There’s no place better than Balboa Park to let your curiosity run wild—and nowhere more intriguing than the Museum of Us and the San Diego Natural History Museum (aka The Nat). Both pack in a full day’s wonder and learning, but the experiences inside are worlds apart. Will you get hands-on with bones and prehistoric beasts, or walk through centuries of human cultures, beliefs and mysteries? We break down the must-see exhibits, best hands-on fun, top photo ops and more to discover which museum hits the high notes for your next unforgettable day out.
The lowdown
Museum of Us
- Explore humanity’s biggest questions, including beliefs, rituals, culture and social justice
- Immersive, story-driven exhibits—think ancient Egypt, race and identity, indigenous communities and even the history of beer!
- Housed in stunning Spanish Colonial architecture right in Balboa Park’s heart
- Climb the historic California Tower for panoramic park views
- Great for curious young minds and adults looking for something a little different
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
- Four floors packed with fossil skeletons, live animals, gems, minerals and interactive science
- Fossil Mysteries: see the iconic T.rex, mega mammoths, and more of Southern California’s ancient creatures
- Living Lab: meet lizards, snakes and insects galore
- Immersive nature films in the giant domed theater
- Hands-on science stations, pop-up discovery exhibits, nature walks
These sound fantastic, please tell me more...
These sound fantastic, please tell me more...
Museum of Us
Entering the Museum of Us feels like stepping into a cabinet of curiosities. From a hands-on ancient Egyptian tomb to exhibits about beer, monsters, race, and everything in between, every gallery is set up for fun exploration. Cool interactive elements pop up everywhere—think puzzles, touch tables, and thought-provoking questions that make you consider your place in the story of humankind.
Want more? Climbing the California Tower is a can’t-miss adventure—spiraling up for nearly 360° views of the park and the city beyond. Rotating exhibits and a knack for big ideas keep this museum consistently fresh.
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
The Nat is a four-story wonderland of science, nature and ancient life. Wander among dinosaurs, Ice Age giants, and interactive dig pits in Fossil Mysteries; then, get hands-on with real fossils and glittering gemstones. Kids can stare down a huge T.rex or crawl into a reconstructed prehistoric cave. The Living Lab brings you face-to-face with local creatures, and pop-up science stations let you get touchy-feely with shells, bones and insects.
The giant dome theater screens dazzling nature films—perfect when you need a break. There’s something for everyone here, and science is front and center in every gallery.
Okay, so which one is most impressive?
Standing beneath enormous dinosaur skeletons or watching a three-stories-tall IMAX nature film simply hits harder than any other Balboa Park exhibit. The Nat’s Fossil Mysteries hall is pure wonder with its full-size T.rex skeleton, towering mammoth, and life-scale ancient sea creatures swimming overhead. You’ll walk in the shadow of massive Ice Age predators, view gleaming geode displays, and peer into cases filled with fossils you can actually touch.
Then there’s the giant domed theater: floor-to-ceiling nature films let you soar with pteranodons, swim with ancient sea monsters, or even hike Baja’s backcountry from the comfort of a plush seat.
Which one is more fun?
With real fossils you can touch, secret passageways and endless interactive displays, The Nat delivers fun for all ages, and is especially good for families or anyone with a questioning mind. You’ll bounce from dig pits to VR nature walk to pop-up science carts. Upstairs, you can meet live snakes and lizards in the Living Lab, or get up close with creepy-cool insects.
That said, don’t count out the Museum of Us for quirky, smart and interactive fun—here, you can crawl into an ancient Egyptian burial chamber, join scavenger hunts and craft your own monster mask in playful maker corners.
Which is more beautiful?
The Museum of Us’s Spanish Colonial Revival building (the California Building) is an absolute stunner—turrets, tile and grand archways leading into creatively lit galleries. The classic architecture, plus colorful design inside, makes exploring feel a little magical.
Which has the best views?
Which has the best views?
Snag a ticket for the California Tower climb at the Museum of Us. The payoff is unbeatable: sweeping views over Balboa Park, the San Diego skyline and, on clear days, all the way to the ocean. Pro tip: go at golden hour for a memorable experience and some of the most Insta-tastic shots in town.
How do I get there?
Both are right in Balboa Park:
By car: park in any main Balboa Park lot and walk (the museums are a 5-10 minute stroll apart).
By public transit: take #7 or #215 bus to Park Boulevard/Presidents Way.
By bike or on foot: all park trails lead right to these beauties.
Best choice for families, couples or friends
- For families: The Nat is your top pick—more action, more space to roam, and tons to touch and play with.
- For couples: Museum of Us has a unique, offbeat romantic edge—explore fascinating exhibits together, then climb the Tower for a view you’ll never forget.
- For friends: a toss-up—choose The Nat if everyone loves nature and dinosaurs or go Museum of Us if your crew craves conversation-starting exhibits and quirky photo ops.
I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which has more ‘hands on’ activities?
Real fossils, live critters, VR experiences, dig pits and pop-up science labs keep little (and big) hands busy all day. The Museum of Us has engaging interactives too, but The Nat is every fidgety kid’s dream.
What’s the accessibility like?
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What’s the accessibility like?
Both are top-notch. The Nat has plenty of elevators, ramps and restrooms, and an accessible exhibit design throughout. The Museum of Us is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps and thoughtful signage—just ask about Tower tour options if mobility is an issue. Staff at both places are extra helpful if you need assistance.
Best lunch spots nearby?
There are plenty of options in and around Balboa Park…
- Panama 66: sandwiches and salads served in the outdoor sculpture garden—local beers, sunshine and casual vibes.
- The Prado at Balboa Park: upscale but still super kid-friendly, and the mango ginger margarita is a hit for grown-ups.
- Daniel’s Coffee: low-key, with iced lattes, snacks and a quirky, art-filled courtyard.
- Food trucks: weekends bring taco stands and sweet treats right to the Plaza. Super handy for families on the go.
Where can I bag the best photos?
Museum of Us
Snap yourself on the grand California Building steps, beneath the iconic blue-and-gold dome, or atop the Tower for the ultimate San Diego skyline backdrop. Inside, the ancient Egyptian tomb, tribal masks and monster exhibits are hugely photogenic.
The Nat
The lobby’s towering T.rex and mammoth fossils, glittering mineral galleries, live snake encounters and immersive dig site displays beg for action shots. Park views from south-facing windows are lovely at sunset.
We’re finished and fancy a drink – any bar recommendations?
We’re finished and fancy a drink – any bar recommendations?
- Panama 66 Bar: craft beers, crisp sangria, and relaxed afternoons with garden views—always buzzing after museum hours.
- The Prado Lounge: Spanish-California cocktails (try the cucumber lavender martini), plus a leafy patio.
Any other good stuff nearby?
- Spanish Village Art Center: artist studios, rainbow tiles and bags of creativity—great for shopping or watching artists in action. You’ll find local painters, sculptors and jewelry makers at work here.
- Botanical Building and Lily Pond: free and photogenic, with rare tropical plants and a tranquil pond full of blooming lilies and koi. An excellent spot for a quick rest or a family selfie.
- El Prado Arcade: stroll the shaded arcades along El Prado between museums. You’re surrounded by fountains, gardens and beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival buildings—don’t forget your camera!
- Balboa Park Carousel: classic, hand-carved animals from 1910 make for a charming detour with kids—or anyone nostalgic for old-school fun. Just a short walk from both museums.
In summary…
Whether you’re captivated by ancient creatures, or just love peeling back the stories that make us human, San Diego’s Museum of Us and The Nat guarantee a good time. For jaw-dropping dinosaurs, non-stop science fun, and hands-on discovery, The Nat takes our top spot—especially for families and any visit with energetic kids. The Museum of Us shines for deep thinkers, lovers of culture, and anyone craving quirky, beautiful architecture or a dramatic San Diego view from the historic California Tower. With Go City®, you can visit both, plus several more Balboa Park and San Diego gems—saving time and money along the way.
Looking for more info on top San Diego attractions? Check out more of our favorite Balboa Park museums, and take a deep dive into the relative merits of SeaWorld and the Birch Aquarium.
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