Birch Aquarium Brings Back Fall Pier Walks, Tidepooling Adventures

LA JOLLA, CA — Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is bringing back its popular outdoor programs this fall, offering guided walks along Scripps Pier and tidepooling excursions along the La Jolla coast.

The Sunset Scripps Pier Walks begin Sept. 19, followed by Tidepooling Adventures starting Nov. 7. Both programs are led by Birch Aquarium educators and offer participants a chance to learn about local marine life and coastal habitats.

The 90-minute Sunset Scripps Pier Walks are open to participants ages 9 and older. The tours provide access to the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, which is generally closed to the public, and include hands-on activities focused on marine science.

Participants may learn about plankton, dissect squid and hear about shark research while walking the length of the pier around sunset. Tour times vary based on sunset.

Tickets are $35 for aquarium members and $40 for the general public. Participants should dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Tours meet at the entrance of the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier. Transportation is not provided.

Tidepooling Adventures are open to participants ages 6 and older. During the 90-minute outings, aquarium educators will teach participants about tide pool habitats, marine species and the adaptations that allow animals to survive in the intertidal zone.

The outings also cover ways to explore tide pools responsibly and help protect the habitats. Tour meeting locations vary between Scripps Pier and Kellogg Park, and schedules are based on low tide.

Minors must be accompanied by a paid adult. Tickets are $20 for aquarium members and $25 for the general public.

Tickets for both programs are separate from general aquarium admission, and advance registration is required. Birch Aquarium said the outdoor programs typically sell out.

More information and registration are available on the Birch Aquarium website.