About Our Facilities

Full Access

A maximum of 1,200 guests can be accommodated if all areas and courtyards are utilized.

Galleria

This spacious, elegant room has an ocean view and connects the aquarium and museum. It will accommodate 400 people for a stand-up reception, 200 for a sit-down dinner, and 160 for buffet style service. 3,100 sq. ft.

Entrance Courtyard

 This is an open-air space, and the first area guests enter, an excellent way to extend your event. It will accommodate 200 for a reception and 100 for a sit-down dinner. 3,100 sq. ft.

Preuss Tide-Pool Plaza

This open-air plaza overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Scripps Campus, a spectacular location during sunset. It will accommodate 300 people for a stand-up reception, or 120 for a sit-down dinner. 3,400 sq. ft.

Smargon Exhibit Courtyard

This open-air courtyard will accommodate 275 seated or 600 people for a stand-up reception. Under a tent, 200 can be seated or 300 for a reception. The west side of the courtyard overlooks the Pacific and La Jolla Shores beach with coastal sage scrub in the foreground. 7,000 sq. ft.

Education Courtyard

This open-air courtyard is enclosed on four sides. It will accommodate 250 people for a stand-up reception, or 100 seated; an ideal area for extending buffet service for larger events. 3,150 sq. ft.

Special Accommodation 

The University of California is in compliance with Section 503/504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you or your guests require accommodation to access these event areas, please call 858/534-7769.

For More Information

We encourage you to tour Birch Aquarium at Scripps with a representative from the Special Events department and explore the many options available to you.