Not only is it one of the nicest places to live, it’s one of the most interesting places in the world for its amazing diversity of plant and animal life. The coastline, mountains, deserts and more—it’s all here, ready to be explored. See it in Coast to Cactus in Southern California.
San Diego is known for its incredibly diverse terrain, ranging from the beaches and chaparral near the coast, to the mountains and the desert farther afield. This area is special—and one of only 36 biodiversity hotpots in the world, meaning areas that are home to many species found nowhere else of the planet, but are threatened by habitat loss.
Using specimens from the Museum’s scientific collections, alongside immersive environments (hands-on exhibits, live animals, and innovative media), Coast to Cactus illustrates that richness by taking visitors on a journey through these habitats and the plants and animals that live in them.
In keeping with the Museum’s binational focus, all information within Coast to Cactus is presented in both English and Spanish.
Please note, the mezzanine and airstream are temporarily closed.
The exhibition is located in the Dennis and Carol Wilson Hall of Biodiversity on Level 2 of the Museum adjacent to its sister exhibition, Fossil Mysteries, which gives visitors a look into prehistoric past of the region. Together, they tell the story of southern California from the prehistoric era to present day.