Birch Aquarium at Scripps

One more place to enjoy near San Diego in California

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Looking for a cheaper alternative to SeaWorld San Diego? Look no further than the small aquarium in La Jolla. Situated at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, the Birch Aquarium provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It houses more than 60 habitats filled with a variety of sea creatures, including sea turtles, sharks, and seahorses (which they are actively working to protect). At this interactive aquarium, you can get up close and personal with young sharks, rays, and sea cucumbers in their outdoor pools. Don’t miss out on the daily behind-the-scenes tours! The Birch Aquarium also features a captivating two-story giant kelp forest, spanning 70,000 gallons, and an exhibit dedicated to blue penguins—the smallest penguins in the world.

The Birch, although smaller than SeaWorld and without any rides, is still worth a visit, particularly if you’re with children. It offers a few hours of entertainment and is much cheaper than SeaWorld.