When you visit The Nat, you are supporting our mission to preserve this amazing place we call home. The Nat has four floors of exhibitions, a giant screen theater, and a research collection of more than 8 million specimens.
Open 10 AM–5 PM daily
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Looking to visit us during Nat at Night? You can buy your tickets online in advance or buy them at the door.
| General Admission | |
|---|---|
| Members | FREE - JOIN TODAY! |
| Adult | $24 |
| Senior (62+) Student / Military (with ID) |
$20 |
| Youth (3–17) | $14 |
| 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 |
Online tickets may be purchased up to one month in advance. General Admission includes access to exhibitions and films in the giant screen theater. The escort for a visitor with disabilities is entitled to free admission. More information. Youth 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult.
On the occasion of our 150th birthday in 2024, visitors will receive free, one-time admission during the month of their own birthday. This offer is available in person only during the 2024 calendar year. For entry, please bring an ID, birth certificate (photocopy or picture), school ID, or other proof of identification detailing your birthdate. Let's celebrate our birthdays together!
Cost should not be a barrier to enjoying the Museum. That’s why The Nat offers many free admission programs, including Museums for All, Resident Free Days, December Nights, the summer reading program through San Diego Public Library, and more. Last year we welcomed more than 50,000 people into the Museum at no cost—that’s 30% of our visitors who accessed the Museum for free.
There are also many opportunities to receive discounted admission, including San Diego Museum Month, Kids Free San Diego, Nat at Night, the Balboa Park Explorer, the Go City San Diego card, and group visits. Think you’ll be a regular visitor? We hope you’ll consider becoming a member. Not only does membership pay for itself after one visit, but it’s also a way to support our mission to preserve this amazing region we call home.
Balboa Park organizations offer free admission to San Diego City & County residents (with ID), active military, and their dependents for one day each month. The Nat typically offers Residents Free Days on the first Tuesday of each month. Please be prepared to wait in line for entry and to see exhibitions. Entry is not guaranteed. Films are not included with Resident Free Tuesday admission. Film tickets can be purchased for $5 per person at the admissions desk.
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.
Balboa Park Explorer Passes provide guests with several options to optimize their Balboa Park experience for an excellent rate. Learn more. Go City San Diego offers multiple San Diego attractions for one low price. Visit Go City San Diego’s website to purchase a package deal that includes The Nat.
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.
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.
The Nat is pleased to offer free admission for current K-12 teachers wishing to visit the Museum. Teachers will receive one free admission (films excluded) with current, valid school identification. Please note: This discount is not valid for college-level, vocational, or home educators. Learn more about school group visits and/or bringing Nat prgrams to your school or community center.