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Birch Aquarium At ScrippsvsSeaWorld
Both Birch Aquarium at Scripps and SeaWorld are recommended by experts. Overall, SeaWorld scores slightly higher than Birch Aquarium at Scripps. SeaWorld comes in at 89 with praise from 6 reviewers such as Michelin Guide, Where and Lonely Planet.
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
SeaWorld Fodor's Frommer's Lonely Planet Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide National Geographic Where
U.S. News & World Report Travel + Leisure Frommer's
500 SeaWorld Drive, SeaWorld of California, San Diego, CA 92109
From $0/night
Fodor's "SeaWorld is spread over 189 tropically landscaped bay-front acres—and it seems to be expanding into every available square inch of space with new exhibits, shows, and activities." Full review
Frommer's "A big draw for a number of visitors coming to San Diego, the educational pretext of SeaWorld increasingly takes a back seat to slick shows and rides." Full review
Lonely Planet "One of the west’s most popular theme parks, SeaWorld opened here in 1964, and killer whale Shamu has become an unofficial symbol of the city." Full review
Travel + Leisure "This marine-inspired theme park has activities for kids of all ages, including several water rides like Shipwreck Rapids, a tube-style rafting adventure." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"This waterfront attraction mixes entertainment and education in a venue designed to heighten awareness of conservation issues." Full review
National Geographic "Original branch of the marine-theme amusement park. The “Shamu” orca show in a seven-million-gallon pool-stadium is impressive, as is the heavy dose of patriotism and souvenir peddling." Full review
Where "With San Diego’s connection to the Pacific Ocean, SeaWorld—which is celebrating its 50th anniversary—remains the signature theme park of America’s Finest City." Full review
U.S. News & World Report18.0
"Here you'll get to see a range of animals, including dolphins, California sea lions, California otters and sea turtles...as for the rides, travelers love the lightning fast Manta Ray rollercoaster" Full review
Travel + Leisure "SeaWorld's dolphins, orcas, Beluga whales, otters, turtles, penguins, fish, and other sea creatures entertain, educate, and make us appreciate their beauty and value their presence"
San Diego Travel Guide
February 23, 2021
Frommer's "SeaWorld offers up simulated marine environments, including an arctic enclosure featuring beluga whales and polar bears, sharks looming overhead in a wraparound tank, and four penguin species" Full review
