San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)

The basics

Founded in 1874, the San Diego Natural History Museum is one of the oldest such institutions west of the Mississippi. It’s home to more than 8 million objects, many of which are displayed across its four-storey headquarters in the heart of Balboa Park. Offering an array of temporary and permanent exhibitions that cover everything from wildlife photography to Southern California’s habitats, The Nat also features a giant-screen theater that holds different film screenings throughout the day.

The Nat is easy to explore independently, and it offers a range of events—from talks and demonstrations to summer camp and late-night events—for participants of all ages. You can also glimpse it on a number of San Diego tours, and it’s free to visit as part of the GO City scheme.

Things to know before you go

• Seniors and children receive discounted entry to the museum, while kids aged 2 and under can visit for free.

• The museum offers a range of free admission options, including Museums for All and Resident Free Days programs, and also has various discounted visiting options.

• The Nat is accessible to wheelchair users and has wheelchairs available to rent for free.

• The museum has a gift shop, the Alex and Elizabeth Wise Museum Store, which sells books, clothing, and souvenirs.

• The Flying Squirrel Cafe, open from morning until late afternoon, serves hot and cold drinks, snacks, and lunch bites.

How to get there

San Diego Natural History Museum is located at 1788 El Prado, in the middle of Balboa Park. If you’re driving from downtown San Diego, take Park Blvd; there are numerous small parking lots nearby. The museum is also served by the #7 bus, which runs frequently from downtown San Diego.

When to get there

The museum is open daily, from morning until evening on weekdays and with slightly shorter opening hours on weekends. The museum is also open for extended hours during the summer months, with late evening closures on summer Fridays. It is closed annually on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

What to do in Balboa Park

The Nat is located in the heart of Balboa Park: a 1,200-acre public park that’s one of the largest urban parks in the US. In addition to walking trails and green spaces, the park is home to a wealth of cultural and recreational offerings, including the Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego Air and Space Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Zoo, and much more.

How long does it take to go through San Diego Natural History Museum?

On average, it should take about 3–4 hours to go through the San Diego Natural History Museum, but if you’re a history buff, or find an exhibition that particularly interests you, it’s possible to spend all day there. You can get refreshments or lunch at the onsite Flying Squirrel Cafe.

Can I take pictures at the San Diego Natural History Museum?

Yes, you certainly can take photos at the San Diego Natural History Museum. You just can’t use your flash. If you’re with the press, then contact the museum to see when you can make an appointment to get the footage you need.

What can you see in the San Diego Natural History Museum?

There are loads of exhibitions to check out at the San Diego Natural History Museum—some permanent and some revolving. Always on view are Fossil Mysteries with dinosaur exhibits, Hidden Gems from the mineralogy department, an exhibit on Baleen whales, one on skulls, a megalodon, a huge Moreton Bay fig tree, and more.

How long do you need in the San Diego Natural History Museum?

On average, visitors spend about 3–4 hours at the San Diego Natural History Museum, but some make an entire day of it. There’s the Flying Squirrel Cafe for coffee, snacks, and lunch, plus plenty of exhibits to keep you occupied. New exhibitions routinely arrive, so regulars feature new subjects to explore, too.

Can you take bags into the San Diego Natural History Museum?

Yes, you can take small bags into the San Diego Natural History Museum, but food and drinks aren’t allowed. If you want to check a larger bag, you can do so there. If you need a drink or a bite to eat, there’s the Flying Squirrel Cafe located on the premises.

What is the best day to visit the San Diego Natural History Museum?

The museum is open every day, so you can go on weekdays or weekends. Saturdays and Sundays are typically more crowded. If you want a quieter atmosphere with more exhibitions to yourself, you should consider going on a weekday and not in the summer, which is the tourist season.