San Diego Natural History Museum

09/04/2026

Who's ready for the long holiday weekend? 🙌 We're open 10 AM to 5 PM every day (and later on Friday). Need a reason to visit? We've got five.

🦈 Check out some cool trash. Visit Washed Ashore to see incredible art made entirely out of trash collected from Pacific Coast beaches.

🦖 T.REX. Catch the iconic dino film on the giant screen.

🌮 Top it all off with a taco. Did you know we have the best tacos and bowls in Balboa Park? Stop by The Craft Taco for a bite on your visit.

🍺 On Friday after 5 PM, admission is half-price for Nat at Night, and the joint’s jumping with activities, food, and drinks. If there's a line for the rooftop, visit the Board Room on Level 4 for a drink and some fresh air on the balcony.

🦅 On Saturday, meet birds of prey, IRL. Stop by Coast to Cactus at 10 AM where Dr. Bob will introduce you to Mariah, the American kestrel. 🎨 Then head down to Nature Studio to build one-of-a-kind crafts using upcycled materials (10 AM–2 PM).

09/01/2026

187(ish) steps. Zero parking stress. Just hop on the #7 bus or Rapid 215 (thanks, ) and you're basically here.

08/31/2026

A California election day is approaching, and you won’t bee-lieve who the candidates are... 🐝

California is home to 1,600+ native bee species, representing an estimated 40% of North America’s bee diversity. Now, 19 native species are in the running to become California’s first official State Bee.

Will it be the California fairy bee who favors mariposa lilies? Or will it be the big and fuzzy California bumble bee?

Cast your vote by September 8 at 3 PM PDT and make one of California’s native pollinators a state symbol! 🌻

Click the link to read about the nominees and vote here: https://buff.ly/HCc5jIz


(Pictured: one of the nominees, a yellow-faced bumble bee curled into a California poppy in our native plant garden)

08/29/2026

Boots on, we're going hiking. 🥾

Our Canyoneers have curated an excellent 2026-2027 schedule—from hidden gem trails in the desert to walks along iconic coastlines. These free, naturalist-led hikes vary in views, length, and difficulty so that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Just a few of their upcoming hikes:

Sept. 13: Crest Canyon Open Space Park
Enjoy a variety of native and non-native plants in this coastal canyon south of San Dieguito Lagoon.

Sept. 19: Tijuana Estuary
Revel in one of the few remaining salt marshes in Southern California.

Sept. 27: Mission Trails Regional Park
Get out before the sunset and see what’s out and about at Mission Trails.

Sept. 30: San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
A short but challenging exploration of a remarkable sandstone slot canyon.

See the full schedule at sdnat.org/canyoneers.

08/26/2026

Three atolls. Thousands of miles from civilization. A rare glimpse of the last true wilds on Earth.

Ocean Paradise takes you on a journey to the far edges of the Pacific in a hopeful tale of conservation and discovery. Narrated by Diane Lane and featuring music by Jack Johnson and Coldplay, it's a mesmerizing look at wild tropical landscapes and pristine shores that may hold the key to safeguarding our planet.

Step into the wild. See Ocean Paradise during your next visit to The Nat—included with paid admission and free for members.

08/24/2026

Don’t forget to look a little closer at the world around you; someone might be waiting to say hello.
Here are some of the critters we’ve seen in the Nature Trail. What have you seen in your neighborhood lately? 🔎🐛

08/22/2026

Have you been to a San Diego beach in the last year? If you answered yes, then we want to hear from you! 🏖️

We are conducting research to better understand community perspectives on dune ecosystems and beach access. If you’re over 18, please take our survey. The results will help inform future restoration efforts and support projects that protect our coast!

Click this link to take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9RNVR3Z 🏝️

08/19/2026

Our scientists go to some of the most beautiful places while conducting research. 🏜️

This photo was taken during a field expedition in the Sierra de San Francisco in Baja California Sur, where there is believed to be a species of chipmunk in the mountains that differs genetically from populations farther north.

Field expeditions help us understand the incredible biodiversity of this region, because knowing what lives where is often the first step in conservation.

08/18/2026

📣 Hey, educators! It's time to start planning your fall field trip.

Say goodbye to planning and booking guesswork—we've got a brand-new booking system. It's easier than ever to discover and book NGSS-aligned workshops, tours, and programs, whether you visit us or we come to you. Less time coordinating, more time watching your students' curiosity come alive.

At the Museum: Immerse your class in millions of years of regional history with a Hands-On Workshop, Guided Exhibit Tour, or Self-Guided Visit.

On your campus: The excitement of a field trip without leaving the classroom—indoor and outdoor programs available for grades 1–5, led by our Museum Educators.

Explore programs and book your class adventure. ⬇️

San Diego Natural History Museum School Programs

08/14/2026

Happy World Lizard Day! 🦎

You’ve probably seen these lizards sunbathing during a hike or on the sidewalk in your neighborhood. But did you know the western fence lizard has a secret biological superpower?

When young ticks feed on these lizards, a protein in their blood kills the Lyme disease-causing bacteria inside the tick, interrupting the disease cycle before it feeds again.

So next time you see these blue-bellied critters doing push-ups on a rock, you’ll know they’re doing more than showing off.