{"id":34094,"date":"2023-10-16T23:05:01","date_gmt":"2023-10-16T23:05:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/?p=34094"},"modified":"2024-02-28T16:23:02","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T16:23:02","slug":"travel-guide-birch-aquarium-at-scripps-institute-of-oceanography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/travel-guide-birch-aquarium-at-scripps-institute-of-oceanography\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel Guide: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>With 17 miles of coastline, the ocean and marine life is a major part of San Diego\u2019s allure. And few attractions in San Diego showcase the wonders and beauty of the ocean and its inhabitants better than the <a href=\"https:\/\/aquarium.ucsd.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perched on a picturesque bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium is home to more than 60 habitats that provide an up-close look at all manner of fish and marine life, as well as exhibits designed to highlight the work of the scientists and experts from the renowned Scripps Institute of Oceanography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2022, the beloved aquarium celebrated its 30th anniversary, and it continues to be a popular attraction for locals like myself and my son, and the steady stream of tourists who visit the city each year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s an insider\u2019s guide to the aquarium and why it&#8217;s considered a must-do San Diego attraction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to see at the Birch Aquarium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Cpn1kCJv9Qv\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Cpn1kCJv9Qv\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/g><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><\/g><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Cpn1kCJv9Qv\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Birch Aquarium at Scripps (@birchaquarium)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>The Birch Aquarium is a compact facility, but within its walls, you\u2019ll come face to face with a diverse range of sea life. Plan to spend about two hours visiting. Here are some of the highlights you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Little Blue Penguins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Famous for being the world\u2019s smallest penguins, the Birch Aquarium has the distinction of being the only location on the West Coast where you can view Little Blue Penguins.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the aquarium\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/aquarium.ucsd.edu\/exhibits\/beyster-family-little-blue-penguins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">newest exhibits<\/a>, the penguins live in a 2,900-square-foot habitat complete with burrows, a sandy beach, and an 18,000-gallon pool. And in keeping with the aquarium\u2019s emphasis on showcasing the research of practitioners in the field, the penguin exhibit also includes an interactive research station where you can learn first-hand about the efforts at Scripps to help the penguins, whose future is threatened by climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best times to visit the Little Blue Penguins is at 10 a.m. when they\u2019re being fed. Not only will the animals be far more active, but the feedings offer an opportunity to learn more about the colony from aquarium staff and get all of your questions answered. If you miss the morning feeding, there\u2019s also a Penguins 101 presentation each day at 3 p.m. during which staff share details about how the husbandry team cares for the penguins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For an even more memorable and engaging way to experience the exhibit, book a behind-the-scenes penguin tour. It&#8217;s a little pricey but includes admission to the aquarium and a one-hour experience exploring the penguin habitat, as well as a visit to the aquarium\u2019s Penguin Care and Conservation Center.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hall of Fishes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1912\" height=\"1351\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Hall-of-Fishes.jpg\" alt=\"Hall of Fishes\" class=\"wp-image-34096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Hall-of-Fishes.jpg 1912w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Hall-of-Fishes-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Hall-of-Fishes-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Hall-of-Fishes-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Hall-of-Fishes-1536x1085.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Hall-of-Fishes-500x353.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Hall-of-Fishes-160x113.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Hall-of-Fishes-150x106.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1912px) 100vw, 1912px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hall of Fishes is in many ways the heart of Birch Aquarium.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here you\u2019ll find numerous habitats including the wildly popular giant kelp forest, a vivid underwater world that keeps young visitors mesmerized with its enormous strands of kelp that wave to and fro in the water\u2019s current. The 70,000-gallon, two-story habitat is inhabited by sharks, bright orange Garibaldi, and Moray eels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another visually stunning stop in the Hall of Fishes is the cluster of habitats devoted to jellies including Moon jellies and Comb jellies. Watching the jellies produce, emit, and refract light as they glide through their tanks is another visitor favorite at the aquarium.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And while in this part of the aquarium, be sure to also stop by the Loggerhead Sea Turtle habitat to say hello to the resident rescued turtle. <a href=\"https:\/\/aquarium.ucsd.edu\/events\/loggerhead-sea-turtle-feeding\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Turtle feedings<\/a> take place throughout the week on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 2:30 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seadragons &amp; Seahorses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Seadragons-Seahorses.jpg\" alt=\"Seadragons &amp; Seahorses\" class=\"wp-image-34097\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Seadragons-Seahorses.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Seadragons-Seahorses-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Seadragons-Seahorses-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Seadragons-Seahorses-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Seadragons-Seahorses-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Seadragons-Seahorses-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Seadragons-Seahorses-160x107.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/10\/Seadragons-Seahorses-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/aquarium.ucsd.edu\/exhibits\/seadragons-seahorses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seadragons &amp; Seahorses exhibit<\/a> at Birch Aquarium is easily one of the most memorable parts of the aquarium for my family. Throughout my son\u2019s childhood, we\u2019ve returned to this space again and again to sit peacefully and marvel at the magical and otherworldly seadragons and the tiny seahorses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At 18 feet wide and nine feet tall, the Birch Aquarium\u2019s seadragon habitat is one of the largest in the world. And the Weedy Seadragons, which at first glance look more like a plant than animal, are captivating to observe. The diminutive seahorses are equally fascinating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The aquarium has dedicated an enormous amount of energy and resources over the years to the care and conservation of both fish, which like the penguins, have a precarious future amid climate change. About 13 different species of seahorses have been bred and raised by the aquarium. They\u2019ve also bred some 4,000 babies that have been dispersed amid 100 other facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like the penguins exhibit, it\u2019s well worth booking a <a href=\"https:\/\/aquarium.ucsd.edu\/events\/seahorse-tour\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">behind-the-scenes tour<\/a> of the seadragons and seahorses to truly immerse yourself in the work being done by the aquarium. For the $95 ticket price, you\u2019ll get general admission to the aquarium, as well as an up-close look at seahorse babies and the breeding program.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tidepool Plaza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One last not-to-miss stop, <a href=\"https:\/\/aquarium.ucsd.edu\/exhibits\/tide-pool-plaza\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tidepool Plaza,<\/a> which is located outside the back of the aquarium, offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline. Not only is the plaza a great place for a photograph of Southern California\u2019s stunning coastline, but it\u2019s also the location of tide pools inhabited by sea anemones, sea stars, and sea urchins. The pools were designed to be kid-friendly and offer young visitors (or visitors of any age for that matter) the opportunity to gently touch and hold some of the animals living here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local tip: <\/strong>Depending on the time of year you visit, you may be able to catch a glimpse of passing whales in the ocean below from Tidepool Plaza. And year-round, the plaza is an excellent place to spy dolphins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to visit the Birch Aquarium with kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CuhrWD5MH85\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CuhrWD5MH85\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/g><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><\/g><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CuhrWD5MH85\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Birch Aquarium at Scripps (@birchaquarium)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>The Birch Aquarium offers an unforgettable educational experience for kids of all ages. Between the regularly scheduled animal feedings, the tide pools where kids can hold and touch sea animals, and the behind-the-scenes tours, there\u2019s plenty of opportunities to engage even the youngest visitors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the behind-the-scenes tours for the penguin and seahorses exhibits, there\u2019s also an octopus tour (available to those 8 and older) that allows visitors to get a closer look at the resident Giant Pacific octopus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And don\u2019t miss Blue Beach! Located in the aquarium\u2019s South Plaza, this newer kid-friendly space features outdoor games so young visitors can blow off some steam.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Visiting Birch Aquarium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The aquarium is one of many attractions located in the La Jolla neighborhood (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/what-to-do-at-la-jollas-torrey-pines-state-natural-reserve\/\">Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve<\/a> is another), which is about 15 minutes north of downtown San Diego. There\u2019s ample free three-hour parking at the Birch Aquarium, making it hassle-free if you\u2019re driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aquarium.ucsd.edu\/plan-your-visit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Admission<\/a> to the aquarium is $24.50 for adults and $19.95 for those 3-17 years old. The cost of admission for senior citizens, students with identification, and military members is $22.95. You can purchase tickets ahead online, but you won&#8217;t have any trouble just walking up and getting them the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ready for San Diego\u2019s aquarium?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Co2oCI9Mf5C\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Co2oCI9Mf5C\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/g><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><\/g><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Co2oCI9Mf5C\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Birch Aquarium at Scripps (@birchaquarium)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>With its unique and diverse marine habitats, it\u2019s easy to see why the Birch Aquarium has attracted everyone from President Barack Obama to actor Jim Carrey over the years. The aquarium not only provides a vivid and memorable look at ocean life, but also the challenges it currently faces amid climate change.&nbsp;<br \/>Looking for other popular attractions in San Diego? Don\u2019t miss <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/a-complete-guide-to-visiting-the-san-diego-zoo\/\">our guide to exploring the San Diego Zoo<\/a>, another one of the city\u2019s most iconic attractions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With 17 miles of coastline, the ocean and marine life is a major part of San Diego\u2019s allure. And few attractions in San Diego showcase the wonders and beauty of the ocean and its inhabitants better than the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.&nbsp; Perched on a picturesque bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":85,"featured_media":34095,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[792],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34094"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/85"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34094"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34094\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35046,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34094\/revisions\/35046"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34095"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34094"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34094"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34094"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}