Exploring The Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, California
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a fun and educational aquarium in La Jolla, California. It is connected with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). The aquarium is home to a wide array of fish and invertebrates living in 60 different habitats. The Birch Aquarium educates guests about the creatures that call it home and aims to inspire people to take action to protect the planet.
The aquarium is home to sting rays, sharks, fish, invertebrates (e.g. sea stars, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs), seahorses, eels, leafy and weedy sea dragons, an octopus, a sea turtle, and probably more that I am forgetting!
The Birch Aquarium has a very successful seahorse breeding program, where they breed various species of seahorse to send to other zoos and aquariums around the world. This is beneficial to wild seahorse populations because it reduces collections from wild populations.
Not only does the aquarium have great indoor exhibits, but it has an outdoor area with touch pools and a BEAUTIFUL view of the Pacific Ocean. In the touch pools, you can see Garibaldi (the state fish of California), sea stars, sea cucumbers, and so much more. From the overlook, you can see the picturesque beaches of La Jolla, Scripps Pier, and the La Jolla Caves in the distance.
I love to visit the Birch Aquarium because I learn something new every time I go, and I leave feeling inspired to protect the planet. I also love to know that I am supporting the conservation of local ecosystems in San Diego, the ocean, and its inhabitants.
If you’re like me, a trip to the aquarium is not complete without a souvenir. It just makes the trip feel whole. I can’t be the only one who feels this way, right? On this trip, I bought a stuffed leafy sea dragon from the gift shop. He was too cute to pass up!
If you’re feeling hungry, they have the Splash Cafe outside the entrance with tables to sit at. They serve burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches, (and more), as well as snacks and drinks. I bought a soft pretzel, which is my go-to at all zoos and aquariums, and it was delicious!
Whether you are a San Diego local or a tourist from out of town, I highly recommend a visit to the Birch Aquarium. You’ll likely spend a few hours at the aquarium learning about the marine ecosystems in San Diego, research being done by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and ways you can help protect the ocean. Keep reading for some simple steps you can take help out our marine animal friends! If we all take one (or more) of the steps listed below, we can make a BIG difference.
Ways You Can Protect the Ocean
- Pick up trash to prevent it from reaching the ocean.
- Use reusable items whenever possible.
- Recycle. Be sure to read labels to make sure the item is recyclable in your area.
- Eat sustainable seafood. Check out seafood watch.org.
- Support accredited zoos, aquariums, and organizations working to protect the ocean through research and education.