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 May 1, 2010.
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: $12.00 adults 18 – 59, Senior 60+ $9.00, College students $9.00, Youth 3-17 $8.50Discounts 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
Birds of the Sea – Saturday, March 20, 2010 - Learn about the amazing Storm Petrel bird who survive at sea and come to shore once a year to lay eggs and nest. Young adventurers can make a bird craft and listen to story time.
Celebrate our Ocean Planet - Saturday, April 17, 2010 - Celebrate Earth Day with Birch Aquarium at Scripps, meet Scripps Oceanography scientists who are working to help understand and preserve our oceans, make a recycled craft, and learn new ways that you can help protect our oceans.
3rd-Annual Breathing in Climate Change - Sat. May 15, 2010 - Celebrate Clean Air Month and learn about climate change, pollution, and your amazing lungs at SEA Day. Help Scripps researchers test the quality of air we breathe through a special filter, and also see how fishes breathe in a watery world.
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 - visit local La Jolla Tidepools with a trained naturalist. Reservations required. For more information see Exploring La Jolla Tide Pools.
Whale Watching December 26 - April 4, 2010 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 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.
2010 Season: · Friday, April 16, 9:30-11:30 p.m.· Friday, May 14, 9:30-11:30 p.m.· Friday, May 28, 9-11 p.m.· Saturday, May 29, 9:30-11:30 p.m.
The Aquarium also offers an informational weekend event called Grunion Groupies. Saturdays & Sundays, April 3-June 6 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. Discover how grunion “run” up on local beaches and lay eggs in the moist sand at night during this special weekend event at this popular San Diego aquarium. Price included with admission
Pier Moon Walks - June - October 2010, dates TBD
Snorkeling Adventures - Birch San Diego Aquarium offers two different snorkeling adventures during the summer months.
Snorkel with Sharks 2010 - June 19; July 10, 17 & 31; Aug. 14, 21 & 28
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 2010 - July 3 & Aug. 7
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. 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.
Address: Legoland Resort, One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone Number: (760) 918-LEGO
Operating Hours: Daily from at least 10 - 5. From December 26 2009 - January 2 2010 open 9 - 7.
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 $18.95 for adults, $11.95 for children, and $15.95 for 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
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. Check out the San Diego Tide Pools in San Diego, La Jolla, and North County.
