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The San Diego Natural History Museum

1788 El Prado | Bankers Hill Capacity - 1800 people

About

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is a landmark Balboa Park institution founded in 1874 that focuses on the biodiversity and paleontology of Southern California and Baja California. Its permanent home—designed by architect William Templeton Johnson and dedicated in 1933—now includes galleries, a giant-screen theater, and a rooftop terrace; the museum marked its 150th anniversary with special programming in 2024. Set amid Balboa Park’s museum cluster, it draws families, students, and science lovers and also hosts after-hours Nat at Night events.

Getting there

Parking

Paid parking is enforced daily in Balboa Park’s city-managed lots; the Bea Evenson/Natural History Museum lot on Village Place is a Level 1 paid lot. City residents can purchase discounted parking passes, and a free tram runs from the Inspiration Point lots to museum areas. Check The Nat’s Parking and Directions page and the City’s/KPBS updates for current rates and lot designations.

Public transit

MTS Route 7 and Rapid 215 stop along Park Blvd (Zoo Place/pedestrian bridge), a short walk from the museum; Route 7 connects with the San Diego Trolley at City College for easy transfers.