--- title: San Diego Natural History Museum slug: san-diego-natural-history-museum type: attraction sub_type: museums source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/san-diego-natural-history-museum city: San Diego state: CA country: US address: 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park geo: lat: 32.73232 lng: -117.14736 cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T21:01:40.084Z price_from: amount: 22.95 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: InStock rating: value: 3.5 count: 476 scale: 5 ticket_options: - group: Other Options options: - name: General Admission price: 22.95 regular_price: 24.95 savings: 2 ticket_types: - name: Adult (18-61 yrs) min_age: 18 max_age: 61 - name: Youth (3-17 yrs) min_age: 3 max_age: 17 - name: Child (0-2 yrs) min_age: 0 max_age: 2 --- ## Overview Discover dinosaurs, fossils, and hands-on science exhibits at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park. Ideal for families and curious minds, The Nat features interactive galleries, a 3D theater, and Southern California's rich natural history—all in one kid-friendly museum. ## What's Included - Admission to the San Diego Natural History Museum - Access to interactive galleries and hands-on exhibits - Entry to the 300-seat Giant Screen Theater with nature and wildlife films ## What's Not Included - Food and drinks (available for purchase inside at The Craft Taco) - Souvenirs (available for purchase inside at Gold Leaf) ## Ticket Options - **General Admission** — $22.95 (regularly $24.95, save $2.00) San Diego Natural History Museum tickets​ include access to all exhibitions, the giant-screen theater, and interactive displays. Special exhibits may require an additional fee. Tickets are valid for a single-day visit on the date selected. - Adult (18-61 yrs) - Youth (3-17 yrs) - Child (0-2 yrs) ## Good to Know - Exhibitions focus on Southern California and Baja California fossil history and nature. - Children two and under are free. - Family-friendly with hands-on activities and a play space for ages five and under. - Located in Balboa Park, San Diego. - Parking available near the east side of the museum and the Balboa Park Carousel. - Food and drinks available for purchase inside the Museum at The Craft Taco. - Souvenirs available for purchase inside the Museum at Gold Leaf. - Fully wheelchair accessible. ## Cancellation Policy Free Cancellation ## FAQs ### Where is Natural History Museum San Diego​ located? The San Diego Natural History Museum is in Balboa Park at 1788 El Prado, near Park Blvd. and Village Pl., just south of the San Diego Zoo. ### Is parking available on site? Yes. There are small parking lots throughout the park, located next to the museum’s east side and near the Balboa Park Carousel on Village Place and Park Blvd. Please note that beginning January 5, 2026, the City of San Diego will implement paid parking in Balboa Park. ### How long does it take to go through San Diego Natural History museum? Allow approximately 60-90 minutes to fully immerse yourself in the 4 floors of exhibits and films in the giant screen theater. ### Does the general admission ticket include the Giant Screen Theater? Yes, films in the giant-screen theater are included with paid admission. ### Is the museum suitable for children? Yes, the museum is suitable for all ages. Children 2 and under enter for free, and guests 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. ### Can I bring my stroller to the museum? Yes, strollers are allowed inside the museum. However, on Resident Free Days, strollers are not permitted indoors and must be parked in the designated area outside the north entrance near the Moreton Bay Fig tree. ### Is the museum wheelchair accessible? The north fig tree entrance to the Museum is accessible. There are six accessible parking spaces in the Natural History Museum parking lot which is located on the east side of the Museum at Village Place and Park Boulevard (to your left off Village Place). There are also four accessible parking spaces in the South Carousel parking lot adjacent to the museum parking lot. The handicap access ramps are located at the northwest corner and the southwest corners of the Museum. ### Are wheelchairs available for rent on-site? Complimentary wheelchairs are available. Request one at the Visitor Services Desk upon entry for use during your visit. ### Are pets allowed inside the museum? No, only ADA-defined service dogs are allowed. They must be on a non-retractable physical leash, less than 6 feet in length. Each visitor may only have one service dog. ### Does the museum offer assistive listening devices? Yes, you can request the infrared listening device headsets at the north entrance Visitor Services Desk. The Assistive Listening System is available for lectures and films in the Charmaine and Maurice Kaplan Theater. ### Is there a place to buy food and drinks at the museum? Yes, The Craft Taco, located in the main Atrium near the north entrance, offers made-to-order tacos, burritos, and bowls with signature blue corn tortillas. They also serve coffee, specialty drinks, and grab-and-go options like pollo asado bowls and torta sandwiches. ## Reviews > "Great Free Museum" > — AlwaysTraveling65, April 03, 2026 > "Natural history museum in San Diego rocks" > — bebepineapple, February 08, 2026 > "This was a sweet museum. With two bars!" > — MountainFoodie43, January 24, 2026 > "Under construction" > — bettyc552, December 18, 2025