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San Diego Natural History Museum

Come on in. This place is full of life.

Nature lovers: this is your headquarters. For 150 years, the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) in Balboa Park has been the place where nature lovers gather to learn, discover, and share their love of 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 and iguanas, a working beehive, and animal skulls of all sizes, all in one place? Go back millions of years to when sea cows, camels, and walruses lived in San Diego. Take a selfie with a megalodon shark and get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the fascinating specimens we’ve had in storage. Then watch a Foucault pendulum prove that the earth is spinning (in case you weren’t sure).  

1788 El Prado Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101

Get Directions

Contact Info

(619) 232-3821
Toll-Free: (877) 946-7797
customerservice@sdnhm.org

Hours

10 AM–5 PM Daily.
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Seasonal hours subject to change
please check website for updates.

Social

Deals just for you

Galleries & Museums

Save up to $3 on admission to The Nat

San Diego Natural History Museum
Valid: Jun 12 - ongoing

Save $3 on Adult Admission and $2 off other admission categories at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Admission includes access to giant screen films.

Events to check out

Event

T. REX Film

San Diego Natural History Museum
Jul 16, 2024 - ongoing

Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. Anchored by the true story of the young fossil hunters who made the discovey of a lifetime. T. REX is a captivating science adventure featuring the Greatest of...

Event

Nat at Night

San Diego Natural History Museum
Sep 20 - ongoing

It's four floors of TGIF. Explore the Museum after hours on select Fridays. Enjoy access to all exhibitions, pop-up programming, and our rooftop patio for food and drinks.

Event

Wild San Diego Film

San Diego Natural History Museum
Nov 22, 2024 - ongoing

They call it the perfect city. With surf, sand, and superb weather, millions of visitors flock to San Diego every year. This oasis at the crossroads of desert and sea is a natural marvel and boasts...

What to Know:

  • Giant screen films are included with paid admission.
  • We offer discounts for seniors, military, and students.
  • Children 2 and under are free.
  • Parking is free in the adjacent lots just off Park Blvd.
  • Many of our fossils were found right here in San Diego by our Paleo team.

Don't miss:

  • See live animals in our exhibits, including snakes, insects, fish, and more.
  • We have a full schedule of Nat Talks and family programs. See site for details.
  • Our Canyoneer trail guides offer free nature hikes throughout the County.
  • Exhibitions change regularly. Check online to see what's coming up.

More Information

  • Destination Weddings
  • Weddings
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Historic Landmark
  • Outdoor

What to Know:

  • Giant screen films are included with paid admission.
  • We offer discounts for seniors, military, and students.
  • Children 2 and under are free.
  • Parking is free in the adjacent lots just off Park Blvd.
  • Many of our fossils were found right here in San Diego by our Paleo team.

Don't miss:

  • See live animals in our exhibits, including snakes, insects, fish, and more.
  • We have a full schedule of Nat Talks and family programs. See site for details.
  • Our Canyoneer trail guides offer free nature hikes throughout the County.
  • Exhibitions change regularly. Check online to see what's coming up.

More Information

  • Destination Weddings
  • Weddings
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Historic Landmark
  • Outdoor
  • Kid Friendly
  • General Admission - Adult
  • General Admission - Child
  • General Admission - Senior
  • Total Number of Seats: 1,800

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