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Birch Aquarium at Scripps

2300 Expedition Way, Scripps Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
858 534 3474
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Ranked #10 of 24 attractions in La Jolla
Type: Aquariums, Natural History Museums
Owner description: Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a... more » Owner description: Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, Earth and ocean science. « less
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293 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Glendora, California
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

This is the first time I came with my 6 year old son. It is a good place to spend a couple of hours. We arrived at 3pm and it closed at 5pm. We were able to see everything with no rush. There are several exhibit halls to see including the outdoor tidepool area. My son was not interested in... More

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See 2 more reviews by onedeesse for La Jolla
San Diego, CA
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

Not a huge place but if you have an hour or so to kill... It's nice and your kids will thoroughly enjoy the aquarium and fun hands no exhibits. It's much smaller than the long beach aquarium so don't have high expectations!

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See 4 more reviews by bamboo222SanDiego_CA for La Jolla
Imperial Beach, California
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

Lots of seahorses to look at and some sea life...the view makes it the best, not necessarily the aquarium. If it weren't for the school subsidizing the cost, I might not be able to keep returning.

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See 2 more reviews by Lisa M for La Jolla
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

I liked that they have many kinds of fish I have never seen at other aquariums. Fabulous view of the Pacific Ocean. There was nothing I disliked!

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Saint Louis, Missouri
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013

Really neat large aquariums, I have never seen an octopus up so close. Loved the hands on exhibit with the anemones and starfish. I even liked the watch out for rattlesnakes sign in the parking lot! Its nice to be at least warned of things like that, and I found myself looking under bushes and trees trying to spot one.... More

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See 3 more reviews by SaraMBrawley for La Jolla
San Diego, California
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

When my daughter was a baby, this was one of my favorite places to take her. Before she could talk she would just sit and watch the brightly colored fish swimming. Now that she's older she still is enamored, and so am I. Its a really great aquarium. After wandering through the tanks, you can take a break and watch... More

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See 2 more reviews by Maura E for La Jolla
San Diego, California
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

This is a great place to visit. Small enough for a day trip. Great exhibits and folks of all ages will enjoy the aquariums.

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See 6 more reviews by d h for La Jolla
San Diego, California
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

This place is so interesting and fun even if you aren't interested in sea life. Student discounts given.

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Kansas City
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Big things do come in small packages! I was a little underwhelmed at first, but then quickly changed my attitude after entering the first hall. We were in time for their tank feeding show and really enjoyed the intimate, informative and interactive experience. They have very unique critters and all of the tanks are on a level that kiddos (even... More

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California
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2013

I have been here numerous times over the years and it never gets boring nor ceases to amaze. The feeding of the sharks is always one of my favorite events and the jellyfish are fascinating.

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See 4 more reviews by marvelme_7 for La Jolla

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