
Natural History Museum Tours
Discover the rich natural history of the Bay Area with engaging exhibits on local wildlife, fossils, and ecosystems. Perfect for families!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Natural History Museum Tours
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the rich natural history of the Bay Area with engaging exhibits on local wildlife, fossils, and ecosystems. Perfect for families!
"A MUST visit if you have kids! So cute and informative, right by the water."

🎯 Affordable Family Fun
Kids are FREE! Adults are $5, students $3. A great value for an informative and engaging experience.
bilingual exhibits
Appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of Spanish translations throughout the museum.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Local Wildlife & Fossils
Main Galleries
Discover taxidermied local animals, ancient fossils, and interactive displays that bring the region's natural history to life.

Interactive Learning
Children's Area
Engage with digital microscopes and fossil dig activities, perfect for curious young minds eager to explore.

Seabright Beach & Park
Adjacent to Museum
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the beach or relax under the trees with a life-size whale sculpture for kids to play on.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Family Fun
Kids are FREE! Adults are $5, students $3. A great value for an informative and engaging experience.
bilingual exhibits
Appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of Spanish translations throughout the museum.
🎁 Unique Gift Shop Finds
The gift shop is a treasure trove of well-curated items, making it hard to resist a souvenir.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Park Stroll
Explore the calm and peaceful trees and paths outside the museum for a relaxing break.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Family Fun
Kids are FREE! Adults are $5, students $3. A great value for an informative and engaging experience.
bilingual exhibits
Appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of Spanish translations throughout the museum.
🎁 Unique Gift Shop Finds
The gift shop is a treasure trove of well-curated items, making it hard to resist a souvenir.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Park Stroll
Explore the calm and peaceful trees and paths outside the museum for a relaxing break.
🏖️ Beach Day Combo
Combine your museum visit with a trip to Seabright Beach, perfect for families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Natural History Museum's affordability and engaging exhibits, especially for families. Its compact size makes it manageable, and the adjacent beach offers a perfect complement. Some note its small scale, but the value and local focus are consistently praised.
"Very inexpensive $5 for adults, kids are free and adult students are $3. It was very cool we had a great time. It’s small but very informative. They had a lot of local animal taxidermy , fossils, bones , they had live animals , bee colony & sea life . But the best part was the gift shop … check out this amazing book we scored there … see photos .."
Jill Petersen
"Great museum with lots of fun activities and variety of wildlife exhibits. Our 3rd grader loved learning here. Please visit the trees around the Park out front and walk along the path it’s calm and peaceful💜"
Rosalba Garibay
"We loved it! Wasn’t planned on stopping by
Love how they include Spanish translation ❤️
Very cute museum"
Hennessy Perez de leon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located near Seabright Beach. Driving is a common option, with parking available nearby. Public transportation routes also serve the area, making it accessible for those without a car.
Yes, there is parking available near the museum, especially around Seabright Beach. It's advisable to arrive early during peak times to secure a spot.
Yes, local bus routes service the area around the museum. Check with the local transit authority for specific route information and schedules.
The museum is generally accessible by public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. Consult local transit schedules for the most convenient options.
If you're at the boardwalk, a short walk or a quick ride-share will get you to the museum and Seabright Beach. It's a pleasant transition from the bustling boardwalk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable: kids are free, adults are $5, and adult students are $3. This makes it an excellent value for families.
Yes, adult students receive a discounted rate of $3. While not explicitly mentioned for seniors, the overall low cost makes it accessible.
Given its small size and affordable pricing, advance booking is typically not required. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the museum's official website or call ahead. Weekday mornings are often less crowded.
Parking is typically managed by the city or beach area, and there may be associated fees, especially during peak seasons. Check local parking regulations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include local animal taxidermy, fossils, bones, live animals like a bee colony, and sea life exhibits. Interactive elements like digital microscopes and fossil digs are also popular.
Absolutely! Kids are free and love the interactive exhibits, the life-size whale sculpture outside, and the engaging displays. It's a must-visit for families.
The museum is described as small, so a visit typically won't take more than an hour. This makes it a perfect stop for a shorter outing or to complement a beach day.
Yes, the museum features interactive exhibits such as fossil digs and a digital microscope, offering hands-on learning opportunities.
Focus on the live animals, the whale sculpture outside, and the interactive fossil digs. The Spanish translations are also a nice touch for diverse families.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed inside museums, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or tripods.
The taxidermied animals, fossil displays, and interactive exhibits offer great photo ops. Don't forget the life-size whale sculpture outside and the scenic beach views.
While not explicitly stated, it's best to avoid professional photography without permission and to be mindful of other visitors when taking pictures.
Mornings or late afternoons often provide softer, more flattering light for photography, both inside and outside the museum.
Yes, personal phone photography and videography are usually permitted. The interactive exhibits can make for engaging short videos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Seabright Beach, which is perfect for families. The museum's manageable size means it won't exhaust little ones, and the Spanish translations add an inclusive touch. It's a highly recommended, informative, and fun outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pair your visit with a stroll on the free Seabright Beach right next door, or explore the surrounding parkland. It’s an affordable way to experience a slice of Santa Cruz’s natural beauty and heritage. The well-curated gift shop also offers unique souvenirs at reasonable prices.
📚 Educational Explorers
Its compact nature allows for focused learning without feeling overwhelmed. The proximity to the natural environment of Seabright Beach and the surrounding park further enhances the educational experience, providing real-world context to the museum's displays.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Local Ecosystem
Beyond static displays, the museum incorporates live animals, including a working bee colony and various sea life. These living exhibits provide a dynamic and engaging way to learn about the delicate ecosystems that surround Santa Cruz. The inclusion of interactive exhibits, such as digital microscopes and fossil dig simulations, further enhances the learning experience, making it hands-on and memorable for younger visitors.
Family-Friendly Fun & Value
The museum's compact size means it's not overwhelming for little ones, and a visit typically takes about an hour. This makes it an ideal activity for a shorter outing or as part of a larger day exploring Santa Cruz. The thoughtful inclusion of Spanish translations throughout the exhibits also makes it more welcoming and educational for a diverse range of visitors.
The Perfect Beachside Complement
Visitors can easily spend the morning at the museum and then head straight to the beach for sandcastles, sunbathing, or a refreshing dip in the ocean. The area also features peaceful walking paths among the trees just outside the museum, offering a serene natural environment to complement the educational experience. This combination of museum, beach, and parkland makes for a well-rounded and enjoyable day trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit