Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier is an icon of UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a vital research facility that houses numerous environmental monitoring stations and enables small boat and scientific diving operations. It was built in 1988, replacing the original pier built in 1916 with funds provided by its namesake patron, and is considered one of the world's largest research piers.

La Jolla Shores Park is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of California and an extremely popular one. It has stretches of grass, an enticing playground, a large bathroom and outdoor shower facilities, it is catered to ensuring a fun, smooth family or group outing. Due to its flourishing aquatic life and proximity to Scripps Institute of Oceanography, it is a very popular launch point for scuba divers, kayakers, stand up paddle boarders and snorkelers.

A beautiful beach, which varies dramatically, from 300-foot sea cliffs, to rocky reefs, to secluded coves and wide golden sandy shores. Its beautiful coastal landscape makes portions of the beach inaccessible, the views are beyond spectacular, as waves and whitewater break onto rocky outcroppings, and seals and sea lions gracefully navigate safe landing onto their protected cove.

Sunny Jim Cave is one of seven unique La Jolla Cove caves. Having been open to the public since 1903, the cave boasts a fascinating history and a little bit of folklore. This fun attraction is a store that has a 143 step man-made tunnel built into it that heads down to a large sea cave below. Since the early 1900s, it has been giving visitors access to this cave year-round. It is the only cave in La Jolla you can get to without traveling over water on a kayak.

A secluded section of beach beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines. Stingrays can be found along the coastline when the water gets above 50 degrees.

A is a small, picturesque cove and beach that is surrounded by cliffs. The Cove is protected as part of a marine reserve; underwater it is very rich in marine life, and is popular with snorkelers, swimmers and scuba divers.