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Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Part of Museums, our guide to museums and heritage sites across San Diego County.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way in La Jolla, is open daily at 9 a.m.; closing times vary by season. Walk-up tickets are $39.95 for adults 13 and over and $34.95 for ages 3 to 12. Online prices are $34.95 and $29.95. Children 2 and under are free.Checked October 23, 2026.

9 a.m.opens daily
$39.95adult walk-up
$29.95child, online only
Free2 and under
Address2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours“Open daily at 9 a.m.” Closing times vary by season (see the Daily Schedule on the official page). Last entry one hour before closing. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days.
Walk-up ticketsAdult (13+) $39.95; child (3-12) $34.95. Children 2 and under free.
Online ticketsAdult $34.95; child $29.95 (“online only”).
GroupsGroups of 10 or more: $31.95 adult, $26.95 child.
DiscountsMuseums for All: EBT or California WIC card holders pay $3 general admission for up to four people. Discounts also for seniors, military and the UC San Diego community; CityPASS and Go City are accepted.
ParkingComplimentary three-hour parking, limited. No buses, RVs or trailers in the lot.
Who it suitsAll ages. The page says it is wheelchair accessible, a KultureCity sensory inclusive venue, and service animals are permitted.
ReservationsNot required per the page; online discounts apply.

What You Will See

The official page highlights Little Blue Penguins, seadragons, sharks and rays, and a tide pool plaza. Special events happen on a daily schedule that changes, so we list none; check the aquarium’s Daily Schedule.

Saving Money

Buying online is cheaper than walk-up on the official page. The aquarium also lists Museums for All pricing at $3 for up to four people with an EBT or California WIC card. See its discounts page for the full list.

Another Ocean Stop

For another ocean-life stop, see the Living Coast Discovery Center.

What We Could Not Verify

  • Today’s closing time is not confirmed; closing varies by season. Birch Aquarium can confirm.
  • Dated special events are not confirmed; the aquarium’s schedule is dynamic.
  • No map point was confirmed for this aquarium.

More in Museums

FAQ

What time does Birch Aquarium open?

The official page says it opens daily at 9 a.m. Closing time varies by season, and last entry is one hour before closing.

Is parking free?

The page says complimentary three-hour parking is available, with limited spaces. No buses, RVs or trailers.

Is it good for young children?

The page says children 3 to 12 pay the child price and children 2 and under are free, and the venue is listed as wheelchair accessible and sensory inclusive.

Sources

  1. Birch Aquarium: plan your visit
  2. Birch Aquarium: discounts and offers

Checked October 23, 2026 by It’s San Diego. Cite this page: It’s San Diego (itssandiego.com), checked October 23, 2026. Free to quote with a link to this page; tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.