The Nat is one of over a dozen museums in Balboa Park in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1874 as the San Diego Society of Natural History. It is the second oldest scientific institution west of the mighty Mississippi, and the oldest in Southern California.
Since its founding it’s undergone a number of relocations and expansions (some quite massive,) and has steadily increased its collection.
You could easily spend a whole day here, even if you knew in advance what they had and what you’re looking for.
Like any world-class museum, it has some pretty stellar permanent exhibits as well as a massive collection in the wings they rotate through to keep things fresh, as well as temporary/visiting exhibits.
Let me put it this way. San Diego has so many attractions, specifically those at Balboa Park, that my kids came away with literally no idea that the city even has a beach… have to fix that on the next trip. We’ll work on it, I promise.
Check out sdnhm.org for the latest news, hours, and everything else you need to know.
Check out www.SanDiego.org for latest info and way more fun stuff in San Diego.