Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Santa Cruz · Seabright · Natural history
Small natural history museum in a former Carnegie library across from Seabright Beach. Free on First Fridays.
Free days
Free for everyone on the First Friday of every month. Youth under 18 always free; EBT/SNAP free; Blue Star (Armed Forces Day–Labor Day).
- Free for everyone · 1st Friday
Know before you go
- Admission
Paid: Adults $5; Seniors 60+ $3; College students $3; youth under 18 free
✓ Verified on santacruzmuseum.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
- Free days & hours
Free for everyone on the First Friday of every month. Youth under 18 always free; EBT/SNAP free; Blue Star (Armed Forces Day–Labor Day).
✓ Verified on santacruzmuseum.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
- Reservations
Not needed for individuals; groups of more than 10 must reserve, even on free days
✓ Verified on santacruzmuseum.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
- Hours
Tue–Fri 11am–4pm; Sat–Sun 10am–5pm
✓ Verified on santacruzmuseum.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
- Closed
Mondays; New Year's Eve and Day, Juneteenth, July 4, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Eve and Day
✓ Verified on santacruzmuseum.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
- Parking
Street parking on Pilkington Ave and nearby; 1-hour permits issued on the museum side of Pilkington
✓ Verified on santacruzmuseum.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
- Kids
Youth under 18 free
✓ Verified on santacruzmuseum.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
- Accessibility
Accessibility details are on the museum's accessibility page
Listed · santacruzmuseum.org · confirm before you go
- Address
1305 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
✓ Verified on santacruzmuseum.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
Map location from OpenStreetMap.
Free days, hours and prices change often, and museums close for installations and private events. Always confirm on the museum's own site before you go. Information only; Orca Travel Collection isn't affiliated with these museums.
Orca Beach Series
Make it a beach day too
Information only. Free days, hours and prices change; confirm with each museum before you go. Data: each museum's official website, balboapark.org and OpenStreetMap · Facts checked Oct 4, 2026 · Map © OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.