The Nat just leveled up your Sunday plans. Between the galleries and a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views, this is quickly becoming the best excuse to make a whole day of your museum visit.

It’s proof that a trip to the museum doesn’t have to end when you walk out of the last exhibit hall.

Bones, Barnacles, and Now Brunch

Here’s the move: wander the galleries first, then head up to the roof to grab a bite and a drink while soaking up the sun on the patio.

It’s the kind of add-on that turns a regular museum trip into an actual day out, and honestly, once you’ve done it this way, it’s hard to go back.

Even a quick visit suddenly feels like a full day well spent. It’s a new addition to The Nat’s lineup, and it’s exactly the kind of thing that makes a Sunday feel a little more like an event.

Curated by a Local Legend

The Nat teamed up with Johnny Rivera, the local restaurateur behind the so-called “Brunch Revolution,” known for Hash House a Go Go, Great Maple, the viral BLT Bloody Mary, and Wolf in the Woods.

This summer, he’s running a rotating pop-up brunch series on the rooftop, with a different restaurant concept showing up each round. Next up: Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods.

It’s a lineup that gives you a real reason to keep coming back and see who’s up next. With a track record like Rivera’s, expect each pop-up to bring its own personality to the rooftop.

Setting the Scene on the Roof

Seating is open, casual, and first-come, first-served. Everything’s ordered a la carte, similar to Nat at Night, and The Nat’s bartenders will be pouring mocktails, mimosas, and bloody marys to go with the view.

Fair warning: the rooftop is popular, so there might be a bit of a wait. It’s a small trade-off for one of the best brunch views in San Diego.

And if the rooftop line isn’t for you, head down to the Atrium instead for brunch specials from The Craft Taco, including tacos, burritos, and bowls, plus what The Nat swears is the best coffee and matcha in Balboa Park.

Take it Up a Notch With VIP

For the full experience, VIP brunch tickets get you reserved seating at the communal table, a tapas-style brunch with tableside service, two drinks including a cocktail or mocktail, and an exclusive one-hour tour through the museum’s back hallways and collections areas that are normally off view.

See you there!

Bones, barnacles, and brunch with a view, this is the Sunday plan Balboa Park has been missing.

📆 Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 1788 El Prado, San Diego
🎟️ Included in general admission, get tickets here
ℹ️ See the full brunch details here

See you there, San Diego!