One of the fantastic tourist destinations in San Diego is the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. The coastal aquarium is located along the shores of the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, a vibrant neighborhood in the north of downtown in San Diego. You can actually go for a day-long visit to the La Jolla Shores beach and combine it with the aquarium visit. The tourist spot attracts over 400,000 visitors from across the globe every year.

The aquarium was open to public in 1992 and is maintained by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography that is renowned for conducting research-oriented and public awareness activities on marine life. The aquarium also provides an opportunity of meet a wide variety of aquatic creatures of the Pacific region such as different species of sea sharks, whales, water turtles, sea horses and dragons as well as live coral reefs, which are kept inside different compartments. You can also visit a nursery, which is a part of the aquarium which is also a breeding ground for small fish for conservation purposes.

A number of educational programs are also organized by the institution on grave issues such as impact of global warming on sea creatures, how exotic sea animals can be protected and so on.

The Birch Aquarium has a parking space that is free for 3 hours and special parking for the handicaps. The place is also wheelchair accessible. Reaching the place is easy as it takes nearly an hour to reach La Jolla Beach from downtown by car or by public transit. Overall it is a fun and exiting experience out there at the Birch Aquarium.

As the public exploration center for the globally recognized SIO (Scripps Institution of Oceanography), Stephen Birch Aquarium is dedicated to providing ocean science education, interpreting Scripps research and promoting ocean conservation. Seated in the University of California, San Diego, Stephen Birch Aquarium offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as well as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus.

Voted a Top 3 Local Museum by San Diegans, Stephen Birch Aquarium lives up to its name by showcasing a wide variety of fishes and invertebrates. Through their diversified exhibits and educational programs, people of all ages can gain a better understanding of the ocean, atmosphere as well as the Earth. Plus, recent discoveries on ocean and climate science are displayed in an interactive museum. To know more about Stephen Birch Aquarium and its studies, please visit:

Stephen Birch Aquarium Homepage

http://www.aquarium.ucsd.edu/

About Stephen Birch Aquarium

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birch_Aquarium

Working at Stephen Birch Aquarium makes it possible to experience oceans of fun all year long. Besides, competitive salaries and benefit packages are available to the aquarium's fulltime employees. As an equal opportunity employer, Stephen Birch Aquarium values a diverse workforce and appreciates the participation of people from all backgrounds. All job openings of Stephen Birch Aquarium are posted on the Job Bulletin of the University of California, San Diego since the aquarium is a division of the university. Unfortunately, there are no job openings currently. To get the most up-to-date employment info, please keep an eye on the UCSD Job Bulletin:

UCSD Job Bulletin

http://jobs.ucsd.edu/bulletin/jobsearch.aspx?search=birch+aquarium&x=0&y=0

To apply for an open position of Stephen Birch Aquarium listed on the UCSD Job Bulletin, you should follow the steps below:

Step 1: Create a new account of the site and complete your background info.

Step 2: Select a position under the "Job Bulletin" menu.

Step 3: Click "Apply Here" and follow the steps to continue your application.

Step 4: Upload and attach your customized resume and an optional cover letter.

Step 5: Click "Applications in Progress" and follow the steps to complete your application.

Internship Opportunities

In the summer of 2011, Stephen Birch Aquarium has launched two internship programs: Summer Learning Adventures Informal Educator Internship and Youth Summer Internship.

Summer Learning Adventures Informal Educator Internship program is adequate for motivated high school and college students. The primary responsibility of an Informal Educator is to help kids (ages 4-15) to understand marine science in a diverting way. Applicants are required to have basic knowledge of marine science and excellent communication skills. And Stephen Birch Aquarium values candidates who are reliable, initiative and passionate about working with children. Interns are supposed to gain valuable experience through working with professional Birch Aquarium instructors. The application deadline is April 8th, 2011. If you have missed out, you must bow to time next year!

For additional info on Summer Learning Adventures Informal Educator Internship program, please visit:

Summer Learning Adventures Informal Educator Internship

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Members_and_Friends/Internships/Summer_Camp_Aide_College_Internship/

The annual Youth Summer Internship has been canceled this year. Yet you can check info for Summer Internship 2012. Youth Summer Internship caters to enthusiastic high school students. The primary responsibility of a Youth Summer Intern is to enhance visitors' touring experiences by conducting exhibits related activities, demonstrating animal coping strategies and interacting with visitors all time. Applicants with strong communication skills, profound knowledge on marine science and initiative in working will be preferred.

For additional info on Youth Summer Internship, please visit:

Youth Summer Internship

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Members_and_Friends/Internships/

Both internship programs are unpaid. If you're interested, you can download an application form from the Internship page of the aquarium's official site. Send you application materials to ccain@ucsd.edu or:

Public Programs Coordinator

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD

9500 Gilman Drive, Dept. 0207

La Jolla, CA 92093-0207

Volunteer Opportunities

The tempting privilege of Stephen Birch Aquarium volunteers is to witness cutting-edge discoveries made by Scripps explorers in the first place. Other benefits available to volunteers include free access to the aquarium, 4 guest passes, discounted tickets for friends, 10% discount in the bookshop and invitation to the annual "Volunteer Appreciation Party".

Stephen Birch Aquarium doesn't accept short-term volunteers. All volunteers are supposed to serve at least six months. A minimum of 3 to 4 four-hour shifts is required. Some volunteer positions available to newbies are Exhibits Interpreter (year-round), Information Center Volunteer (year-round), Aquarium Explorations Team Instructor (October through June), Discovery Lab Assistant (October through June) and Education Assistant (year-round). Advanced positions are Aquarist Assistant (year-round), Docent Ambassador (year-round), Whale Watching Volunteer (December through March) and Kelp Tank Diver (year-round).Advanced volunteers are those who have worked in another previously.

To view the specific duties and requirements of each position, please visit:

Job Descriptions

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Members_and_Friends/Volunteer/Volunteer_Job_Descriptions/

All volunteer positions are unpaid. To apply an open position online, click here to fill out the Volunteer Application Form:

Volunteer Application Form

http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=538131621

Your application will be examined and verified by the Volunteer Department of Stephen Birch Aquarium. If you are qualified, a volunteer orientation and interview will be scheduled. Training might be required for some positions. How soon can you get started? Well, it depends on the job openings as well as your skills and availability. Questions? Please contact the Volunteer Department at (858) 822-4934 or email to aqmvols2@ucsd.edu.

Further info regarding to Stephen Birch Aquarium's volunteer info can be found at:

Volunteer Opportunities

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Members_and_Friends/Volunteer/

The Stephen Birch Aquarium is truly a wonderful place where imagination runs wild and the wonders of ocean come alive. It features a huge number of interactive exhibits, educational programs and creative activities, etc. As the interpretive center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps serves as an unmatchable resource for various researches. Besides, one of the missions of the Aquarium is to promote ocean conservation.

This fabulous aquarium is located at the University of California, San Diego. Thanks to the hilltop location, visitors at the Stephen Birch Aquarium will be able to catch a fantastic view of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus as well as the Pacific Ocean. Today, the Birch Aquarium is home to over 5,000 animals of 380 different species, which attract more than 410,000 visitors to the aquarium every year. Among all the visitors, there are quite a number of students.

Actually, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps would be also referred to as the Scripps Aquarium or the Birch Aquarium. It occupies nearly 64,157 square feet of land and showcases an abundance of marine life in approximately 175,000 gallons of seawater. Major interesting exhibits of this terrific aquarium include Hall of Fishes, Coral Reef, Wonders of Water and Tide Pool Plaza and so on. The Stephen Birch Aquarium is far more than an interpretive center. It is also a place for lifelong learning.

Official Website of the Birch Aquarium at Scripps

http://www.aquarium.ucsd.edu/

History of the Scripps Aquarium

http://www.aquarium.ucsd.edu/About_Us/History/

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps displays a wide range of research discoveries by scientists of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It provides over 60 habitats for various fishes and other marine life from all over the world. Since its interception in 1905, the aquarium has strived extremely hard to support researches of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Plus, it spares no effort to help people get a better understanding of the ocean, in order to promote conservation of marine creatures and their living environment.

No matter what you age, you are bound to find something interesting at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. There are so many cute animals that you are likely to come across various seahorses, coral reefs or sharks when you are enjoying a tour around the aquarium. Undoubtedly, a visit to the Scripps Aquarium is doomed to be an eye-opening experience. When you plan your next vacation, give the Birch Aquarium a try! A trip to the Birch Aquarium would not break your bank. If you are in need of cutting down your travel expenses, take advantage of the coupons and discounts we recommend in the following.

1) Father's Day Discount: On the official website of the Birch Aquarium, you can find a special deal which would be available for your visit to the aquarium on Father's Day - Sunday, June 19, 2011. According to the information published on the website, any fathers coming to the Birch Aquarium on Father's Day would be able to enjoy complimentary admission when accompanied by a paying guest or child.

This discount offers not only discounted admission tickets for fathers, but also a precious opportunity for dads to enjoy unparalleled family fun with kids. So, if you are planning a family day out on Father's Day, consider experiencing the Birch Aquarium at Scripps with your little ones.

2) Discount for the Aquarium of the Pacific: Visitors, who have purchased their tickets for the Birch Aquarium at Scripps or the Aquarium of the Pacific between March 1 and June 17, can receive this special offer simply by presenting their ticket stubs. Show the stub of your ticket to the Birch Aquarium when you visit the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Bench, and you can save 6 dollars on your adult admission as well as 3 dollars on children or senior ticket.

If you still have the stub for your ticket to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, then you can get 3 dollars off your adult admission and another one dollar off children or senior admission when you pay a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Bench. Just remember that, your ticket for the Birch Aquarium should be purchased between March 1 and June 17, 2011.

If you are a member of the Birch Aquarium at Scripps or the Aquarium of the Pacific, then you can show your member card instead of your ticket stub to receive this special offer. However, each ticket stub or member card can only receive one discounted adult admission and one child or senior admission.

The Aquarium of the Pacific can be found at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, California. Every day, it would open at 9 am but do not close until 6 pm. For more information related to this aquarium in Long Bench, you can visit its official website which is given below. If you opt to call the aquarium, the Aquarium of the Pacific can be reached at (562)590-3100.

Official Website of the Aquarium of the Pacific

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/

3) 2 Dollars off Adult Admission: Can you imagine that you can get discounted admission ticket to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps as long as you install the Foursquare app on your phone? This is true! You just need to download the application at the Apple Store or Android Market and install it on your smart phone, and then you can get 2 dollars off your adult admission by showing the check-in screen on your phone at the ticket booth. You check-in screen would be valid for up to four adult admission tickets.

If you are just about to use the Foursquare app, download it right now. Once you have installed the application, you can receive this amazing special offer when purchasing your ticket to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps at its ticket booth. Note that, this special offer would be expired after September 5, 2011. So, act fast to make sure you can enjoy this discount!

4) Go San Diego Card: For visitors to San Diego, a "Go San Diego Card" would be always the best and most effective option for achieving huge savings on admission to various area attractions. The Go San Diego Card would provide discounts for a plenty of local attractions in San Diego, including the Birch Aquarium at Scripps and many other museums, theaters and gardens and so on.

5) AAA or AARP Member Discount: AAA members can always get discounted admission tickets for various attractions located throughout the world. So, when you visit the Scripps Aquarium in San Diego, do not forget to take your AAA member card with you. Normally, AAA members can save one dollars on adult admission for up to four people, while AARP members would be able to save 25% on admission tickets for six visitors.

No matter you are AAA or AARP member, you only need to show your valid membership card at the ticket booth to enjoy this special offer. And this works all the time.

6) UCSD Alumni Associates and Benefactors Discount: If you are one of the UCSD Alumni Associates and Benefactors, you will be able to enjoy free admission to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps for once. When you purchase your ticket at the ticket booth, remember to show your Alumni Access Card to receive this discount. A member card can only get one discounted admission ticket.

These discounts and special offers we mentioned above are what we can find on the official website of the aquarium currently. If you check out the following page some time later, there might be a number of new special deals for you. Whenever you are going to take a trip to the Scripps Aquarium in San Diego, just remember to check its official website for special offers. If you are lucky enough, you might be able to cut down your travel expenses greatly.

More Special Discounts or Coupons for the Birch Aquarium at Scripps

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Plan_a_Visit/Special_Deals/

7) One Dollar off Coupon: The website of San Diegan always furnishes its visitors with a wide variety of coupons and discounts for attractions, restaurants, hotels and stores located across the city. For anyone taking an adventure to San Diego, this would be a perfect website to get discounts and coupons.

As for discounts and special deals for the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, there is only one printable coupon available at present. With this coupon, you can get 1 dollar off admission for up to six people. Does that sound interesting to you? If so, click the link given below to print out this coupon. You can enjoy this discount when purchasing your tickets online or at the ticket booth.

Print the One Dollar off Coupon

http://sandiegan.com/coupon/Coupon-BirchAquarium.html

If possible, try to visit the SanDeigan.com regularly to get the latest discounts or coupons for the Birch Aquarium at Scripps or other attractions in San Diego. Chances are pretty good for you to grab a number of coupons or special offers which would help you save a lot on your trip to this fantastic aquarium.

More Coupons on the Website of San Diegan

http://www.sandiegan.com/san-diego-coupons/

San Diego has long been famous for Scripps Institution of Oceanography, one of the oldest and the largest centers in the world dedicated to the ocean and earth science and education. The institution's Stephen Birch Aquarium, also known as Birch Aquarium at Scripps, has served as the public exploration center for more than a century and put thousands of millions of visitors on an amazing and fantastic tour, discovering the wonders under the ocean and making the scenes underwater come alive with over 5,000 marine animals of 380 species.

The entire aquarium covers almost 64,157 square feet on the coastal bluff in La Jolla, San Diego, winning the stunning and majestic views of the whole Scripps campus as well as the Pacific Ocean. The major mission of this world-renowned aquarium is to provide visitors with comprehensive ocean science education, explain the Scripps research and inspire ocean conservation. Education travels throughout those creative exhibitions, innovative programs, and interactive activities brings science into daily life. More info about this premier aquarium in the nation is available on the following website:

Stephen Birch Aquarium

http://www.aquarium.ucsd.edu/

To help you make the most out of your Stephen Birch Aquarium tour, we present this article to pack you with hours info about this spectacular land and take any possible hassle out of your experience. Now take advantage of our article as your trip planner tool and secure an unbeatable aquarium experience.

Stephen Birch Aquarium is open every day throughout the year, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Each day, it starts to welcome patrons from 9 am until 5 pm, and ticket sales at the front gate window stop at 4:30 pm.

During the regular hours of the aquarium, visitors can take part in any permanent exhibition and view the magic variety of colorful Pacific marine life. Currently, this marine museum offers 7 ongoing exhibitions, plus one upcoming in July 9:

- Boundless Energy (upcoming)

- There's Something about Seahorses

- Feeling the Heat: The Climate Challenge

- Coral Displays

- Living Tide Pools

- Whales: Voices in the Sea

- Shark Reef & Hall of Fishes

- Wonders of Water

Please take particular note that currently the last two exhibitions are temporarily closed due to the construction of the new Boundless Energy, back on July 9.

For further details about these exhibitions, please visit:

Exhibits at Stephen Birch Aquarium

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Exhibits/

Stephen Birch Aquarium is not just a fairy land for children. Adults or parents can also get involved in the immersive ocean of learning, appreciation and entertainment via various programs, such as group tours, Green Flash Concerts, lectures, and outdoor adventures. You can browse the following website for a better understanding. And for your convenience, we have listed a brief overview on Green Flash Concert series.

Adult Programs

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Education/Public_Programs/Adult_Programs/

Green Flash Concert Series: Get yourself rocked in the sunset! Experience the charm of the live music with the beautiful Pacific Ocean as the backdrop at the aquarium's outdoor Tide Pool Plaza! All 2011 Summer Concerts will occur from 6 pm to 9 pm, and the specific dates and performers are listed below:

- May 18: Earl Thomas and the Blues Ambassadors

- June 15: Donavon Frankenreiter

- July 20: Fitz & the Tantrums

- August 17: Steve Poltz

- September 21: Brett Dennen

Would you want to add a little spice on your Stephen Birch Aquarium day? Then you can never skip the Splash! Cafe standing at the entrance of the aquarium. This cafe offers an assortment of items to delight the gourmet, including hot and cold beverage, snacks, sandwiches, hot dogs and coffee, and more, to delight the gourmet, as well as ample outdoor seating and umbrellas. This quick-serve cafe is open from 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, and stays open until 5 pm on weekends and holidays.

How to end your day at Stephen Birch Aquarium perfectly? Visit Aquarium Book & Gift Shop and choose a souvenir for your family or friends! This shop features unique and elaborate ocean-themed gifts, such as children's books, DVDs, handcrafted jewelry, toys, games, and clothing for people of all ages. The shop is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm every day. Moreover, if you are a member of the aquarium, you can receive member discounts for each purchase. For more info, please visit:

Aquarium Book & Gift Shop

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Plan_a_Visit/Bookshop/

The Stephen Birch Aquarium is an unparalleled aquarium located in the University of California in San Diego. It is also widely known as the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the Birch Aquarium and the Scripps Aquarium. Since its opening in 1905, this incredible aquarium has done a great job in promoting conservation of marine environment. Over the years, it has performed as the interpretive center of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Today, this expansive aquarium is home to over 5,000 animals representing more than 380 different species from cold waters and tropical waters. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps boasts up to 60 habitats for different marine life and showcases all the animals in more than 175,000 gallons of seawater. To help visitors catch a fantastic view of the underwater world, the Stephen Birch Aquarium has been designed around a central lobby. Entrances to different exhibit areas can be found around the lobby easily.

The mission of the Birch Aquarium at Scripps is to give support to ocean science education as well as various researches conducted by scientists of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, while promoting conservation of ocean life and marine environment. And it continues to strive hard to offer visitors the best experience, in an attempt to help them get a deeper understanding of the wonder of ocean and increase the awareness of conservation of underwater creatures.

Official Website of the Birch Aquarium at Scripps

http://www.aquarium.ucsd.edu/

Learn More about the Stephen Birch Aquarium

http://www.aquarium.ucsd.edu/About_Us/

Being such a wonderful venue for people to appreciate marine life and learn more about ocean, the Birch Aquarium also acts as one of the most sought-after sites in the city for various special events. With a dazzling variety of marine life and elegant ambiance, this aquarium is truly a perfect place for any event, especially a romantic wedding. Its breathtaking views of the underwater world would be the best setting for a splendid and impressive wedding. It is definitely a great idea for you to host your once in a lifetime dream wedding at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

Interested in celebrating your grand wedding at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps? Call the aquarium and book this unmatchable spot for you special wedding right now! The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is available for rental all the time. Not only does it offer the best and most memorable setting for your wedding, but also the Birch Aquarium at Scripps provides a great opportunity for your guests to catch a wonderful view of an abundance of marine life. In addition to various lovely animals, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps also boasts a number of tide pools full of cute critters. Besides, the guests to your wedding can also enjoy the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. The breathtaking sunset would make your wedding more unforgettable for sure.

Wedding at the Birch Aquarium would be allowed to be hosted at the Tide-Pool Plaza which highlights a great location. In general, this location would be capable of accommodating nearly 1,200 guests. And it would be available for your wedding reception, rehearsal dinners and gorgeous wedding ceremonies.

The Tide-Pool plaza overlooks the Pacific Ocean which is expected to give an elegant touch to your wedding. Also, the Scripps Oceanography campus as well as the La Jolla Shores would be amazing backdrop of you spectacular wedding. As for your wedding reception, the main entry Galleria is undoubtedly a good choice.

More amazingly, it is claimed that once you are going to host your special events, including grand wedding and other events, at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps in April or May, you will be able to receive a huge discount! You can even cut 700 dollars off your rental. If you are ready for the most romantic and impressive wedding at the fabulous Birch Aquarium, you really need to act as fast as possible to book this perfect site to receive this discount. Simply call the aquarium and pay your deposit for your wedding at the Scripps Aquarium.

Just note that, you can enjoy this discount on condition that you will host your wedding at the aquarium in May. Besides, you will need to pay the deposit at the time of booking. The deposit would cost you 1,000 dollars and it is neither refundable nor transferable.

Host Your Wedding at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Plan_a_Visit/Facility_Rental/

Holding your wedding ceremony at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps would be truly the most romantic experience ever. And you should never miss out your chance to celebrate your wedding at this fabulous venue. However, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps is far more than an incredibly natural spot for an unrivaled wedding. It is also perfect for other special events, like lectures, holiday parties or social occasions, etc.

Well, if you are planning any kind of events, consider choosing the Birch Aquarium at Scripps as the perfect site. We bet it would be an amazingly experience for you as well as your guests. No matter you are going to host a meeting or a dinner at the Birch Aquarium, the splendid views of the sunset and sensational Pacific Ocean would make your event successful and memorable.

Actually, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps would be available for all kinds of corporate events, employee or client recognitions, social occasions, parties, meetings, lectures and even breakfasts. If you are happen to in need of a gorgeous site for your events, give the Birch Aquarium at Scripps a try.

To get more details about renting the Birch Aquarium at Scripps for your special events, you can visit the official website of the aquarium. Or you can call (858)534-7769 for further information. You can also choose to send an email to the Special Events Department of the Birch Aquarium. The department can be reached at aquariumevents@ucsd.edu. Before you decide whether the aquarium is the best choice for your wedding or other special events, you are suggested to take a tour around the Birch Aquarium at Scripps and explore all the things it has to offer you.

Sometimes called the Jewel of Southern California, La Jolla is the perfect blend of soft sand beaches, cultural activities, family-friendly attractions, art galleries and more. It is one of the country's most affluent communities, just 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. From the waves crashing along the shore to boutique-lined streets, you can expect everything in this picturesque seaside town.

If you are planning a family vacation to La Jolla, start your travel by visiting Birch Aquarium, which has inspired visitors with splendors of the ocean for more than a century. Founded by Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation, Birch Aquarium is the public exploration center for the world-famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California.

Featuring over 5000 animals representing 380 species, this 64,157-square-foot aquarium will take you into the world of sharks, seahorses, living reefs and a variety of Pacific marine life in more than 60 habitats. With hands-on displays and multimedia, visitors can also interact with exhibits that feature the cutting-edge discoveries of Scripps Oceanography explorers.

Like most aquariums, Birch Aquarium requires an admission. The general admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors (aged 60 and up) and $8.5 for children (aged 3 to 17). Children under 2 years old are admitted free. With valid ID, college students are charged $9, UCSD staff & students are charged $8.5 and military personnel are charged $10.

For college students who are looking to buy a single admission ticket to visit the aquarium for a class assignment, the single ticket admission is $6 from September to February and $7 from March to August.

Please note admission prices are subject to change without notice. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth when you arrive. Ticket booth is closed at 4:30 pm and the aquarium is closed at 5pm. Avoid standing in a queue, you also can buy your ticket online or call 1-888-878-6629 for assistance.

Buy Your Ticket Online

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Plan_a_Visit/Hours/

However, with proper planning, there is no need to pay full price. For frequent aquarium-goers, Scripps Oceanographic Society Membership is just your discount ticket to enjoy a huge savings and help support Birch Aquarium all year long. As a Scripps Oceanographic Society member, your primary membership benefits include:

- Unlimited Birch Aquarium admission

- Four guest passes each year

- 10% discount at the Splash Cafe and on purchases at the aquarium bookstore

- Discounts on aquarium classes and programs for children and adults

- Special members-only events as well as deals at local restaurants and other businesses

- OnBoard, the quarterly aquarium activities newsletter and calendar

- Explorations, Scripps' electronic magazine of ocean and earth science

- Invitations to exhibit previews and members-only events

Actually, Scripps Oceanographic Society Membership is available in a variety of levels, containing:

- Family Membership ($75) - This membership applies to two adults plus children or grandchildren aged 3 to 17.

- Dual Membership ($68) - This membership is valid for two adults.

- Individual Membership ($55) - This membership is valid for individual.

- Supporting Member ($100) - In addition to the aforementioned membership benefits, Supporting Members can also receive a SOS tote bag.

- Voyager Team ($150) - As a member of Voyager Team, you are entitled to all benefits of Supporting membership, plus a Scripps campus and pier tour (by appointment).

- Discovery Team ($300) - Discover Team members can enjoy all benefits of Voyager Team membership, plus a SOS T-shirt.

- Expedition Team ($600) - If you join the Expedition Team, you are eligible for all benefits of Discovery Team membership, plus a behind-the-scenes aquarium tour (by appointment).

Want to become a member? It is easy to join the Scripps Oceanographic Society members. The most convenient way may be to join online. Just click the following website and purchase your membership.

Join Scripps Oceanographic Society Members

http://pierog.ucsd.edu/secure/sos/

You can also stop by the Membership Office at the aquarium to buy your membership. Or just call the Membership Office at (858) 534-5771. The office is open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. Purchases by phone will be accepted with a major credit card.

Purchases by mail are also practicable. Just print the membership application and mail with payment to the following address:

Scripps Oceanographic Society

Birch Aquarium at Scripps, UCSD

9500 Gilman Drive

La Jolla, CA 92093-0207

Allow 2 to 3 weeks to receive your membership packet. If you have not received it after this time period, contact the Membership Office at (858) 534-5771.

If you visit the aquarium with your family, friends or colleagues, take advantage of group tickets. Birch Aquarium offers discount tickets for groups of 15 people and more, with a discount rate of $8.5 per adult and $7.5 per senior. Groups cover destination management companies, senior groups, clubs, organizations, centers, tour operators, hotels and college extracurricular groups. For groups of 20 and more, the admission prices are:

- 20 to 49 tickets: $8.5 each

- 50 to 99 tickets: $7.5 each

- 100 and more ticket: $6.4 each

There are no expiration dates on discount group tickets. For more info or reservations, contact Group Sales Department at 858/534-6691. The above ticket prices are for self-guided group visit to the aquarium. There are also a variety of assisted tours offered by Birch Aquarium, including:

Ask-Me-Docent - The guide will greet and take the group to visit the highlights of the aquarium for one hour. After that, you can visit the rest of the facility on your own. This tour requires the group is less than 10 people, but no more than 25 people per docent. The rates are the same as the self-guided group tour rates, plus a fee of $45 for docent.

Tank-By-Tank Tour - A guide will be offered for every ten participants in a guided tour of all tanks in the aquarium. The guide will stay with the group for one hour and leave time to visit the rest of the aquarium on your own. The rate is $8.5 per adult and $7.5 per senior, plus $45 for docent. To schedule a group visit, call 858-534-6691.

Birch Aquarium participates in Foursquare. So if you check into the aquarium using Foursquare, you will receive $2 off adult admission. This offer is valid for up to four people. In addition, AAA members and AARP members all can get discounts on admission to Birch Aquarium.

The aquarium also offers free admission days. During the hours of 9am to 2pm on September 8, 2011, seniors aged 50 and more are admitted free with valid ID. On November 11, 2011, the aquarium is open to military personnel, police officers and freighters as well as veterans for free. You can find more special discounts and coupons for Birch Aquarium on the page:

Special Discounts and Coupons for Birch Aquarium

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Plan_a_Visit/Special_Deals/

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps offers one of the finest places for those interested in aquatic life and all that it offers. This museum is open on all days barring December 25, January1 and Thanksgiving. Admission is through passes you pay for and you will need a couple of hours to fully enjoy this wonderful Aquarium. If you plan your visit in the afternoons, you will avoid the groups of children from neighboring schools.

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is smaller but more intimate when compared to its cousins that are better known and larger. Though the Aquarium itself opened only in 1992, the Scripps Institute of Oceanography has a history of over 100 years. A series of medium and small sized displays occupy half of the aquarium as illustration of sea life on the Pacific Coast of North America. You should check the feeding time as you arrive at the aquarium because the event is open to public.

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The Birch Aquarium at Scripps offers interactive exhibits which is also an effort at teaching the younger visitors in particular, the history of oceanography. The exhibits also keep changing at periodical intervals. If you are photography enthusiast, you should focus more on the spectacular view presented outside rather than what obtains inside the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

When you use public transport to get to the San Diego aquarium, know that you have a few minutes walk to get to the aquarium from the nearest bust stop. Similarly, when you return, the walking back to the bus involves a steep climb, up the hills.

When you go to San Diego you must drop by the Stephen Birch Aquarium. This is an excellent place where there are plenty of sea animals on exhibit. You can expect to have an educational time as well as an entertaining experience because the Stephen Birch Aquarium is one of its kind when it comes to displaying sea animals to tourists. Book your San Diego hotels right away and have an amazing time in the city.

What to expect at the Stephen Birch Aquarium?

The Birch Aquarium is located at Scripps and provides you with an exciting discovery into the world of marine animals. The Stephen Birch Aquarium has been around for an extremely long time and ensures that you have a wonderful time while visiting the different wonders of the sea

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/

At the Stephen Birch Aquarium you are likely to come across plenty of sharks, coral reefs, fishes and seahorses. Discover the different types of marine life with almost sixty different species of sea animals. You can even interact with plenty of oceanographers. Take a look at the San Diego aquarium nursery where little fishes are bred and raised to help conserve endangered species of fishes. You will have an amazing time at the Stephen Birch Aquarium so make sure you go down there for a good time.

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http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Education/

Birch Aquarium at San Diego is a wonderful world of sharks, coral reef, sea horses etc. This is the largest oceanographic museums in the United States. This is the top most attraction of San Diego and a must visit tourist place in the San Diego vacation packages.

Get close to the beautiful sea animals and enjoy every moment with your kids. Birch aquarium is open on all days for your convenience. Whether it is your excursion trip or vacation trip this place should not be eliminated when you visit San Diego.

More than 500 rare fish varieties are displayed at this aquarium. The special aquarium for sharks is the main attraction of birch aquarium. Fishes and invertebrates are fed by the aquarists and this display can be watched lively if you are present there at birch aquarium.

Some top class hotels also offer package tours which covers Birch Aquarium. This package covers your accommodation, two adults ticket to birch aquarium, two kids ticket etc. For booking your package at cheap price log on to http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals.mi?offerInfo=171421&marshaCode=LAJCA.

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