Scripps Pier tours offer exclusive view of sunset and research
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Get a unique view of sunset and Scripps research during a guided pier tour. Photo: Kate Murphy/Axios
Unlike San Diego's recreational piers, the iconic Scripps Pier in La Jolla is generally off-limits to the public — except during Birch Aquarium's guided tours.
Why it matters: The sunset pier walks, created to demystify the local landmark, offer an exclusive and interactive look at UCSD Scripps Institution of Oceanography's new and ongoing climate research.
The big picture: At 1,084 feet long, Scripps Pier is one of the largest active research piers in the world, and scientists have been using it to launch boats and conduct experiments for over a century.
Zoom in: The longest-running project started in 1916, with researchers recording daily water temperatures and saltiness. On the tour, visitors can see where scientists still drop a bucket through a hatch to collect those water samples.
- The massive long-term dataset on ocean temperature helps measure the impacts of climate change.
- The tour also recently started highlighting the Scripps CO2 program, which has been tracking carbon concentration in the atmosphere on the Keeling Curve graph for 70 years.
On the pier: Visitors can participate in experiments and kid-friendly activities, including seeing a fresh haul of plankton through microscopes and dissecting squid.
- Birch Aquarium educators also explain how underwater canyons around the pier create world-class waves at Black's Beach and give scuba divers a deep sea environment to explore. The cove's calm, warm waters create ideal conditions for leopard sharks.
- Walking along the pier offers a unique vantage point to spot wildlife including dolphins, leopard sharks and peregrine falcons, plus paragliders and the green flash at sunset.
What they're saying: "We want to entertain and teach," public programs coordinator at Birch Aquarium Matthew Arrollado told Axios.
- "Some people are going to walk away from this program and they're going to have more curiosity and more desire to look and think about the oceans," he said.
If you go: The sunset pier walks are seasonal, typically running September through April.
- Tickets are $40 and must be booked online in advance.
- Kids ages 9 and up are welcome.
- There's free street parking along La Jolla Shores Drive.
Pro tip: Grab a bite and a beer at Shore Rider after the tour.