Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Source: http://www.pgmuseum.org
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:34
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
0
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Summer Camps 2026
Join us for an incredible summer at camp! Bonus: New formats for our 3-5th grade camps as well as a special overnight trip to the Museum!
Learn More About Camps
About the Museum
History, culture & art come to life through our exhibits, programs, and community science.
impact report
Illustrating Nature 2026
Illustrating Nature returns with a public opening on May 1! Get a sneak peek in the meantime below.
Click Here
Explore Our Native Plant Garden
A new experience awaits in our updated native plant garden, created with incredible partners for an immersive and interactive learning experience.
Explore
Rent the Museum
Book our private room for your next event, class or birthday party.
Rent Now
An Unforgettable Birthday Party!
Children’s birthday parties now include options for live animals.
Birthday rental
Learn About Monarchs
Learn more about their migration, biology, and how to protect them!
Monarchs
Visit Jade Beneath the Sea
An incredible exhibit featuring local artistry and natural history of one of the most unique facets in Monterey County, Jade Beneath the Sea will be a 5-year exhibit starting with an in-depth look at Big Sur jade.
jade exhibit
Museum Field Trips
We are offering a new museum field trip opportunity in 2026. Additional bus scholarships and additional dates being offered to learn about changing habitats.
Learn More
Upcoming Events
Apr
22
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
10:00 – 14:00
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
MPC
PG Museum at the MPC Earth Day Event
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
10:00 – 14:00
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
MPC
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
10:00 – 14:00
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
MPC
Apr
22
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
16:30 – 18:00
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Monarch Society Meeting
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
16:30 – 18:00
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
16:30 – 18:00
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Apr
24
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
12:15 – 12:45
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Member Brown Bag: Psycho Cactus, Qu'est que c'est? Adaptions of California's Mojave Desert
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
12:15 – 12:45
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
12:15 – 12:45
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Apr
25
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
10:00 – 15:00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Student Research Symposium
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
10:00 – 15:00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
10:00 – 15:00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Apr
26
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
10:00 – 16:00
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Last Day of Tethered Light
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
10:00 – 16:00
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
10:00 – 16:00
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Apr
26
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
13:15 – 14:15
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Great Tidepool
Family Tidepool Bioblitz
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
13:15 – 14:15
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Great Tidepool
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
13:15 – 14:15
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Great Tidepool
Apr
28
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
17:30 – 19:00
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Monterey Audubon Society Board Meeting
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
17:30 – 19:00
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
17:30 – 19:00
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
May
1
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
18:00 – 20:00
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Illustrating Nature Opening
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
18:00 – 20:00
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
18:00 – 20:00
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
May
9
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
12:00 – 13:45
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
The Walk of Remembrance
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
12:00 – 13:45
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
12:00 – 13:45
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
May
13
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
19:00 – 20:30
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
California Native Plant Society Meeting
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
19:00 – 20:30
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
19:00 – 20:30
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
May
15
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
19:00 – 21:00
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society Meeting
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
19:00 – 21:00
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
19:00 – 21:00
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
May
16
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
11:00 – 14:00
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Illustrating Nature Artist Demo
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
11:00 – 14:00
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
11:00 – 14:00
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
See All Events
See All Events
Visit Us
The Museum is always free to Monterey County residents with a valid form of ID. We are located blocks from the beach and a few minutes drive from the Monterey Bay Aquarium in beautiful historic downtown Pacific Grove. Visit the Aquarium first, bring your ticket, and we’ll give you a $2.00 admissions discount.
10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Wednesday - Sunday (CLOSED Monday & Tuesday)
The Museum is closed for the following holidays:
Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
$12.00 for Adults
$8.00 for youth 4-18, students with school ID, seniors, and military
$3.00 (up to four people) with a Museums for All benefit card
Adult visitors with disabilities are welcome to receive complimentary admission upon request. If you are accompanying a guest with a disability as a one-to-one aide, interpreter for a deaf guest, or guide for a blind guest, you may receive discounted admission at half price ($6).
Foster youth under the age of 18 receive free admission. For every two foster youth, one accompanying guardian is also eligible for the same guardian discounted admission rate ($6), upon request.
We are a Blue Star Museum and free for active miliary and their families from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Admission is FREE for
Monterey County residents, Museum members, children under 3 years and under, Monterey County school field trips, and visitors who only want to shop at the Museum Store.
Bring your Monterey Bay Aquarium ticket within the last 48 hours of visiting and receive a $2 discount on admission.
Address:
165 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Phone:
(831) 648-5716
Google Maps
Click to Call
Self-guided tours are welcome to the Museum. If your group includes more than 10 people, please let us know ahead of time and we'll coordinate with any other large groups.
If your group would like a specialized experience, schedule your $30 docent-led tour in our Museum galleries by emailing:
admin@pgmuseum.org.
From Highway 1, North or South directions, take the Highway 68 West Exit. Stay in your right lane. This road turns into Forest Avenue. Follow Forest for 1 block past Lighthouse Avenue. The Museum is located at the corner of Forest and Central Avenues.
Unlimited parking on two sides of Jewell Park, directly across the street from the front entrance of the Museum. Two-hour limit on Central Avenue and Grand Avenue. All day parking in parking lot on Forest Avenue on Saturday and Sunday only.
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History (PGMNH) is committed to fostering safe, inclusive and welcoming environments for all staff, volunteers, museum visitors and program participants, whether at the Museum or off site.
We are committed to ensuring that all PGMNH experiences and spaces are free from harassment, threatening or disrespectful behavior, and discrimination of any kind. This includes actions or content targeting others based on race, color, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, body size, disability, appearance, religion, citizenship, pregnancy, marital or veteran status.
Anyone who engages in such conduct will be asked to leave without notice or refund. To report concerns, contact the Deputy Director at 831-648-5716 ext 18 or
max@pgmuseum.org
.
By participating in any PGMNH program or visit, you agree to this Visitor Agreement. Thank you for helping us maintain a welcoming and safe space for all.
Visitation Policies
Visitation policies for the PGMNH are designed to protect visitors and staff as well as secure our collection and preserve learning experiences, exhibits, and facilities. Failure to comply may result in removal from the premises.
While at the Museum, visitors are asked to
Visit respectfully, including: wear appropriate clothing and footwear, walk not run, speak quietly and choose your words and behavior with care and consideration for other guests and staff.
Be respectful of the Museum’s collections. Only touch those objects that are marked as interactives and always touch those with care. Please do not pet the bears.
Food and drink are allowed in the garden only. Exceptions are made in designated areas during some special events. Alcohol consumption is only allowed during certain special events when provided or purchased onsite.
Children 12 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Use wheeled transport devices (scooters, strollers, or wheelchairs, etc.) in a safe manner.
Refrain from: smoking or vaping or having an open flame, using controlled substances, loitering, soliciting or possessing a weapon of any kind.
Photos & Video
Personal, noncommercial photography and video are permitted in the museum unless otherwise noted. For professional, commercial, or media-related shoots, prior approval is required. Please direct inquiries to
media@pgmuseum.org
. Note that by entering the building, your image may be photographed during events and used for marketing purposes.
Social Media
PGMNH is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for all, both in person and online, including on social media. We have a zero-tolerance policy for content that is hateful, harassing, defamatory, obscene, or discriminatory. Note that any harmful comments will be deleted by our staff and you will be blocked from our social media accounts.
For the well-being of all our guests and to protect our collections, and in accordance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), the PGMNH only allows trained service animals on Museum property or animals being used as part of a museum-sponsored program. A service animal is one that is trained to work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Household pets, therapy, or emotional-support animals (ESA) are not permitted.
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
The Amazing Adaptations of Birds
Monterey County is one of the top five places in North America for bird watching due to its diverse number of resident and migratory birds. The Museum's Birds of Monterey County exhibition features 291 bird species and 409 mounted birds. Highlights include a California condor and 117 Rollo Beck original mounted birds.
See the Collection
Jade Beneath the Sea
This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore and expand the rich, multifacitied story of local jade. It highlights not only the natural world of our county, including its distinctive biological and geological history, but also honors the diverse individuals who have played and continue to play a significant role in the jade narrative.
Learn More
Native Plant Garden
Our Native Plant Garden features three spaces that reflect the area’s important local ecosystems – coastal scrub, chaparral and oak woodland – as well as a butterfly garden and an ethno-botanical area featuring plants that local Indigenous cultures used for food and utility. Kids enjoy digging in our fossil pit and bringing home one of its fossils.
Learn More
Chinese Fishing Village
This exhibition tells the story of the residents of the Point Alones Chinese Fishing Village. Having started one of California's largest fisheries, the villagers significantly contributed to California's natural history and economic development. Historic photographs from the Museum's Collection tell their story.
Fishing village
Rumsen áchsest-akai (basket makers)
Our Rumsen Ohlone Basketry exhibit features rare and historic California Native baskets from the Central Coast. Alongside these, it displays native plants collected by contemporary Ohlone weaver Linda Yamane, a video of her work, large-scale models of coiling and twining techniques, and a hands-on weaving station for visitors.
See 3D Baskets
Changes of Monterey County
This exhibition explores the changing landscapes of Monterey County. How have habitats changed and how might they continue to change? What can we do to protect this place we all share? This exhibit highlights Coastal Habitats Mountain Habitats, Valley Habitats and Change in Action.
Discover Habitats
Wonder
Created in partnership with Blue Rhino Studios to inspire imagination, curiosity, and exploration, Wonder demonstrates the fantastical and magical aspects of the natural world. With every detail built to delight the senses in themes celebrating the incredible worlds of insects, exploration, plants and animals, culture, and ideas.
Explore Wonder
Explore our Resources
Our education programs, designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and conservationists. Through hands-on field trips, outdoor learning, and community science projects, the Museum's education programming uses local species and stories to empower students through scientific skills and knowledge.
Education Resources
Education Resources
Audio Tours
We are thrilled to launch two audio tours, created by Museum volunteers, that you can follow along with on the
izi.travel website or mobile application!
One tour takes listeners through the Pacific Grove section of the Coastal Recreation Trail, discussing the area’s diverse natural and cultural history. The other audio tour guides visitors through the Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, enriching the interpretive signs situated along the trail. Listen to the whole tour, or select specific stops that interest you! Each tour also has written transcripts of the audio and related photographs.
Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Audio Tour
Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Audio Tour
A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE PACIFIC GROVE RECREATION TRAIL Audio TOUR
A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE PACIFIC GROVE RECREATION TRAIL Audio TOUR
We are honored to have received the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Inspire! Grant for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. Much of our upcoming interpretive work will be done with their support.
Learn more
Learn more
As a Blue Star Museum in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, active USA service members and their families get free admission every year between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Learn more
Learn more
At the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, we offer a reduced admission of $3 to all non-Monterey County resident visitors with an EBT/SNAP as part of the Museum for All initiative. Monterey County residents receive free admission.
Learn more
Learn more
0
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Summer Camps 2026
Join us for an incredible summer at camp! Bonus: New formats for our 3-5th grade camps as well as a special overnight trip to the Museum!
Learn More About Camps
About the Museum
History, culture & art come to life through our exhibits, programs, and community science.
impact report
Illustrating Nature 2026
Illustrating Nature returns with a public opening on May 1! Get a sneak peek in the meantime below.
Click Here
Explore Our Native Plant Garden
A new experience awaits in our updated native plant garden, created with incredible partners for an immersive and interactive learning experience.
Explore
Rent the Museum
Book our private room for your next event, class or birthday party.
Rent Now
An Unforgettable Birthday Party!
Children’s birthday parties now include options for live animals.
Birthday rental
Learn About Monarchs
Learn more about their migration, biology, and how to protect them!
Monarchs
Visit Jade Beneath the Sea
An incredible exhibit featuring local artistry and natural history of one of the most unique facets in Monterey County, Jade Beneath the Sea will be a 5-year exhibit starting with an in-depth look at Big Sur jade.
jade exhibit
Museum Field Trips
We are offering a new museum field trip opportunity in 2026. Additional bus scholarships and additional dates being offered to learn about changing habitats.
Learn More
Upcoming Events
Apr
22
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
10:00 – 14:00
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
MPC
PG Museum at the MPC Earth Day Event
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
10:00 – 14:00
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
MPC
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
10:00 – 14:00
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
MPC
Apr
22
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
16:30 – 18:00
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Monarch Society Meeting
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
16:30 – 18:00
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
16:30 – 18:00
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Apr
24
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
12:15 – 12:45
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Member Brown Bag: Psycho Cactus, Qu'est que c'est? Adaptions of California's Mojave Desert
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
12:15 – 12:45
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
12:15 – 12:45
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Apr
25
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
10:00 – 15:00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Student Research Symposium
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
10:00 – 15:00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
10:00 – 15:00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Apr
26
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
10:00 – 16:00
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Last Day of Tethered Light
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
10:00 – 16:00
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
10:00 – 16:00
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Apr
26
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
13:15 – 14:15
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Great Tidepool
Family Tidepool Bioblitz
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
13:15 – 14:15
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Great Tidepool
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
13:15 – 14:15
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Great Tidepool
Apr
28
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
17:30 – 19:00
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Monterey Audubon Society Board Meeting
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
17:30 – 19:00
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
17:30 – 19:00
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
May
1
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
18:00 – 20:00
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Illustrating Nature Opening
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
18:00 – 20:00
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
18:00 – 20:00
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
May
9
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
12:00 – 13:45
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
The Walk of Remembrance
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
12:00 – 13:45
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
12:00 – 13:45
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
May
13
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
19:00 – 20:30
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
California Native Plant Society Meeting
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
19:00 – 20:30
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
19:00 – 20:30
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
May
15
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
19:00 – 21:00
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society Meeting
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
19:00 – 21:00
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
19:00 – 21:00
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
May
16
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
11:00 – 14:00
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Illustrating Nature Artist Demo
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
11:00 – 14:00
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
11:00 – 14:00
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
See All Events
See All Events
Visit Us
The Museum is always free to Monterey County residents with a valid form of ID. We are located blocks from the beach and a few minutes drive from the Monterey Bay Aquarium in beautiful historic downtown Pacific Grove. Visit the Aquarium first, bring your ticket, and we’ll give you a $2.00 admissions discount.
10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Wednesday - Sunday (CLOSED Monday & Tuesday)
The Museum is closed for the following holidays:
Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
$12.00 for Adults
$8.00 for youth 4-18, students with school ID, seniors, and military
$3.00 (up to four people) with a Museums for All benefit card
Adult visitors with disabilities are welcome to receive complimentary admission upon request. If you are accompanying a guest with a disability as a one-to-one aide, interpreter for a deaf guest, or guide for a blind guest, you may receive discounted admission at half price ($6).
Foster youth under the age of 18 receive free admission. For every two foster youth, one accompanying guardian is also eligible for the same guardian discounted admission rate ($6), upon request.
We are a Blue Star Museum and free for active miliary and their families from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Admission is FREE for
Monterey County residents, Museum members, children under 3 years and under, Monterey County school field trips, and visitors who only want to shop at the Museum Store.
Bring your Monterey Bay Aquarium ticket within the last 48 hours of visiting and receive a $2 discount on admission.
Address:
165 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Phone:
(831) 648-5716
Google Maps
Click to Call
Self-guided tours are welcome to the Museum. If your group includes more than 10 people, please let us know ahead of time and we'll coordinate with any other large groups.
If your group would like a specialized experience, schedule your $30 docent-led tour in our Museum galleries by emailing:
admin@pgmuseum.org.
From Highway 1, North or South directions, take the Highway 68 West Exit. Stay in your right lane. This road turns into Forest Avenue. Follow Forest for 1 block past Lighthouse Avenue. The Museum is located at the corner of Forest and Central Avenues.
Unlimited parking on two sides of Jewell Park, directly across the street from the front entrance of the Museum. Two-hour limit on Central Avenue and Grand Avenue. All day parking in parking lot on Forest Avenue on Saturday and Sunday only.
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History (PGMNH) is committed to fostering safe, inclusive and welcoming environments for all staff, volunteers, museum visitors and program participants, whether at the Museum or off site.
We are committed to ensuring that all PGMNH experiences and spaces are free from harassment, threatening or disrespectful behavior, and discrimination of any kind. This includes actions or content targeting others based on race, color, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, body size, disability, appearance, religion, citizenship, pregnancy, marital or veteran status.
Anyone who engages in such conduct will be asked to leave without notice or refund. To report concerns, contact the Deputy Director at 831-648-5716 ext 18 or
max@pgmuseum.org
.
By participating in any PGMNH program or visit, you agree to this Visitor Agreement. Thank you for helping us maintain a welcoming and safe space for all.
Visitation Policies
Visitation policies for the PGMNH are designed to protect visitors and staff as well as secure our collection and preserve learning experiences, exhibits, and facilities. Failure to comply may result in removal from the premises.
While at the Museum, visitors are asked to
Visit respectfully, including: wear appropriate clothing and footwear, walk not run, speak quietly and choose your words and behavior with care and consideration for other guests and staff.
Be respectful of the Museum’s collections. Only touch those objects that are marked as interactives and always touch those with care. Please do not pet the bears.
Food and drink are allowed in the garden only. Exceptions are made in designated areas during some special events. Alcohol consumption is only allowed during certain special events when provided or purchased onsite.
Children 12 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Use wheeled transport devices (scooters, strollers, or wheelchairs, etc.) in a safe manner.
Refrain from: smoking or vaping or having an open flame, using controlled substances, loitering, soliciting or possessing a weapon of any kind.
Photos & Video
Personal, noncommercial photography and video are permitted in the museum unless otherwise noted. For professional, commercial, or media-related shoots, prior approval is required. Please direct inquiries to
media@pgmuseum.org
. Note that by entering the building, your image may be photographed during events and used for marketing purposes.
Social Media
PGMNH is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for all, both in person and online, including on social media. We have a zero-tolerance policy for content that is hateful, harassing, defamatory, obscene, or discriminatory. Note that any harmful comments will be deleted by our staff and you will be blocked from our social media accounts.
For the well-being of all our guests and to protect our collections, and in accordance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), the PGMNH only allows trained service animals on Museum property or animals being used as part of a museum-sponsored program. A service animal is one that is trained to work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Household pets, therapy, or emotional-support animals (ESA) are not permitted.
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
The Amazing Adaptations of Birds
Monterey County is one of the top five places in North America for bird watching due to its diverse number of resident and migratory birds. The Museum's Birds of Monterey County exhibition features 291 bird species and 409 mounted birds. Highlights include a California condor and 117 Rollo Beck original mounted birds.
See the Collection
Jade Beneath the Sea
This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore and expand the rich, multifacitied story of local jade. It highlights not only the natural world of our county, including its distinctive biological and geological history, but also honors the diverse individuals who have played and continue to play a significant role in the jade narrative.
Learn More
Native Plant Garden
Our Native Plant Garden features three spaces that reflect the area’s important local ecosystems – coastal scrub, chaparral and oak woodland – as well as a butterfly garden and an ethno-botanical area featuring plants that local Indigenous cultures used for food and utility. Kids enjoy digging in our fossil pit and bringing home one of its fossils.
Learn More
Chinese Fishing Village
This exhibition tells the story of the residents of the Point Alones Chinese Fishing Village. Having started one of California's largest fisheries, the villagers significantly contributed to California's natural history and economic development. Historic photographs from the Museum's Collection tell their story.
Fishing village
Rumsen áchsest-akai (basket makers)
Our Rumsen Ohlone Basketry exhibit features rare and historic California Native baskets from the Central Coast. Alongside these, it displays native plants collected by contemporary Ohlone weaver Linda Yamane, a video of her work, large-scale models of coiling and twining techniques, and a hands-on weaving station for visitors.
See 3D Baskets
Changes of Monterey County
This exhibition explores the changing landscapes of Monterey County. How have habitats changed and how might they continue to change? What can we do to protect this place we all share? This exhibit highlights Coastal Habitats Mountain Habitats, Valley Habitats and Change in Action.
Discover Habitats
Wonder
Created in partnership with Blue Rhino Studios to inspire imagination, curiosity, and exploration, Wonder demonstrates the fantastical and magical aspects of the natural world. With every detail built to delight the senses in themes celebrating the incredible worlds of insects, exploration, plants and animals, culture, and ideas.
Explore Wonder
Explore our Resources
Our education programs, designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and conservationists. Through hands-on field trips, outdoor learning, and community science projects, the Museum's education programming uses local species and stories to empower students through scientific skills and knowledge.
Education Resources
Education Resources
Audio Tours
We are thrilled to launch two audio tours, created by Museum volunteers, that you can follow along with on the
izi.travel website or mobile application!
One tour takes listeners through the Pacific Grove section of the Coastal Recreation Trail, discussing the area’s diverse natural and cultural history. The other audio tour guides visitors through the Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, enriching the interpretive signs situated along the trail. Listen to the whole tour, or select specific stops that interest you! Each tour also has written transcripts of the audio and related photographs.
Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Audio Tour
Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Audio Tour
A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE PACIFIC GROVE RECREATION TRAIL Audio TOUR
A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE PACIFIC GROVE RECREATION TRAIL Audio TOUR
We are honored to have received the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Inspire! Grant for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. Much of our upcoming interpretive work will be done with their support.
Learn more
Learn more
As a Blue Star Museum in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, active USA service members and their families get free admission every year between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Learn more
Learn more
At the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, we offer a reduced admission of $3 to all non-Monterey County resident visitors with an EBT/SNAP as part of the Museum for All initiative. Monterey County residents receive free admission.
Learn more
Learn more