Come on in. This place is full of life.
For 150 years, the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) in Balboa Park has been a gathering place for nature lovers to learn, discover, and share their appreciation for this amazing place we call home. It’s where the natural world of Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula comes alive. Where else can you find live rattlesnakes, examine weird and wonderful specimens from scientific collections, and go back millions of years to when sea cows, camels, and dire wolves lived in San Diego?
A visit to The Nat will give you a new appreciation for one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Marvel at the power of nature in our exhibitions, catch an inspiring film in the Giant Screen Theater, chat with a scientist in the Paleo Prep Lab, meander through the native plant pocket gardens, and soak up the views on our rooftop deck during Nat at Night on Fridays.
The Giant Screen Theater
Enrich your visit with an inspiring tale about conservation and wildlife in our one-of-a-kind theater. Films are included with paid admission. See daily showtimes here.
Nat at Night
On Fridays throughout the year, get half-price admission from 5–11 PM and free parking after 6 PM. Wander through the Museum, grab a drink from one of the bars, and head up to the rooftop deck for a spectacular Balboa Park sunset. Participate in trivia, listen to our rooftop DJ, or get crafty with Sketchparty on select dates. Learn more.
Hands-On Fun
You never know what activities await your family at The Nat. Learn about whale fossils with a Docent, come face-to-face with birds of prey, make crafts in our Nature Studio, or listen to a tale during storytime. Learn more.
Talks
Interested in hearing a presentation on birds? Ever wondered what research expeditions are really like? Throughout the year, guests can listen to a variety of presentations featuring museum staff and subject experts on the latest in scientific research, history, conservation, and the natural world. Learn more.
Grab a Bite
Learning makes you hungry. Craft Taco, located in the Atrium, offers tacos, bowls, quesadillas, treats, and more to munch on. Plus, a full-service coffee and matcha bar for all your caffeine needs.
Beyond the Museum
Take your visit to The Nat to the next level with volunteer-led hikes and whale watching adventures. Canyoneers offer free guided hikes around the San Diego region from September through June. Museum partners, City Cruises and Legacy Whale Watch, offer visitors a fun and educational adventure out on the water year-round.
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea
See what happens when beach trash becomes breathtaking art in our newest exhibition. Wander among suspended jellyfish blooms, walk through an 18-foot whale “rib cage,” and a whimsical cast of sea creatures—all meticulously crafted from debris collected from coastlines.
The 3,000-square-foot exhibition also features learning activities that invite visitors to explore the impact of plastics pollution and discover ways to take action. Learn more.
Amazement in the Basement
Descend into the basement to get a behind-the-scenes look at natural history collections and why they matter.
Visitors can participate in hands-on activities to share in the excitement of discovery, learn how researchers use specimens to answer complex questions, and see scientists at work as they step into the state-of-the-art Paleontology Center. Learn more.
Living Lab: Meet your local wildlife neighbors, from stinging scorpions to elusive nocturnal lizards.
Fossil Mysteries: Travel through 75 million years and dig into the rich fossil history of Southern California and Baja California. (Literally, the fossils on display were discovered locally by our paleontology team).
Nature Trail: Stroll through the native plant pocket gardens that surround The Nat and see carefully crafted habitats for pollinators and local wildlife.
Coast to Cactus: Explore the unique habitats and abundant variety of life found in Southern California—one of only 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People: Rare books, art, photographs, historical documents, and plant and animal specimens come together to prove you don’t need to be a scientist to contribute to science.
Skulls: Examine some of the weirdest, wildest, and most fascinating animal skulls from our research collections.
Upcoming Events
Jul 15 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Film Screening: Love Birds
Hosted by: San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Visit San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Address:
1788 El Prado
San Diego , CA
92101
Phone:
(619) 232-3821
Hours:
Open 10 AM–5 PM daily.
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Website:
1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA
