The end of the summer season is the perfect time to soak up the sun in La Jolla and explore the outdoors while also getting up close with some of the ocean’s most fascinating wonders, and Birch Aquarium is the perfect spot to dive into marine fun! Birch Aquarium is more than an aquarium, it’s the public outreach center for UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where guests can discover cutting-edge research driving the future of ocean discovery. Groundbreaking research comes to life through immersive exhibits, hands-on activities and unforgettable animal encounters, all set against sweeping views of the Pacific.
FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN
Birch Aquarium is a fantastic place to bring the whole family, and truly offers something for everyone. For the science-lover, the aquarium offers talks and feedings throughout the day, including a deeper dive into the conservation work happening onsite. Learn more about local sharks and rays or catch a diver presentation in the Giant Kelp Forest habitat to get to know more about California marine life. Animal enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to get an up-close look and even touch some of Southern California’s iconic tide pool species while exploring the aquarium’s Tide Pool Plaza. And Riveropolis is a popular stop for kids and kids-at-heart as a place to get a little wet while building boats and exploring a miniature river system to learn about how water moves through an ecosystem and try out some hands-on engineering.
WHERE CURIOSITY COMES TO LIFE
Birch Aquarium at Scripps’s Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery takes you on an immersive journey through the Pacific — from the Pacific Northwest to the Tropical Pacific and everywhere in between. Discover the mysterious Giant Pacific Octopus, peek “under-the-pier” at life along the Scripps pilings and explore the Open Ocean with schooling fish and a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Then journey through vibrant coral reefs and winding mangroves, where every turn reveals the ocean’s most surprising and extraordinary life. Living Seas invites you to engage your curiosity, discover the magic in the little things and celebrate the weird as you experience the Pacific Ocean like never before.
DISCOVER SOMETHING JAW-SOME DURING SHARK SUMMER
Have you ever wondered what shark species swim in Southern California waters? Or wanted to know what makes sharks such unique animals? Dive deep into the world of these amazing animals this July during Shark Summer at Birch Aquarium! Shark Summer celebrates the vital role sharks play in the ecosystem, while shining a light on the important conservation work and research being done to protect them. Catch shark feedings and educational talks, enjoy themed
dive presentations, nerd out about all things shark with Scripps Oceanography researchers and more on select days throughout the month!
MEET THE WORLD’S SMALLEST PENGUINS
Birch Aquarium is the only place on the West Coast where you can see Little Blue Penguins, the smallest penguins in the world! Explore Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins to follow Little Blue Penguins on their journey from hatchlings to adults, highlighting the challenges they face in a changing climate while celebrating the features that make these penguins so unique and adorable. Don’t miss the daily penguin feeding at 10 a.m. to learn more about these incredible birds!
HOP INTO IMAGINE WILD: MOUNTAIN YELLOW-LEGGED FROG
Step into a story of resilience, restoration and hope in Birch Aquarium’s newest exhibition, Imagine Wild: Mountain Yellow-legged Frog. Wander through a reimagined California mountainside as you explore forests, meadows and alpine lakes that once formed the natural habitat of these frogs. Along the way, discover what it takes to restore a healthy ecosystem for a critically endangered amphibian, and follow a decades-long story of habitat recovery. Learn about the collaborative conservation efforts — and the people behind them — working to bring these frogs back from the brink of extinction. At the heart of the exhibition, encounter Mountain Yellow-legged Frogs up close and imagine a future where these frogs thrive once again.
VENTURE BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Discover a side of Birch Aquarium most guests never see on a Behind-the-Scenes Tour! During an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience, you’ll get up close with some of the aquarium’s most fascinating animals, discover what goes into their daily care and explore ongoing conservation initiatives. Plus, you’ll get to ask questions along the way making each experience truly one-of-a-kind. Tour availability varies by day so check the Daily Schedule for each day’s offerings!
STAY LATE ON SUNDAYS
Every Sunday evening, Birch Aquarium stays open later with Birch After Hours, an all-ages evening experience from 5 to 7 p.m. Designed for families, couples and anyone looking to wind down the weekend, Birch After Hours features discounted tickets and a relaxed nighttime vibe inviting guests to experience the aquarium in a whole new light. Grab a bite to eat or a refreshing beverage from Blue Wave Bistro and catch epic golden-hour views from the aquarium’s Tide Pool Plaza. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance to take advantage of the discounted price!
Birch Aquarium is a can’t-miss destination for Southern California fun this summer. We’ll sea you there!
