Come Curious, Leave Inspired

Birch Aquarium is perched high on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean and features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates.

Meet the Locals

Discover the amazing creatures that call Southern California Home. Come face to face with local Leopard Sharks, brilliantly-colored Garibaldi, our famous Giant Black Sea Bass and more in our two-story Giant Kelp Forest.

Dive Deeper

Experience the diversity of ocean life. Discover beautiful sea dragons, explore a world of colorful reef fish, and learn the story of a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle. See graceful jellies, toothsome Moray Eels, and a Giant Pacific Octopus in its rocky home. Don’t miss the sea babies in our nursery — there's always something new at Birch Aquarium.

Get in Touch

Enjoy cool breezes and panoramic ocean views while learning what it takes to live life on the ocean’s edge. Get up close and personal with anemones, sea cucumbers, urchins and sea stars at our outdoor living tide pool.

Become an Oceanographer

Learn what it takes to explore the world like a Scripps Oceanographer. From the deepest sea to the edges of our atmosphere and beyond, Scripps Oceanography scientists are working to understand and protect our planet. Their adventures and research are highlighted throughout the aquarium.

Don't Miss Out

The schedule changes daily, so be sure to check our website for more about:

-Daily animal feedings
-Dive shows in the Giant Kelp Forest
-Hands-on Educational Activities
-Outdoor excursions including Whale Watching, Tidepooling, Grunion Runs and Snorkeling with Sharks
-A variety of family-friendly seasonal events