San Diego Natural History Museum in San Diego

Overview

The San Diego Natural History Museum, affectionately known as “The Nat,” is one of California’s premier institutions for exploring the natural world. Located in the heart of Balboa Park, its engaging exhibitions span five immersive floors covering paleontology, regional ecosystems, biodiversity, and citizen science. Visitors—from curious children to lifelong learners—will delight in the dinosaur skeletons, interactive sciences, and botanical galleries. Featuring a giant-screen theater and Rooftop deck, it offers a dynamic learning-adventure for families, tourists, school groups, and local explorers. Whether you’re discovering your favorite dinosaur or watching award-winning films, The Nat is a must-visit. Click here.

History

Since its founding in 1874 as the San Diego Society of Natural History, the institution has made significant contributions to regional conservation, pioneering ventures such as the Torrey Pines Reserve and Anza-Borrego State Park. With the current William Templeton Johnson-designed facility opening in 1933 and doubling in size during a 2001 expansion, The Nat has evolved into Southern California’s oldest science institution and second oldest west of the Mississippi. Its leadership in biodiversity research currently spans millions of specimens and worldwide expeditions. Its 150-year legacy continues to shape education, conservation, and community engagement throughout the region. Click here to read about Chicano Park, San Diego , California.

Points of Interest

Fossil Mysteries

Fossil Mysteries takes visitors on a journey through 75 million years of prehistoric life across Southern California and Baja California. This well-curated exhibition features life-size dinosaur models, fossil dioramas, and interactive paleontology labs where visitors can engage in mock digs and fossil identification. It’s a thrilling experience for families and science enthusiasts, combining educational content with immersive display design. Whether marveling at a Tyrannosaurus rex replica or examining Ice Age bones, this gallery illustrates Earth’s ancient past and highlights local paleontological discoveries in a compelling, hands-on format.

Coast to Cactus in Southern California

Coast to Cactus in Southern California showcases the region’s unique biodiversity, from coastal wetlands to desert flora. This permanent exhibition was awarded the American Alliance of Museums’ “Overall Excellence” in 2016. Visitors experience diverse habitats through vibrant displays, living plant installations, and informative panels on local species. Nature lovers, photographers, and students appreciate the balance of visual appeal and rigorous scientific interpretation, gaining insight into the environmental forces that shape San Diego’s varied ecosystems. It’s a vibrant reminder of nature’s interconnectedness and local environmental stewardship.

Unshelved – Cool Stuff from Storage

Unshelved grants guests a rare “backstage” tour of the museum’s vast research collections. Featuring specimens from departments such as entomology, mineralogy, paleontology, and marine invertebrates, this behind-the-scenes exhibition offers a unique peek into scientific curation. Educational yet accessible, it appeals to museum professionals, students, and curious visitors who want to know how researchers manage, catalog, and interpret biodiversity data. Presents real specimen drawers and storage systems—ideal for those fascinated by the science that keeps the museum’s living archive alive.

Places to Eat Near San Diego Natural History Museum

Craveology Café

Situated just steps from The Nat’s entrance, Craveology Café is a convenient spot for families and visitors seeking fresh, handcrafted sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, and specialty coffee. The relaxed, casual atmosphere is ideal for recharging between exhibits, with patio seating that overlooks Balboa Park’s iconic fountain. With no need for museum admission, it’s a popular pick for locals stopping by for a healthy meal or a quick snack. With a menu geared toward all ages, Craveology blends convenience with quality, making it a reliable lunch stop for museum-goers and park visitors alike.

Panama 66

Just a short stroll into Balboa Park near the Museum of Art, Panama 66 specializes in elevated casual fare, including locally sourced salads, artisanal sandwiches, seasonal craft beers, and cocktails. The gastropub’s outdoor sculpture garden setting is ideal for art-minded diners and families. With vibrant weekend music and a lively courtyard scene, it’s a favored destination for relaxed yet stylish meals following an educational day at The Nat. The welcoming ambiance draws diverse crowds—from families to creative professionals.

Prado at Balboa Park

A slightly more upscale choice within walking distance, Prado at Balboa Park delivers Californian coastal cuisine in an elegant indoor-outdoor setting. Focusing on grilled seafood, flatbreads, and fresh salads served with a curated wine list, Prado caters to couples, foodies, and professionals seeking a refined dining conclusion to their park visits. Housed in a beautifully restored historic structure, the restaurant combines relaxed sophistication with high-quality seasonal dishes and scenic views.

Places to Visit near San Diego Natural History Museum

San Diego Zoo

The world-renowned San Diego Zoo is directly adjacent to The Nat, offering an unforgettable wildlife experience across expansive landscaped habitats. Visitors encounter exotic animals, including pandas, koalas, and polar bears, while learning about global conservation efforts. Walking through themed exhibits and observing animal behavior provides interactive educational value that complements the natural and scientific focus of The Nat. It’s an essential stop for families and tourists looking to engage with living nature at its finest.

Fleet Science Center

Located just steps away, the Fleet Science Center delivers interactive STEM experiences, including touchable exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX Dome Theater. It reinforces The Nat’s mission by introducing technology and discovery in a hands-on environment. Highlights include the Pulseworks VR simulator and rotating exhibitions in science and engineering. Ideal for children and tech enthusiasts, the Fleet delivers immersive learning that synergizes perfectly with The Nat’s natural exploration.

San Diego Museum of Art

Also within Balboa Park, the San Diego Museum of Art houses Spanish Baroque, European masters, and modern art in a stunning Spanish Colonial Revival building. It’s an ideal complement to The Nat, offering curated art collections and rotating exhibitions. Visitors can explore centuries of cultural heritage and artistic expression after exploring natural history. Art lovers and historians will appreciate the walkable sequence from science to art, encapsulating the multidisciplinary richness of Balboa Park.

Practical Information

Address: 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619‑232‑3821

Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving & Christmas; extended hours on third Fridays until 10 p.m. during summer

Admission: Adults $24; seniors/students/military $20; youth (3‑17) $14; under 2 free; San Diego residents and qualifying programs receive free admission on select days

Official Website: https://www.sdnhm.org/

Tickets include access to exhibitions and giant-screen theater. On third Fridays, the museum hosts “Nat at Night” events with special programming, rooftop access, and evening films.

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Driving Directions

• Start at San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado Drive, Balboa Park.
• Head east on El Prado toward Plaza de Panama.
• Turn right onto Park Boulevard, passing the Balboa Park Carousel and Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
• Continue north on Park Boulevard for approximately 1.5 miles.
• Use the right lane to merge onto I‑5 South toward Downtown San Diego.
• Stay on I‑5 South for about 2 miles and take exit 2 for Park Blvd/B Street.
• Turn left onto Park Boulevard and continue south for approximately 0.3 miles.
• SGP Drywall will be on the right—look for our storefront signage just beyond the intersection.