The Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier is an iconic stretch of the boardwalk on the San Diego Bay that offers scientific studies, boat launches, and diving operations. The current pier replaces one that was originally built in 1916 and is considered amongst the largest research piers in the world. It also helps to supply filtered seawater for the attached marine institute with pumps under the dock.
While many want to walk the pier just for the ocean view, its real interest comes from those who are interested in oceanography and marine sciences. It's accessible only via the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Scripps Pier - one of the highlights of 10 Most Instagrammable Places in San Diego (Read all about San Diego here)
The Story of Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier
The Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier is a vital teaching tool for both graduate and undergraduate students seeking to learn about ocean science. It houses a wide array of scientific instruments including radar units and meteorological stations. It also includes a special camera system to document the types of plankton present in the waters.
The pier is designed as a vital ecological data analysis platform with instrument mounting and continuous sampling capabilities. In fact, its seawater surface temperature-monitoring programme is amongst the oldest in the Pacific Rim, having been in service since 1916.
What to Know About the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier
The Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier is a part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and is not a public boardwalk. It is intended as a scientific research facility and a teaching tool. If you want to stroll the pier, you will need to book a public tour or look for a special event. These tours are offered on a monthly basis.
In addition, SCOPE, the Scripps Community Outreach for Public Education, is a student-led volunteer organisation that also offers tours of the pier to school groups and other public members.
Scripps Pier
Location: 8650 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Phone: +1 858-246-5511
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