Nat at Night is back for a holiday edition, and if you’re looking for something to do on a Friday evening that’s not just another bar or restaurant, the San Diego Natural History Museum is opening all five floors for exploration.
Five Floors of Exploration
The entire museum is open, which means you can take a selfie with a megalodon shark, watch an ant colony in action, admire glittering gems, check out animal skulls of all sizes, and explore Amazement in the Basement – the brand-new exhibition where you can see scientists at work in the new Paleo Center.
That last part is particularly cool – you’re not just looking at finished displays, you’re seeing actual scientific work happening.
The freedom to wander all five floors creates a choose-your-own-adventure vibe. Spend more time where something catches your interest, skip what doesn’t, and move at your own pace rather than following a predetermined tour route.
Rooftop, Food, and Activities
Hit the rooftop for beautiful views and grab a cocktail or mocktail while you’re up there. Wolf in the Woods is serving on the rooftop, and The Craft Taco has the Atrium covered, so you’ve got food options throughout the museum. The combination of exhibitions, drinks, food, and rooftop access makes it feel more like an event than just a museum visit.
Sketchparty is running art-making sessions in the galleries, adding a hands-on creative element. And Gold Leaf is open for holiday shopping, letting you knock out some gift list items while you’re there. It’s all integrated into one evening rather than requiring multiple stops around the city.
See you there!
Grab your tickets, explore five floors of exhibitions, hit the rooftop for drinks, and ease into the weekend at one of Balboa Park’s most interesting evening events.
📆 Friday, December 19, 2025, 5 PM – 10 PM
📍 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego
🎟️ Buy tickets here
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!