Are you looking for an experience like no other? A fun, informative, and interactive day out for the whole family? Then, don't look further than Birch Aquarium at Scripps. This San Diego staple is full of fantastic aquarium creatures, entertaining exhibits, hands-on events, and much more.
Keep reading to find out all there is to know about this must-see attraction in San Diego.
Can't Miss Exhibits at the Birch Aquarium
If you are visiting San Diego soon, you should add Birch Aquarium to your to-do list. Depending on when you go, you will find unique Birch Aquarium exhibits that change from time-to-time but are always sure to keep the entire family entertained.
For example, you might be able to go on a seasonal adventure sponsored by the aquarium, or you might be encouraged to take part in activities that help you better care for the environment. And if your little (or not-so-little) ones are lovers of science and nature, they will find it super fun and educational to interact with staff members of the aquarium and participate in STEM events and summer camps.
While the exhibits keep changing, some fantastic things about this aquarium stay the same throughout the year, like the gorgeous views from Tide Pool Plaza and the charismatic Little Blue Penguins.
Tide Pool Plaza
While you might be unable to check out the stunning local tide pools that occur along San Diego's coast during winter, a trip to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps will help you see the marine life in them. Tide Pool Plaza is home to some of the most spectacular ocean views in San Diego. This outdoor plaza overlooks the ocean and is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors.
Tide pools are living habitats where all surfaces above and below the water are teeming with life! At Tide Pool Plaza, staff and volunteers will be available to answer your questions and let you gently touch the tide pool animals like sea anemones, sea stars and sea urchins..
Seadragons & Seahorses
Welcome to one of the most popular exhibits! Here, you and your little ones will marvel at a dozen seahorse species and might even catch glimpses of seahorse babies. Dainty, colorful, almost magical, the beautiful animals on display here are the reason why the aquarium has decided to make this a permanent exhibit.
Birch Aquarium also hosts one of the currently three known species of seadragons, the Weedy Seadragon. In 2023 and 2024, male Weedy Seadragons at Birch Aquarium carried eggs resulting in more than 140 baby seadragons hatching. These baby seadragons marked a huge milestone in the care for this difficult-to-breed species.
Sharks and Rays
It wouldn't be a great aquarium if it didn't have sharks in it, right? Once again, Birch Aquarium at Scripps does not disappoint. Located on Blue Beach, this aquarium highlights some of the shark species that live locally, such as La Jolla's leopard sharks and elasmobranchs, as well as juvenile sharks and other shark species and rays.
You can check out these predators from the aquarium display tanks. If you feel brave enough, you can book one of the aquarium's snorkeling leopard shark tours during the summer at La Jolla Shores beach.
Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins
Cute and clumsy penguins are another must of any great aquarium, so you'll be pleased to hear that you'll find some of these adorable guys here, too. This exhibit is one of the newest.
The tiniest species of penguin alive, usually less than 12 inches tall in adulthood, the Little Blue Penguins are blue-colored birds native to the faraway coasts of Tasmania, New Zealand, and Southern Australia.
The exhibit runs across nearly 3,000 square feet and is complete with rocks and sand that mimic these animals' original habitat. Visitors can watch the penguins in their 18,000-gallon pool where the animals go about their day. Trust us, you won't want to miss a close encounter with these funny little creatures.
See Amazing Creatures of the Deep While Spending Less With CityPASS® Tickets
Want to set off on a remarkable journey? Then schedule a visit to San Diego ASAP! But know that the city offers so much more than stunning ocean views.
One of the best things to see in the city is the famous Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Here, you will get up close and personal with some genuinely incredible deep-sea creatures, learn awesome facts about the habitats of fishes, and participate in fun and educational activities.