Salk Institute
Salk Institute

Salk Institute

10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, 92037

The basics

Get inspired by registering for a self-guided or docent-led tour of the exterior of Salk Institute, which continues to break ground in immunology, genetics, and neuroscience. Situated on 27 acres (11 hectares) that overlook the Pacific Ocean, the campus comprises 29 separate structures and two mirror-image rectangular buildings flanking a central courtyard. A small orange orchard and a large eucalyptus grove are also on site.

The tours follow an outdoor route that covers architectural highlights and information about the institute's history. Visitors must pre-register for all tours.

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Things to know before you go

  • Visitors who take a self-guided tour are required to pay a conservation fee, which goes toward the ongoing maintenance and repair of the buildings.

  • Docent-led campus tours are available for a fee.

  • The Salk cafe is open to visitors, and bathrooms are available inside the facility.

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How to get there

The Salk Institute is situated on the bluffs of La Jolla on North Torrey Pines Road, overlooking the coast. There is no public parking available for visitors and tour attendees on campus. There is street parking along Torrey Pines Scenic Drive. If you plan to drive, allow 15–20 minutes to park. Taxis and ride-sharing services are recommended, and a bus stop is in front of the institute.

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When to get there

The Salk Institute offers tours Monday through Friday. All architecture tours take place rain or shine, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. The best time to visit La Jolla is from July through October, but the San Diego area is usually sunny and warm year-round.

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Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Another science-related attraction in La Jolla, Birch Aquarium, part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, teaches visitors about the ocean through interactive displays, hands-on exhibits, and daily feeding demonstrations. It’s a must-do for families traveling with kids and is located near other popular sites like La Jolla Cove.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Salk Institute?
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