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Birch Aquarium At ScrippsvsOld Town San Diego State Historic Park
Both are endorsed by professional reviewers. On balance, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park ranks slightly higher than Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park comes in at 87 with endorsements from 4 sources including Frommer's, Fodor's and Travel + Leisure.
Birch Aquarium At Scripps
Lonely Planet
Fodor's
Michelin Guide
National Geographic
Where
Afar Magazine
Travel + Leisure
Frommer's
2300 Expedition Way, Scripps Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
From $0/night
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"One of the world’s largest marine research institutions. It is now a part of UCSD, and its pier is a landmark." Full review
i
Not to be confused with the Scripps Research Institute , a private, nonprofit biomedical research organization.
Fodor's "Affiliated with the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this excellent aquarium... and has sweeping views of La Jolla." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"With a glorious setting above La Jolla's coastline, the contemporary Mission-style complex encompasses a state-of-the-art aquarium and the largest museum in the nation devoted solely to oceanography." Full review
National Geographic "The aquarium has more than 60 marine life tanks, including a giant kelp forest habitat, ghostly moon jellies, and an array of seahorse species." Full review
Where "Educational and entertaining, the aquarium features an eye-popping assortment of Pacific marine life and lots of creative, hands-on exhibits highlighting the ongoing research and discoveries." Full review
Afar Magazine "Birch Aquarium is located near the coastline. Although it is a small aquarium, they have some spectacular fish tanks and exhibits." Full review
i
Don't bother paying for your tickets online- they charge an extra $1 per ticket and when you get there.
Travel + Leisure "Take a private tour, offered daily, for a look into the fascinating world of seahorses, or explore tide pools with a naturalist for a real-life outdoor learning adventure"
22 Fun Things to Do in San Diego With Kids
February 21, 2023
Frommer's "This beautiful facility is both an aquarium and a museum, operated as the interpretive arm of the world-famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography" Full review
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Fodor's Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide National Geographic Travel + Leisure Frommer's
San Diego Avenue at Twiggs Street, San Diego, CA
From $0/night
Fodor's "The six square blocks on the site of San Diego's original pueblo are the heart of Old Town." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Take a step back in time in San Diego's historic Old Town district, a state park that re-creates life as it was in 1850s rancho California." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"A colorful group of restored and original historic buildings... one of only two California houses certified (by the US Department of Commerce) as being haunted." Full review
National Geographic "The park encompasses buildings of the mid-1800s, focusing on the settlement’s original ties to Mexico. The striking Serra Museum just up the hill is the site of California’s first mission. " Full review
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Free guided tours daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Travel + Leisure "Learn about life in the early days of San Diego in the early 19th century when it began as a Mexican pueblo. Visit the Whaley House Museum...enjoy authentic Mexican food, mariachi entertainment"
San Diego Travel Guide
February 23, 2021
Frommer's "Dedicated to re-creating the early life of the city from 1821 to 1872, this is where San Diego's Mexican heritage shines brightest" Full review
