Since 1874, the San Diego Natural History Museum has been a treat for history enthusiasts, one of the city’s fascinating tourist spots.
Unlike regular museums with static displays, the Natural History Museum, affectionately known as the Nat, has an array of interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to get hands-on with them.
Here’s hoping you are ready to embark on a journey through time and space because this incredible museum has something for everyone, from dinosaur enthusiasts to ocean lovers and everything in between.
This article shares everything you must know before buying San Diego Natural History Museum tickets.
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# Natural History Museum tickets
# San Diego City PassBook your Natural History Museum tickets early to skip the queues and guarantee your spot on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
Where to buy National History Museum tickets
The tickets for the San Diego Natural History Museum are available for booking online in advance.
Since long queues can be a killjoy, the online method of booking your tickets is in the best interest of visitors.
Online tickets help you save time and money – online tickets are cheaper than the price you pay at the venue.
In addition, the tickets often sell out sooner than you realize.
So, book your tickets online to avoid last-minute disappointment and head to a stress-free day out with your friends and family.
Cost of San Diego Natural History Museum tickets
The tickets for the Natural History Museum in San Diego are priced at $24 for all adults aged between 18 and 64.
Tickets for youth aged three to 17 are available at a discounted price of $14.
Tickets for senior citizens aged 65-99, students, and military personnel with ID cost $20.
Children under two get free entry at the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Entry for the museum members and an escort for a visitor with disabilities is free.
Tickets are available on-site for active-duty military members and groups of over 15 people at discounted prices.
The Nat offers free general admission on the first Tuesday of each month in honor of the Residents’ Free Day. The Museums for All scheme also extends free general admission to SNAP beneficiaries.
Natural History Museum entrance tickets
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A ticket to the San Diego Natural History Museum allows you to visit four vast floors full of amazing exhibits, like Expedition Baja, Living Lab, Hidden Gems, The Backyard, Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People: A History of Citizen Science, Fossil Mysteries, and Allosaurus, to name a few.
Take a picture near San Diego’s only Foucault pendulum, an iconic masterpiece in place since 1851.
Valuable educational programs make it a perfect destination for school trips.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (18 to 64 years): $24
Youth ticket (up to 17 years): $14
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Senior Ticket (65+ years): $20
Student (with ID): $20
Buy a San Diego City Pass and get access to 55+ San Diego activities, tours, cruises, and attractions. Visit SeaWorld, Belmont Park, Hollywood Museum, and many more famous sites, or go for a whale-watching cruise or hiking tour.
San Diego Natural History Museum timings
The Natural History Museum in San Diego is open from 10 am to 5 pm, six days a week.
The museum remains closed on Wednesdays and special days like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
The museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, so we strongly recommend checking its calendar before planning your trip so you don’t miss out on exciting upcoming events.
Checking the calendar beforehand also eliminates any element of surprise.
How long does the Natural History Museum take
Most tourists spend two to three hours exploring the museum’s various galleries, but some may choose to spend more or less time based on their level of interest.
If you like to read all exhibit labels, take your time with interactive displays, and watch films, you should budget more time for your visit.
On the other hand, if you’re primarily interested in certain exhibits or have limited time, you may be able to complete your visit in an hour.
Best time to visit the Natural History Museum
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The best time to visit the Natural History Museum in San Diego is when they opens at 10 am.
Weekdays are quieter and less crowded, especially Wednesday and Thursday.
Tuesdays tend to be the most crowded as the attractions in Balboa Park offer free entry to San Diego residents on a rotating basis.
The San Diego Natural History Museum can be visited year-round as an indoor venue.
To make the most of the iconic San Diego weather, it’s best to visit in spring and autumn.
You may also avoid the crowd by visiting in the off-peak season, typically from November to February.
What to expect at the Natural History Museum
The San Diego Museum of Natural History boasts over 8 million specimens in its collection, which is a lot of natural history to explore!
A biodiversity hotspot, the museum houses more animal and plant species than any other county in the contiguous United States!
With an illustrious history of nearly 150 years, it has era-specific original specimens spanning an astounding 1.9 billion years.
Walk among prehistoric beasts and witness the history of life on Earth with the Dinosaur exhibit showcasing life-size models of some of the most famous dinosaurs, including the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Triceratops.
Exhibits like ‘Unshelved: Cool Stuff from the Storage’ will blow your mind with over 200 specimens of rare varieties of flora and fauna.
This exhibit takes you through Southern California and the Baja Peninsula’s diverse and unique ecosystems, from the beach to flora and fauna to the mountains.
Get inspired by seeing the scientists at work.
While you have 75 million years of history in your footsteps, you can also participate in exciting events and programs, from lecture series to movie nights to family-friendly workshops.
Catch a movie at the Museum’s stadium-style, 3D Giant Screen Theater.
The fun doesn’t stop here, as you can sign up for the canyoneering hikes and whale watching with the trained volunteers of the National.
Celebrate your special day in an out-of-the-box way with the Museum of Natural History San Diego, which can host events like a birthday party, wedding, prom, or corporate gathering.
FAQs about San Diego Natural History Museum
Here are some frequently asked questions about the San Diego Natural History Museum.
What are the benefits of joining the San Diego Natural History Museum?
When you become a member of the Nat, you can purchase the Museum merchandise at a 10% discount on orders above US$15.
How do I become a member of the San Diego Natural History Museum?
You can become a member or join the Nat community by visiting the museum website.
How can we book a tour of the San Diego Natural History Museum?
The museum gives tours on an appointment basis between 8 am and 5 pm.
Does the San Diego Natural History Museum have free Wifi?
Yes, the Nat allows visitor access to free Wifi.
What are the San Diego Natural History Museum rental fees?
The museum rental fees depend on the event type, size, and duration. For instance, hourly rates for their boardroom and classrooms are US$260, and their per-floor rate costs US$1,600.
Is the San Diego Natural History Museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Nat is completely wheelchair accessible, with elevators on each floor.
How can I contact the San Diego Natural History Museum for events?
You can contact them at events@sdnhm.org or 619.255.0182.
