FAQs and Rules

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Do I need to buy my tickets in advance? 
  • Yes, reservations are required for all guests, except for members.
  • We understand life happens! The aquarium provides a 15 minute grace period to your reservation entry window.
  • Refunds are not permitted.
What is a Plan Ahead Ticket?

Plan-Ahead Tickets help you book a visit that works best with both your schedule AND your wallet! Currently, you can select the Plan Ahead Ticket at checkout and get $5 off admission when you visit during the final two hours of the day.

Do you offer refunds?
  • No, however, the value of your ticket can be applied toward a membership within 7 days of your reservation date.
  • Birch Aquarium is open rain or shine, since many of our exhibits are indoors. 
Do members need to make a reservation? 

No. Simply show your membership and photo I.D. at the gate. Annual memberships are available and are a great way to experience the aquarium year-round. Visit our membership page for more information. 

Is parking available? 
  • Currently, 3-hour parking is complimentary. However, space is limited, and carpooling is strongly encouraged. Insider Tip: Often times the closest spots are available when you loop around to the upper level!
  • Due to space restrictions, parking for buses and large vehicles, such as RVs or trailers is not allowed in the parking lot — there is public parking along La Jolla Shores Drive that may accommodate large vehicles.
What accessibility resources are available? 

Birch Aquarium strives to be fully accessible to all. 

  • Drop off is available in the traffic circle at the front of the aquarium.
  • Accessible parking is located between the traffic circle and the main parking lot.
  • Wheelchair rentals are available from the Guest Services Office.
  • While we do not offer private baby nursing stations or adult changing areas, stop by the Guest Services Office for other options.
  • Trained service animals are permitted at Birch Aquarium. Please note that if an animal is found in a car, they may be removed and held by UC San Diego police.
Do you have lockers?  

No. Please keep all backpacks, luggage, car seats and personal belongings with you or in your vehicle. 

How can I use my CITYPASS®, or Go City ticket? 

Please go to the Ticket Booth at the front entrance to exchange it for a Birch Aquarium ticket upon arrival. Reservations are not required. 

Do you offer discounts? 

Yes. Please see our Discounts and Offers page for current promotions.

Are tobacco products permitted on site? 

No. Tobacco products and e-cigarettes are not allowed anywhere on Birch Aquarium property including outdoor exhibits, sidewalks, the Bistro, or the parking lot.

Can I take public transportation?
  • Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Bus Route 30 stops at La Jolla Shores Drive & Discovery Way. Walk 100 feet east to Expedition Way. Walk downhill 0.3 miles to the entrance.
  • North County Transit District (NCTD) Bus Route 101 stops at Expedition Way. Walk down Expedition Way to the aquarium (15 minutes).
  • Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) Shuttle: The SIO Shuttle runs Monday - Friday and stops at areas between UC San Diego campus and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, excluding university holidays.Accordion content.
  • Birch Aquarium Address: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

VISITING THE AQUARIUM

Is Living Seas Open?

Yes, Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery is open! Our newest exhibition invites you on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of our ocean planet. Immerse yourself in the vibrant ecosystems of the Pacific — from the colder waters of the Pacific Northwest and the beauty of Coastal California to the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific.

What daily events and activities are happening?
  • Visit our Daily Schedule for a list of events and activities happening throughout the day.
  • Discover opportunities for hands-on fun!
  • Download the Bloomberg Connects app to enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes content, staff-led tours and bonus features that bring Birch Aquarium to life in exciting new ways.
What dining options are available? 

Blue Wave Bistro – a new tasty dining spot from Behind the Scenes Catering – features a fresh, flavorful menu perfect for fueling your aquarium adventures. Guests are also welcome to bring their own snacks.

When is your Gift Shop open?

The Birch Aquarium Gift Shop is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until the aquarium closes.  An online store is also available featuring best-selling Birch Aquarium and Scripps Oceanography gear. Shop online here. 

Can I host a private event at Birch Aquarium? 

If you are interested in hosting a private event, please contact our Special Events Team through the form on this page. 

POLICIES 

Refunds

Refunds are not offered, however, the value of your general admission ticket can be applied toward a membership within 7 days of your reservation date. 

Guest Code of Conduct
  • Guests are expected to follow our Guest Code of Conduct to ensure that everyone has a pleasant visit: View Guest Code of Conduct
  • There is no formal dress code, but guests are required to wear clothes and shoes for their safety. Please note: guests who are participating in Behind-the-Scenes Tours are required to wear closed-toed shoes.
Photo, Video & Drones
  • Guests are encouraged to take photos and video for personal use. Please note, guests may be recorded by aquarium staff or media for marketing and educational purposes. Entry into the aquarium grants permission for use of these images.
  • Photos and video taken by guests of Birch Aquarium are are exclusively for personal use and may not be used as stock photos — royalty free or otherwise — or for other commercial purposes.
  • Flash photography is allowed inside the aquarium, except where noted.
  • No tripods are allowed onsite.
  • Contact the Marketing Department for questions relating to filming.
  • The use of any drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) on UC San Diego owned property, including Birch Aquarium and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and/or for official UC San Diego business must be reviewed and approved by the Department of Environment Health &Safety (EH&S) prior to flight. All drone/UAS use must also be approved by Birch Aquarium's Marketing Department.
Weapons

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is part of the University of California San Diego and adheres to University of California Weapons Policy. Birch Aquarium strictly enforces a no weapons of any kind policy to ensure an enjoyable experience for all guests and to reduce potential risks to the safety of our guests and staff. Weapons include — but are not limited to — firearms (including toys and replicas), chemical or electronic “non-lethal” devices or sprays (such as tasers or pepper sprays), impact weapons, knives or other sharp instruments. Guests are prohibited from carrying firearms — concealed or not, regardless of whether the owner holds a permit.

Community Donations

Each year, Birch Aquarium sets aside a limited number of admission vouchers to donate to local nonprofit organizations that meet certain criteria. To learn more and to request tickets, visit this page.