Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium at Scripps, located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA, is a unique and engaging venue for meetings, conferences, and events. Here is a detailed description of its facilities and function rooms:

Meeting and Event Facilities

Birch Aquarium offers a variety of spaces that can accommodate different types of events, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. The venue is designed to provide a sophisticated and oceanic backdrop for any event.

Event Spaces

• Galleria Event Space

• Capacity: 400 people for a stand-up reception, 200 for a sit-down dinner, 160 for buffet-style service, and 375 for a theater-style event.
• Description: This indoor space features multi-story windows and stunning ocean views. It offers easy access to all of Birch Aquarium’s exhibits, making it an ideal location for events that want to incorporate the aquarium's marine life.

• Preuss Tide Pool Plaza

• Capacity: 500 people for a stand-up reception, 140 for a sit-down dinner, and 175 for a wedding ceremony.
• Description: This 3,750 square foot open-air space includes panoramic ocean views and the aquarium’s tide pool exhibits. The views from Preuss Tide Pool Plaza are especially spectacular during sunset, making it a popular choice for events.

• Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins Exhibit

• Capacity: Up to 100 people for a stand-up reception.
• Description: This intimate space is surrounded by Little Blue Penguins swimming, waddling, and nesting. It is an ideal location for smaller, more private events.

• Robert Smargon Exhibit Court

• Capacity: 550 people for a stand-up reception or 300 seated.
• Description: This open-air courtyard offers guests panoramic views of La Jolla Shores and immediate access to Shark Shores, which features local Leopard Sharks and rays.

• Director’s Deck/Conference Room

• Capacity: Up to 60 guests depending on the room configuration.
• Description: This room is equipped with a whiteboard, 90” TV, internet, and A/V connections. It also has access to the Director’s Deck, which provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a wonderful spot for breaks or lunch.

Services

Birch Aquarium offers a range of services to ensure that your event is well-planned and executed:

• Catering: The venue has a list of 15 exclusive caterers with sustainable gourmet options. Each vendor crafts delicious food made from fresh ingredients, and some caterers even provide baking services and can craft beautiful cakes for events.

• Bar & Drinks: Guests can bring their own drinks, provided that they are served by professional bartenders or waiters.

• Event Coordination: The special event coordinators are prompt with email responses and very helpful with any and all questions, ensuring that all needs are communicated effectively.

• Interactive Experiences: Guests can explore ocean habitats, get hands-on with Scripps Oceanography science, and enjoy some of the best ocean views in San Diego. The aquarium offers interactive experiences that are sure to leave guests with fond memories, including observing, touching, and learning about the mystical creatures.

• Hands-on Demonstrations: There are rooms where people can witness hands-on demonstrations with hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, and sea stars. Diving shows can also be arranged and performed within a 70,000-gallon tank, where divers interact with leopard sharks, moray eels, and giant black sea bass.

Permits and Restrictions

• Preparation Start Times: Preparation start times are arranged on a case-by-case basis.

• Equipment Removal Time: Equipment removal time is coordinated on a case-by-case basis.

• Sound Restrictions: There are no sound restrictions inside or outside the venue.

• Pets: Pets are allowed on a case-by-case basis.

• Fireworks and Smoke Shows: No fireworks or smoke shows during musical performances.

• Confetti: No confetti is allowed.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a unique and engaging venue that offers a variety of spaces and services to make any event memorable and enjoyable. Its oceanic backdrop and interactive experiences make it an ideal choice for meetings, conferences, and events.