PassPort to San Diego

LOCAL LIVING RESOURCE for Residents, Visitors & Newcomers

Maritime Museum of San Diego

LOCAL LIVING RESOURCE for Residents, Visitors & Newcomers

DowntownSD

Celebrate with Havana 1920 Café for a festive and authentic Cuban dining experience. Their outdoor patio and dining room are open, so you can enjoy their full menu in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Indulge in their delicious Cuban cuisine, featuring classic dishes like ropa vieja, lechon asado, and flavorful seafood. Pair your meal with one of a refreshing mojitos or other Cuban cocktails.

Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or loved ones, Havana 1920 Café is the perfect place to create lasting memories.

For Reservations

Make the most of your spring break with Balboa Park Explorer – One Pass to 16 epic museums in the Balboa Park Cultural District! Soar into the San Diego Air & Space Museum, grow in the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, dream in The San Diego Museum of Art, and more. Affordable fun for everyone awaits with a Balboa Park Explorer Pass! Start exploring today at BuyMyExplorer.org

In 1874, the San Diego census recorded about 3,000 people—just a little larger than the enrollment of San Diego High School today. That was just 15 years after Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species, and the telephone hadn’t been invented yet. In October of that year, a group of amateur naturalists came together to form the San Diego Society of Natural History to be a primary source of scientific culture: find new species, discuss technical innovations, serve a growing community eager for information, and make real contributions to the study of this region.

Now, 150 years later, the organization known as the San Diego Natural History Museum—or The Nat for short—is still doing just that. It is now the oldest scientific institution in Southern California, and one of the longest enduring science organizations in the western United States. The Nat has grown from a small society of natural history lovers and collectors to a big museum with more than 8 million specimens, an active research and conservation arm, spectacular programs, and award-winning exhibitions.

In 2024, the Museum is celebrating its sesquicentennial—150 years of studying, protecting, and bringing people closer to nature.

“As we plan for our 2024 events and celebrations, we want to recognize that we are more than a building with exhibitions,” explained Judy Gradwohl, the Christy Walton President and CEO. “We serve the community in many ways—through conservation, research, education, and much more.”

“Over the years, our programs have changed but our passion remains the same—we want everyone to love nature as much as we do so we can protect it for future generations. We hope the community is excited to get involved and be part of the biggest year in our history.”

Nature lovers will have a lot to celebrate, as the Museum is working on a full calendar of events to commemorate this milestone. Some programs and special offers launched in January, though the larger emphasis is on the second half of the year. Here’s just a peek at what’s in store:

Year-Round Special Offers

Free Birthday Admission—On the occasion of The Nat’s 150th birthday, visitors will receive free Museum admission on one date of their choice during their own birthday month.

Merch-a-Month—The Museum will roll out one limited-edition product every month, starting with a beautiful nature-themed art print designed especially for The Nat by nationally recognized author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky.

For those who want to stay in the know on events and activities, the Museum is inviting people to visit their website, sign up for email updates, or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok .

In 1874, the San Diego census recorded about 3,000 people—just a little larger than the enrollment of San Diego High School today. That was just 15 years after Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species, and the telephone hadn’t been invented yet. In October of that year, a group of amateur naturalists came together to form the San Diego Society of Natural History to be a primary source of scientific culture: find new species, discuss technical innovations, serve a growing community eager for information, and make real contributions to the study of this region.

Now, 150 years later, the organization known as the San Diego Natural History Museum—or The Nat for short—is still doing just that. It is now the oldest scientific institution in Southern California, and one of the longest enduring science organizations in the western United States. The Nat has grown from a small society of natural history lovers and collectors to a big museum with more than 8 million specimens, an active research and conservation arm, spectacular programs, and award-winning exhibitions.

In 2024, the Museum is celebrating its sesquicentennial—150 years of studying, protecting, and bringing people closer to nature.

“As we plan for our 2024 events and celebrations, we want to recognize that we are more than a building with exhibitions,” explained Judy Gradwohl, the Christy Walton President and CEO. “We serve the community in many ways—through conservation, research, education, and much more.”

“Over the years, our programs have changed but our passion remains the same—we want everyone to love nature as much as we do so we can protect it for future generations. We hope the community is excited to get involved and be part of the biggest year in our history.”

Nature lovers will have a lot to celebrate, as the Museum is working on a full calendar of events to commemorate this milestone. Some programs and special offers launched in January, though the larger emphasis is on the second half of the year. Here’s just a peek at what’s in store:

Year-Round Special Offers

Free Birthday Admission—On the occasion of The Nat’s 150th birthday, visitors will receive free Museum admission on one date of their choice during their own birthday month.

Merch-a-Month—The Museum will roll out one limited-edition product every month, starting with a beautiful nature-themed art print designed especially for The Nat by nationally recognized author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky.

For those who want to stay in the know on events and activities, the Museum is inviting people to visit their website, sign up for email updates, or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok .

Fire up your lunch or dinner with a fabulous, flambéed saganaki at at Mezé Greek Fusion. This Gaslamp Quarter hotspot serves Greek-inspired small plates and entrées, plus handcrafted cocktails every day of the week. A major draw since opening in 2012, the airy, multi-level venue boasts sky-high ceilings, a full bar and lounge, sidewalk seating and room for private events. The mouthwatering menu features Greek and Mediterranean classics with a Southern California twist. Nosh on cold or hot “mezes” or “tastes,” such as hummus, baba ghanoush, feta and mixed olives, spanakopita, calamari and falafel, all prepared fresh and paired with warm pita. Heartier choices include various Greek kabobs, moussaka, lamb chops and the juicy Mezé burger. During San Diego Padres baseball season, swing by pre- and post-game. Happy Hour kicks off at 3 p.m. and drink specials are offered during the game. Grab a seat at the bar or lock in a reservations here

“Seas” the day at Seaport Village, where an all-new lineup of storefronts, restaurants and experiences are waiting to be discovered! Pick up novelty gifts and SoCal souvenirs, explore fashion-forward boutiques, a nostalgic toy shop, a coastal-inspired shell and coral specialty store, and more! Find a favorite flag at Alamo Flags; mementos at Destination City Gifts; or try on eco-friendly clothing at Cariloha Bamboo. Comb the aisles of heat-packed salsas and seasonings at Hot Licks; then head over to Kite Flite and “fly before you buy” with a free lesson at its bayside testing ground. Seaport Village’s meandering cobblestone pathways are surrounded by flowing fountains, duck ponds, an urban beach and even a historic, hand-carved carousel. Enjoy an afternoon exploring the shops, strolling the promenade and taking in the gorgeous scenery. Seaport Village