It serves as the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, with over half a million people visiting the aquarium each year.

The aquarium was established in 1903 after the Marine Biological Association of San Diego was created to conduct marine research in the local waters of the Pacific Ocean (its name was later changed to Scripps Institution of Oceanography to honor supporters Ellen Browning Scripps and E.W.

Several years later, the association purchased 174 acres (70 ha) at La Jolla Shores for $1,000 at a public auction from the city of San Diego.

A ring of 18 tanks, the largest at 2,000 U.S. gallons (7,600 L), surrounded a central museum of glass exhibit cases displaying Scripps research projects.

[1] JCJ Architecture of San Diego was selected as the design architect,[7] and in 1992, the current $14 million aquarium opened its doors, then known as the Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum.

In March 1996, the 40 ft (12 m) bronze whale statues "The Legacy" were unveiled in memory of Ted Scripps II.

Windows in the habitats provide up-close views of starfish, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, lobsters, and other animals local to San Diego's tide pools.

In this exhibition you’ll find a multitude of fishes in the seadragon family such as seahorses, pipefish, sea dragons, etc.

This area features a 4,500-square-foot floor mural depicting the bathymetry (or map of the depth) of the underwater canyons off La Jolla Shores, plus shark and ray viewing, comfy seating, and fun outdoor games, all surrounded by stunning ocean views.

[21] Blue Beach is home to a shark and ray habitat that is a sandy bottomed outside exhibit based on the sea floor of La Jolla.