San Diego Natural History Museum

San Diego Natural History Museum The Nat is —past, present, and future. Working to conserve nature through science and discovery. https://linktr.ee/thenat
(3974)

Our Mission: To interpret the natural world through research, education and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California; and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment. The Nat has five floors of exhibitions, a giant-screen theater, and San Diego’s only Foucault pendulum. Through its permanent collect

ion, special exhibitions, numerous educational programs, and the opportunity to see scientists at work, the Museum fosters in visitors of all ages a lifelong love of learning about nature and the environment. For current exhibitions:
http://www.sdnat.org/currentexhibitions

For hours and admission prices:
http://www.sdnat.org/visit/admission/

For theater schedule:
http://www.sdnat.org/giantscreentheater

For membership information:
http://www.sdnat.org/membership

Host a private event at the Museum:
https://www.sdnat.org/plan-an-event/

05/26/2026

Breaking news: San Diego is officially home to the banana slug. Thanks to our collaborators at and !

It's finally here! Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea is officially open. 🦀We invite you to explore the depths of plasti...
05/22/2026

It's finally here! Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea is officially open. 🦀

We invite you to explore the depths of plastic pollution through thoughtfully crafted marine sculptures made from 60,000 pounds of trash collected from beaches by the Washed Ashore Art Project.

Starting tonight, the gallery will transform into a dive bar every Friday during Nat at Night. Enjoy a craft beer, grab a bite from our Wol-Fish commissary by Wolf in the Woods, and chat with our very own Frances Lang—a specialist in marine and coastal sciences.

Trash that is truly worth seeing. Tickets available for purchase in person or online here: https://buff.ly/RPaaEGb

🎉That feeling you get when paid parking gets repealed.🎉We are heartened by yesterday’s news and grateful to everyone who...
05/21/2026

🎉That feeling you get when paid parking gets repealed.🎉

We are heartened by yesterday’s news and grateful to everyone who spoke up loudly and clearly for Balboa Park. The public’s response has been extraordinary and is a powerful reminder of how beloved this place truly is.

05/21/2026

Trash 🤝 The Project

05/18/2026

🌊 Sea 🌊 for yourself if we can get it all done in time. 
 
Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea opens this Friday, May 22! Along with the incredibly cool bioluminescence mural, see hand-crafted marine sculptures and wall art, participate in activities that invite you to explore the impact of plastic pollution, and discover how you can help keep our waterways clean. 
 
During Nat at Night, the exhibition will also transform into an ocean-themed dive bar: grab a craft beer and chat with a nature expert, or shore up in one of our lounge spots to take in the art. 
 
Plan your visit at the link in our bio. 
 

05/12/2026

Experience natural history after dark every Friday this summer.

Starting this Friday, May 15, we’re opening our doors until 11 PM so you can explore the Museum, grab a drink and some food, and take in iconic San Diego views on the rooftop. On select dates, catch a DJ set, chat with a scientist, channel your inner artist with Sketchparty, or participate in trivia.

Admission is half-price starting at 5 PM and parking is free after 6 PM, so grab tickets and plan to sleep in this Saturday.

Shh...let her snooze. She just became a mom! Spring means pups, and for the next few weeks coyote parents are in surviva...
05/10/2026

Shh...let her snooze. She just became a mom!

Spring means pups, and for the next few weeks coyote parents are in survival mode keeping their litter warm, safe, and fed. Sound familiar? You won’t see the pups, but you may see more adult activity as they protect their family and hunt both in urban and rural spaces.

Small things make a big difference: give them space, hike midday when coyotes rest, and keep dogs leashed in canyons and greenspaces.

Parenthood is hard enough. A little kindness goes a long way.

This peaceful image of a snoozing coyote was taken by our camera trap in Chollas Open Space for our Healthy Canyons Initiative.

Happy Mother’s Day!

05/07/2026

🌊 What are these blue blobs and why are they washing up all over Southern California right now? Meet the velella.

05/06/2026

Unshelved fans, rejoice!

Although we’ve officially retired the exhibition, many of your favorite specimens were given new homes throughout the Museum. See if you can spot them all on your next visit. 👀

This is your reminder! Mother’s Day is one week from today. Not sure what to get mom? .nat has some suggestions based o...
05/03/2026

This is your reminder! Mother’s Day is one week from today.

Not sure what to get mom? .nat has some suggestions based on her favorite exhibition at the Museum:

🌊 Fossil Mysteries
Pick up an herbal facial steam, a to-go glass bottle, or an ocean sound machine to bring prehistoric spa vibes to mom.

🌵 Coast to Cactus
Grab a cool creature hair clip, a seed kit, and a non-fiction book about nature. She’ll appreciate them all while gardening and hiking in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

💎 Hidden Gems
Whether she likes earrings, bracelets, or necklaces, show off mom’s sparkly side with a piece of jewelry inspired by our gem and mineral collection.

Need even more inspo? Here’s a tip: you can visit Gold Leaf without paying for museum admission—they’ll help you curate the perfect gift.

Address

1788 El Prado
San Diego, CA
92101

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 10pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+16192323821

Website

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