Heading to Southern California in the name of a well-deserved vacation is always an exciting choice for travelers. While the gorgeous shorelines, amazing dining, and endless shopping are sure to inspire, this is a locale that’s loved just as much for its water. If you happen to be an adventurer with a heart for the ocean and all things marine conservation, you’ll want to be sure to set aside time for a visit to the Birch Aquarium when your trip takes you to La Jolla. As inspiring as it is informative, this stop might just end up being the highlight of your getaway!
An Incredible Underwater Experience
The Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way in La Jolla and works as the public outreach center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Here, visitors will discover groundbreaking work being done by UC San Diego scientists through a collection of captivating events and exhibits on-site. The Birch Aquarium is far from your traditional aquarium experience as its designed with hands-on learning opportunities in mind at every turn. It’s also built on a foundation of climate-based programming that reaches more than 40,000 k-12 students each year from local schools and those studying oceanography.
The Aquarium’s Core Values and Mission
The Birch Aquarium in San Diego is designed as a space to engage, inspire, and empower scientists and visitors alike. It’s also a destination with a firm focus on sustainability and innovation. All of the aquarium’s net revenue is put back towards its greater environmental purposes while creative research teams on-site continue to make breakthroughs in marine conservation and oceanography. Finally, the Birch Aquarium is designed to be a place where community and experts can collaborate for the greater good of the ocean.
What You’ll See During Your Visit
When you make time to enjoy a visit to the Birch Aquarium in San diego, you’ll find everything from Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Leopard Shards at your fingertips. While many of the marine species on-site call Southern California home, the aquarium also houses species that hail from across the globe. The exhibits here are set up to reflect authentic underwater ecosystems and habitats that are vital to keeping oceans thriving. You’ll be able to discover the world of Giant Kelp while you’re here which offers seahorses a safe haven within a vast ocean. There are also opportunities to learn more about the aquarium’s take on climate action during a visit with a closer look at their environmental initiative and how you can get involved.
Plan Your Experience
The Birch Aquarium is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm January through February and October through December. Hours are 9:00 am until 7:00 pm from March 1 through Labor Day. The aquarium is always closed on major holidays. You’ll need a reservation in order to enjoy visiting this aquarium and tickets for adults begin at $24.95 while children 3-17 can enjoy a visit for $19.95. Guests can also enjoy free three-hour parking on-site and if you’re interested in full-day parking options, passes can be purchased at Guest Services.
Book Your Stay Today
When you’re making plans to enjoy a trip to San Diego and you know you’re going to want amazing accommodations in place to top off your stay in style, the team at Vacation Rentals by Kimberly has you covered. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting, luxurious, and inviting vacation rental options available as well as those that keep you closest to the Birch Aquarium while you’re in town. We’re happy to handle the details while our guests focus on the well-deserved fun ahead. We look forward to seeing you in sunny California soon!
