Admission

COVID-19 update: temporary closure

We have made the difficult decision to close The Nat to the public until further notice. We realize closures like these can feel ominous, but we see it as an act of solidarity—a collective effort to protect our most vulnerable populations.

Our museum doors may be closed, but our work will not stop. As we speak:

  • Our scientists are in the field working to protect and conserve wildlife.
  • Our educators are working on resources they can use online to keep learning going.
  • Our teams are still planning exciting new projects for later in the year that will bring you an even closer understanding of our natural world.

Stay tuned. Stay in touch. The natural world does not stop, and neither do we.

Here are some resources you can explore to keep your brain going at home:

  • Our science blog goes back through years of research and discovery. It will continue to be updated during this time.
  • Our educational resources include plenty of activities you can do at home.
  • Scroll through hundreds of historic texts, images, and art with our digital library resources.
  • NEW! For the paleontologist in your life, 3D models of some specimens are online (just check the box at top and click “submit”).

Take a hike. There’s never been a better time to enjoy nature.

Fit 70 million years into an afternoon.

General Admission
Members FREE - JOIN TODAY!
Adult $19.95
Senior (62+)
Student / Military (with ID)		 $16.95
Youth (3–17) $11.95
Child (2 and under) FREE
Passholders
(Explorers, GoCard)		 INCLUDED
Museum Guest Passes &
ASTC Travel Passport Program
PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS INCLUDED
Giant screen theater films - $5
Purchase Tickets

General Admission includes access to core exhibitions and films in the giant screen theater (except on Residents’ Free Days ). The escort for a visitor with disabilities is entitled to free admission. More.

Want to enhance your visit with a special experience? Escape The Nat is a new way to experience The Nat, and reservations include admission to the Museum. Learn more.

Package deals

Balboa Park Explorer Passes provide guests with several options to optimize their Balboa Park experience for an excellent rate. Learn more. GO Card San Diego offers multiple San Diego attractions for one low price. Visit GO Card San Diego’s website to purchase a package deal that includes The Nat.

Group visits

The Nat offers discounted rates for groups of 10 or more as well as a variety of school field trips and programs. Learn more about group sales rates and reservation information.

Museums for All

The Nat is proud to participate in Museums for All. Present your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card, or Women, Infants & Children (WIC) card and photo ID at the Admissions Desk to receive free general admission for up to 4 people per family. Museums for All encourages families of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits.

Museum Access Funds

Are you a Title I school? Field trips and classes at your school can be underwritten through Museum Access Funds. For availability, call the Education Department at 619.255.0349. Learn more.

About Balboa Park

Located near downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States. First established by the City of San Diego in 1868, it is also one of the oldest city parks in the nation and is the most visited single destination in San Diego. Its 1,200 acres include 17 museums, many gardens and attractions, the San Diego Zoo, miles of hiking trails, and multiple athletic complexes to explore and discover. Learn more.