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—30% of our visitors 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 offer guests several options to optimize their Balboa Park experience for an excellent rate. Learn more. Go City San Diego provides 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 and a variety of school field trips and programs. Learn more about group sales rates and reservation information.
Are you a Title I school? Museum Access Funds can underwrite field trips and classes at your school. 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 about school group visits and/or bringing Nat programs to your school or community center.