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 March 2, 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 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
Fishing Through the Ages – Sat. December 19, 2009 - Learn about the past and present of fishing practices and marine ecology. Hand-on exploration.
Whales on the Horizon - Sat. January 16, 2010 - Watch for gray whales during their migration from the aquarium’s tide pool plaza, get up close to real whale baleen and learn more about whales from Scripps Aquarium scientists.
Trashing Our Seas - Sat. February 20, 2010 - Learn how you can help save our seas from trash overload. Hear stories about the largest ocean garbage patches and discover how a stuffed toy dog ended up 1000 miles offshore.
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.
Pier Moon Walks - June - October 2010, dates TBD
Snorkeling Adventures - June - September 2010, dates TBD
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.
