We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

San Diego Natural History Museum

1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92104 (Balboa Park)
619.232.3821
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #84 of 199 attractions in San Diego
Book a Tour

Type: Natural History Museums, Museums
Owner description: Features fascinating exhibitions and a new giant-screen Dolby digital 3D theater showing films with a focus on the natural world. The Museum’s... more » Owner description: Features fascinating exhibitions and a new giant-screen Dolby digital 3D theater showing films with a focus on the natural world. The Museum’s award-winning exhibit design team creates exhibitions that focus on the unique and biodiverse southern California region. In addition, the Museum hosts several traveling exhibitions each year which teach visitors about our natural world as it is today and as it was in the past. « less
Write a Review

90 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    30
    25
    19
    9
    7
Date Rating
Rancho San Diego, CA
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

The Dino Jaws exhibit is a terrific interactive way to learn about dinosaurs, not only for kids but for adults too. The life-size robotic creatures look & sound like what I imagine would be the real thing. Disney-quality. Glad I visited. Also enjoyed the gift shop for interesting and affordable souviners.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Jett P for San Diego
Quebec City, Canada
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
48 helpful votes 48 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 April 2013

I got the opportunity to visit this museum as part of a networking function during Social Media Marketing World event, held in San Diego in April. The venue itself is beautiful from the outside, with its impressive architecture, but it's even more impressive to be greated by huge dinosaurs and sharks upon entering the museum! Since it has four stories... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by fredericg189 for San Diego
Alameda, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2013

Camp-O-Saurus . . . a little boy’s dream For Easter Vacation this year we planned a road trip to San Diego. Maybe not the best idea with toddlers, but we were determined to get out and about and have a good time. As part of our Easter Vacation we decided to visit the San Diego Natural History Museum. Our little... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2013

Arrived here as a back up plan on a rainy day, The Staff are helpful and entertaining, This is a huge building most of which has been given over to a large architectural atrium. Which is lovely to look at, although this has reduced the usable floor space considerably. Im very lucky that my University has a fantastic zoological collection... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Thebagishalffull for San Diego
Shanghai, China
Top Contributor
513 reviews 513 reviews
201 attraction reviews
Reviews in 166 cities Reviews in 166 cities
127 helpful votes 127 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 March 2013

This museum was not great. I have to admit I am not a huge fan of Natural History Museums but this one especially did not hold my interest.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 14 more reviews by Debbie K for San Diego
Central Coast California
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
48 helpful votes 48 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 March 2013

They seem to have something for everyone. Lots of activities for the kids. An exciting exhibition is coming up in 2014.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by lakemissy for San Diego
Winnipeg, Canada
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 March 2013

There really isn't anything in this museum. The Chocolate exhibit was poor and boring with outrageously over price chocolate for sale at the end, no samples. The top for had landscape photography displayed that emulated Ansel Adams. 3rd floor were animal skulls, mostly small ones. 2nd floor had a few dino skeletons from the area, 1st floor had 2 3D... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by chuzare for San Diego
San Diego, California
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 February 2013

We all need to know our History. Otherwise how will you know where your going and who made the path for where you are today. Check it out!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 31 more reviews by Michelle F for San Diego
Chula Vista, California
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 February 2013

This was my first visit to the museum, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. The facility itself is quite nice with an open atrium and exhibit areas off to the side. There are certainly a number of displays centered on fossils, dinosaurs, and skeletons/skulls, and they're done pretty well. The special exhibits "Chocolate" and "On the Trail of... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 23 more reviews by zed1958 for San Diego
San Diego, California
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2013

I was truly expecting more when we went and visited the Natural History Museum. The temporary exhibit was the best exhibit in the whole place. The permanent exhibits could be updated. We saw a movie about animals in the baja area, which was really good.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 15 more reviews by COgirlinCA for San Diego

Travellers who viewed San Diego Natural History Museum also viewed

 

Been to San Diego Natural History Museum? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage San Diego Natural History Museum, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing