Birch Aquarium
San Diego
November 26, 2016
We went to the Birch Aquarium with our middle daughter and son-in-law. We set out later than we thought we would, because we were all watching the Ohio State v. Michigan game that morning, and it went to double overtime. The Buckeyes pulled it out in the end, and we headed to lunch in our OSU gear, then on to the aquarium.
We first explored the galleries to the left, with thematic exhibits about climate change, Mexican ocean ecology, and current research aboard the research vessel Sally Ride. Also on that side are some of our most favorite creatures: seahorses, pipefish, and seadragons.
We next toured the galleries to the right of the entrance, which exhibit the bulk of the live collection. Several Pacific coast regions are represented: the local San Diego area, the Northwest, Southern California, and Baja Mexico. At the end are a couple of tropical tanks. The tanks in the gallery are small, but there are a variety of animals on display with good explanatory labels.
At the end of our visit, we stepped outside to see the artificial tide pool area and enjoy the beautiful view out over the Pacific. Gentle touching of creatures in the open tanks in permitted, and Meredith reached in a finger to touch a sea anemone.
Adult admission is $18.50; there are discounts for seniors, students, and children. We opted to buy a dual membership ($75 for one year), which includes four guest passes, thereby covering all four of us today and giving us the opportunity to go back.
Parking is free for up to three hours, which is generally enough to see everything at the aquarium. Wheelchair accessibility is good. Sandwiches and snacks are available at the Splash Cafe, operated by the French Gourmet.