43

Such a great small aquarium! The exhibits are all really interesting and well labeled.

Review №96

2024-01-08 22:29:27

This is an amazing, worth while museum to visit. I could have stayed for hours, reading everything and just taking in all the amazing sea life creatures. Definitely would recommend it to all.

Review №97

2023-07-14 22:50:52

We heard about EBT $3.00 per ticket entrance. You must pre order and show card at the gate. I did not see the octopus because he was hiding. The jelly fish was my favorite. My son went out by the shark viewing and had a hands on learning experience. The tide pool is nice also. Everyone was so nice there. Thumbs up.

Review №98

2024-03-31 14:39:16

It cost $24.95 to get in. Im not really sure if its worth it. Dont get me wrong. The Aquarium is beautiful in a beautiful location, looking over the Pacific Ocean. You can view the entire place, in Id say within an hour. If there were more children playing ares or adventure/learning areas, it would extend your stay and keep the little ones with more entertainment.

Review №99

2022-08-11 21:31:58

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). Its small but really gorgeous location.

Review №100

2024-06-15 20:27:02

Words cannot describe the disappointment. I looked on the website and thought “Wow this looks amazing! We could come here all the time, especially during July for “Shark Summer” events!”… My husband and I just spent $120 for a dual membership (not a bad price if it was actually a nice aquarium) and upon leaving, I was more upset for what those fish/animals had to live like than the fact I had just wasted $120. The tanks for the fish, octopus, jellyfish, etc are equivalent to a large bathtub. They have eels that are 3-4 ft long living in tanks not even big enough to swim around in.The penguins were barely moving and they were all covered in their own feces. The tide pool exhibits where people can reach in and touch the creatures were FILTHY. It looked like scummy pond water from a drainage ditch.And for the worst part.. their “shark exhibit” is literally the size of a small swimming pool with 2 leopard sharks, a couple tiny grey sharks and angel sharks, a flounder, and some rays. I feel guilty that I gave them money because they clearly aren’t using it to build exhibits large enough to be considered humane. DO BETTER SCRIPPS “AQUARIUM”.

Review №101

2024-03-27 23:21:37

Ive been going to the Birch aquarium for over 40 years, and its one of my favorite places.

Review №102

2023-09-18 03:22:17

I love the little blue penguins, the smallest penguin. The parking lot is free. They only have one floor. Not very big but has some really cool stuffs. GFP is isolated from comb jellyfish. The moon jellyfish is so pretty. The kelp forest tank has so many large fishes.

Review №103

2024-05-05 23:39:30

Great experience in a spectacular location. Exhibits are very well done. It seems like natural habitats are well thought out and maintained. We were when they fed the fish and other creatures, that was fantastic. Ive been in SD County 34 years and had never been.

Review №104

2024-06-02 17:25:28

We bought tickets online. I feel that 29.95 is a lot for what you get . The aquarium is small; takes around 30-40 min to see the whole thing. Very nice views. Restrooms were clean. We went during the weekday right when they opened. I’m glad that we did because at 10a ALOT of children came. Free parking

Review №105

2024-06-30 19:11:06

The animals were amazing to look at, but I did not expect the place to be so small. For the price, you’d think it would be an aquarium that would keep you occupied for a few hours. My wife and I were there for maybe 30 minutes and we both felt ripped off and disappointed. Should be a $15 entry instead of $30 PER person. Seems like a bunch of these places in La Jolla are hyped up too much and all of it is overpriced. A lot of additions are needed for this place to be remotely worth it.

Review №106

2022-05-12 20:09:17

It was very clean and well-maintained but really there wasnt a ton to see.Several of the displays are just video but there are around 50 different tanks plus theres an area outside that mimics a tide pool with live creatures in it. See my pictures for a good sampling of the available tanks. The giant kelp, the sea horse and the jellyfish tanks were the most impressive.Overall if youre in the area its a 2 hour stop. Personally would have been happier if they had a stingray or manta ray petting area. Just know there are better aquariums in the area.

Review №107

2023-01-15 22:41:56

The birch aquarium at scrips institute is a great place to visit! The family had a great time and most fish were exhibits seemed very active, some tide pools were closed, but the touch pools were open and not too busy.Parking was a breeze, we arrived just after 10am. We spent about 2 hours walking around checking things out, the jellyfish were very cool!Sea bass and grouper are Gigantic the photos do no justice.Will definitely visit again in the future.

Review №108

2024-02-14 17:31:59

Good for spending 1-2 hours. Kelp, penguins, and seahorse sections were fun. There is only 1 turtle in the aquarium, and it was being shy :D

Review №109

2023-02-16 04:33:59

A great little aquarium, perfect size for younger kiddos whos attention span isnt long. A lot of different kinds of sea life, interesting facts\history and cute penguins. Being able to touch different plants, star fish etc was fun for our kiddos. Great gift shop and a nice eating place before you go into the aquarium.

Review №110

2023-01-04 22:50:17

Had a wonderful time touring the aquarium today, loved see the blue penguins. They weren’t to active, just hanging out talking amongst themselves. I just wish the place was a little bigger because we were don’t in an hour. All in all great job!

Review №111

2023-03-28 21:31:32

$20 admission. Plenty of parking. This will take about 1.5 - 2 hours to go through. Excellent aquariums with a variety of local fish and sea creatures. The octopus was active and amazing. The jellyfish and sea dragons were also cool. There is an outdoor touch tank with gorgeous views of La Jolla and the ocean. There are restrooms, a snack bar and a gift shop.

Review №112

2022-11-30 00:08:45

This is an absolutely beautiful educational experience. In comparison SeaWorld has no aquariums. No PT Barnum just science and entertainment. Theres also beautiful hikes all the way around the aquarium. The prices on food and in the gift shop are amazing. PLEASE VISIT THIS PLACE!🦑🦈

Review №113

2022-11-16 17:50:19

Havent been to this place in years. Its completely changed. It was really fun getting to hit the starfish and pet a shark and poke a ceiling me. They have a lovely new exhibit a little penguins that are about 12 in tall. Unfortunately we didnt see much of it cuz its a nasty time. The aquariums are pretty cool. Lots of different sea life not only from the California coast back from other parts of the world. With absolutely recognize this place.

Review №114

2024-03-30 13:51:26

We come here all the time its great for my young kids and the staff are always friendly. My daughters favorite stops are the touch tank, penguins, and the huge aquarium area. This last visit my daughter got a bookmark with some fishes on it and went hunting in every tank to see if she could find them. Its so beautiful to be by the ocean and see the sunset if you can. Many people come just for the view and sunset.

Review №115

2023-03-06 16:48:39

Brought our grandson to Birch during half-off Museum Month. Arrived at opening on a Saturday; however, because I hadn’t purchased tickets ahead of time, our entry time slot was 2:45pm. So we did other things and returned in the afternoon. Our main interest was seeing the blue penguins. How cute they were, and their exhibit space allowed for viewing above and below water level. The place was PACKED because of the discounted ticket, but we still enjoyed walking through the exhibits. We hadn’t been since before COVID and noticed some changes, the biggest being the outdoor activity space was vacant. The only thing on that patio was the shark exhibit, which was more like a tented “come and see” circus exhibit. I felt bad for the sharks in their sparse environment. All in all, we enjoyed our two hours there and my grandson enjoyed touching the small creatures in the patio overlooking the ocean with the tide pools.

Review №116

2023-10-17 13:40:03

We came from Texas to visit this aquarium for a second time. I highly recommend that you purchase tickets online and pick a time slot. If you get there and they are full you will have to wait until they are no longer at capacity (anywhere from 30min to 3 hours) so BOOK AHEAD OF TIME.This aquarium is small but concentrated. So much information and the exhibits are in great condition. The staff was friendly and informative. One of the best things about this aquarium is the view of La Jolla.

Review №117

2022-10-02 20:32:17

This is a wonderful place to visit and experience the sea life on a lower scale. Perfect for little ones. Price is reasonable. 4 star, fortheir shark exhibit was a huge disappointment. Penguins made the visit worth it. Good selection of food and drinks can be bought outside the entry gates. We had to buy tickets on line and choose our entry time. Once in you are in, you can stay as long as you like, though you wont need to.

Review №118

2022-11-08 12:50:46

Very cool little aquarium. Is kid friendly and also good for adults. The tickets are priced fairly and there is 5 main areas to explore. The petting zoo is quite unique in that you get to experience the creatures up close and in their natural surroundings. I did not expect to ever be able to touch a shark but I did! My favorite was the tank with octopus!

Review №119

2023-11-14 06:35:39

The place hasnt changed much over the years and its not a whole lot to experience... But its great for kids and a quick trip to see some cool sea life... theres an interactive man made tide pool that overlooks the ocean which is pretty cool...

Review №120

2024-02-07 07:39:41

A very cute aquarium. A bit on the smaller side, but the staff were very friendly and informative. The facility is clean and the animals are well cared for.

Review №121

2021-12-06 00:15:51

Really loved the aquarium, wonderful experience to watch different aquatic species and learn about them. Kids will really enjoy it. It takes around 1- 1.5hrs to cover it.They have amazing beach view on the back and better to go in evening to watch the sunset as well.

Review №122

2023-03-24 22:39:23

Very nice aquarium. The little penguins in particular are fun to see. Amazing view of the ocean from the back of the aquarium too! Lots of variety and informative signs and exhibits all over.

Review №123

2024-03-01 06:38:03

Dynamically and artistically set, lit and composed exhibition aquariums both tiny and massive. Such a soothing and mind opening experience! Super chill vibe, much to see, fascinating sea life specimens. Spent an hour and a half, two adults. Paid about $12 pp due to San Diego Museum Network special for the month of February. I would not have complained if I paid full price, worth it. Fun fact, the penguins and other sea critters can actually see you thu the aquarium glass. I noticed that that they were attracted toward me, it was my big shiny metal eyeglass frames, I had fun being eye to eye!

Review №124

2023-08-23 00:14:50

Fun little experience to take our daughter to, but being so close to the ocean we were expecting there to be a large number of exhibits to go through and check out what California has to offer. This was not the case as you can walk through the whole place within 20 minutes, so it was rather disappointing.If you are teaching kids all about the facts on sea creatures, this is a decent spot to take them for learning purposes.

Review №125

2023-05-29 22:59:41

We had a good experience at this medium sized learning aquarium. Most of the tanks had a step so the kids could see as well. During our trip they had an outside touch tank with staff providing supervision and information on the creatures.

Review №126

2021-10-28 06:44:55

Very nice aquarium. Lots of cool creatures and neat exhibits. The staff was knowledgeable and polite. The tide pool area was a highlight, especially with the view of the ocean. I enjoyed learning about their conservation and breeding programs. The membership was a fair price for the family and well definitely be back!

Review №127

2023-02-03 22:10:12

This was a lot of fun. Its what you would expect in an aquarium. Some hands on activities but mostly a walk through. With two toddlers its an hour to an hour and a half activity at most. Not a large selection of food so I would recommend eating before hand.

Review №128

2024-04-21 17:22:33

The Birch Aquarium is a must-see, should one visit the San Diego area and all the neat venues it offers.The beautiful and breathtaking ease that mother nature creates Her creatures of the sea world is on full display at the Birch Aquarium, but most chiefly, the privilege to view them in a closely simulated natural environmentThe Birch Aquarium lends humans who might never venture the oceans depths the amazing mesmerizing experience of being submerged as one with this captivating salt water environment.Never forget that Mother nature is exceedingly beautiful as She can be equally punishing.My hopes are that the Birch Aquarium in line with Jaque Cousteau thoughts about the entire ocean in general, is, may it engender profound interest and fascination for next generation to become good stewards of this magnificent gift called our Ocean here on our Mother Earth responsibility assigned to us to protect by our birth rights to behold it magnificence!!!

Review №129

2023-02-13 18:17:35

BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE || Birch Aquarium is a good aquarium with a pretty wide variety of animals. Its smaller than wed expected for being so close to the ocean. For example, the St Louis Aquarium is bigger and has a wider variety of fish even though its landlocked. The part that makes it worth it is the Blue Penguins which are adorable and you can get pretty up close to. Its really crowded and has been sold out every time I have been, so buy tickets in advance. Also, only one small snack/lunch bar so plan to bring your food if youre looking to feed a family.

Review №130

2022-11-14 23:41:52

It was good. This place has a chill vibe overall. The location was perfect. It is on a hill that oversees the beach and the pier. It is a bit smaller than the Pacific aquarium in Long Beach. You will want to add some other attractions because visiting this place would be around 2 hour max.

Review №131

2022-09-02 22:10:41

Great place for the family and kids. Theres a tide pool for the kids to touch some water animals like a baby shark (yeah, they went there). You can see the little blue penguins and in the morning theres a feeding time for those penguins as well. Worth the time and money support to come visit here.

Review №132

2022-09-13 05:26:14

What a nice aquarium. Nice cafe outside if u are hungry. Cool displays. Nice views of La Jolla shores. Plenty of exhibits where you can touch the animals. I did the penguin tour, so worth it. Parking was easy. Give it a try.

Review №133

2024-05-04 17:47:00

A quaint little aquarium that showcases species from the Pacific post.

Review №134

2023-02-23 00:13:43

Any aquarium is a good aquarium.... But unfortunately the Birch aquarium isnt a great aquarium. The actual aquarium space is fairly limited, with quote a few small aquariums and two medium sized tanks.... Nothing very large. Biggest thing shown is a tank with sea kelp... And another tank containing a cool rescued sea turtle. Again any aquarium is good, but Id suggest that a visit here would max out around an hour and a half, which isnt the most pay off for $25 ish dollars per person.With that said, I do recommend a visit.

Review №135

2022-10-22 17:51:07

Let me say I am a lover of aquariums and zoos, and I know a great one when I see one. This one is tucked away, but very small. If I wasn’t here for other adventures, I would be Sad knowing that the aquarium was definitely a miss. There are maybe 3 major exhibits. The most you will see are sea horses, penguins, fish, and your usual algae and plant life. For a one time visit if you’re in the area—-sure! I don’t think I could visit a second time unless more animals are added. The penguin feeding and the view of the beach were probably the best things and that’s pushing it. Just don’t go with high expectations. The staff were friendly and readily answered questions.

Review №136

2024-03-04 06:48:42

It was my first time coming here and had fun looking around and learning more about the sea creatures recommend coming here

Review №137

2024-03-18 14:35:35

This is a very small aquarium and it is not worth the price of admission. We have been coming here for 20+ years and it has maxed out what we’re willing to pay. We usually visit when we’re staying in the area but wow it is expensive for what you get.From my memory, not much has changed since the last few times I’ve visited. They got rid of the water table outside for kids and added blocks. These are the same blocks that are available at our local aquarium. For whatever reason they put these away 2 hours before closing because “they need to clean up.” This was the thing that my kid cared about the most at this aquarium and the lady shouted “no” at him when he went to go play with them. Didn’t explain why, just shouted at him. My son was extremely embarrassed and asked to leave immediately. Overall will not be back. Exhibits close early and that leaves little to do, especially in an already tiny aquarium. Our aquarium in Scottsdale is significant better than this one and costs about the same or less.

Review №138

2023-08-27 21:43:14

Fantastic science based aquarium with great educational and climate related content. Cool tide pools where you can touch sea life. Gorgeous view and outdoor play area. Good cafe for when kids get tired. Nearly every kind of sea life there to be seen in the flesh including octopi, sharks, jellyfish, rays, tons of seahorses, seadragons, all kinds of fish and crustaceans and even a sea turtle! The cutest (besides the worlds tiniest seahorses) are the worlds smallest penguins! See pics for cuteness

Review №139

2022-08-12 16:54:55

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.

Review №140

2018-08-17 19:37:41

Had a great time here with my family. Ive been here twice, the first time there were a lot of empty tanks. This time there was so much more to see. Lots of nice people helping out and overall a very nice place. The view from the back area is amazing! Lots of cool deep sea creatures in jars. The turtle was the best, so social and friendly looking. Definitely a cool place to check out with family and friends and I totally recommend this aquarium.

Review №141

2023-03-17 18:04:28

This aquarium is a nice way to spend 2-3 hours and is in a beautiful spot. When you go outside to go to the area where you can touch some of the animals like sea stars, the views of the ocean are incredible.This aquarium is not one of the biggest ones I have ever been to (the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago or the Dallas Aquarium seem bigger in size) but this one is still a good size and has a good variety of animals to see.My favorite things to see here are the jellyfish and sea horses. Their kids’ area is also very engaging with all of the painted comic books educating you about the animals on the walls and the glass jars filled with preserved remnants. Very neat!There is also a café onsite (outside) and a giftshop for those who want their souvenirs. You can bring food and drinks into the aquarium so I recommend bringing your own snacks or at least a water bottle.Parking here is free. The aquarium has been filling up early so I highly recommend making a reservation and buying your tickets prior to arrival, otherwise there is a good chance you won’t get in for the day.

Review №142

2024-05-16 17:33:30

Super nice aquarium. Go here instead of Sea World. I think I enjoyed it more than the kids. Favorite part was touching sea creatures including sea cucumbers, sea stars, urchins, and a shark.

Review №143

2024-06-29 20:13:46

Not enough employees working, no presentations/activities for children/adults. They kept closing the touch pools, my children left quite dissapointed and bored. The ocean view was nice though

Review №144

2021-10-10 06:23:05

It is a very nice place to study and have fun at the same time. I saw so many fishes that I never know before. They are a lot of kids there, I can tell they all enjoy this beautiful aquarium. It’s not a big one, but they carry really nice sea animals. It only take 1-1.5 hours for the whole aquarium. I think I learned a lot from this lovely trip.

Review №145

2024-05-22 14:50:44

Its a great spur-of-the-moment trip for my son, I love we live so close. The bonus is they are right next to the beach!

Review №146

2023-06-13 07:55:01

Had a blast at this aquarium! Decent size to spend a few hours; there’s a lot to see, touch, and learn about.I really enjoyed the several touch-tanks with minimal wait times and the employees that had sea turtle shells on display!Totally recommend this place, and plan on bringing family next time.

Review №147

2023-06-03 17:41:35

This aquarium was great. Not as large as as Long Beach aquarium but thats what makes it very nice and its in a beautiful location and parking was very easy and very informative displays

Review №148

2024-06-14 14:20:38

Small aquarium with nice displays. I grew up with the National Aquarium in Baltimore so most Aquariums fall flat in compassion.Definitely need to address the bathroom situation. There is only 1 bathroom and 2 stalls were our of order.

Review №149

2023-03-24 00:00:37

Great Aquarium. Book online before visit as tickets do sell out quickly. We got a taxi from Little Italy one day to visit and couldnt get in at all.It is a small place but has a vibrant array of display tanks and the tidal pool area is a great experience. Make sure to check out the kelp forest tank.

Review №150

2023-01-30 01:51:14

We’ve been here a few times now as a family and it’s always a fun experience.This time we were able to see the penguin and shark exhibit which was new to us, and really great.Parking is free which is nice and the prices are reasonable for an Aquarium this size.Whenever we’re in La Jolla we’ll be sure to visit!

Review №151

2023-04-24 20:06:18

Great spot. Small enough to see everything in less than 2 hours. Beautiful view of the bay. Kind and knowledgeable staff and very informative graphics throughout. Great seahorse exhibit and a tidal pool exhibit where you can touch and learn about the animals.

Review №152

2024-02-13 15:03:18

Great place to take your small kids to see an incredible aquarium. The price is high for the experience so try to look for a local coupon. They have a small inside area and a small outside area, but regularly, they usually have one area blocked off. They have a lot of seahorses if you are interested!

Review №153

2023-04-02 21:43:16

I recommend to purchase your tickets ahead of your visit as it can be sold out for the day. The aquarium is super cute and includes stunning views of La Jolla beaches, with beautifully designed displays showcasing a wide range of marine life. I particularly loved the touch pools, where my kid was able to get up close and personal with some of the animals and learn more about their habits and behaviors.One of the highlights of my visit was the Kelp Forest exhibit. It was like stepping into another world and seeing the underwater ecosystem up close. The colorful fish and sea creatures were mesmerizing, and I could have spent hours watching them swim around.The educational aspect of the aquarium was also impressive. There were plenty of interactive exhibits and informative displays that taught my kid a lot about the importance of conservation and protecting our oceans. It left us feeling inspired and more aware of the impact we can have on the environment.Overall, I would highly recommend Birch Aquarium to anyone looking for a fun, educational, and unforgettable experience. The staff, exhibits, and facilities were all top-notch, and I cant wait to visit again in the future.

Review №154

2023-07-22 19:26:36

Amazing aquarium and research center. Used to come as a child, it still impresses as an adult. I would come for the tiny penguins alone. (The worst part is all the strollers.)

Review №155

2021-05-17 00:21:43

I love aquariums! This is definitely not the biggest Ive been to but one of my favorites. I love that they layout the aquarium based on location so you see the similarities and transitions of species based on the change in water temperature and environment.While visiting I overheard one woman racing through the aquarium with her kids talking to someone on her phone complaining about the minimal cost of a visit because theres only like an hour with of things to see. If she would have put down her phone to enjoy and explore she might have realized what a crazy value it is to visit! I spent a good 3-4 hours going through the whole aquarium and enjoying the additional exhibits like the tide pools and the educational displays.Make sure to spend some extra time enjoying the giant local kelp forest tank that takes up an entire 2 story wall, and my favorite the seahorse and seadragon exhibit!

Review №156

2024-03-31 09:50:57

Went here with my partner, absolutely wonderful date spot.

Review №157

2021-04-13 05:40:36

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS AQUARIUM! It was my first time visiting it and I had a blast. I really enjoyed seeing all the sea animals. My favorite was the Atlantic Giant Octopus and the Kelp forest was beautiful! There is plenty of parking. They also have small tide pools where you can touch anenomies, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and SHARK EGGS! Oh and the outside view, WOW. My breath was taken away. Overall, 10/10, this place is perfect for kids and all who love the ocean.

Review №158

2022-06-28 20:49:16

Im excited for them to open the penguin exhibit. But we went today and it was beautiful! Great place to stay cool during the summer. The kids got to touch starfish and sea cucumbers in the tide pool area. The aquarium isnt gigantic but still great to see everything. Their jellyfish and seahorse exhibits are beautiful!

Review №159

2019-01-27 00:32:46

This is an awesome date idea. The staff is very friendly, and the animals on display are beautiful. We missed the show ( I only saw 1 per day) so make sure you check the show time if you want to go. Parking is free, but 3 hour limit.

Review №160

2024-06-30 16:25:49

I attended one of the Ocean Nights events they hold once a month and it was chill. The space itself is really small with limited attractions. The dj that night was playing music so loud it made me wonder what if any harm this could cause to the fishes, on top of that it was company outing event type music. Lastly and the reason why I am writing this post, one of the workers there who was providing guests with glow in the dark face painting at one point of the night started to make what I can only describe as Indian/native Americans noises. This really made me feel uncomfortable and wanted to say something but felt unsafe to do so as white people get really defensive when you call out their internalized racism. Unfortunately that was my experience of bland, awkward, and lowkey racist mannerisms. La Jolla as a whole just needs to do better.

Review №161

2023-07-19 14:55:23

A nice place to spend a couple hours max. The fries at the Cafe are some of the best fries Ive ever had. We went on a Saturday and parking was limited but doable. The touch pools outside offer a gorgeous view of the water, but are often crowded or closed (Ive visited this aquarium about once a year for years now) so you will probably have to wait to have a turn at them. There was also about 5 or 6 employees standing guard over the pools when we went and it felt intimidating! The penguin exhibit is on a platform almost and was hard to see for being 54. The shark head photo op outside is always fun.

Review №162

2024-05-07 17:28:03

Small aquarium, had a good time with a couple of my friends

Review №163

2018-10-03 18:58:14

This aquarium is really small. I honestly dont feel that the price is justified. That being said, it is a nice and clean place to visit and has a variety of sea life. This place is geared more toward little kids age 5 and under. It will take you less than an hour to see all this Aquarium has to offer. Enjoy!

Review №164

2023-11-21 13:04:15

Awesome, Awesome, AWESOME! Fun and educational for all ages wuth a great view of the pier and ocean. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

Review №165

2023-05-07 02:12:06

Loved this aquarium. The jellyfish are huge and they have tiny tiny ones that I have never seem before. They have food outside and beer and wine. It beautiful overlooking La Jolla. The hands on tide pools were so great the kiddos.

Review №166

2021-09-12 04:30:41

We had a wonderful time at the Birch Aquarium! It is a perfect place to visit for families, couples, or singles. For a couple you’ll only need about an hour and a half to see the entire facility. If you have kids you may need 2 hours. You do have to wear masks and you currently have to make reservations online. They have a small interaction pool where you can touch sea cucumbers and urchins. They have a large amount of jellyfish and seahorse species. It was very informative and fun.

Review №167

2023-10-25 04:06:13

Please note,The Birch Aquarium, is a must see...and, only $25, for an adult.!!It has a beautiful location and a variety of exhibition sure to please everyone... I would rather take my family to the Birch Aquarium over SeaWorld... No roller coasters but incredible nonetheless.

Review №168

2023-05-28 19:25:17

Great for kids. Fun and educational! The touch tank thats based on tide pools is great, but the cleaner shrimp you can let clean your hands is even better!You can walk through the whole thing in a couple hours, even taking your time. Beautiful views of the La Jolla cove and decent food on site makes extra special.

Review №169

2022-06-15 21:08:15

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 youd 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 didnt 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 didnt 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.

Review №170

2023-10-12 06:07:45

This facility is small enough to comfortably get through with children and adults of all ages without stress or boredom. Yet the exhibits are fantastic... interesting, informative, and important. Save for the end the tidal pools to pet a starfish or sea urchin or sea cucumber. Really cool for all ages!

Review №171

2023-10-02 21:30:41

I love any aquarium!!!This is one of my favorites!Such interesting animals!Good signage on most of the tanks.

Review №172

2023-04-27 16:01:02

The only only reason to go here is if its free with your city pass. Would not pay $5 to see this side show size aquarium. Did have a few cool sea horse tanks. Penguin part was sad

Review №173

2023-05-01 23:46:30

Absolutely stunning views and experience for our private evening event! We loved having the aquarium nearly to ourselves. Our event was an incredible hit! We loved moving here for the Easter Egg hunt last year as well, definitely a Gem on San Diego!

Review №174

2023-02-05 23:10:20

The Birch Aquarium, located next to the University of California, San Diego, is a great place to visit for families, especially those interested in marine life. The aquarium boasts an extensive collection of sea animals, which are displayed in beautifully designed habitats. From the moment you enter, you are transported into a world of wonder, surrounded by the diverse and colorful sea creatures.One of the highlights of the Birch Aquarium is the giant kelp forest exhibit, which showcases the diverse and vibrant marine life found in Southern Californias kelp forests. Visitors can view sea otters, leopard sharks, and colorful fish from a large viewing window, and learn about the importance of kelp forests as a habitat for these creatures.In addition to the animal exhibits, the aquarium also offers interactive displays, hands-on activities, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. The programs are designed to be both educational and entertaining, and help visitors understand the importance of protecting and conserving our oceans and the creatures that call it home.Overall, the Birch Aquarium is a must-visit for anyone interested in marine life and the ocean environment. With its extensive collections of sea animals, interactive displays, and knowledgeable staff, it is a great place for families to learn, explore, and have fun. Whether youre a local resident or visiting San Diego, be sure to add the Birch Aquarium to your list of must-see attractions.

Review №175

2023-03-22 21:51:47

Great place to go to spend a weekend getaway for a bit, be mindful there may be many kids as its catered to a learning experience and has many educational activities. Its just a great place to go and see lots of different species of fishes and look at the new penguin exhibit.

Review №176

2023-04-12 03:26:53

Mid day explore day. Got to see some cool sea creatures, some interactive exhibits and even a few photo op spots. During mid week there is a lot less people to avoid crowds.

Review №177

2020-01-08 23:41:24

Lots to see but smaller than most aquariums Ive been to. Plenty of free parking and my favorite was the Sea Dragons. The view from outside deck is wonderful ! Great for kids !

Review №178

2022-04-05 00:12:12

If you are looking to learn something and see some amazing aquatic creatures this is the place to go, and the view from the balcony was amazing. The staff were so helpful and friendly making the visit that much better.

Review №179

2023-07-11 05:27:29

Our 11-month-old loved the fish and the feeding of the penguins.The hands-on stuff was surreal.Bring the kids here - you wont regret it

Review №180

2023-12-30 16:00:43

This is a great spot and a fun way to spend an hr or so with great views. It’s not a large place but there is plenty to see. Side note you need to check for timed entry.

Review №181

2021-09-16 01:25:08

Don’t let the bad reviews scare you away, obviously these people were in a bad mood! I loved this aquarium! I have so many pics and videos; I loved the jellyfish, shark/stingray, and seahorse tanks/exhibits the most. They have a small interactive area outside in the back that has a awesome view of the beach and city and even has a “selfie stand” to take great photos! I absolutely loved it, no one hovering over your shoulder, decent crowd but not too busy, lots of facts and fish! I def recommend. $20 well worth it!

Review №182

2024-06-02 08:08:19

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a gem of a destination in San Diego, offering a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and breathtaking ocean views. As the public outreach center for the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this aquarium delivers a rich and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.The aquarium boasts an impressive array of exhibits that highlight the diverse marine life of the Pacific Ocean. The Hall of Fishes is a standout, featuring a variety of species from local waters to tropical reefs. I was particularly captivated by the giant Pacific octopus and the mesmerizing jellyfish displays.The Tide Pool Plaza is another must-see, where you can get hands-on experience with sea stars, sea cucumbers, and hermit crabs while enjoying panoramic views of the La Jolla coastline. The staff and volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to share fascinating facts about the marine life.Birch Aquarium frequently hosts special exhibits that delve into important oceanographic research and environmental issues. During my visit, I was fortunate to explore an exhibit on climate changes impact on marine ecosystems, which was both informative and thought-provoking.The aquarium also offers a variety of educational programs, including daily feedings and interactive presentations. These sessions provide deeper insights into the lives of the aquariums inhabitants and the ongoing research conducted by Scripps scientists.The facilities are well-maintained and designed to accommodate families with children, school groups, and individual visitors alike. Theres a well-stocked gift shop offering unique marine-themed souvenirs and a cafe with a selection of snacks and beverages. Parking is convenient, though it can get crowded during peak hours.Birch Aquarium at Scripps is more than just an aquarium; its a portal to the wonders of the ocean and a testament to the importance of marine research and conservation. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, the staff is passionate and informative, and the setting is nothing short of spectacular.Whether youre a local resident or a tourist, a visit to Birch Aquarium is a rewarding experience that inspires a deeper appreciation for our oceans and the incredible life they sustain. I highly recommend setting aside a few hours to fully explore and enjoy everything this fantastic aquarium has to offer.

Review №183

2021-08-25 21:50:14

Came here for the first time and overall i loved this aquarium. and living less than 10 min away from it made it even better. the tanks are nice a big. although i thought there’d be a lot more fish for the size of the tanks, but when i saw that most of them were donated then i understood why. i especially loved the jellyfish and the seahorses.

Review №184

2023-05-04 01:35:53

It seemed a lot larger looking at it online but it was still a nice experience for my littles. The large two story tank was great along with being able to touch a star fish and sea cucumber. Friendly and approachable staff which was great.

Review №185

2023-08-04 15:23:50

Took a 3 year old. We had a fabulous time watching the sea life and touching tide pool creatures. The penguin feeding is interesting and they are so cute!

Review №186

2021-12-01 06:17:46

Wonderful aquarium. For being on the small size, the range of creatures and knowledge is immense and Im so glad we picked this for the aquarium day of our honeymoon.They dont currently have wheelchairs available, with the stated reason being due to COVID which is a little frustrating given that there are multiple surfaces that people are touching that arent sanitized after every person while a wheelchair easily could be, and made our day unexpectedly short.Thank you to the very kind volunteer who asked about them and found out more for us, and did let us know theyre working to get them back. She even found us later when she knew more.Seeing an octopus with her eggs was a surprise and very moving, a rare and treasured glimpse into the devoted sunset of a beautiful creature.

Review №187

2022-10-18 16:56:30

This is a great place. Its good for kids. Its not very big though. You could get through the whole place in a couple of hours or less. They have a touch tank and a beautiful view of the Pacific ocean. They have a couple of really big tanks with lots of fish. There are some activity/tactile learning zones for kids too.There are picnic tables in the complex so that you could eat food. There is also a cafe/bar right at the outside of the entrance of the aquarium.Overall a great place for kids and families, but just dont expect THAT much, but for for the cost it is great!

Review №188

2023-06-09 04:35:29

Early at 9:30 the kelp take fish are fed by a skin diver while a nice docent explains to the onlookers. The families came too late but take the crowd in this medium sized aquarium; two hours max

Review №189

2022-02-03 15:41:49

Had a lovely time here! Spent about 1.5 hours walking around which was fun but maybe not worth $25. I enjoyed seeing the sea animals and different creatures that live right off of our coast. Also wish you didn’t have to keep your mask in while outside. It was a beautiful day and breathing that fresh ocean air would be good for health especially the area right by the tide pools where you can touch some creatures.

Review №190

2023-07-09 02:29:24

Birch Aquarium has the most beautiful view. Purchase tickets online and reserve an entrance time. Exhibits are both indoor and outdoor and took about 2 hours to tour. Drinks and snacks are available at the Splash Cafe located at the entrance. Check the daily schedule for shows and feedings.

Review №191

2022-11-12 21:40:14

I really enjoyed this aquarium. Ive been to some others in the area and this one is still definitely one to check out! The penguins they have are really cute. There are lots of other animals to check out and learn about their research vessels.

Review №192

2022-11-21 23:12:25

The only disappointment was the lack of penguins the day we were there. The aquarium is pretty and nicely maintained, but unlike other aquariums Ive been to In Louisiana, oklahoma, and Florida - this one was strictly saltwater and brackish water.There were no South American cichlids or representatives from the rift lakes. The view on the deck is beyond unreal. The staff and even the folks serving lunch outside were incredibly nice.

Review №193

2019-01-29 03:27:35

Believe it or not, this was my first time there after living in San Diego for over 30 years.This is a great place and perfect for parents of small children. Its not too big, its just right for finding those little runners. And has a learning playground for them.I recommend Birch Aquarium at Scripps to everybody.Oh yeah, the gift shop prices arent insane. Good prices and selection of toys, shirts, coffee mugs, etc...

Review №194

2024-02-24 07:37:22

Enjoyed a birthday outing. Perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon. Had a wonderful time!

Review №195

2017-03-12 20:22:52

The exhibits were very well done in terms of the biology, content, interesting facts, interactive displays, visuals and, of course, the fish. The fish were amazing! The aquarium is very kid friendly for all ages and adults alike. You can spend anywhere from an hour to 5 hours for a visit. It is very reasonably priced; slightly more than a movie. The view of the ocean alone worth the visit, truly breathtaking.

Review №196

2024-04-22 04:32:21

Is it a huge aquarium? No but the views and the things you learn or re-learn make the trip worth every penny for the education. Buy tickets in advance, there is plenty of parking space so no need to bottleup on the 1 small road the moment you enter and make your left turn -- plenty of space just do your U-turn around the entire space people.

Review №197

2023-03-01 06:10:35

Smaller aquarium than I thought it would be, but very educational and cool to see all the fish, turtle (only one), sharks, anenome, sea stars, starfish, and more fish. I was also a little disappointed in this place because I called ahead and asked if it was possible for an employee to help with me proposing to my girlfriend (asking her to marry me) and the man on the phone was extremely rude. He worked in the events coordinator section. I simply asked if it would be possible or not, and he snapped at me angrily, saying, No, we will not help you. He then hung up on me before I could say anything. He could have just politely told me they dont do that, and I would have happily understood.Only reason I am giving 3 stars is for the animals and that people learn here.

Review №198

2024-01-06 22:44:27

Really nice, small aquarium. Only removed one star because of how chaotic the small enclosed areas are: could have been improved by controlling how many people entered the area at a time, better signage indicating exit/entrance directions, and/or staff moving people through.Blue penguins are adorable, the sea dragons are awesome, and the outdoor exhibits are interactive and well-managed.Be sure to book online in advance to ensure you have the entry time of your choosing: else, you may be surprised by a relatively significant delay in your ability to entry.The cafe outside of the entrance had great, fresh food— it was reasonably priced, particularly for how much food was provided. In many cases, entrees can be shared by two adults.Beautiful views of the ocean and La Jolla.