FAQs and Rules

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Do I need to buy my tickets in advance? 

Reservations are recommended but not required. To guarantee entry — especially on busy days — we recommend purchasing Plan Ahead Tickets online in advance, as we do occasionally sell out! Note, the aquarium tends to be busiest between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., especially on weekends and holidays.

Want to visit more often? Birch Aquarium memberships are a great way to enjoy the aquarium year-round. Members do not need to make advanced reservations to visit the aquarium.

Plan Ahead Tickets — Buy Online And Save!

Plan Ahead Tickets are available online only and guarantee your entry — plus, they let you choose a time that works best for your schedule AND your wallet. Select the Plan Ahead Ticket at checkout and save $5 or more on admission when you book online!

Buy Ticket

Please note, discounts and offers cannot be combined. All sales are final at the time of purchase.

Do you offer refunds?

No, all sales are final at time of purchase.  As a self-sustaining nonprofit organization, the funds we generate from ticket and membership sales help to fund our mission of connecting understanding to protecting our ocean planet.

  • If you miss your scheduled entry window, we are unable to reschedule you, however, we can apply the value of your ticket toward a membership so long as it is within 7 days of your entry window.
Do members need to make a reservation? 
  • No, as a valued member you can simply show your membership and photo I.D. at the main gate to visit the aquarium anytime during normal operating hours.
  • A lot of guests seek to visit from 9am-2pm particularly on weekends and holidays.  Consider planning a visit for 3pm or later if you prefer to have more of the aquarium to yourself.
  • Annual memberships are available and are a great way to experience the aquarium year-round. Visit our membership page for more information. 
Do you offer discounts? 

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

How can I use my San Diego 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. 

Is parking available? 

Birch Aquarium offers complimentary 3 hour parking. Please note, 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, buses and large vehicles like RVs and trailers are not permitted in the aquarium parking lot. However, public parking along La Jolla Shores Drive may accommodate these larger vehicles.

What accessibility resources are available? 

Birch Aquarium strives to be fully accessible to all.

Parking 

  • Birch Aquarium has designated accessible parking spaces available as well as the option of curbside pickup and drop-off in the traffic circle near the front entrance.

Wheelchairs 

  • All of Birch Aquarium is wheelchair accessible. While most of the aquarium is on one level, there are ramps on Tide Pool Plaza and Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins.
  • Wheelchairs are available to borrow from Guest Services on a first-come, first-served basis.

Service Animals  

  • Trained service animals are permitted inside the aquarium.
  • Please note that if an animal is found in a car, they may be removed and held by UC San Diego police.

KultureCity

  • Birch Aquarium is a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue.


Nursing and Changing Facilities

  • While we do not offer private baby nursing stations or adult changing areas, stop by the Guest Services Office for other options.
Do you have lockers?  

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

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.
  • 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?

Daily Schedule

Check out our Daily Schedule to see what events and activities are happening during your visit — from fun talks and feedings to annual events.

Bloomberg Connects

Dive below the surface with our free Bloomberg Connects Digital Guide! Access ocean science on your mobile device — anytime, anywhere — with fascinating animal facts, inspiring research and conservation stories and exclusive content. Download Bloomberg Connects in the App Store today. 

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 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? 

Located high on a bluff with dramatic ocean views, Birch Aquarium is a unique and engaging venue for any event. Interested in hosting a private event? Reach out to our Special Events Team. 

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

Birch Aquarium's filming guildelines can be found here — please reach out to our Marketing Department for additional questions.

Photography & Filming Policy

  • 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.
  • No tripods are allowed onsite.
  • Please turn off your flash while taking photos inside the aquarium, especially in areas where flash photography is prohibited for the wellbeing of our animals.

Drone Policy

The use of all 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.