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Birch Aquarium

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Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium, Marine research aquarium in La Jolla, San Diego, US.

Description

Birch Aquarium is a public marine research facility in La Jolla with large tanks displaying various Pacific Ocean inhabitants. Exhibits are organized into sections showing different marine habitats, from reef fish to other sea creatures and specialized research displays.

History

The institution was founded in the early 1900s and later relocated to its current hilltop location in La Jolla. A major donation enabled the move and expansion, which also led to its current name.

Culture

The name comes from a foundation that provided crucial funding, and visitors gather at large viewing windows to observe Pacific Ocean creatures in their habitats. These gathering spaces have become places where people connect with marine life and learn about ocean ecosystems.

Practical

Walk slowly through the different sections and spend time at the viewing areas where you can rest and enjoy city views. Wear comfortable shoes since there is considerable walking involved, and plan your visit to balance time between exhibits and rest stops.

Did you know?

The facility houses some of the strangest and most colorful sea creatures, including seahorses that visitors rarely encounter elsewhere. It also keeps penguins that only a few West Coast aquariums display, making a visit particularly memorable for those seeking unusual animals.

Location
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Part of
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego
Address
Expedition Way
Opening Hours
Monday-Sunday 09:00-17:00
Phone
GPS coordinates
32.86583,-117.25056
Latest update
December 10, 2025 16:42

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (San Diego).

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« Birch Aquarium - Marine research aquarium in La Jolla, San Diego, US » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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