SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND CA vs Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Depending on where you’re staying, location can really matter.

Warm Water Jetty Beach

Attractions Near SEA LIFE Aquarium

SEA LIFE Aquarium in Carlsbad is part of LEGOLAND California, as is LEGOLAND Water Park. Save with the Go City San Diego pass when you visit these and other family-friendly attractions like the Safari Park.

Carlsbad also has Pacific Ocean access. Beaches like Carlsbad City Beach have good swimming conditions, while spots like Terramar Beach and Warm Water Jetty Beach are popular with surfers.

To keep the fun going, consider staying at the LEGOLAND California Resort or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel. If you’d rather stay off the property, check out our article Best Hotels near LEGOLAND California to find other options nearby.

Kayakers, Snorkelers and Swimmers in La Jolla

What’s Around the Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Birch Aquarium is affiliated with the Scripps Institute of Technology, which is part of UC San Diego. Both the aquarium and the university are in the seaside neighborhood of La Jolla.

La Jolla is best known for its beaches, many of which have notable surfing scenes. Rent a surfboard with a Go City San Diego pass to ride the waves at spots like Scripps and Blacks Beach.

You can also go kayaking through the seven sea caves at La Jolla Caves Beach, or scuba dive at La Jolla Underwater Park.

When you’re considering two attractions, of course you’ll want to think about what you can see and do at each.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle at Birch Aquarium

Animals at Each Aquarium

Birch Aquarium’s most unique exhibit is its family of Little Blue Penguins. It’s one of the only spots to see them in Southern California.

Other animals you can see when you visit include:

• Tropical fish and coral reefs
• Leopard sharks
• Giant pacific octopus
• Seahorses
• Sea turtles
• Seadragons

SEA LIFE houses over 350 different species, many of which are fish from around the globe. Species on display include:

• Seahorses
• Clownfish
• Sharks
• Octopus
• Stingrays
• Jellyfish

Fer Looking into the Huge Aquarium at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca

Interactive Experiences

The SEA LIFE Aquarium shares its demographic with nearby LEGOLAND, so many of its exhibits are interactive to appeal to younger kids.

Kids can play and explore at a Reptile Encounter and the touch tanks at the Interactive Rockpool Experience and Tidepool All-Stars. Seaside Storytime has an age-appropriate story and activity for young children.

Birch Aquarium also has some hands-on exhibits, like the Expedition at Sea: R/V Sally Ride Gallery, which shows what life is like on a marine research ship. Another is at the Preuss Tide Pool Plaza, which has a touch tank with sea urchins, anemones, and sea stars.

Kids Play Science Area at Birch Aquarium

Educational Opportunities

Aquariums are a great spot to take young kids, as there’s a lot to learn! Both aquariums have informative signage up near the tanks to share information about the habitats and lifestyles of the marine animals inside.

At SEA LIFE, special programs like the Radical Rays live talk and the various topics covered in their Science Demonstrations bring education to the forefront.

Birch Aquarium’s conservation efforts lend themselves well to family-friendly educational programs like the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit and the South Plaza, which features info on rays and sharks.

We’ve covered a lot, but size of the attraction matters when you’re planning how long to stay.

Birch Aquarium Tide Pools

How Long to Visit Each Attraction

Birch Aquarium is a bit larger than SEA LIFE Aquarium and has a more open layout. SEA LIFE, on the other hand, is more of a straight shot through the aquarium.

You can see most of what both attractions have to offer within about 1.5-2 hours, plus additional time if you plan on taking a tour or watching a feeding.

La Jolla Shores and Scripps from Birch Aquarium

Ease of Getting Around

In Birch Aquarium, you can grab lunch from the on-site cafe, or bring lunch with you. There are a few spots to sit and eat, like the Blue Beach area.

SEA LIFE does not have any restaurants inside the aquarium, but there are many places to eat and take a break in the surrounding LEGOLAND theme park.

Tours are a big part of both attractions.

Live Show at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca

Special Experiences at SEA LIFE

SEA LIFE does not offer guided tours, but it does have many special experiences that run at different times each day. These experiences offer a closer look at certain marine species, or showcase part of the aquarium that usually isn’t accessible to the public.

Some of the experiences currently offered at SEA LIFE include the Ocean Habitat Feed, a live feeding for sharks and rays, and the Dive Discovery show, where kids can watch a diver inside one of the aquarium’s tanks.

Close up of the Birch Aquarium Tide Pool

Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium offers backstage tours at different exhibits, showing how the aquarium’s caretakers maintain the tanks and keep the residents happy and healthy.

Different animals are highlighted throughout the year, so check the website to see which behind-the-scenes tours are currently running.

Below are a few bonuses to consider from a local.

Entrance to Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland Ca

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Both SEA LIFE and Birch Aquarium are indoor attractions open year-round.

If you’re planning a day in LEGOLAND, it’s a good idea to visit the aquarium in the afternoon, when the park tends to be the most crowded. Both attractions are less busy on weekdays.

What Is Allowed Inside?

SEA LIFE has restrictions against strollers inside the aquarium, and visitors are not allowed to bring in meals or snacks.

Birch Aquarium has more relaxed rules for guests, allowing both strollers and outside food, and inviting guests to enjoy a picnic lunch by the Blue Beach exhibit.