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San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego, CA
MuseumsFamily FavoriteRainy-Day Pick

San Diego Natural History Museum

1788 El Prado · San Diego, CA

Why you should go…

Founded in 1874, The Nat covers the natural history of the Southern California and Baja California region through fossil halls, mineral collections, and a large-format cinema. Balboa Park's other science museum, the Fleet Science Center, sits just a short walk away.

  • #natural history
  • #dinosaurs
  • #balboa park
  • #science

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

Maps and brochures

San Diego Natural History Museum: brochureSan Diego Natural History Museum: brochureSan Diego Natural History Museum: brochure

What's around here?

The closest stops to San Diego Natural History Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    Family Favorite

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    Under $25

    Balboa Park museum with large-scale model train layouts recreating Southern California railroad history.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
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    The Old Globe Theatre

    $25–$50

    Balboa Park's Tony Award-winning Shakespeare and new-works theatre, staging shows since 1935.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Attractions
    Local Gem

    Spanish Village Art Center

    Free

    A 1935 exposition village in Balboa Park with working studios where local artists create and sell their art.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    San Diego Zoo

    $50+

    One of the world's best-known zoos, set in lush Balboa Park with pandas' longtime legacy and a canopy tram.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Navy SEAL Museum San Diego

    Under $25

    Interactive downtown San Diego museum on Naval Special Warfare, with veteran docents and a VR mission experience.

    1.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
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    Maritime Museum of San Diego

    $25–$50

    Waterfront fleet of historic tall ships and vessels including the Star of India, with harbor cruise add-ons.

    1.6 mi awayMore like this