Bearded dragon resting inside a wooden hide at Birch Aquarium’s education center

Birch Aquarium Seahorse Exhibit: Dive Into La Jolla’s Ocean Magic

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-KnowDetails
HoursOpen daily from 9 a.m.; closing time varies seasonally (last entry one hour before close)
TicketsAdults $34.95 • Kids $29.95 (online price, may vary)
Don’t-Miss TalkStorytime with Seadragons – Mon, Wed & Fri at 9:30 a.m.
Address2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Pro tip: Weekend and holiday slots sell out fast—reserve ahead to avoid FOMO.

Two seahorses drifting among sea plants at the Birch Aquarium Seahorse Exhibit

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!