See blue penguins at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Plan Ahead

It is strongly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, as they often sell out.

If you're seeking a more affordable alternative to SeaWorld San Diego, consider visiting the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. Situated at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography within the University of California San Diego, this aquarium boasts spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, which is the source for the fish and invertebrates displayed in its more than 60 habitats.

Highlights

This aquarium is home to a variety of marine creatures, including sea turtles, sharks, and seahorses—the latter being a significant focus of the aquarium's conservation efforts. Visitors can engage with sea life in outdoor pools that provide hands-on experiences with young sharks, rays, and sea cucumbers. The facility also offers daily behind-the-scenes tours.

Key Attractions

Some of the main features of Birch Aquarium include a two-story, 70,000-gallon giant kelp forest and a blue penguin exhibit showcasing the world's smallest penguins. In the summer of 2025, the aquarium premiered a new exhibit, "Living Seas," where visitors can explore Pacific ecosystems, from the Pacific Northwest and Coastal California to the Tropical Pacific. This exhibit features creatures like the giant Pacific octopus, schooling fish, and a rescued loggerhead sea turtle.

Hours

The Birch Aquarium is conveniently located less than 15 miles north of downtown San Diego, near La Jolla Shores Beach. It operates year-round, though hours vary seasonally. Generally, the aquarium opens daily at 9 a.m.

Tickets

General admission costs $34.95 for adults and youths aged 13 and older, while children aged 3 to 12 can enter for $29.95. Admission is free for children aged 2 and younger. Parking is also free. For the most up-to-date information, including operating hours, visit the aquarium’s official website before planning your visit.