How much is Birch Aquarium, and how do I get in cheaper?
Adults are $34.95 online or $39.95 at the door; kids 3–12 are $29.95 online or $34.95. Under 3 free. Seniors and military get $3 off, EBT/WIC holders pay $3 for up to four people, and parking is free for 3 hours.
- Adult, online
- $34.95
- Child 3–12, online
- $29.95
- EBT / WIC
- $3
- Parking
- Free, 3 hrs
$39.95 walk-up
$34.95 walk-up
For up to 4 people
Limited spaces
The short version
- Online tickets are $34.95 for adults (13+) and $29.95 for kids 3–12; walk-up prices are $5 higher.
- Military and seniors 62+ get $3 off with promo codes MILITARY and SENIOR; EBT or California WIC cardholders pay $3 for up to four people.
- Open daily from 9 a.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Last entry is 1 hour before closing.
- Birch After Hours keeps the aquarium open 5–7 p.m. every Sunday, included with admission.
- Parking at 2300 Expedition Way is free for 3 hours, but the lot is small.
Birch Aquarium is the public aquarium of UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, on the hill above La Jolla Shores, with more than 60 habitats. A family of four gets in for well under $150 if you buy ahead, and the single biggest saving is simply buying online, which knocks $5 off every ticket versus the walk-up price, according to the aquarium's visit page.
| Ticket | Online | Walk-up |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (13+) | $34.95 | $39.95 |
| Child (3–12) | $29.95 | $34.95 |
| Under 3 | Free | Free |
| Groups of 10+ (adult / child) | $31.95 / $26.95 | — |
Adult (13+)
- Online
- $34.95
- Walk-up
- $39.95
Child (3–12)
- Online
- $29.95
- Walk-up
- $34.95
Under 3
- Online
- Free
- Walk-up
- Free
Groups of 10+ (adult / child)
- Online
- $31.95 / $26.95
- Walk-up
- —
General admission, from Birch Aquarium's visit page. Checked Oct 31, 2026.
The aquarium also says buying online can "save up to $20 on select dates/times," so check a few slots before you pick one. A family of two adults and two kids pays $129.80 online versus $149.80 at the door (our math, standard prices).
Every discount the aquarium lists
Discounts and how to claim them
| Deal | How | |
|---|---|---|
| EBT or California WIC | $3 for up to 4 people (Museums for All) | Show your card with your ticket at entry |
| Military & veterans | $3 off | Code MILITARY; show military ID. Also sold at most base ticket offices |
| Seniors 62+ | $3 off adult tickets | Code SENIOR |
| UC San Diego students | $6 off adult tickets | Code UCSDSTUDENT; student ID at entry |
| CityPASS / Go City | Bundled admission | Worth it only if you'll use the other attractions |
Deal
- EBT or California WIC
- $3 for up to 4 people (Museums for All)
- Military & veterans
- $3 off
- Seniors 62+
- $3 off adult tickets
- UC San Diego students
- $6 off adult tickets
- CityPASS / Go City
- Bundled admission
How
- EBT or California WIC
- Show your card with your ticket at entry
- Military & veterans
- Code MILITARY; show military ID. Also sold at most base ticket offices
- Seniors 62+
- Code SENIOR
- UC San Diego students
- Code UCSDSTUDENT; student ID at entry
- CityPASS / Go City
- Worth it only if you'll use the other attractions
When to go
Doors open at 9 a.m. daily. Closing time changes by season, so check the daily schedule before you go. Last entry is an hour before close. It's closed on Thanksgiving (Nov 26), Christmas and New Year's Day.
Parking and access
Parking is free for 3 hours at the aquarium lot, but spaces are limited and the aquarium asks visitors to carpool. RVs, trailers and buses can't use the lot. The whole aquarium is wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs can be borrowed at Guest Services, and it's a KultureCity-certified sensory-inclusive venue. Questions: (858) 534-3474.
Aquarium
Coordinates from OpenStreetMap.
See these on the full San Diego mapMake a day of it: La Jolla Shores is just downhill, and our guide to snorkeling La Jolla with kids covers the calm side of the beach. For other free or cheap museum entry, see what a San Diego library card gets you and the military discounts guide.
Is this still right?
We last checked this tip against its sources on October 31, 2026, and we re-research every tip on a schedule. Things in San Diego change, sometimes overnight.
Bars, restaurants and hotels change owners, hours, menus and even team loyalties faster than anyone can keep up. Call ahead or check the place's own website or social accounts before you go.
This is general information, not legal, financial, tax, medical or safety advice.
KEEP READING
SOURCES
Everything above traces back to one of these. Follow them — if one has changed and we haven't, that's our mistake, not yours.
- PrimaryPlan Your Visit / Visit
Birch Aquarium at Scripps (UC San Diego) · checked 2026-10-31
Ticket prices online/walk-up, group rates, under-3 free, 9 a.m. opening, holiday closures, last entry, 3-hour free parking, no RVs/buses, address.
- PrimaryPlan Your Visit
Birch Aquarium at Scripps (UC San Diego) · checked 2026-10-31
60+ habitats; accessibility; KultureCity; phone (858) 534-3474; save up to $20 online.
- PrimaryDiscounts and Offers
Birch Aquarium at Scripps (UC San Diego) · checked 2026-10-31
Military, senior, UCSD student codes; Museums for All $3 for up to four; CityPASS; Go City; no combining.
- PrimaryBirch After Hours
Birch Aquarium at Scripps (UC San Diego) · checked 2026-10-31
Sundays 5–7 p.m., included with admission, all ages.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps (UC San Diego) · 2026-01-08
After Hours launch Feb 15, 2026; Oceans at Night 21+ pricing; Living Seas night mode.