Welcome to Birch Aquarium at Scripps
View a stunning variety of colorful marine life featured in more than 60 habitats fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond — all while enjoying incredible ocean views! Interact with hands-on exhibits that showcase cutting-edge research discoveries by Scripps Oceanography scientists on climate, earth, and ocean science.
Tickets and Daily Schedule
- Reserve Tickets
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Birch Aquarium Single-Day tickets are only available for purchase online. Advanced reservations are required for all guests, including members. Walk-up sales are not available.
- Hours and Daily Schedule
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- Open Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in July and August)
- Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Days.
- The last entry time is at 4 p.m. and the aquarium closes at 5 p.m.
Directions & Parking
- Address
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Birch Aquarium at Scripps is located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, California
- Parking
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Birch Aquarium at Scripps offers free 3-hour parking in the lot. If you would like to extend your visit, parking permits are available at the Visitor Services office for a small fee.
- Oversized Vehicles
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Please note that oversized vehicles such as buses (school or charter), RVs, and trailers are not permitted to park in Birch Aquarium's parking lot. There is limited large vehicle parking available along La Jolla Shores Drive, west of Birch Aquarium.
Exhibits
- Explore Exhibits
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View a stunning variety of colorful marine life featured in more than 60 habitats. Interact with hands-on exhibits that showcase cutting-edge research discoveries that have profound impacts on what we know about Earth and how these discoveries are relevant to our everyday lives.
- Aquarium Map
FAQs and Rules
- Know Before You Visit
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Have some questions before you visit? Check out our FAQs and Rules to find answers.
Dining
- Splash Café
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Splash Café by the French Gourmet is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Gift Shop
- Birch Aquarium Gift Shop
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The Birch Aquarium Gift Shop is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily — except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day — and is accessible even if you are not visiting Birch Aquarium. Features gifts, books, and apparel, including Birch Aquarium and Scripps Institution of Oceanography branded items.
- Online Store
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Our online store features a collection of some the best-selling items from our Gift Shop including a new line of limited-edition apparel tees for adults and children that feature some of your favorite Birch Aquarium animals like our Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Moon Jellies, Leopard Sharks and our Giant Pacific Octopus.
Accessibility
- Accessibility
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Birch Aquarium strives to be fully accessible to all of our guests. Learn more about the facility, parking and more.
ATM
- ATM
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A California Coast Credit Union ATM is available next to Splash! Cafe.
Our Guest Services is happy to answer any questions you may have — you can reach them by phone (858) 534-3474 or email aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu.