The Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum at UC San Diego — and yes, that “Living Seas: Now Open” banner is the real deal.
I’ve been an affiliate member of the San Diego Concierge Association since 2005 — that’s two decades of insider tips, industry friendships, and the very best excuse to explore San Diego’s attractions before anyone else gets to. So when an invitation came in for a private preview tour of the Living Seas exhibit at Birch Aquarium at Scripps, I didn’t think twice. I grabbed my camera and met up with concierge friends for an afternoon with the fishies.
Spoiler: it did not disappoint.
A La Jolla Icon, Reimagined
Birch Aquarium is the public face of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, one of the oldest and most important ocean research institutions in the world — dating all the way back to 1902. Today it’s home to more than 5,000 animals representing over 380 species, and it welcomes roughly half a million visitors every year.
The new Living Seas exhibit is their most ambitious addition in decades — a dramatic, immersive journey through some of the ocean’s most fascinating ecosystems, from the frigid Pacific Northwest to the dazzling Tropical Pacific. We were among the first to walk through it, and that felt pretty special.
Meet Matthew: Your Deep-Sea Guide
Matthew, our incredible tour guide, explained everything from anemone biology to octopus enrichment programs — with genuine passion for every single creature.
Our tour was led by Matthew, one of Birch Aquarium’s Public Programs team members, who was funny and genuinely knowledgeable — he really knows his stuff. He walked us through the history of the aquarium, explained the conservation mission behind Living Seas, and made sure no question went unanswered.
“Where wonder, curiosity, and weird come to life.” — and yes, Birch Aquarium leans proudly into all three.
The Pacific Northwest: Cold, Dark, and Completely Captivating
The Pacific Northwest section opened in summer 2024 — and the entrance alone is stunning.
The first major section of Living Seas takes you deep into the cold-water world of the Pacific Northwest. Tanks here are maintained at around 43°F — cold enough to make you glad there’s glass between you and the water.
The Cold Water Garden: A Not-So-Secret Wonder
The Cold Water Garden tank stopped our entire group cold — pun absolutely intended. Filled wall-to-wall with sea anemones in every color imaginable, it looks more like an alien flower garden than anything you’d expect to find underwater. Reds, whites, pinks, oranges — all swaying gently against the rocky backdrop.
Here’s the fun twist: anemones look like plants, but they’re actually animals — closely related to corals and jellyfish. Birch Aquarium has had particular success breeding their painted anemones, which are known for their vivid coloration.
This painted anemone was practically posing for the camera.
Rockfish, Wolf Eels, and the Creatures of the Deep
The interactive displays give you a quick cheat sheet on every species in each tank.
The Star of the Show: The Giant Pacific Octopus
This is the moment. The Giant Pacific Octopus, spread wide across the tank — I could have stood there for an hour.
If you only do one thing at Birch Aquarium’s Living Seas exhibit, make it the Giant Pacific Octopus. Full stop. This incredible animal — one of the largest octopus species in the world, with arms spanning up to 14 feet — was an absolute showstopper. When we arrived, it was in full display mode: arms splayed, suckers pressed against the glass, moving with this slow, deliberate intelligence that gives you the very real sense you’re being watched just as much as you’re watching.
I had just finished listening to Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt — a novel narrated by a giant Pacific octopus, of all things — so I was already pretty invested in this species. I ended up chatting with the exhibit staff about it, and they were absolutely delighted. Highly recommend reading it before you visit. Or after. Or both.
More Fishies: The Best Supporting Cast
The Kelp Forest: San Diego’s Underwater Cathedral
The towering kelp forest tank is one of Birch Aquarium’s signature experiences — and it never gets old.
No visit to Birch Aquarium is complete without time at the iconic kelp forest tank — a soaring, sunlit window into the underwater forests that thrive just offshore in San Diego. Garibaldi, sheephead, and dozens of other species drift through golden fronds of giant kelp while light filters down from above. It’s genuinely breathtaking.
Tropical Pacific: Where Things Get Colorful
As Living Seas winds south, the water warms and the colors explode. Giant clams, sailfin tangs, yellow tangs, swallowtail angelfish — and the lionfish, with those impossibly dramatic fins, is the kind of fish that makes you wonder if evolution was showing off.
One More Thing: The Little Blue Penguins
Before heading outside, we stopped to visit the little blue penguins — the smallest penguin species in the world, and completely irresistible. Each one has a name tag, and I need you to know that one of them is named Meatloaf. She was hatched in Cincinnati, she climbs to the highest point in the exhibit, and she calls out to her adoring fans. Honestly she’s living her best life and I respect it enormously.
Then — That View
Getting the shot on the terrace — with La Jolla Shores and Scripps Pier as our backdrop.
The view from the terrace. This is why you stay a little longer.
After the penguins, we headed out to the rooftop terrace for photos — and the view stopped everyone in their tracks all over again. La Jolla Shores stretching out below, Scripps Pier jutting into the Pacific, the whole coastline sparkling in the afternoon light. It’s the kind of view that reminds you why you live here.
The company wasn’t bad either. One of my very favorite things about being part of the San Diego Concierge Association for all these years is exactly this: spending an afternoon with people who genuinely love this city, getting to see something beautiful together. That’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.
🐙 Plan Your Visit to Birch Aquarium
Address: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours: Open daily 9am–5pm (last entry at 4pm)
Parking: On-site parking available; free for Members
Admission: Adults from $24 · Children from $18 · Members free
Website: aquarium.ucsd.edu
The Living Seas exhibit is included with general admission. Check the website for seasonal programming and special events.
If you haven’t been to Birch Aquarium in a while — or ever — the Living Seas exhibit is a very good reason to go. It’s thoughtful, beautiful, and genuinely educational without ever feeling like homework. And if you’re visiting San Diego and wondering what to do on an afternoon when the marine layer is hanging in? This is my go-to recommendation, without hesitation.
The fishies are waiting. 🐠
