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Welcome
General Admission
 
At the Gate Adult Child
Walk-up $39.95 $34.95
Online Only Adult Child
Plan Ahead $34.95 $29.95
Plan Ahead Special $29.95 $24.95
 

Plan Ahead and Save

Buy Plan Ahead tickets online to secure your entry and save! Admission capacity is limited and walk-up entry is only guaranteed for members. Memberships start at $89—Join today!
 
Adult (Ages 13+)
From $39.95
Select your ticket quantity to view Plan Ahead tickets.
Child (Ages 3-12)
From $34.95
Select your ticket quantity to view Plan Ahead tickets.

 

Additional Offers

     
 
Group Sales Admission

Group Sales Discount

10+ tickets to receive the discount and you are required to adhere to the date/time of your tickets. Plan your visit and learn more.

Please view our field trip options if you are a school/youth group.
Group - Adult (Ages 13+)
From $31.95
Group - Child (Ages 3-12)
From $26.95
Adult Supervision Required
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, there must be at least 1 adult present for every 10 children (no complimentary admission for adults). Adults are responsible for ensuring the group follows all safety guidelines.
 
Annual Memberships
Thank you for your commitment to advancing our mission at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Your membership supports our efforts to inspire a new generation of ocean stewards and promote a deeper appreciation for the importance of conservation.

Redeeming a Gift Membership Certificate?
If you are redeeming a gift membership certificate, please call Guest Services at (858) 534-3474 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm) so we may better assist you.
Coastal Explorer
Price: $89.00
Benefits Include: Unlimited access for a year for 1 adult, 10% off at Blue Wave Bistro and Gift Shop, special member news and insider tips, and access to unique member opportunities.
Coastal Ambassador
Price: $139.00
Benefits Include: Unlimited access for a year for 1 adult plus a guest, 10% off at Blue Wave Bistro and Gift Shop, special member news and insider tips, and access to unique member opportunities.
Ocean Protector
Price: $249.00
Benefits Include: Unlimited access for a year for 2 named adults* plus up to 4 children, 10% off at Blue Wave Bistro and Gift Shop, special member news and insider tips, and access to unique member opportunities.
 
*Host Option: Instead of naming a second adult on your membership, you may select Guest (Unnamed), which allows you to host a guest during your visit. Your guest cannot use your membership unaccompanied.
Ocean Champion
Price: $499.00
Benefits Include: Unlimited access for a year for 2 named adults* plus up to 4 children, 20% off at Blue Wave Bistro and Gift Shop, special member news and insider tips, access to unique member opportunities, and priority camp registration. Also included are 2 event tickets to any Oceans at Night or Halloween Aglow.

Perk Alert: This membership includes a transferable VIP card, which grants aquarium admission for up to 3 guests without the member being present. ​​​​​​
 
*Host Option: Instead of naming a second adult on your membership, you may select Guest (Unnamed), which allows you to host a guest during your visit. Your guest cannot use your membership unaccompanied.


Friends of Birch Aquarium



When you give $1,000.00 or more, your benefits will include:
Free admission for up to six people on each visit, plus priority registration for camps, 20% off at the Blue Wave Bistro & Gift Shop, exclusive members-only events, and much more!

Click Here to Give Now
 
Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Tour Policies

  • Participants must wear closed-toed shoes during the tour.
  • Participants must be at least ages 8+. Minors must be with an adult.
  • No refunds are available for tours.
Behind-the-Scenes: Octopus
Regular Price: $125.00
Member Price: $110.00
Aquarium Admission Included
During this guided tour, you’ll get up close to our Giant Pacific Octopus, learn about their amazing and unique adaptations and discover how our Husbandry Team cares for this intelligent species! Refunds are not available for tours. Note: Octopus tours go on sale 72 hours in advance.
Behind-the-Scenes: Penguins
Regular Price: $115.00
Member Price: $100.00
Aquarium Admission Included
Learn what makes Little Blue Penguins so unique and how you can help protect this special seabird. Go behind the scenes at our Penguin Care and Conservation Center to meet a Penguin Care Team member and see the penguins up close. Refunds are not available for tours.
Behind-the-Scenes: Seahorses
Regular Price: $95.00
Member Price: $80.00
Aquarium Admission Included
Explore the secret lives of seahorses in this one-hour, educator-led experience. Tour the Seadragons & Seahorses exhibit, go behind the scenes to see how we care for these fascinating creatures, and discover how Birch Aquarium supports global conservation efforts. Refunds are not available for tours.
 
Lectures

Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lectures

Join us for engaging presentations on research conducted worldwide by scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required for all guests, including members.
 
Perspectives Lecture Series
Regular Price: $12.00
Member Price: $0.00
Time: 7 - 8 pm (doors open 6:30 pm)
 
September 8, 2025
Join us for our upcoming April Perspectives Lecture — Marine Prosperity Areas Represent a New Hope in Conservation with Octavio Aburto, Marine Ecologist and Scripps Oceanography Professor.
Session Marine Prosperity Areas: Monday, September 8, 2025 7:00PM - 8:00PM AVAILABLE
 
Outdoor Adventures
From Tidepooling Adventures to Sunset Scripps Pier Walks, explore the natural world on an unforgettable experience led by Birch Aquarium naturalists. Advanced registration required; capacity is limited.
 
Bundle Adventure & Admission
Save more by bundling general admission and an outdoor adventure.
 
Scripps Pier Walks
Regular Price: $40.00
Member Price: $30.00
Discover research conducted at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, dissect a squid, examine plankton under a microscope, learn about local shark research and more on an exclusive walking tour of Scripps Pier!
 
Age minimum is ages 9+. Children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Outdoor Adventure Bundles
This offer includes a seasonal outdoor adventure of your choice plus the cost of aquarium admission. Dates and times are subject to availability and capacity. Age restrictions and prices vary. 
Bundle: Scripps Pier Walk
Regular Price: $35.00
Member Price: $30.00
Register for a walking tour of the Scripps Pier (plus the cost of admission). Must be a minimum of ages 9+.  Children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
 
The price listed above is the discounted Pier Walk registration price per person. General admission pricing varies by ticket type and is in addition to the Pier Walk registration. Choose your admission after selecting your Pier Walk date.
 
Professional Development
Teacher Appreciation Night
 
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 23
Time: 5-7 p.m.
A night just for educators! Be our guest as you are introduced to the world beneath the waves and the resources available to you through Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Early check-in starts at 4 p.m.
 
Attendance Policy
This event is exclusive for educators (sorry, no children, partners, or guests) to allow us to keep this event complimentary and host as many educators as possible. School identification is required for entry.
Session Teacher Appreciation Night: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 4:00PM - 7:00PM AVAILABLE
 
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FOR MEMBER DISCOUNTS
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