Birch Aquarium In La Jolla Ca
Located in La Jolla, California, Birch Aquarium is a public exploration center that showcases marine life from the Pacific Ocean. The aquarium is part of the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, which conducts research on the ocean, earth, and atmosphere.
Aquarium Exhibits
Birch Aquarium has multiple exhibits, featuring a wide variety of marine life. One of the most popular exhibits is the Hall of Fishes, which houses more than 60 tanks filled with over 5,000 fish and invertebrates. The Kelp Forest exhibit is also a must-see, showcasing a 70,000-gallon tank filled with giant kelp, leopard sharks, and other local marine life.
Other notable exhibits include the Tide Pool Plaza, where visitors can touch and interact with creatures like sea cucumbers and starfish; the ElasmoBeach exhibit, which features sharks and rays; and the Seadragons & Seahorses exhibit, home to several species of the unique and mesmerizing creatures.
Activities and Events
Birch Aquarium offers a range of activities and events for visitors of all ages. For instance, the aquarium hosts daily feeding shows, where visitors can watch the aquarium's inhabitants receive their meals. There are also behind-the-scenes tours and hands-on experiences available, such as animal encounters and fish printing.
The aquarium also hosts various events throughout the year, such as Night Dive, where adults can explore the aquarium after hours with cocktails and live music, and Toddler Time, where young children can participate in storytime and crafts.
Conservation Efforts
As part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Birch Aquarium is dedicated to promoting ocean conservation and educating visitors about the importance of protecting our oceans. The aquarium works with other organizations to research and conserve marine life, as well as reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable seafood practices.
Visitors can learn about these efforts through exhibits like Boundless Energy, which explores the science of renewable energy, and Feeling the Heat, which showcases the impacts of climate change on marine life. The aquarium also offers various programs and resources to help visitors better understand and protect our oceans.
Plan Your Visit
Birch Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices vary depending on age and residency, with discounts available for members, students, and military personnel. Visitors can also purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines at the entrance.
The aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way in La Jolla, California, with plenty of nearby parking available. Visitors can also reach the aquarium via public transportation or bike, with bike racks available on-site. For more information on planning your visit, including directions and parking information, visit the Birch Aquarium website.
