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Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Premier Marine Exhibits and Research Hub in La Jolla

Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Premier Marine Exhibits and Research Hub in La Jolla

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography immerses visitors in a state-of-the-art underwater world teeming with over 5,000 fish. Watch sharks glide gracefully, kelp forests sway gently, and meet a rescued loggerhead sea turtle. The Hall of Fishes features more than 60 tanks replicating diverse marine habitats from the Pacific Northwest to tropical seas.

At the Tide Pool Plaza, enjoy breathtaking ocean views while interacting with sea stars, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, lobsters, and other intertidal creatures. Don't miss the captivating Seadragons & Seahorses exhibit.

Marine research at Birch Aquarium dates back to 1910 at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). Bolstered by Scripps family donations, it has evolved into one of the world's leading marine research centers and is now part of UC San Diego.

Tickets and Practical Information

Open daily 9am-5pm (September-June) and until 6pm (July-August). Advance ticket reservations are required; adults $19.50, children 3-17 $15, under 2 free. Check sites like Groupon for discounts and promo codes.

Exhibits

Eight permanent exhibits include Seadragons & Seahorses showcasing bred Weedy Seadragons, pipefish, and seahorses; Oddities highlighting unique marine adaptations; and Research in Action: 100 Island Challenge, an experimental reef aiding scientific techniques.

Discover the Hall of Fishes with 60 Pacific habitats, the Giant Kelp Forest housing Giant Black Sea Bass and Moray Eels, and Expedition at Sea: R/V Sally Ride Gallery simulating ocean research voyages. Outside, Shark Shores features local Leopard Sharks, and Tide Pool Plaza offers living tide pools with hermit crabs and lobsters.

Dining Options

Splash! Café (10am-3pm) serves burgers, baguettes, and salads. Picnics are welcome in designated areas. Nearby, stroll to Pinpoint Cafe or Caroline’s Seaside Cafe. For more, try Shore Rider Cafe south of the aquarium, famed for fish and chips, Baja chicken melts, and seafood ceviche.


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