San Diego Natural History Museum

The San Diego Natural History Museum, at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, is the oldest scientific institution in the region and focuses on the natural history of Southern California and the Baja California peninsula. The building, with its Spanish Colonial Revival facade facing the park's main pedestrian promenade, houses permanent and rotating exhibits that cover geology, paleontology, biodiversity and the effects of climate and human activity on the landscape. Permanent displays include fossils from the region, among them marine and land animals from the ancient past, as well as exhibits on the plants and animals of the local deserts, coast and mountains. Visitors can see mounted skeletons, dioramas, specimens and interactive stations, and a 3D theater screens films on natural science topics. The museum maintains major research collections, and glimpses of that work appear in public displays. The experience suits visitors interested in the ecology and geology of the border region, and many exhibits are accessible to children through hands-on elements. A visit typically takes one and a half to two and a half hours, longer if a special exhibition or film is included. Weekday mornings offer the quietest conditions, and weekends and school holidays bring families and school groups. Photographers can capture the building's ornate exterior from El Prado, especially in morning light, and the mounted fossil displays inside. Admission is about $24 for adults, with reduced rates for seniors, students, military and children, and free entry for children under three. Free or discounted resident days occur periodically, and visitors should confirm the schedule on the museum's website. The museum is generally open daily around 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is reached by the Balboa Park shuttle to the Natural History stop, or by buses 7 and 215 to Park Boulevard, and it sits close to several other museums, so many visitors combine it with a day in the park. Food and drink are available at cafes in the surrounding area.