Birch Aquarium, San Diego (must see)

Birch Aquarium at Scripps, also known as Scripps Aquarium or Birch Aquarium, serves as an aquarium and public outreach center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. It holds accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and attracts over 439,000 visitors annually, including more than 40,000 schoolchildren.

The aquarium showcases a diverse collection of over 3,000 animals from 380 different species. Perched on a hilltop, it offers panoramic views of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus and the majestic Pacific Ocean. The mission of Birch Aquarium at Scripps is to foster an understanding of and dedication to protecting our precious ocean planet.

The roots of this institution trace back to 1903 when the Marine Biological Association of San Diego was established to conduct marine research in the local Pacific waters. In 1915, the first dedicated aquarium building was constructed on the Scripps campus. This modest wooden structure housed 19 tanks, varying in size from 96 to 228 U.S. gallons (360 to 860 liters). Additionally, an oceanographic museum was housed in a nearby building.

As the faculty's research expanded, the institution's name was changed to Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1925. Recognizing the need for a new aquarium, the Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation initiated a fundraising campaign in 1985. JCJ Architecture of San Diego was selected as the design architect, and in 1992, the current Birch Aquarium at Scripps, opened its doors.

Spanning an impressive 64,157 square feet (5,960.4 square meters), Birch Aquarium at Scripps is designed around a central lobby that serves as the gateway to its captivating exhibit areas. These exhibits house display tanks containing a total of 175,000 U.S. gallons (660,000 liters) of seawater, creating an immersive and educational experience for visitors.