Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Awesome place if you want to escape from reality. It’s a artsy little area & surprisingly not too packed, must stop by if you’re around La Jolla & are looking for one of the cool «hidden» spots.

Came here on a Saturday without really an research or preparation, and discovered it’s closed to the public on weekends. In any case we were mulling around outside when a researcher/​student appeared in one of the locked entrances, and was nice enough to let us come in and take a few pictured from the inside (YAY Private showing of the Salk Institute)!
There are some interesting lines to photograph, and i can imagine sunsets are incredible from inside the walls, but alas, were were there for just a few fleeting moments 7 hours from the next sunset…
In any case, the only irritation was the very over zealous security guard barking out all kinds of nonsense about not standing here, not taking pictures there, etc., etc., etc. Whomever is paying this guy to «enforce» the «guidelines» of the Salk security policy, is truly getting their money’s worth.

The Salk Institute has amazing architecture and symmetry which make it an excellent backdrop for some stunning photos. You probably will end up being questioned if you have a tripod setup or attempt to go upstairs, but the security guards are generally friendly and just ensuring that the research is being kept safe. Definitely explore the perimeter as there are a myriad of interesting perspectives and angles to choose from, just beware that you may have get some good whiffs of mouse odor as you wander around from all of the research being conducted.
Keep in mind the hours since the campus will close and you are unlikely to get sunrise or sunset pictures unless it’s during the fall equinox when they open later to allow for the multiple photographers to get a shot at the sun setting right down the middle of the channel.
Enjoy the view!

It’s an interesting building, but one completely ruined by baffling and asinine rules enforced by mindless security guards. If you just want to take a few pictures, prepare to be stopped, chastised and escorted from the area like a criminal. They say they’re interested in protecting the working environment for what’s happening in the building, but that’s not terribly compelling. We were all but accosted for three pictures on a rainy day with zero interaction with anyone except the security guard who came after us.
Plenty of pretty places in San Diego. Can’t say this one is worth the headache.

Maybe the most amazing immersive piece of architecture south of Los Angeles. I was really blown away by this place.

This review is only for the outside of Salk Institute, but I am definitely a big fan of this facility and campus.
After looking up «best photography spots in SD,» Salk Institute immediately came up on top 5 lists. After looking at gorgeous pictures on Unilocal,I knew I had to check this place out.
Salk Institute is located pretty close to UCSD in La Jolla and it’s pretty much right next to Black’s Beach. After Googling it, I realized Salk is a biological research campus, which is pretty freaking awesome.
Unfortunately, when we came on a Friday afternoon a bit past 6pm, the facility was closed to the public. I thought that you needed a special key to get in, but it’s actually open to everyone during normal hours (apparently they have tours). Until I get a chance to go in, I’ll just shriek in amazement at the glorious pictures and views from Salk on Unilocal.
But at least we got to check out the exterior of this architectural masterpiece. At least from the back, you get a gorgeous view of the ocean in the distance. The building has an interesting layout to it and is surrounded by infinity fountains (fountains that go in a loop). If you showed this to me before my trip to Salk, I probably would have thought this place was a mansion because it really looks like one!
All in all, this is an amazing place to go for a picture. Unlike me, go when they are open so you can go inside and get an even better view.
Have fun and prosper,

I’m simply amazed by this place! Even though I don’t know much about architecture, I’m simply amazed at how beautiful this concrete jungle is. Once you enter, the view is just breathtaking. There’s also free tours you can join. You can take pictures of the structures and such, but you can’t take many personal shots here. And definitely no photoshoots. I believe you can pay a price to do a photoshoot though.
There’s a free parking lot, but also parking alongside the building.

I work right across the street from Salk and have always heard great things about the little cafeteria here. So when my coworker asked me where i want to go for lunch, i replied with «SALK!»
The café is a little hard to find b/​c it’s in the south west corner of the building, kind of tucked away near the edge, but everyone here is very nice and friendly so when in doubt, ask around! and If you don’t work here the parking can be a bit of a pain, but you can always park in the east lot across the street and the front desk will validate 2 hrs of parking for you.
I ordered a large container of turkey chili for $ 3 and they’re not stingy with their crackers so that’s a definite plus! Sat outside facing the ocean and the entire meal was so relaxing. (and the turkey chili tasted amazing in case you were wondering)
Before we came back to work, my coworker decided to show me why this is an «architectural marvel» Apparently one day of the year, the sun will set right in the MIDDLE of the courtyard! Would be pretty cool to witness but a beautiful view on a regular day!

This review is only about photography. I enjoy the Salk Institute as a photographic subject because it looks completely different according to the time of day, time of year and whether it is overcast or not. I recommend going when there are few or no people in the courtyard and using wide angle lenses. I’ve had great results using a 14−24mm lens on a full frame camera and a 10.5mm fisheye and a 12−24mm lens on a crop sensor camera. Even though the building may seem simplistic or repetitive in design there are quite a few interesting compositions possible there. The fact that it is not open at sunrise or sunset is unfortunate. I was lucky enough to be allowed to shoot there the day after the vernal equinox a few years ago. That is the image uploaded. For sure one of the more interesting architectural subjects in San Diego. Highly recommended.
Here is my gallery of images:

You can admire the architecture but will NOT be be able to see the sunset at either Equinox. The site closes at 6:00 and the sunset is at 6:44. It would be nice if they were to keep it open an extra hour two days a year. But it is a private institute.
Great place worth seeing, but you will be turned away or escorted away after 6:00 PM. Too bad since it is one of San Diego’s true gems.

This place is beyong beautiful. Who knew concrete and limestone could be cohesive with a bit of water. What a genuis idea, Louis Kahn! Unfortunately the institute has covered the crevices of the courtyard with white plastic. I think people kept tripping. They should remove those and just place signs that warn you to watch your step. This ruins the architecture extremely. On the other hand, the view is beautiful. The pool is tempting, but don’t go in!

The Salk Institute is on those San Diego landmarks that never gets promoted in the glossy brochures that abound about this fabulous city. I am not an architect but influenced by seeing Gaudi art everyday during my childhood I guess I developed great admiration and love for it. The concrete structures are amazing, and the sunsets from here quality as superb. And lets not forget that this is an educational and research institution of the highest caliber. In the past I volunteered for the Salk in various occasions, doing some tours (yea, labs and all!), fundraising concerts and the milestone for me was the 50^th anniversary in 2009 when the great sculptor and overall artist and personality Chihuly planted his famous glass trees, whimsical suns and that famous boat filled with giant glass balls. Very magical and I am very glad that i was a grain of salt in that immense sea.

Stopped here on our way to La Jolla Cove. We didn’t take the free architecture tour that people recommend but still got to walk around. The buildings are really nice built. The view is amazing and great for pictures! I’m sure if you are into design or architecture, you will definitely appreciate this place more than I do. I do recommend to stop by if you can! There is plenty of free parking.

I’ve only been around the outside areas to take photos but the structures are beautiful. :)

Salk offers a FREE guided ARCHITECTURE tour with an introduction about the Institute’s science, Monday through Friday at 11:45 a.m. Reservations are required and you can register online.
This is so much better then watching a captive unhappy orca swim around a too small tank. The Glider Port is within walking distance, so be sure and see that as well.
In December 1959, Salk and architect Louis Kahn began a unique partnership to design this facility. Salk summarized his aesthetic objectives by telling the architect to «create a facility worthy of a visit by Picasso.» Kahn, who was a devoted artist before he became an architect, was able to respond to this challenge.
Once you have visited this site, you can see the influence of stand up concrete everywhere! A must see when you are in San Diego.

Closed during the weekend I visited. I was left to walk around the perimeter of the building touching the concrete and staring at this architectural landmark. Being a casual architectural fan — I enjoy learning about architecture and admiring structures at home in Los Angeles and during my travels.
As functional pieces of art, I envy those people that get to live or work in these places that serve as homes, schools or work spaces. Salk Institute is a lab overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Before researching my trip to San Diego, I began researching places to see and what caught my attention was this structure by Louis Kahn. I’ve never heard of him before not ever taking architecture course in school, but try to read up on architecture on my own or while researching a destination before traveling.
They have tours available and recommend looking into it and scheduling a tour. If you have even a slight interest in art and architecture, I recommend checking this place out as you’ll be amazed as I was at how beautiful of building it is mixing most the modern, angular, and the organic to blend with the backdrop of the majestic expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

Amazing; simply amazing.
As a slightly closeted architecture nerd, I love getting the chance to see thoughtfully and purposefully-​designed spaces up close and personal. The west coast is full of these types of buildings – the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Neutra’s Silver Lake houses, or all the mid-​century modern estates of Palm Springs.
In that way, the Salk Institute did not disappoint. It is a glorious space. To stand in the midst of that open-​air travertine courtyard, the breeze from the Pacific blowing cool on your face, is an emotional experience. Up close, you see just how each detail was designed with intention; the water, wood and stone chosen to reflect their place in nature and by extension our relationship to it. Every angle, every seam, line and cut of stone measured for precise reason; truly transcending mere functionality to become a work of art. This is Louis Kahn’s fully realized expression; an architect working at the height of his creativity.
The Salk is a fully-​functioning laboratory, and as such I think you’re pretty much free to roam the grounds as long as they’re open; but I’d recommend trying to catch a tour if you can. They’re offered, free, every week day at noon. That way you get a bit of background and context, and a chance to take a peek inside the utilities area, where you see just how practically-​designed the building is. Cynthia, our guide, was not only knowledgeable, but warm and open and funny as well. Her love of the space shone through as genuine enthusiasm.
If you think Southern California is all strip malls and freeways. Take a visit to the Salk Institute and think again!

I have worked literally 2 blocks from the Salk Institute for the past year and have never gone to look at it. Until my cousin, who’s an architect, came for Thanksgiving and insisted that the Salk Institute is an icon of American architecture and that we had to visit.
Thank you, Joe!
The tour is conducted work days at noon. You sign up on line and the send you and email confirming that you are in the tour.
. We heard back within the hour for a same day tour. The price is the best of all prices — free.
The tour is great. (Apparently if you’re an architect it is extraordinary.) Lasts about an hour with lots of info about Salk and Louis Kahn, the architect. Our guide, Conrado, is an architect and explained all the sorts of things that I would not have noticed.
I now have a new stop to add to the tour when friends and relatives visit.
So where’s the fifth star? The 60 minute tour is about 10 minutes too long and 15 percent too detailed for a general audience. Or to be more precise, it was just a tad too long and too detailed for me.

You might have not heard about this place even if you live in San Diego.
But it is a must for locals and visitors who want to go beyond what is recommended to see in this city.
I recommend requesting a free architectural tour on their website. It is offered Monday through Friday at noon. It is usually guided by amazing individuals who will take you on a intellectual journey explaining how place was created, and add all the interesting details about the architect, Louis Kahn.
I was so excited listening to my guide and learning how every design decision in this amazing structure is justified by interesting principles from philosophy, art, math and science.
Apart from having amazing views of the ocean, world class architecture, contemplative and almost sacred ambiance it is also active institution for medical research.
Consider yourself lucky if you haven’t seen it, because you are up for a treat!

During my years at UCSD, there wasn’t a place I went to more than the Salk Institute. In between classes, after classes, lunch time, etc. This place was somewhat of a spiritual and therapeutic place for me.
This is not exactly a tourist destination, unless you’re an architecture student. But if you’re in the area, why not stop by? Just walk into the courtyard, and take your time observing the architecture of the place; simple yet profound. Look down the center and follow the line of water. The sky and the ocean walled by the staggered line of the buildings. There’s a zen-​like feel here.
On a typical blue sky sunny day, the water really seems to just drain out into the ocean. Follow the water as it drops down to the lower level. Down there, there are tables where you can sit and enjoy your lunch. I used to love sitting there and watching the paragliders out in the distance lazily glide back and forth, back and forth…
Okay, enough reminiscing. Bring your camera and try the unusual angles too. Just make sure they’ll be open; I tried to visit on a weekend last time and was locked out. If you’re coming to La Jolla, check this place out and maybe the gliderport just across the street before heading down to the beaches and the downtown area.