Birch Aquarium, La Jolla
Birch Aquarium is a lovely place to visit, near the UC San Diego campus in La Jolla. It is on a cliff over a gorgeous beach, with a eucaluptus forest behind it. In front of the aquarium is a giant sculpture of a mother and baby whale. Once you enter, there are two halls to explore, full of interesting tanks. Jellyfish like LED lights that pulse, sea horses, sea dragons, an octopus, tropical striped fish, coral, and kelp.
The highlight is the outdoor terrace which has a touch tank that kids enjoy. The best part is the amazing view over Scripps pier and the cove below. Wow! The view reminded me so much of Australia and I could have stared at it for hours. It's fun to watch the surfers ride the excellent waves below. Another deck, with chairs and tables, has amazing views, with purple flowers over the curve of the beach below. The beach is lined with palm trees, modern beachhouses, and a Norfolk pine.
There is a nice gift shop with sea-themed plush toys, tee shirts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
After, walk 15 minutes down the steep hill to Scripps Pier, having a cup of tea at Pinpoint Cafe, an on-campus coffee shop with awesome views! Take in the student life- what a life it is! There is also a cafe by the pier called Caroline's Seaside Cafe, with lovely views of the sea through the glass.
You can drive nine minutes east over to trendy Mendocino Farms, a counter-service sandwich place with lovely indoor and outdoor seating. It is located in The Shops at La Jolla Village, where you can also find Whole Foods Market and Nekter Juice Bar.
Or drive 15 minutes south to Wedding Bowl in La Jolla for views over one of the most beautiful coves on earth.
Beautiful drive to the aquarium. Reminds me so much of my hometown Sydney.
Research submarine that can take scientist deep down into the ocean, 2000 ft. Star III has now been replaced by remotely-operated submersibles, which are less expensive.
Mother and baby whale sculpture at the entrance.
Jellies!
Jellyfish exhibit.
Kelp tank.
Tropical fish.
Tomini tang fish. How beautiful!
Blue fish with a lovely-shaped fin.
Blue-faced angel fish.
Shells on wavy sand.
Blue fish and coral.
Tiny fish.
Eucalyptus and the ocean.
Scripps Pier looks lovely, from the deck.
You can watch the surfers below.
Scripps Pier and eucalyptus tree.
A child peers over the side of the touch tank.
Mother and two daughters checking out the touch tank, on the deck.
Seahorse.
Seahorse holding onto seaweed with its tail.
Sea dragon. These are so cool!
Skinny fish!
Soft benches by an exhibit.
Tropical striped fish.
On the other deck. What beautiful trees and the ocean beyond.
Sitting out on the benches on the other deck.
Flowers, and the curve of the beach below. Bliss!
A gnarled tree and views of the curved beach below.
Cliffs, Norfolk pine, and good surf, at the beach below.
Purple flowers and blue-green water.
The deck with touch tank, is the best part of the aquarium!
The entrance to the aquarium.
Stuffed animals in the gift shop.
The cafe and whale sculpture out front of the museum.
Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, near the UC San Diego campus.
Open daily 9-5.
Since covid, you can't enter unless you reserve your time slot online.
The price is a little steep. $25 for adults, $20 for children aged 3-17, and $23 for students, seniors, and UCSD staff.
Last Updated: Sun, 06 Nov 2022 15:26:58 GMT
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