La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
Uncover Ice Age fossils at a natural asphalt seep, where ongoing excavations reveal ancient life preserved in tar.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Uncover Ice Age fossils at a natural asphalt seep, where ongoing excavations reveal ancient life preserved in tar.
"It's a truly unique LA experience, seeing prehistoric life preserved right in the middle of the city!"
Don't Skip the Park!
The museum is small, but the outdoor park with active digs & pits is the real star. :park:
Check for Excavation Updates
Active digs are intermittent. Check the schedule for 'senior fossil organizer' events. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Active Fossil Excavation Sites
Outdoor park area
Witness ongoing paleontological digs where Ice Age fossils are still being uncovered. A truly unique, living science experience.
Museum of Paleontology
Indoor museum building
Explore a vast collection of Ice Age megafauna fossils, including saber-toothed cats and dire wolves, perfectly preserved.
The Bubbling Tar Pits
Outdoor park area
See the iconic asphalt seeps where prehistoric animals met their fate, a natural phenomenon that has preserved fossils for millennia.
Life-Sized Animal Displays
Outdoor park area
Encounter impressive, life-sized models of Ice Age creatures, bringing the ancient landscape to life for all ages.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Excavation Views
Beyond the Museum: Explore the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don't Skip the Park!
The museum is small, but the outdoor park with active digs & pits is the real star. :park:
Check for Excavation Updates
Active digs are intermittent. Check the schedule for 'senior fossil organizer' events. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:
Kid-Friendly? Maybe Older Kids
Younger kids might prefer the Natural History Museum; older kids will appreciate the science. :child:
Parking Can Be Tricky
Expect to park blocks away, especially during popular events or excavations. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Skip the Park!
The museum is small, but the outdoor park with active digs & pits is the real star. :park:
Check for Excavation Updates
Active digs are intermittent. Check the schedule for 'senior fossil organizer' events. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:
Kid-Friendly? Maybe Older Kids
Younger kids might prefer the Natural History Museum; older kids will appreciate the science. :child:
Parking Can Be Tricky
Expect to park blocks away, especially during popular events or excavations. :car:
Combine with Nearby Museums
Great to pair with Petersen Automotive or LACMA if you're museum hopping. :museum:
Park Stays Open Late
The park itself often stays open until 10 PM on weekdays, even if the museum is closed. :clock10:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum for its unique paleontological significance and the fascinating outdoor exhibits, especially the active excavation sites. While the museum itself is described as small, the overall experience of witnessing prehistoric life preserved in asphalt is highly regarded. Some find the site less engaging for very young children compared to other museums.
"A really interesting and unique experience! The outdoor tar pits are active and fascinating to see up close, bubbling with natural oil and gas. Inside the museum, we got to see impressive skeletons, including a massive mammoth, and learn about the prehistoric animals that once roamed this area. It’s both educational and fun, great for all ages. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in LA and looking for something different!"
Noora
"The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is such a special place! It’s amazing to see history right in the middle of LA. The tar pits are bubbling and so fascinating to watch, and the museum is full of incredible fossils and exhibits that make the Ice Age come alive. I love that you can even see scientists working on real discoveries—it makes the whole experience feel extra exciting. It’s educational, fun, and unique—perfect for families, friends, or anyone who loves a mix of science and adventure!"
Patty Bear
"This museum is like the little sister of the natural history museum, focusing on the fossils found in the tar pits of the area. The space is pretty small and just one loop so you can finish seeing everything in less than 2 hours. They have some pretty neat fossils dating back to the ice age, and lots of interesting information. The entire surrounding area is nice to walk around and check out too."
Shawn Sheng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. It's easily accessible by car, and public transportation options are available. Parking can be challenging, so consider ride-sharing or public transit if possible.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends or during special events. Visitors have reported having to park several blocks away.
Traveling from Montebello to the La Brea Tar Pits typically takes 30-40 minutes on a normal day. However, during protests or heavy traffic, expect delays and potential road closures.
Yes, several bus lines serve the area around the La Brea Tar Pits. Check local transit schedules for routes and times that best suit your travel plans.
The La Brea Tar Pits area is generally safe for visitors. However, as with any urban area, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially during times of civil unrest or heavy traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum typically requires a ticket. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official website for current admission costs and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, purchasing La Brea Tar Pits tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to ensure entry and avoid queues.
The museum typically closes around 5:30 PM. However, the outdoor park area may remain accessible later, often until 10 PM on weekdays. Always verify current hours before your visit.
Yes, the La Brea Tar Pits occasionally hosts free events, such as 'Summer Nights at the Tar Pits,' which feature live music and activities. Keep an eye on their announcements for such opportunities.
Some visitors have noted that school bus drivers may be offered complimentary tickets, though this is not a standard policy and may depend on specific arrangements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see active fossil excavation sites, the bubbling tar pits themselves, and the museum which houses a vast collection of Ice Age fossils. Life-sized animal displays are also a highlight.
Many find the museum to be 'tiny' but unique, especially for its focus on Ice Age megafauna. The outdoor park and ongoing excavations are often considered the main draw.
Yes, active excavation projects are often underway. The frequency can vary, so checking for updates or visiting during scheduled 'senior fossil organizer' events is recommended.
While the idea is great, it's often considered better for older kids who can appreciate the scientific aspects. Younger children might enjoy the Natural History Museum more.
The tar pits are famous for preserving fossils of Ice Age megafauna, including saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, mammoths, and giant ground sloths.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several dining options near the La Brea Tar Pits. Descanso Restaurant, offering Mexican teppanyaki, is located right next door.
Popular recommendations include Republique, Kazunori, Bludso BBQ, The Counter, Apollonia Pizza, or the Grove Farmers Market for variety. Pho Saigon Pearl is also a good Vietnamese option nearby.
Trying Ethiopian food in the vicinity is suggested as a unique culinary experience.
Descanso Restaurant, located next to the Tar Pits, is known for its Mexican teppanyaki and plancha dining experience, where chefs prepare food in front of you.
Yes, options like The Counter for burgers or the Grove Farmers Market offer more casual dining experiences for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique bubbling tar pits, the life-sized Ice Age animal models, and any active excavation sites. The museum exhibits also offer interesting photographic subjects.
Photography policies can vary. It's generally advisable to check with museum staff or signage regarding restrictions on flash photography or filming inside the museum exhibits.
The outdoor park area provides ample opportunities for photography, with the distinct landscape of the tar seeps and the surrounding greenery.
Look for the contrast between the natural tar seeps and the urban Los Angeles backdrop, or focus on the details of the Ice Age animal fossils and models.
Yes, when excavations are active, they offer compelling photographic subjects. Be mindful of any viewing areas or safety barriers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum itself is relatively small, the outdoor park area with the actual tar pits and potential for viewing active fossil excavations provides an engaging, hands-on learning environment. However, it's worth noting that for very young children, the scientific depth of the museum might be less captivating than the more interactive exhibits found at places like the Natural History Museum.
🤓 Science & History Buffs
The museum's exhibits meticulously detail the creatures that were trapped in the asphalt seeps, providing a deep dive into their anatomy, behavior, and the environment they inhabited. Beyond the museum, exploring the actual tar pits themselves offers a tangible connection to the geological processes that have preserved these ancient remains for millennia.
Consider attending any special talks or guided tours if available to gain deeper insights from experts.📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The life-sized Ice Age animal models are also excellent subjects, especially for capturing engaging visuals that tell a story. For those interested in scientific discovery, photographing an active excavation site (when available) can provide compelling, dynamic content.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Tar Pits
The ongoing excavations are a crucial part of understanding this ancient ecosystem. Paleontologists and volunteers work diligently to uncover and preserve these invaluable specimens. Visitors can often observe these active digs, providing a rare glimpse into the process of scientific discovery. The museum complements these outdoor exhibits by showcasing a vast collection of fossils, including the remains of saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, mammoths, and many other extinct creatures that roamed the area.
It's important to note that the tar itself is not hot like lava, a common misconception. The temperature of the asphalt is much closer to the ambient air temperature.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
When it comes to timing, visiting on a weekday morning is often suggested to avoid the largest crowds and allow for a more focused observation of the exhibits and excavations.
For families, a common piece of advice is that while the idea of the tar pits is fascinating, the museum might be better suited for older children who can appreciate the scientific details. Younger children might find the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles a more engaging experience with its dinosaur exhibits and interactive halls.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit