Birch Aquarium sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in San Diego. It’s a research center open to the public and is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Birch Aquarium dates from 1905, with the current one opening in 1992. It calls itself “an oceanographic museum” and the discoveries featured include work from ocean scientists. Also, the aquarium displays are simply lovely, with their bright colors and variety of sea life. 
During the holiday season, Birch Aquarium delights the fish (and human visitors) with little snowmen and snowflakes. 
And some marine life is definitely unusual.
The mission of the aquarium is to “promote conservation through education and research, believing that with increased understanding of the ocean, people will respect and protect the marine environment.”
Interactive displays are fun for kids and promote this mission. 
Outside there’s a tidepool area and a play area. Children can pose for photos in a shark’s mouth. 
The water table fascinates kids of all ages. 
Inside again, you’ll find some strange creatures. Some are camouflaged and hard to see. 
The wonders at the Birch Aquarium never grow old. If you’re in the area, be sure to plan a visit here! 
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Cost: $18.50 for adults; $14 for children; under age 2 free
Memberships are available.
Here’s more information on the aquariums, its location, and parking. 
37 Comments
WOW The colours are so vibrant
Lovely shots from the aquarium!
The picture of the sea turtle is great!!
Fine photos from the aquarium. You have included interesting and colorful creatures.
Wonderful holiday treat going to an aquarium – I love them any time of year
It is fun visiting the aquarium. Great captures of the fish and sea creatures. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!
Beautiful images – you’ve done a wonderful job of capturing the beauty of the aquarium.
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/12/at-dusk.html
I love visiting aquariums and I love the coral reef exhibits. It’s the only way I could see down under, because I don’t swim nor dive.
Have been here looong time ago. Love the seahorse! Interesting that they dress it up with holiday emblems, but I guess it attracts visitors:) Are some of your grand kids here? Thank you for sharing this underwater trip with All Seasons! Have a beautiful week!
All I can say is “wow”. The colour of the sea coral and the creatures is absolutely superb and your captures are stunning.
Wonderfully educational! Love the shot of the jelly fish, although each is beautiful. Happy Tuesday!
Great photos from the aquarium. I’ve seen many of the same creatures while snorkeling in the Red Sea – like the scorpion fish and the jellyfish and of course, similar coral.
Visits to aquar.iums are so fun! The colors of undersea life are so striking.
This looks like such a fantastic place! The kids seem to be involved, which is awesome!
This looks like a great place. I am always mesmerized by jellyfish. How can such pretty creatures cause so much pain!!
#WanderfulWednesday
What a great aquarium! Gorgeous photos! Love how happy the kids are! I haven’t been to an aquarium in years and need to remedy that!
My daughter would love it here- a fascinating look at the undersea world. Love the snowflakes with the jellyfish too! Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Your photography skills are totally top notch! I especially love the turtle and all the colourful coral as well. I went to the Monterey Aquarium recently and it was beautiful, but most of my photos were blurry. #wanderfulwednesday
I have never been to this aquarium! Friends have told me they prefer this place over the Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach). I will like to check it out one day! #wanderfulwednesday
Lovely and colourful!
I could watch the fish for hours on end! It’s so calming and peaceful 🙂
I love aquariums! This looks like a good one! Happy Holidays!
I love these kind of educational centers – you could enjoy ocean´s flora and fauna and yet learn more about its inhabitants. And I also believe that raising an awareness is the most important thing in order to protect our planet – hopefully more centers, movies, blogs etc. will appear in these years to support the cause. Really enjoyed your photos and the adorable little snowmen and snowflakes. #TheWeeklyPostcard
We love going to the aquarium, and had no idea about this one! We are definitely making this a priority the next time we drive down to San Diego! Thank you for sharing on #farawayfiles
San Diego is my all time favorite. And this Birch Aquarium is just fantastic. Everyone should trip to this place ones.
The aquarium is awesome, I especially like the camouflage one on the bottom. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Sadly, while growing up in SD, I never made it here! Hopefully one day, when I return, we can visit! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
What stunning photos. I love the bright colours – and the turtle, of course.
So lovely and colourful!
Amazing place to visit and your photos are incredibly vivid and beautiful!
Fantastic photos! I find aquariums so fascinating and this one has some great parts for kids too! #citytripping
Hmmm…. somehow I’ve missed visiting this aquarium, although I’ve been in San Diego so many times. Thanks for letting me know about it. I wonder how does it compare with the one in Long Beach. I love that one too. #TheWeeklyPostcard
I’ve been to San Diego but never to the aquarium. Looks like a very cool place to visit!
You’re right in my backyard! I love this aquarium for the tanks of course but also that beautiful location with the huge view and patio.
I can confirm that this is a great aquarium to take the family! My in-laws live in North San Diego county and we’ve enjoyed our visits to Birch aquarium. Add lunch and time in La Jolla and you have the makings of a perfect day out! Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
I came across your blog via the Castles on the Rhine post from Twitter. Kept scrolling through posts to help with my Germany and Austria trip planning I’m currently knee deep in…. and happened upon this post! I work at Scripps Oceanography, so I was very excited to see your excellent write up! Thought I’d say hello 🙂
Hello, Chris! I’m so glad to “meet” you! The Birch Aquarium is one of my favorite places in San Diego. I love the pier, there too. I can imagine you love working at Scripps Oceanography! Thanks for saying hello!
We are heading to Austria and Germany this summer, so I’m planning for those same areas. If you find any other good resources, let me know! And have a fantastic trip!