Plan Your Visit

Advanced Reservations Required

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Open During Construction

We are currently undergoing the biggest renovation in our history as the Hall of Fishes is transformed into Living Seas. During construction, many of our animals — including our Loggerhead Sea Turtle and Giant Pacific Octopus —  have been moved behind the scenes.

In the interim, we have added several new experiences. Explore the page below for tips on planning your visit to make the most of your aquarium experience.

Aquarium Map

Ticket Prices

 Price
Adult$29.95
Child (3-17, 2 and under free)$24.95
Senior (60+)$27.95
Students (ID required)$27.95
UC San Diego Students, Faculty and Staff  (ID required)$3 off admission 
Military (ID required)$3 off admission 

 

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Aquarium Hours

Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. January-February and October-December

Open daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 1-Labor Day 

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's days.

Last entry is one hour prior to closing.

Aquarium Map

What's New

An exciting year is ahead at Birch Aquarium as we build Living Seas! While this reimagined exhibition is under construction, there's still a world of wonder waiting for you at the aquarium including new experiences like Embodied Pacific: Ocean Unseen, Riveropolis and Coral Classroom!

Daily Schedule

Looking to make the most of your visit? Be sure to check the Daily Schedule for engaging talks, exciting feedings, and fun events to make the most of your visit!

View Daily Schedule

Open Exhibits

From incredible animals like Little Blue Penguins and Weedy Seadragons to interactive, hands-on experiences at Tide Pool Plaza and Blue Beach, Birch Aquarium is packed with excitement for all ages! Below you'll find a list of all exhibits open at the aquarium.

Explore Exhibits

Aquarium Map

Enhance Your Visit

Elevate your aquarium experience with an unforgettable Outdoor Adventure! Join a Birch Aquarium educator for a sunset exploration of Scripps Pier or discover fascinating marine life in our local tide pools.

Book Outdoor Adventure

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Parking: 

  • Free 3-hour parking. 
  • Large vehicle parking available along La Jolla Shores Drive, west of Birch Aquarium.  

Directions

MTS Public Transit Trip Planner

Group Tickets and Tours

Discounts for groups of 10 or more are automatically applied when you add 10+ tickets to your shopping cart.

 Price
Adults (ages 18-59)$26.95 per person
Seniors (60+)$24.95 per person
Child (ages 3 to 17)$21.95 per person
Students (ID required)$24.95 per person

 

More about group sales savings

Accessibility

Birch Aquarium strives to be fully accessible to all of our guests.

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 
If you require special assistance or adaptive services please notify Guest Services as soon as possible so we can arrange for the services to be in place. Please call (858) 534-3474 or email aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu 
 

Shopping AND Dining

The Gift Shop

The Birch Aquarium Gift Shop is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until the aquarium closes.

 

Learn about the gift shop
Shop the online collection

Splash! Café by The French Gourmet

Splash! Café is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Admission is not required in order to eat at the café.

Members receive a discount!

Download the menu (PDF)