Birch Aquarium at Scripps is not your standard city aquarium. Birch serves as the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. This means the exhibits you see are directly tied to active, cutting-edge marine research happening right here in our local waters.

Perched on a bluff high above the Pacific, the facility offers a stunning blend of indoor exhibits and outdoor observation decks. It is the perfect anchor for a family day trip, a rainy afternoon backup plan or a scenic stop for anyone fascinated by the ocean.

If you are planning an itinerary of things to do with kids in La Jolla, this is an absolute must-visit destination.

The highlights: What you need to see

• The giant kelp forest: This two-story, 70,000-gallon tank is the centerpiece of the aquarium. It perfectly replicates the vibrant, complex ecosystem found just off the coast in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve.
• Tide Pool Plaza: Located outdoors on the panoramic terrace, these touch pools allow guests to get hands-on with local marine life like sea stars, anemones and hermit crabs. The plaza is a great primer before exploring the wild La Jolla tide pools down at the shore.
• Seadragons and seahorses: Birch Aquarium features one of the largest seadragon habitats in the world and runs a highly successful conservation breeding program.

Local’s tip: Don’t rush the Tide Pool Plaza. Beyond the touch tanks, this outdoor deck offers one of the best vantage points in the city. During the winter and early spring months, it’s a phenomenal spot to scan the horizon for the annual Gray Whale migration.”

Good to know:

• Reservations: Advanced reservations are a must. Walk-up tickets are rarely available during spring break, summer or weekends.
• Parking: The aquarium provides a dedicated parking lot with three hours of complimentary parking for guests. If you plan to head into The Village afterward, be sure to consult our ultimate La Jolla parking playbook.
• Special events: Keep an eye on the Birch calendar for exclusive after-hours events, including the popular Sunset Scripps Pier Walks.

Making a day of it:

Because the aquarium takes about two hours to experience, it pairs perfectly with a beach day. Drive three minutes down the hill to relax on the sand at La Jolla Shores Beach. If you need a bite to eat nearby, the new Destiny Coast restaurant is located right on the Scripps campus, offering sustainable seafood and matching ocean views. Families wanting to stay close to the action should consider booking a room at the nearby La Jolla Shores Hotel.