San Diego Natural History Museum Tours

San Diego Natural History Museum which includes interior views
San Diego Natural History Museum
San Diego Natural History Museum showing interior views and heritage elements
San Diego Natural History Museum
San Diego Natural History Museum


From ancient artifacts to rare gemstones to stunning artwork, learn about the natural world, past and present, in Balboa Park’s exceptional museum.

Discover the natural wonders of southern California, both past and present, at the San Diego Natural History Museum. With its ancient dinosaur fossils, fluorescent rocks and educational films, this museum has broad appeal.

Walk through the region’s history in Fossil Mysteriesand Coast to Cactus in Southern California. Travel through 75 million years of history, from the time of the dinosaurs to the present day, as you tour the exhibits.

In Skulls, check out nearly 200 skulls from the museum’s research collections. See animals from all over the world, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Explore the impact of science in Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People. Learn about naturalists and the impact that their work has on science. Browse through rare books, art, photographs and other documents from the San Diego Natural History Museum’s Research Library. Interactive exhibits and multimedia experiences bring the exhibit to life.

In Water: A California Story, learn about the effects of climate change on the state’s water supply. Discover how Californians can help protect water and make changes to preserve it for future generations.

See a film in the giant-screen theater. Tune in for an entertaining and educational glimpse into the natural world. The theater screens a rotating schedule of films.

Find the San Diego Natural History Museum in the beautiful Balboa Park. The park, located in the heart of San Diego, combines nature and culture. Stroll along nature trails, relax by the lily ponds or check out the many museums inside the park.

Purchase tickets online or at the welcome desk. Seniors, students, children and military personnel receive discounts on admission. Members of the San Diego Natural History Museum enjoy free entry.

Visit the San Diego Natural History Museum daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. During the summer, extended Friday hours offer a nice opportunity to start the weekend with a fun and educational outing.

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Best Lodging Options Near San Diego Natural History Museum

The DEXTRO Little Italy, BW Premier Collection

The DEXTRO Little Italy, BW Premier Collection

3 out of 5
1617 1st Avenue, San Diego, CA
The DEXTRO Little Italy, BW Premier Collection
Wyndham San Diego Bayside

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

4 out of 5
1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

4 out of 5
1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

4 out of 5
830 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA
Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
The Little Italy Hotel Downtown San Diego

The Little Italy Hotel Downtown San Diego

4 out of 5
1646 Front St, San Diego, CA
The Little Italy Hotel Downtown San Diego
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

4 out of 5
207 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1430 7th Ave, San Diego, CA
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG
Balboa Park Hotel

Balboa Park Hotel

2 out of 5
410 Elm St, San Diego, CA
Balboa Park Hotel
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

3.5 out of 5
701 A St, San Diego, CA
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near San Diego Natural History Museum

At the San Diego Natural History Museum, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as wildlife observation, birdwatching, and theater performances. Key highlights include guided tours, walking tours, and access to multiple attractions. For those looking for more excitement, nearby theme parks offer additional entertainment options, while tours by appointment allow for a more personalized experience. Make the most of your visit by exploring all the unique offerings surrounding the museum!

Shopping

At the San Diego Natural History Museum, you can explore nearby shopping options like Fashion Valley Mall and Coronado Ferry Landing, both located 3 miles away, offering a mix of family-friendly and entertainment vibes. Little Saigon, also 3 miles away, features unique shops and local businesses.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Petco Park, just 2 miles away, where you can catch a game and soak in the vibrant sports atmosphere. For a relaxing evening, head to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, also 2 miles away, and enjoy live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Enhance your wellness by playing a round at Balboa Park Golf Course, located only 0.9 miles from the museum, where you can enjoy the outdoors while honing your golf skills.

Adventure

Experience the Bayshore Bikeway, an outdoor path 3 miles from the museum, perfect for biking and enjoying scenic views. For tennis enthusiasts, the Urban Village Tennis Center, also 3 miles away, offers adventure vibes, while the Coronado Tennis Center, 4 miles away, promises thrilling matches in a vibrant setting.

Nightlife

After exploring the San Diego Natural History Museum, enjoy the vibrant nightlife at nearby venues. The San Diego Civic Theatre offers captivating performances, while the Old Globe Theater presents stunning productions. For a family-friendly outing, the Balboa Park Carousel provides charming outdoor fun just a short stroll away.

Find the best attractions near San Diego Natural History Museum

Visiting the San Diego Natural History Museum offers a fantastic blend of culture and family-friendly outdoor experiences. Within and around the museum, you'll discover popular attractions like urban parks and private gardens, perfect for relaxation and exploration. Don't miss out on this top tourist destination and its surrounding points of interest that highlight the best of San Diego’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

  • San Diego Convention Center: Located 2 miles from the San Diego Natural History Museum, this impressive venue hosts a variety of events and conferences. Its modern architecture and business-friendly atmosphere make it a hub for professional gatherings and exhibitions.
  • Balboa Park: Just 0.2 miles away, Balboa Park is a stunning urban oasis featuring lush gardens and stunning architecture. Known for its vibrant art scene, it offers numerous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, perfect for a leisurely stroll or exploration.
  • Port of San Diego: Situated 2 miles from the museum, this modern civic building is an essential part of the city's waterfront. The Port combines business with scenic views, making it a great spot for both work-related events and picturesque walks along the bay.

Best time to go to San Diego Natural History Museum

Visitor numbers around San Diego Natural History Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit San Diego Natural History Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around San Diego Natural History Museum falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around San Diego Natural History Museum falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April60.6°F (15.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
May62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June66.4°F (19.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July70.5°F (21.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.3°F (22.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September72.0°F (22.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for San Diego Natural History Museum

To save money on your visit to the San Diego Natural History Museum, consider traveling between November and January when hotel prices are lower. Tuesdays offer the best rates for accommodations, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by organizing results by price and utilizing filters for eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to further savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership grants you exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Also, take advantage of free activities and public transport to keep costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around San Diego Natural History Museum are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around San Diego Natural History Museum is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around San Diego Natural History Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay for the San Diego Natural History Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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