About Founded by a handful of citizen-naturalists in 1874, the museum is an active research institution and is the second oldest scientific institution in Southern California. The museum is dedicated to interpreting the natural world through research and education, offering local and international exhibitions and promoting understanding of the evolution and diversity of the Southern California-Baja California region. The museum also features giant-screen films and offers a wide selection of public programs for people of all ages.
Getting there 1788 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
Located in Balboa Park, near the intersection of Park Boulevard and Village Place, just south of the San Diego Zoo.
From Downtown San Diego
Go east on Broadway Street. Turn left (north) on Park Boulevard. You will pass under a pedestrian overpass, which is adjacent to the Museum. Turn left at the first traffic light beyond the overpass (Village Place) and left again into the Museum's parking lot.
From the south or the north, via Interstate 5
Exit at Pershing Drive. Stay left. At the traffic light (Florida Drive), turn left. Follow Florida Drive, passing the traffic signal at the Naval Hospital. The next street is Zoo Place. Turn left onto Zoo Place and go up the hill to the traffic light. Turn left onto Park Blvd. At the next traffic light turn right onto Village Place. Turn left into the lot directly behind the Museum.
From the north, via Interstate 805 or Interstate 15
Take 163 south, keeping to the left as you cross under Interstate 8 (Do not take University or Washington?follow signs for Downtown). After about 2 miles, take exit marked Park Blvd. (Be careful of several lane changes). Turn left onto Park Blvd. You will pass under a pedestrian overpass, which is adjacent to the Museum. Turn left at the first traffic light beyond the overpass (Village Place) and left again into the Museum's parking lot.
From the east or west, via Interstate 8
Exit onto 163 South, then keep to the left (Do not take University or Washington?follow signs for Downtown). After about 2 miles, take exit marked Park Blvd. (Be careful of several lane changes). Turn left onto Park Blvd. You will pass under a pedestrian overpass, which is adjacent to the Museum. Turn left at the first traffic light beyond the overpass (Village Place) and left again into the Museum's parking lot.
From the east, via Highway 94
Travel west directly into downtown San Diego. Turn right on 11th, right on A, left on Park Blvd. You will pass under a pedestrian overpass, which is adjacent to the Museum. Turn left at the first traffic light beyond the overpass (Village Place) and left again into the Museum's parking lot.
From the San Diego International Airport
Head east toward North Harbor Drive. Turn left at West Grape Street. Turn right to merge onto I-5 South. Take exit 16 to merge onto CA-163 North toward Escondido. Take exit 1C to merge onto Richmond Street toward Zoo-Museums. Turn right at Upas Street. Turn right at Park Blvd. Turn right a Village Place.
Tips & Suggestions Park in the Inspiration Point parking lot (on the east side of Park Blvd., between Presidents Way and the Balboa Park Activity Center) for easy access to the heart of Balboa Park via the free tram. There are also numerous smaller lots throughout the Park. See Balboa Park map (3.7MB PDF*) with parking lots and tram stops.
More info (619) 232-3821
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