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Birch Aquarium at ScrippsvsMuseum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Both are rated highly by professional travelers. On balance, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is preferred by most writers compared to Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego has a TripExpert Score of 93 with recommendations from 6 reviewers including Frommer's, Michelin Guide and Fodor's.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Lonely Planet
Fodor's
Michelin Guide
National Geographic
Where
Afar Magazine
Travel + Leisure
Frommer's
2300 Expedition Way, Scripps Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
From $0/night
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"One of the world’s largest marine research institutions. It is now a part of UCSD, and its pier is a landmark." Full review
i
Not to be confused with the Scripps Research Institute , a private, nonprofit biomedical research organization.
Fodor's "Affiliated with the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this excellent aquarium... and has sweeping views of La Jolla." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"With a glorious setting above La Jolla's coastline, the contemporary Mission-style complex encompasses a state-of-the-art aquarium and the largest museum in the nation devoted solely to oceanography." Full review
National Geographic "The aquarium has more than 60 marine life tanks, including a giant kelp forest habitat, ghostly moon jellies, and an array of seahorse species." Full review
Where "Educational and entertaining, the aquarium features an eye-popping assortment of Pacific marine life and lots of creative, hands-on exhibits highlighting the ongoing research and discoveries." Full review
Afar Magazine "Birch Aquarium is located near the coastline. Although it is a small aquarium, they have some spectacular fish tanks and exhibits." Full review
i
Don't bother paying for your tickets online- they charge an extra $1 per ticket and when you get there.
Travel + Leisure "Take a private tour, offered daily, for a look into the fascinating world of seahorses, or explore tide pools with a naturalist for a real-life outdoor learning adventure"
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Frommer's "This beautiful facility is both an aquarium and a museum, operated as the interpretive arm of the world-famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography" Full review
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego Fodor's
Concierge Frommer's Michelin Guide Where Afar Magazine Frommer's Frommer's
The Wall Street Journal
700 Prospect St., La Jolla, San Diego, CA
From $0/night
Fodor's "California artists figure prominently in the museum's permanent collection of post-1950s art, but the museum also includes examples of every major art movement through the present." Full review
Concierge "The galleries show edgy rolling exhibitions and include pieces from their collection of more than 4,000 works by the likes of Robert Irwin and Yoshitomo Nara."
Frommer's "Focusing on work produced since 1950, this museum is internationally recognized for its permanent collection and thought-provoking exhibitions." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Established in 1941, San Diego's premier venue for contemporary art occupies Ellen Browning Scripps' remodeled and restored home (1916)." Full review
Where "Keeps native and visiting culture-vultures satiated with lectures, film series and rotating exhibitions that have included marquee art-world names as well as notable up-and-comers." Full review
Afar Magazine "Collection includes more than 4,000 works of art created since 1950. It's a magical place, and even on a grey, overcast day, the ocean views compete with the stunningly curated exhibitions here." Full review
Frommer's "This beloved museum showcases contemporary art from the 1950s to present day in a striking setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean" Full review
Frommer's "The MCASD boasts a permanent collection of approximately 4,700 pieces, including works by James Turrell, Ellsworth Kelly, and Richard Diebenkorn...also hosts lectures and other ongoing events." Full review
The Wall Street Journal "In an upstairs gallery, he removed two squares of glass from larger windows, making a window within the windows. You’ll reconsider the view of the endless oceanscape outside"
