San Diego Natural History Museum

San Diego Natural History Museum is here for nature. Explore the natural history of Southern California and Baja California! https://linktr.ee/thenat
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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/

The begins TOMORROW! From April 25–28, help contribute to our understanding of the natural world by participating in a...
04/25/2025

The begins TOMORROW! From April 25–28, help contribute to our understanding of the natural world by participating in a global community science project.

Whether you’re taking a solo hike or joining an existing event with a local org, participating is easy. Head outside. Snap a pic. Upload to iNat. Sassy walk away. Repeat.

Last year San Diego made over 29,000 observations. Help us reach 30k this year? 🥺👉👈Learn more and find events near you: https://buff.ly/RJiYla7

One of the best ways to give back to the Earth? Contributing to the science that aims to conserve it. We have a ton of c...
04/22/2025

One of the best ways to give back to the Earth? Contributing to the science that aims to conserve it. We have a ton of community science events to help you do it:

🔎 The City Nature Challenge is happening this weekend from April 25–28. Go out on your own, join our partners, or find an event near you.

📝The Border BioBlitz continues through April and May. Join the discovery by participating in a free event or snapping pictures 15 km from the border.

Participating in community science is easy. Just grab a camera, get outside, take some pics, and upload them to iNaturalist—no science background needed. Learn more here: https://buff.ly/YtdDqhw

Happy Earth Day!

Spring means flowers, new growth, and yep... . I bet you’ve seen them popping up—and you’re worried they’ll spread. If ...
04/19/2025

Spring means flowers, new growth, and yep... . I bet you’ve seen them popping up—and you’re worried they’ll spread. If you’re planting native, here are a few common plants you may want to look out for:

🌱 Black mustard (Mutarda nigra). This is an annual plant characterized by its bright yellow flowers and erect fruits. It can easily grow up to six feet tall—often taller. It is extremely abundant all over California.

🌱 Burclover (Medicago polymorpha). This plant is native to the Mediterranean and can often be found sneaking into people's gardens. It has easily identifiable trifoliolate leaves, which means its leaf is divided into three leaflets.

🌱 Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae). Also called sourgrass, you’re likely to have seen this bright yellow flower near you. It also has characteristic leaves that resemble clovers.
Note: an interesting thing about this species is that it is asexual in our region meaning that all of the plants that we see are clones that come from the proliferation of underground bulbs.

Which others have you been seeing? Happy gardening!

📸 2: fake_id on iNaturalist
📸 3: quercus_e on iNaturalist

It's happening now—the has begun and runs until the end of May! Join, discover, photograph, and share the incredible ...
04/16/2025

It's happening now—the has begun and runs until the end of May!

Join, discover, photograph, and share the incredible biodiversity surrounding the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. Click here to participate: https://buff.ly/tArUHvC

Next Generation Sonoran Desert Researchers Botanical Community Development Initiatives
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El BioBlitz de la Frontera ya está aquí y se llevará a cabo durante los meses de abril y mayo.

¡Únete, descubre, registra y comparte la biodiversidad de la frontera México-E.U.! Participa: https://buff.ly/0oX4K8t

Dire wolves are having a moment. Want to see a REAL one? You’ve come to the right place. Dire wolves (Canis dirus, now r...
04/11/2025

Dire wolves are having a moment. Want to see a REAL one? You’ve come to the right place.

Dire wolves (Canis dirus, now referred to as Aenocyon dirus) lived throughout North and South America during the Pleistocene epoch, including right here in San Diego. Our very own paleontologists unearthed dire wolf remains decades ago during roadway improvements to State Route 54 in National City.

Skip the genetically-modified hype and come see the real deal, on view in Fossil Mysteries.

‼️ Last call to join us for the State of Biodiversity Symposium, happening Tuesday, April 8 from 5–9 PM. Learn from regi...
04/07/2025

‼️ Last call to join us for the State of Biodiversity Symposium, happening Tuesday, April 8 from 5–9 PM.

Learn from regional organizations at their outreach tables, enjoy a reception with appetizers and a pay bar, get updates from the Collaboration for Conservation report, and learn from our panel of experts on regional biodiversity and conservation!

Tickets are $17 for members and $20 for non-members. If you're a student interested in attending, learn about the scholarships we offer to participate in this event: https://buff.ly/uiizBio

How awesome are these recent pictures from last month’s Canyoneer excursions? Our Museum-trained naturalists are guiding...
04/04/2025

How awesome are these recent pictures from last month’s Canyoneer excursions? Our Museum-trained naturalists are guiding hikes all over the county. Join them this April!

Upcoming hikes this month include outings to Cleveland National Forest, Lake Morena County Park, Dos Picos County Park, and McCain Valley. Sign up now: https://buff.ly/AGhSNP9

📸: Jon Graehl
Subaru of America, Inc.

We’re thrilled to announce a landmark gift from Dr. Irwin Jacobs that will help expand our research and ensure our regio...
04/02/2025

We’re thrilled to announce a landmark gift from Dr. Irwin Jacobs that will help expand our research and ensure our region’s biodiversity is studied, resilient, and celebrated for years to come.

Leaders like Dr. Jacobs help us meet our mission, especially in the face of federal funding uncertainties. It’s now more important than ever to have strong support from our local communities.

Read more about this historic gift: https://www.sdnhm.org/pressroom/pressroom_details/10-million-endowment-gift-propels-the-nats-scientific-efforts-forward/65/

The State of Biodiversity Symposium is back on Tuesday, April 8 from 5–9 PM. Meet the speakers and check out their topic...
03/31/2025

The State of Biodiversity Symposium is back on Tuesday, April 8 from 5–9 PM. Meet the speakers and check out their topics below.

🌊 Mirna Borrego Lazalde | Terra Peninsular. Exploring how equity plays a key role in environmental education and conservation efforts along the Baja California Coast

🏙️ Miguel Ordeñana | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. Filling in urban biodiversity data gaps by partnering with communities and offering diverse participation models to ensure equitable engagement.

🤲 Martha Rodriguez | Tipey Joa Native Warriors. P’show: Taking care of and honoring our ancestral knowledge.

📝 Diego Ellis Soto | Cal Academy of Sciences and UC Berkeley. How the uneven distribution of biodiversity is shaped by human histories and socioeconomics in the age of digital information.

Tickets are $17 for members and $20 for non-members. If you're a student interested in attending, learn about the scholarships we offer to participate in this event: https://buff.ly/g3eXePQ

📢 Attention nature lovers! The Border BioBlitz is about to begin. From April to May, join this community science event a...
03/31/2025

📢 Attention nature lovers! The Border BioBlitz is about to begin. From April to May, join this community science event and help us record the border region’s biodiversity.

Join the discovery: https://buff.ly/r3tT8xu
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📢 ¡Atención amantes de la naturaleza! El BioBlitz de la Frontera 2025 está por comenzar. Entre abril a mayo, únete a este evento de ciencia ciudadana y ayúdanos a registrar la biodiversidad de la región fronteriza.

Únete a los esfuerzos: https://buff.ly/r3tT8xu

💚🦕 Our Prehistoric Prom is exactly two weeks away. Have you asked out your prom date yet? If not, tag them below and mak...
03/28/2025

💚🦕 Our Prehistoric Prom is exactly two weeks away. Have you asked out your prom date yet? If not, tag them below and make it official!

On April 11, from 7-11 PM, we are traveling back 65 million years for a night unlike any other! The Secret Society of Adultologists invites you to a 21+ after-hours event. If you like Nat at Night, you’ll love this.

💃 Dress to impress. Think prehistoric posh, animal prints, glamorous gowns, maybe even some bone accessories! Please, no face coverings or fake weapons of any kind. If you don’t feel like showing everyone else up in your jaw-dropping outfit, no worries. Dressing up is not required!
🏛️ Enjoy access to all our exhibits all night long.
🍹 Sip dino-mite cocktails, mocktails from The Lucky Pony, and brews that will have you roaring for more.
🌮 Feast on bites from Wolf in the Woods, The Craft Taco, and Lucky Pony.
🌱 Meet scientists from The Nat and learn more about the work we've been doing.
🪨 Get your hands dirty with the San Diego Archaeological Center as you learn about some prehistoric tools.
🦴 Ever wanted to work with real fossils? Take a dig at it in our Paleo demo lab.
🦕 Plus, meet some of our friends at Endangered Concepts, California Wolf Center, Anza Borrego Foundation, Humble Servants of the Worm, Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, OnionCakes, San Diego Tracking Team, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, and more.

$45 for non-members, $35 for members, and includes access to all activities and entertainment. Food and drinks will be available for additional purchase. Grab your tickets now: https://buff.ly/OYP8ODU

Our annual State of Biodiversity Symposium is back—join nature lovers, scientists, and conservationists to learn about b...
03/27/2025

Our annual State of Biodiversity Symposium is back—join nature lovers, scientists, and conservationists to learn about biodiversity in our region and how we can continue to preserve it through a community focused lens.

Meet the speakers, check out the presentation topics, and get your tickets here 👉https://buff.ly/41A3vXJ

Now that we’ve gotten a bit of rain, it’s the perfect time to go look for mushrooms, newly sprouting wildflowers, plants...
03/26/2025

Now that we’ve gotten a bit of rain, it’s the perfect time to go look for mushrooms, newly sprouting wildflowers, plants coming out of dormancy, and all sorts of wildlife. Our Canyoneers will be out there—join them.

🥾 Upcoming hikes include outings to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Oakoasis Preserve, Santa Rosa Plaeau, Cleveland National Forest, and more. Sign up for free now: https://buff.ly/6RP3m11

Subaru of America, Inc.

The kids are out of school for , and you need something to do? Helloooo, we're right here! 👋 From weird and wonderful ...
03/24/2025

The kids are out of school for , and you need something to do? Helloooo, we're right here! 👋

From weird and wonderful to whoa, there is something for everyone here at .

🎬 Kick back in our Giant Screen Theater and watch our films Wild San Diego, Animal Kingdom, and Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope.
🏛️ Explore four floors of exhibits, including our photo show, Actions from the Archives, sharing our history over the last 150 years.
🎨 If you visit on a Saturday, be sure to visit Nature Studio and let your creativity soar in our nature-inspired maker space from 10 AM-2 PM.
🌮 Grab a bite to eat from The Craft Taco.
🛍️ Treat yourself to all the nature merch at our store, Gold Leaf.
📚 Speaking of Gold Leaf, on Thursday, 3/24, the littles can enjoy Nature and Me story time inside Gold Leaf at 10:30 AM.
🦕 On Tuesday, 4/1, residents of can visit for free with proof of residency. Plus, the rooftop will be open for you to enjoy the best views of .

📷 : Eric Scire

A recent Executive Order would gut the only federal agency dedicated to supporting museums nationwide. Here at The Nat, ...
03/18/2025

A recent Executive Order would gut the only federal agency dedicated to supporting museums nationwide. Here at The Nat, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has provided critical funding to help care for our collection of 9 million research specimens and develop exhibits that bring people closer to science and nature in our region.

IMLS makes up only 0.0046% of the overall federal budget while museums generate $50 billion dollars in economic benefits and support more than 726,000 jobs. Americans do not want this: 96% of Americans want elected officials to support museums. Please take action now by using the American Alliance of Museums’ template language to email and call your members of Congress to ask them to save IMLS: https://buff.ly/APunYIH

OMG, we can’t believe it’s happening. We’re hosting a Nat at Night AND a Nat Talk this Friday, March 21—you’ve gotta be ...
03/18/2025

OMG, we can’t believe it’s happening. We’re hosting a Nat at Night AND a Nat Talk this Friday, March 21—you’ve gotta be there. Not convinced yet? Okay, no worries. Just keep reading.

🥂 Enjoy some drinks, food, and views on our rooftop. Oh, did we mention there’s going to be a live DJ up there?
🎥 Attend our Nat Talk: The Value of Indigenous Fire Stewardship from 7–9 PM hosted by Filmmaker Andrew Pittman.
🎨 Let your creative side out with Sketchparty
🦕 Explore all four floors of the museum with your favorite people
🎫 Half-off admission and free for members (Nat Talk not included)

You’re in now, huh? We knew it. Get tickets now: https://buff.ly/EwfhwhK

👋 Hey, ! Your favorite 21+ event is back on Friday, April 11 and tickets are on sale NOW. 🦖The Secret Society of Adult...
03/13/2025

👋 Hey, ! Your favorite 21+ event is back on Friday, April 11 and tickets are on sale NOW.

🦖The Secret Society of Adultologists is going back in time and inviting you to the Prehistoric Prom. This 21+ experience will transport you to a Jurassic world of music, mingling, and Mesozoic mayhem.

Explore the after dark while you enjoy craft and beer, delicious food, views, peeks behind the scenes, and conversations with The Nat’s scientists. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members and include access to all activities and entertainment. Food and drink will be available for additional purchase.

🦕 Join the party before you go extinct! https://buff.ly/VhYviWd

Not one but TWO new films are hitting our Giant Screen Theater next Friday, 3/14! 🐧 Animal Kingdom is a beautiful adve...
03/07/2025

Not one but TWO new films are hitting our Giant Screen Theater next Friday, 3/14!

🐧 Animal Kingdom is a beautiful adventure into what makes our natural world so amazing. This fun, educational, and family-friendly film introduces audiences to animals from all over the world and explores how we can help protect them.

🌱 Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope highlights real-life conservation success stories that prove change is possible. Guided by Jane Goodall’s four pillars of hope, this inspiring film shows the amazing conservation efforts happening across the globe and reminds us that a brighter future is within reach when we work together.

And don’t worry, Wild San Diego isn’t going anywhere, so if you haven’t seen our film about our home-sweet San Diego, you can see it along with these new films next time you visit!

Films are included with paid general admission and free for members! Check out the film trailers on our website. https://buff.ly/Sgk0gaX

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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Our Story

Our mission is 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 four floors of exhibitions, a 3D theater, and San Diego’s only Foucault pendulum. Through its research collection, exhibitions, films, and programs, the Museum fosters in visitors of all ages a lifelong love of nature and the environment. Current Exhibitions: http://www.sdnat.org/currentexhibitions

Events Calendar: https://www.sdnat.org/calendar/ Hours and Admission: http://www.sdnat.org/visit/admission/ Theater Schedule: http://www.sdnat.org/giantscreentheater Membership: http://www.sdnat.org/membership Private Events: http://epubs.hawthornpublications.com/sandiegonaturalhistorymuseum/