Who it's for
All ages
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Published June 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards
Image credits
- Photo by Flickr user: Falashad https://www.flickr.com/photos/f_jean/ via Wikidata, CC-BY-2.0
- Photo by Antoine Taveneaux via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-3.0
About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Walk a fictional California mountainside and meet the marine life of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at this hands-on La Jolla aquarium.
Perched above the Pacific, Birch Aquarium is the public face of UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where ocean science meets curious families.
What you'll see and do - Explore exhibits spanning local California coastal waters to global ocean environments - Step inside "Imagine Wild: Mountain Yellow-legged Frog," a fictional mountainside habitat exploring the frog's threats and conservation - Catch daily animal encounters and talks, plus special behind-the-scenes experiences - Join educational programs built around marine science and stewardship
Attraction Details
Opening Times
- Monday9 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday9 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday9 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday9 AM to 5 PM
- Friday9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday9 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday9 AM to 7 PM
Events at Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Shark Summer
May 21, 2026 onwards
Shark Summer returns to Birch Aquarium, featuring special exhibits and programming centered around sharks.
Oceans at Night: Sharks
An evening event focused on sharks, likely involving special presentations or access.
Plan Your Visit
Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Getting there
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.
Pro tip
Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.
Directions
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
This attraction has been claimed and verified.
Last updated 6/23/2026
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Reviews
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