San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket

Travel through millions of years
of natural history at The Nat in Balboa Park

The San Diego Natural History Museum, also known as The Nat, is the flagship museum of Balboa Park. Permanent exhibitions on the unique natural history and biodiversity of Southern California and Baja California span several floors, along with a giant-screen theater and San Diego's only Foucault pendulum.

Explore the mysteries of fossils
from dinosaurs to megalodon

In the "Fossil Mysteries" exhibition, travel back 75 million years, from dinosaurs to megalodon and mastodons, to explore the fossil history of Southern California and Baja California. "Unshelved: Wonders from the Underground" offers a rare backstage look at the museum's collections and research, and you can watch scientists at work in the new paleontology center.

Discover Southern California's nature
from the coast to the desert

The "Coast to Cactus in Southern California" exhibition takes you on an immersive walk through the coast, inland valleys, mountains and deserts to celebrate the region's rich variety of life. "Expedition Baja" follows museum researchers as they discover new species, protect native plants and animals and explore the peninsula's remotest areas. At the "Living Lab", meet more than 20 live species, from stinging scorpions to elusive nocturnal lizards.

See ocean trash art
and mineral exhibits

"Washed Ashore" showcases art sculptures made from ocean trash. You can also see "Hidden Gems", featuring more than 100 specimens from the mineralogy department, and an exhibition exploring the history of citizen science through rare books, art and photographs. During your visit, enjoy coffee, pastries and tacos at The Craft Taco café and pick up nature-inspired gifts at the Gold Leaf shop.

※ Exhibitions are subject to change at the museum's discretion.