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Tickets expected to SELL OUT. Buy online now to guarantee admission. Parking is limited, so public transit/carpooling is recommended.
Tickets expected to SELL OUT. Buy online now to guarantee admission. Parking is limited, so public transit/carpooling is recommended.
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General Admission
Tickets expected to SELL OUT. Buy online now to guarantee admission. Parking is limited, so public transit/carpooling is recommended.
 
At the Gate Pricing Adult Child
Walk-Up Entry $39.95 $34.95
Online Only Pricing Adult Child
Daily Entry $34.95 $29.95
 

Buy Online and Save

Secure your entry and save up to $20 on select dates when you buy tickets online. 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
Add your ticket(s) to the cart to view online-only pricing.
Child (Ages 3-12)
From $34.95
Add your ticket(s) to the cart to view online-only pricing.

 

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: 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
Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required for all guests, including members.
 
Perspectives Lecture Series
Regular Price: $12.00
Member Price: $0.00
March 9, 2026
Join us for the upcoming lecture—Phosphorus: Essential for Life, from Phytoplankton to Food—featuring biogeochemist Dr. Julia Diaz. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
 
Session Phosphorus: Monday, March 9, 2026 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 a Sunset Scripps Pier Walk.
 
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!
 
Participants must be ages 9 and up. All minors (ages 9 – 17) must have their own ticket and be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Children under the age of 9 (including infants and toddlers) are not permitted on the Scripps Pier under any circumstances.
Tidepooling Adventures at Scripps Beach
Regular Price: $25.00
Member Price: $20.00
Meets at Scripps Pier
Join a Birch Aquarium naturalist to explore this local tide pool and learn about its unique animals. Discover the importance of this ever-changing environment and how you can help protect these habitats.
 
All participants must be at least 6 years old on the day of the program. Minors (ages 6–17) require a ticket and must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Children under 6, including infants and toddlers, will not be able to participate in the guided tidepooling experience.
Tidepooling Adventures at False Point
Regular Price: $25.00
Member Price: $20.00
Meets at False Point
Join a Birch Aquarium naturalist to explore this local tide pool and learn about its unique animals. Discover the importance of this ever-changing environment and how you can help protect these habitats.
 
All participants must be at least 6 years old on the day of the program. Minors (ages 6–17) require a ticket and must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Children under 6, including infants and toddlers, will not be able to participate in the guided tidepooling experience.
 
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 Sunset Scripps Pier Walk (Pier Walk fee shown above). General admission is required and priced separately based on ticket type. Select your admission after choosing a Pier Walk date.
 
Participants must be ages 9 and up. All minors (ages 9 – 17) must have their own ticket and be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Children under the age of 9 (including infants and toddlers) are not permitted on the Scripps Pier under any circumstances.
 
Promo Badge
Promo Badge 2
FOR MEMBER DISCOUNTS
Enter your Member No.: