Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Showed up during the first new moon of grunion mating season. As did about 50 others who were interested in the marine scientist’s midnight talk at Sumner Auditorium, followed by a wait on the beach for the little silversides to arrive.
Scripps staff and volunteers were organized, upbeat, and happy to give the public a view of their work and of the protected marine area along LaJolla Shores,
The fishies live and breed only in the surface waters and beaches of Southern California and Baja. When they run, it’s always at night and right after high tide. Scripps/​aquarium staff did a great job informing us about the way to behave at water’s edge to minimize our impact during the grunion’s horney Spring break from the Pacific. One volunteer became the Paul Blart of the event — herding offenders out of the surf, and chastising the over eager after they chased some of the 6″ fish back into the waves.
It was fun, thanks not only to Mother Nature, but to one of her biggest fans, Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

this is has been one of the go-​tos whenever i’m in SD~ especially when i’m looking for a relaxing activity to keep older people occupied
wonderful oceanography facilities… fascinating marine life

Things to know
#1 It’s always gorgeous here even on a gloomy day
#2 Great people watching to be done and a hot spot for surfers
#3 UCSD Catering is impeccable for the venue (thank you Walter)
#4 All of the rental staff were helpful
#5 You have to pay for parking
If you have never been to this part of La Jolla. Perhaps go someday just to enjoy a sunset.

Love it here just to walk around and watch the pier and the ocean.

Finest kind. From the first time I visited as a kid, to the last recent trip, made me want to be an oceanographer, or at least a marine biologist. If only you didn’t need advanced chemistry… Seriously, a great and much-​needed institution.

This place has awesome beach views, and a breathtaking location. I’m not sure how any science gets done here because of their stunning location. The two friday summer afternoons I’ve walked around here, there have been weddings in their conference venue (Scripps Forum) right on the beach.
Sunset over the Pacific epitomizes the essence of the Southern California beach. It is also not super crowded like the beach at La Jolla Shores. I can’t think of a better place to relax and take a break for the rigors of life.

This review is ONLY for the seawater tap near the pier.
Do you have a saltwater fishtank? Scripps has a place to fill up your buckets of saltwater. My understanding is that either they do this out of the kindness of their hearts, or they’re required to do it as some condition related to their taking the seawater and filtering it for their own use. In any case, drive down to the pier, and just to the left there’s a saltwater tap. Be reasonable — this is for home users only, if you’re an industrial user I’m sure you have better ways of making seawater. I’ve filled up 20 gallons at a time, any more than that and I feel like a mooch.
The water quality seems to be as high as any other place I’ve gotten saltwater.
The best part is, it’s free. The worst part is, sometimes it’s closed and you have to buy water or make your own.

What a gorgeous facility. I don’t know how anyone that goes to school there can concentrate. The views are amazing!

While traversing the newly-​built path that takes you down to Scripps Beach at La Jolla Shores yesterday, I passed a beautiful building and admired it whole heartedly.
As the hot afternoon progressed and I ran back and forth between the ocean, I looked up from the beach below and saw that up at this Scripps Forum, they were primping for a wedding and a fancy one at that. Now I have been to Scripps Institute of Oceanography many times, but had no idea they held weddings there!
Before leaving the beach and venturing up the stairs, I made sure to try and fix myself up enough to look presentable and go hang around to see if I could get enough of a story for a Unilocal or Stringers at least. The wedding guests outside on the terrace patio were sweet and answered many of my prying questions. The happy couple was Michael and Sarah and I imagine they had some kind of relation to this campus although I don’t know exactly what. The wedding crowd looked prosperous and older.
Despite my wet hair and the oily residue on my skin, I managed to learn about the Scripps Seaside Forum. Yes-​wedding and social events are held here-​right up against the edge of the cliffs over-​looking La Jolla Shores-​an extraordinary, ocean-​front venue. This conference center facility is located right in the heart of Scripps Institution of Oceanography just south of Scripps Pier, and seems like a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
The breathtaking view makes the Scripps Seaside Forum a wonderful location, however, a guest told me that inside, the building is green and LEED Certified. It was awarded LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in August 2009. The Rating includes site sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, indoor environmental quality, and an innovative design process. The interior is high tech-​with all the latest in computers, technology and gadgets. Along with all this are the several awards from Orchids & Onions and The American Institute of Architects, an affiliation with an excellent University, and that seaside perch! Despite my improper attire and sandy feet, there is no doubt in my mind that Scripps Forum is 5 Unilocal STARS all the way, baby!

I’m really not sure what to make of this place. I have done some business with them, and I noticed that none of the labs lock the doors and there must be millions worth of equipment sitting around with nobody guarding it. Nobody even questioned me upon entering and leaving… You would think they would at least have some kind of ID check, or at least question someone coming in and out with unmarked boxes… I almost always have to deal with some kind of security at UCSD, SDSU, and even USD…
As I was trying to find the proper place to drop off my product, I entered one room where a guy in his early 20’s was sitting in front of a computer stoned out of his gourd watching the fish on his screen saver in an altered state of consciousness. I called out to him 3 times before he slowly turned to me with his eyes glazed over and started to giggle. I asked him where the Media room (I think it was) was and he went blank for about 30 seconds… Now 30 seconds, can at times be like an eternity… When he finally spoke again he mumbled about chips, and asked me if I had a lighter… So I gave him my lighter and a pat on the head and moved on to find someone who was capable of interactive communication…
Weird place… Cool atmosphere, and being on the coast is always nice… Will never turn down business from them…

How has no one reviewed scripps so far?
It’s probably one of the most beautiful campuses in the world — or at least I think so — and an amazing program.
One of Al Gore’s top ten places in the world!
Come check out the campus — email a prof and go see some labs! And if you can find someone with a key, go explore the pier!
Also if you know someone at SIO, have them bring you to the weekly happy hour. $ 1 beers — Karl Strauss keg– free snacks, pool table and it’s next to the water.