Free Public Tours of Scripps Oceanography

This is a news release from the original announcement of the public tours. Please see current tour info for current details.

Current tour info

Interested in exploring Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla? Founded in 1903, Scripps is one of the oldest and most prestigious marine and earth sciences research institutions in the world and is affiliated with UC San Diego. The Scripps mission is to seek, teach, and communicate scientific understanding of the oceans, atmosphere, Earth, and other planets for the benefit of society and the environment.

Learn more about the research and discovery under way at Scripps Oceanography by joining a free, one-hour, outdoor walking tour offered from 10 - 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month (excluding UC San Diego holidays). View several buildings of historical significance and step foot on the 1,090-foot-long Scripps Pier, an active, working research pier that is otherwise closed to the public. Tours are outdoors only and do not go inside research labs.

Tours are free, but registration is required. A map and tour details will be sent with registration confirmation.

Please Note: Your tour reservation request should be submitted no later than noon on the day before the tour you’ve chosen.

Considerations for the Disabled: There are hills and steps in the standard tour.  Please indicate on the reservation request form if you require assistance.

Parking:  Parking in Scripps lots is by permit only Monday-Friday.  People visiting the Scripps campus during the business week will be required to park on the street.

On weekends and holidays, public parking is available in lots P002 and P003 and permits can be purchased from the pay station in lot P003. (Please note that the parking pay station is not activated for public parking Monday-Friday).

Not able to attend a regularly scheduled tour? 

Check out our virtual tour: https://scripps.ucsd.edu/about/virtual-tour

Download our Scripps Campus Map and take a self-guided tour.

Interested in a more hands-on experience?

Sign up for one of the Full Moon Pier Walks offered through Birch Aquarium at Scripps.