Trending

Make Ocean Magic Part of Your Holiday Season at Birch Aquarium (Save up to 31%)

Birch Aquarium - San Diego
Birch Aquarium, San Diego

4.5
1,149 Groupon Ratings
Select Option
This item is selling fast, so act now!
Give as a Gift
  • Instant: Great for last-minute gifts. Simply print or send the voucher after purchase.
  • Customizable: Personalize the message and appearance to make your gift truly special.
  • Exchangeable: Hassle-free returns and exchanges for the giftees.

Highlights

Celebrate the holidays in true Southern California style with holiday card worthy ocean views. Just fifteen minutes north of downtown San Diego, Birch Aquarium shines from its perch on the La Jolla cliffs.

About This Deal

As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, the aquarium’s hands-on exhibits highlight the latest ocean discoveries while introducing guests to an array of incredible marine life.

This season, explore the brand-new Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery and immerse yourself in the vibrant ecosystems of the Pacific — from the hidden world of a Giant Pacific Octopus to the dazzling life of a coral reef. Then step into Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base, a calming art and science installation that transforms the world’s only undersea research habitat into a serene, holiday-ready meditation space with soothing reef sounds and immersive projections.

image


Highlights

  • Kids will love the hands-on activities and the open spaces perfect for play. Adults will love the scientific content and opportunity to experience the underwater world without getting wet.

  • The only place on the West Coast to see Little Blue Penguins, the smallest penguins on the planet.

  • Features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography through interactive exhibits.

  • Engage in an interactive scavenger hunt with prizes for the kids, plus themed animal encounters.

  • Capture holiday card-worthy ocean views and fun festive photo opps.

  • Hands‑on learning experiences connect 500,000+ guests and 40,000+ students annually to ocean protection

  • Give the gift of discovery and wonder with an experience that connects understanding to protecting our ocean planet.

What To Expect

Voted Best Attraction in La Jolla for many years running, Birch Aquarium invites you to explore the groundbreaking work of Scripps Institution of Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists through incredible animals, interactive exhibits, and stunning ocean views. Discover the brand‑new Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery, and immerse yourself in Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base—a multi‑sensory art and science installation that reimagines the world’s only undersea research habitat as a serene meditation space inspired by life beneath the waves.

Giant Pacific Octopus

Seahorses

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Plan Your Visit

  • Operating HoursOpen daily from 9 AM - 5 PM. Last entry is one hour prior to closing. Please note the aquarium is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Always check the daily schedule on the merchant's website for exact confirmation.
  • ParkingFree 3-hour parking on-site with dedicated accessible parking spaces available. Large vehicle parking available along La Jolla Shores Drive, west of Birch Aquarium.
  • AccessibilityThe aquarium is wheelchair accessible with an option to borrow wheelchairs on first-come, first-served basis.
  • Location2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Ticket Options

General Admission - Adult (Ages 13+) & Children (Ages 3-12)

Gives you access to explore the aquarium during the operational hours.

Coastal Explorer Membership

Get unlimited aquarium admission for one adult for one year. Enjoy 10% discount at the Blue Wave Bistro and Gift Shop. Receive special member news, insider tips, and access to unique member opportunities.

What's Happening at the Aquarium

Daily at 10 a.m.

Watch our penguins waddle, swim and eat and find out how our Husbandry Team cares for our Little Blue Penguins during this daily feeding event.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays | 2:45 - 3 pm

Join us for a Weedy Seadragon feeding and discover how these masters of disguise become ultimate predators. Learn what makes these extraordinary fish some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures.

Daily from 12:30 to 12:45

Meet one of our Animal Ambassadors up close and discover how these incredible animals help inspire conservation action! In this talk, our animal care specialists will share some insights into the daily care of these ambassadors and ways you can support conservation efforts — both at the aquarium and in the wild!

Visit the daily schedule for a full list of feedings and talks.

How It Works

1. Grab the Deal

Buy your Groupon first!

2. No reservation needed!

Just show up whenever you’re ready.

3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket

Scan your Groupon upon arrival.

4. Enjoy the Experience!

Fine Print

Promotional value expires Feb 28, 2026.
  • Admission tickets are redeemable until expiration date.
  • Children 2 and under are free.
  • Ticket has no value after expiration date passes.
  • Valid only for option purchased.
  • This offer is not valid for admission from December 26th to December 31st.
All sales final. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

About Birch Aquarium

Groupon Customer Reviews

4.5
1,149 Groupon Ratings
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Filter Aspect List

Customer Photos

  • Photo submitted by Eaven
  • Photo submitted by Eaven
  • Photo submitted by Eaven
  • Photo submitted by Guest
  • Photo submitted by Guest
    See All Photos