Stephen Birch Aquarium, La Jolla, CA

California is highly dedicated to the environment, so it should come as no surprise that the Stephen Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, California offers conservation, education, and a great time for visitors. Birch Aquarium is located at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which is part of UC San Diego. La Jolla is just outside of San Diego. The institute and aquarium is perched atop a bluff that looks out over the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Ocean is the coldest ocean near the US, with rough waters most of the year. It makes a great place for surfing, as well as marine habitats.

The aquarium features over 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates that can be found in the Pacific Northwest and tropical waters of Mexico. A museum is attached to the aquarium to offer research about climate, the earth, and ocean. All information has been found by the Scripps institute. Their mission is clear and concise in offering education, research, and ocean conservation.

The first aquarium to be built in La Jolla was in 1905. Scripps founders wanted to open a place for visitors to learn. Over the years the aquarium has changed, especially because the two World Wars affected the aquarium. In 1951 the Scripps Aquarium- Museum was opened, enlarging the building and adding more to the original concept. In 1986 when Stephen and Mary Birch donated $6 million to the facility it was renamed the Birch Aquarium- Museum. The total cost of the new facility was $10 million.

By the 90's the aquarium included a lobby with main exhibits. There is the hall of fishes, Scripps Explorers Gallery, Preuss Tide Pool Plaza, and Smargon Courtyard. The courtyard has a 13,000 gallon shark reef and underwater stations. The walls of the aquarium are covered with photos, research, and much more.

Adult tickets are $12.00, seniors $9.00, and children 3-17 are $8.50. There are programs for schools and other educational field trips. The aquarium is open most days, except for major holidays. The hours are 9am to 5pm. There are six exhibits that have live feedings. The Kelp Tank Dive Show, Shark Tank Feeding, NW Coast Gallery Feeding, Southern California Feeding, Tide Pool Feeding, and Tropical Feeding all have scheduled times to watch the shows or feed the animals.

One exhibit is all about climate change and information regarding the current issues with the environment. One can learn about the impact of their lives, as well as how to reduce that impact. Another exhibit is all about sea horses, while there is also a Whales exhibit. This exhibit show cases local whales that will migrate past the coast. The Coral Displays show coral from around the world, as well as what can be found in California. The tide pool is all about seeing live animals that one might find along the beach. They can be touched, held, and watched. Many of the animals in this exhibit are lobsters, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, and sea stars which constantly attract children.