The San Diego Natural History Museum (the NAT) is one of the many museums inside the Balboa Park. It is the oldest scientific institution in southern California. Apart from the Air and Space Museum, I believe the Natural History Museum has one of the biggest museum buildings in the area. While I think the museum still needs to have more scientific collections, it boasts 7,000 complete bird skeletons, 1,000 complete mammal skeletons, and 20,000 skulls.

The $19 general admission fee could bring you to 4 levels of exhibits, although the ground level has very minimal displays. The topmost level has mostly photos on walls, so that for me was a little disappointing.

When I entered the museum, it got me excited because the lobby was decorated with statues of dinosaurs and other large animals. It made me think that the interior displays would excite me more.

Most of the interesting collections were in the second level. The third level was bland, uninspiring. If you visit the museum, spend more time in the second level.

The museum only allows general admission ticket holders to access core exhibitions. You have to pay $28 (what the heck!) to see the “Ultimate Dinosaurs” display. When I asked the person manning the ticket counter if it is worth the time and money to see the extra exhibit, she said that “kids would enjoy it.” Since I didn’t have kids with me, I opted not to see it.

Museum Experience Rating.

My museum experience rating for this museum is 6.5/10.

Here is a video I took inside the museum:

Admission Fee.

Adult: $19
Senior/Student / Military (with ID): $17
Youth (3–17): $12
Child (2 and under): FREE

Hours.

The Museum is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

See more museums and attractions within San Diego.

Address.

1788 El Prado, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101
United States

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See also: My other travel adventures in the USA.

See also: List of National Parks.