Dive under the sea at Birch Aquarium.

Small but mighty, this local beachside aquarium is full of fun for parents and children. With over 60 habitats and more then 5,000 fish you will be delightfully educated as you explore hands-on exhibits that showcase cutting edge research discoveries from Scripps Institution of Oceanography that influence our every day lives. Their exhibits are very approachable, the design and layout of the entire aquarium have a modern and refreshing approach that will connect the adult and child to the information in front of them. There are multiple outdoor areas with hands-on activities like kids' water tables and beautiful imitation tide pools that make you feel like your are down at the beach swaying with the waves. The aquarium offers activities such as touching real starfish, creating your own ocean floor and viewing a feeding. You can pack a lunch to enjoy outside on one of their panoramic ocean view terraces or buy something at their onsite cafe, Splash! Café by The French Gourmet.

Make a full day of it and head right down to the beach afterward to put all of that aquarium knowledge to instant use! The La Jolla Shores beach is only a few blocks away and is one of San Diego's most popular beach destinations.