The Birch Aquarium Seahorse Exhibit whisks you into a living fairytale reef, headlined by an 18-foot-wide, 9-foot-tall tank that holds 5,375 gallons—one of the largest seadragon habitats on Earth.
Why the Birch Aquarium Seahorse Exhibit Steals the Show
- Record-breaking breeding program – Since 1995, the aquarium has raised 13 seahorse species and shared 5,000+ juveniles with facilities worldwide.
- Seadragon Nursery – Peek at translucent hatchlings drifting in gentle currents.
- “Seahorse Hotel” – PVC “pods” give newborns safe hideouts from curious tank-mates.
- Hands-On Science Stations – Test your “super-snout” at the feeding demo and feel how a seahorse tail grips seagrass.
Plan Your Birch Aquarium Seahorse Exhibit Visit
| Need-to-Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open daily from 9 a.m.; closing time varies seasonally (last entry one hour before close) |
| Tickets | Adults $34.95 • Kids $29.95 (online price, may vary) |
| Don’t-Miss Talk | Storytime with Seadragons – Mon, Wed & Fri at 9:30 a.m. |
| Address | 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037 |
Pro tip: Weekend and holiday slots sell out fast—reserve ahead to avoid FOMO.

What’s New at the Seahorse Exhibit?
Birch is transforming its former Hall of Fishes into Living Seas, a tech-rich gallery slated for 2025 with immersive digital windows and refreshed habitats.
Turn Your Aquarium Day Into a City-Wide Adventure
Ready to kayak sea caves, hop trolley tours, or museum-hop in Balboa Park—without juggling tickets?
Explore more of San Diego with this handy pass ↗
One pass, dozens of attractions—plan less, see more.
Stay Camera-Ready on the Coast
Salty breezes can flatten perfect curls in minutes. Book on-demand glam with Mobile Beauty Team and have a stylist meet you right at your hotel before those golden-hour selfies.
Final Splash
From baby seahorses no bigger than a grain of rice to full-grown seadragons sporting leafy camouflage, the Birch Aquarium Seahorse Exhibit marries wow-factor with real conservation. Pair your visit with that city pass, add a little hair-and-makeup magic, and glide through La Jolla like a local—no fins required. See you under the kelp!

