All passes
Must-sees
Family-friendly
Indoors

Up to an hour

San Diego Natural History Museum

Up to an hour

Get immersed in natural history and learn more about the world around you at the San Diego Natural History Museum, also known as The Nat.

All passes
Must-sees
Family-friendly
Indoors

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What visitors are saying

4.2

22 reviews

Fun for all ages

Sep 3, 2025

Was very accessible friendly whether you’re mobility impaired or English isn’t your first language.

Aug 18, 2025

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Overview

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world at the San Diego Natural History Museum, also known as The Nat! A flagship insitution in stunning Balboa Park, The Nat features regional, natural history and biodiversity of Southern and Baja California over a whopping four floors of exhibition space and more.

Enjoy permanent exhibitions, rotating films in the giant-screen theater, a robust calendar of events and activities and the opportunity to see scientists at work. Discover fascinating stories with friends and family about our natural world when you pay a visit to The Nat!

What's included

Access to all permanent exhibits
Access to all films on rotation in the Giant Screen Theater
Four floors of interactive exhibits to explore
Enjoy Nat at Night every Friday evening in Summer
All taxes and fees included
Parking not included

Getting in

Head to either of the San Diego Natural History Museum entrances (the north side of the Museum near the giant tree is nearest to the Zoo; the south side of the museum near the fountain is closest to the other museums) and simply present your pass at the ticketing counter to gain admission.

Have a stroller or use a wheelchair? Head to the staff entrance at gold doors (on the west side of the building facing into the park near the Junior Theater).
Your pass includes general admission to The Nat. General admission includes all permanent exhibitions, daily films in the giant-screen theater, and free programs during operating hours. Tickets are not valid for separately priced, ticketed exhibitions, events, or programs. Tickets do not include food or drink.

Is photography allowed inside the San Diego Natural History Museum?

Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged for personal use only. Tripods are not permitted. Flash photography is not permitted in some areas.

What type of exhibits can visitors expect to see at the San Diego Natural History Museum?

Visitors can expect to see exhibits on natural history, including dinosaurs, fossils, minerals, and California ecology. You might even see a paleontologist at work!

Is there a gift shop at the San Diego Natural History Museum?

Yes, there is a small gift shop operated by Gold Leaf located inside the Museum on Level 1 where you can purchase souvenirs.

Are food and drinks allowed inside the San Diego Natural History Museum?

Yes, food and drinks are permitted inside the Museum, with the exception of Living Lab and Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People. There is also a café operated by The Craft Taco on Level 1 where visitors can purchase food and drinks during all operating hours.

Is there parking available at the San Diego Natural History Museum?

Yes. Parking is available near the Museum just off Park Blvd. The Balboa Park Carousel and San Diego Zoo lot offer additional nearby parking. For easy access to Balboa Park’s center, park at Inspiration Point Lot and take the free tram.

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Where you'll be

1788 El Prado, San Diego, US

Where you'll meet

San Diego Natural History Museum entrances: the north side of the Museum near the giant tree is nearest to the Zoo; the south side of the museum near the fountain is closest to the other museums.

Standard opening hours

Monday10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

All hours are subject to change. Please check The Nat’s website for the most up-to-date information on changes to standard operating hours.

Upcoming schedule changes

25 DecClosed

Find out more

For more information and daily film schedule, visit the San Diego Natural History Museum website.

Showing 1-6 out of 22 results

Natural History

Lee and Brody · Oct 5, 2026

Great museum each level is interesting and fascinating

Yes, I recommend this attraction

Not worth the money

Angela · Sep 11, 2026

Very few exhibits. from the outside huge but that is deceiving. can see everything in 1 hr. Not worth the price.

Good museum

Robyn · Aug 13, 2026

It was a good spot to get out of the heat. Had a lot of fossils and was neat to walk through.

Not exciting

Catie · Aug 4, 2026

For the price I was expecting a lot more to be included. What they had was cool and kids would be interested, but there should have been more available to see. Comparing it to other natural History museums I've been to, it was very lacking. Go if you have a kid, but as an adult, skip.

Great for Kids and Adults

MCBJ · Aug 1, 2026

This museum was fascinating! Loved all the exhibits. Much to learn about the different spices and conservation. I would recommend a visit.

Yes, I recommend this attraction

Was just ok for us but still nice

Dr. Jones & family · Jul 29, 2026

This museum was nice overall but because our local natural science museum in Raleigh NC is free and 3 times the size of this one i would say its not worth the money. Most exhibits was statues, not real and not super interactive. my 8 and 12 yo got bored rather easily by it enjoyed seeing a few rare spiders and snakes. Just wish it was more live animals, insects & interactive areas.

Showing 1-6 out of 22 results