Scripps Birch Aquarium and Legoland SeaLife Aquarium
Enjoy an Aquarium in San Diego. Visit Scripps Birch Aquarium in La Jolla or Leogland SeaLife Aquarium in Carlsbad California.
Last updated January 5 2012 Aquarium San Diego.
Photo from Birch Aquarium at Scripps
There is something so magnificent about creatures under the sea, which makes a visit to an aquarium so special. In San Diego we can enjoy seeing this sealife at three aquariums: Birch Aquarium at Scripps, SeaLife Aquarium at Legoland in Carlsbad, and in our San Diego waters too, such as La Jolla Bay off of La Jolla Shores beach, or the various tide pools in San Diego.
All of these have different things to offer, but you are sure to have a great visit at an aquarium, and you don't have to worry about rain or tides. Come and enjoy!
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Premier Aquarium in San Diego
Photo from Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps in a premier aquarium in San Diego community of La Jolla, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla. Learn about kelp, sharks, tidepools and much more. The aquarium is associated with UCSD and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Scientists and naturalists from Scripps Aquarium offer additional programs for the public.
Address: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone Number: (858) 534-3474
Operating Hours: Daily from 9 - 5. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
Directions to Birch Aquarium at Scripps: See Below | Google Map
Parking: 3-hour free parking
Ticket Prices: $14.00 adults 18 – 59, Senior 60+ $10.00, College students $10.00, Youth 3-17 $9.50. Discounts of $1 for AAA members, 25% for AARP members. Admission to Scripps Aquarium is also on the San Diego Go Card. For Scripps Birch Aquarium discounts and coupons see Discount Tickets and Coupons
Food: Enjoy outdoor lunch at the Splash Cafe, open M-F 11-2 and Sat-Sun 10 - 4. Or you can picnic on nearby Scripps Beach or La Jolla Shores Beach.
Birch Aquarium Directions: From Interstate 5 in La Jolla, go west on La Jolla Village Drive, continue straight onto N. Torrey Pines Rd, then a quick left on Expedition Way.
This new SEA Days program is designed for all ages. Family Days merges Earth and ocean sciences with art and literacy themes by presenting unique programs that include hands-on activities, crafts, demonstrations, and interactions with researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Family Days is free with admission on the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m.-3 p.m
January 21 2012 - Underwater Parks Day
February 18 2012 - Wave Power
March 17 2012 - TBD
April 21 2012 - Earth Day
For more information call 858-534-7336.
Outdoor Adventures Sponsored by Scripps Aquarium
Whale Watching in San Diego Photo from Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Scripps naturalists offer a number of outdoor adventure programs. Check these out:
Tidepooling Adventures - The season runs October through March. Visit local La Jolla Tidepools with a trained naturalist. Reservations required. For more information see Exploring La Jolla Tide Pools.
Whale Watching The Whale Watching season runs December 26 2011 - April 15 2012. Go whale watching in San Diego with an ocean expert from Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Enjoy the view, listen to whale and dolphin sounds, and watch these fascinating whales. For more information see San Diego whale watching.
Grunion Runs The next Grunion Runs will happen in April through June 2012. Dates are TBD. Two hours long. A must-see adventure is the grunion runs on the beaches of La Jolla, where hundreds of silvery grunion fish ride the waves to shore to mate. They return to see while the eggs stay and hatch into baby grunion, to wash out with next high tide. $12 per person. RSVP Required: 858-534-7336.
Pier Moon Walks - June - September 2012, dates and times are TBD. Cost is $25 per person. A warm night lit by a full moon is the perfect time to explore the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, usually closed to the public. During this moonlit walk along the pier, aquarium naturalists will teach participants about the structure's history, and guide them as they dissect a squid, make marine organisms glow in the dark, collect plankton, observe ocean conditions and study the nocturnal habits of marine life. Also includes a tour of the Scripps Oceanography campus. Ages 9+ only, and children ages 9-13 must be accompanied by a paid adult. More more information and reservations call: 858-534-7336
Snorkeling Adventures - Birch San Diego Aquarium offers two different snorkeling adventures during the summer months.
Snorkel with Sharks dates TBD in 2012.
Swim with schooling leopard sharks, smooth hound sharks and guitarfish while enjoying the mild surf and gently sloping beach of La Jolla Shores. See rays, flatfish, sand dwelling invertebrates and coastal sea life.
Time: 8-10 a.m.Cost: $30 per personAges: 10+ (ages 10-13 must be accompanied by a paid adult)RSVP required: 858-534-7336
Snorkel La Jolla Cove dates TBD in 2012.
Enjoy the calm, picturesque waters of La Jolla Cove, part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve. Discover garibaldi, lobsters and octopuses in this state-protected ecosystem.
Time: 8-10 a.m.Cost: $30Ages: 10+ (ages 10-13 must be accompanied by a paid adult)RSVP required: 858-534-7336
SeaLife Aquarium Legoland California New Sea Life Aquarium
Visit the SEA LIFE aquarium in Carlsbad, CA., next to Legoland California and the new Lego land Water Park. Young children will enjoy the touch pools with starfish, and seeing the sharks, stingrays and tropical fish. The Sea Life Aquarium also has interactive play zone and fun activities, and a new octopus garden.
Address: Legoland Resort, One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone Number: (760) 918-LEGO
Operating Hours: Daily from at least 10 - 5. Open later during busy seasons.
Directions to SEALIFE Aquarium: See Below | Google Map
Parking: $5 for SEALIFE Aquarium only, $12 if visiting both Legoland and SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Ticket Prices - 1-Day ticket is $20.00 for adults, $15.00 for children and seniors. Children 2 and under are free. 10% AAA and active Military Discounts on one day admission prices. 1 and 2 day Hopper Passes also available. For Sealife Aquarium discounts and coupons see Discount Tickets and Coupons. You can also get special discounts when you visit 2 or 3 of Legolands parks: Legoland California, Legoland waterpark and Legoland Sealife Aquarium. Legoland Discount Tickets
Food: No outside food and drinks are permitted in the park. Food is for sale, or you can picnic on the grassy area outside the entrance.
SeaLife Aquarium Directions: – From Interstate 5 in Carlsbad CA (~20 miles north of San Diego), go east on Palomar Airport Rd., left on Armada Drive, then right on Legoland Drive.
San Diego Tidepools Nature's Free Aquarium in San Diego
If you enjoy the aquariums in San Diego, you might also enjoy visiting the San Diego tide pools. The tidepools are an opportunity to see sea life in a completely natural setting. Tidepools are best explored at low minus tides during the tidepooling season October - March. Check out the San Diego Tide Pools in San Diego, La Jolla, and North County.
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