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Los Angeles

Visitors consistently praise the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum for its educational value, interactive exhibits, and the unique opportunity to observe paleontologists at work. The outdoor tar pits, bubbling with asphalt, provide a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric times. The museum's collection of Ice Age fossils, including mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves, is highly regarded. The Fossil Lab, where visitors can watch scientists clean and preserve fossils, is a standout feature. The Ice Age Encounters Show and the 3D theater add to the immersive experience. The museum is family-friendly, offering engaging activities for all ages. Parking is available on-site for a fee, and public transportation options are accessible. Nearby eateries provide convenient dining options. Overall, the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum offers a unique and enriching experience for history and science enthusiasts.

Explore the ancient wonders of La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles on Wilshire Boulevard, the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is a captivating time capsule that invites visitors to journey back to the Ice Age. This unique attraction blends a fascinating prehistoric excavation site with a modern museum, offering an immersive look at fossils and the natural history that shaped Southern California.

Discover prehistoric life up close and personal

Visitors of all ages revel in the chance to explore the bubbling asphalt pits where Ice Age creatures like mammoths, dire wolves, and saber-toothed cats once roamed. The museum’s interactive fossil displays and life-size skeletons bring history to life, while the Fossil Lab offers a rare peek into the meticulous work of paleontologists as they clean and preserve ancient bones.

Family-friendly and educational experiences

This destination is perfect for curious kids and adults alike, providing engaging activities such as the Ice Age Encounters Show and an immersive 3D theater presentation (additional fees apply). The museum’s approachable exhibits make complex prehistoric science accessible and exciting, creating memorable outings for families, science enthusiasts, and travelers seeking unique Los Angeles attractions.

 – Paid parking is available on-site for $15, but metered street parking is also nearby for budget travelers.

 – The museum accepts NFC payments and is designed to be family-friendly and accessible for all visitors.

 – Service animals are welcome, but pets are not allowed inside the museum.

 The museum is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

 Yes, general admission is $18 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, and $7 for children aged 3-12. Certain groups like California teachers, military personnel, and EBT cardholders enter free.

Are there additional fees for special attractions?

 The Ice Age Encounters Show and the 3D theater each cost an extra $8.

 Parking costs $15, with metered street parking options nearby for budget-conscious visitors.

 Pets are not permitted inside the museum, though service animals are welcome.

Why visitors love La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Visitors consistently praise the museum for its educational and interactive exhibits that reveal the mysteries of prehistoric life. The opportunity to watch real paleontologists at work in the Fossil Lab adds an authentic and thrilling dimension to the experience. Many appreciate the museum’s commitment to preserving history while keeping it engaging for families and science lovers alike.

North America

United States

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in natural history. This unique museum and excavation site is famous for its Ice Age fossils, offering visitors a glimpse into prehistoric life. The tar pits themselves are a natural wonder, where visitors can see the bubbling tar and learn about the animals that became trapped in it thousands of years ago. With engaging exhibits, live excavations, and a re-created prehistoric garden, the La Brea Tar Pits is a must-visit attraction in Central LA.

Interactive exhibits showcasing Ice Age fossils and prehistoric life.

Live excavation sites where visitors can watch scientists at work.

Educational programs and guided tours available for all ages.

A prehistoric garden that recreates the environment of the Ice Age.

Situated in the heart of Los Angeles, the La Brea Tar Pits is conveniently located near other popular attractions. Visitors can easily explore the nearby Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Petersen Automotive Museum. The area is well-served by public transportation, and parking options include paid street parking and a paid parking lot, making it accessible for all.

Ice Age–fossil excavation site with an adjacent museum, plus a re-created prehistoric garden.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfaTd5TVR3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_yD1_SK5woARmWLyCit3znQ/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfaTd5TVR3EAE

We visited the La Brea Tar Pits on a Sunday morning. The parking cost is expensive, so we decided to do street parking instead. When we went inside, my kids said they had the impression of this location from a YouTube video they watched at school.

Inside, we explored several fascinating exhibits that showcased the history and significance of the tar pits. A friendly guide led us on an outdoor tour and answered our questions, which really made the experience even more enjoyable.

I highly recommend it to anyone interested in natural history.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfc2E3VDJBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_yD1_SK5woARmWLyCit3znQ/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfc2E3VDJBRRAB

Just got off a cruise, and needed some time to kill. So we decided to come visit the tar pits. I was really, really impressed. I've seen the area in pictures and movies before, but never been there in person. It was an interesting opportunity to learn about the area and how it developed, how the animals ended up there, and the preservation efforts they're going to to conserve the area and the bones that have been found.

A few of the areas were closed, possibly because it's winter, but all in all I would definitely suggest it.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmcnVtYXlBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_yD1_SK5woARmWLyCit3znQ/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmcnVtYXlBRRAB

Always a wonderful visit. It has been a few years since my last time.  I really enjoyed looking at the active excavations of the tar and watching real scientists work on cleaning mammoth bones. Highly recommend :) And I was happy to discover LA County residence get in free weekdays after 3 PM so what was great! Parking is still $18 for everyone

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmak1QNGNBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_yD1_SK5woARmWLyCit3znQ/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmak1QNGNBEAE

This is a very interesting place, especially to bring young kids. The researchers have found a treasure trove of fossilized remains of animals from and around the ice age. It is a rather short and quick museum, hence the reasonable entrance fee. However, don't forget to walk the whole surroundings and look at some of their dig sites. In doing so watch for spots of tar oozing out of the ground.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmNmJDX01BEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_yD1_SK5woARmWLyCit3znQ/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmNmJDX01BEAE

A very cool prehistoric history museum with lots of great life size skeletons displays. We learned a lot of new things that day. Good to know more the Ice Age and prehistoric history. Many interactive experiences for kids. There is also a live lab going on inside the museum where the researchers are working to find out and for visitors to see them at works.

Explore La Brea Tar Pits & Museum in Central LA

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is a unique site in Los Angeles, where asphalt has been bubbling to the surface for tens of thousands of years, trapping and preserving a vast array of prehistoric life. Excavations have uncovered over 3.5 million fossils, including those of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves. The museum showcases these findings, offering insights into the Ice Age and the ongoing process of paleontological research.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum History Overview 

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles at 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum stands as a remarkable window into prehistoric times. This extraordinary site has captivated scientists and visitors alike with its bubbling asphalt seeps that have trapped and preserved an incredible diversity of Ice Age creatures for tens of thousands of years.

The scientific journey began in 1906 when the first significant fossil excavations took place. Researchers uncovered a treasure trove of remains including mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves, offering invaluable insights into the prehistoric ecosystem that once thrived in what is now Los Angeles.

In 1977, the Page Museum opened its doors to the public, becoming the dedicated facility to display the extensive fossils excavated from the tar pits. The museum has since been a center for paleontological education and research, showcasing life-size skeletons and interactive exhibits that bring the Ice Age to life for visitors of all ages.

Modern Excavations and Visitor Experience

A significant enhancement occurred in 2014 with the reopening of the Observation Pit, allowing visitors an unprecedented opportunity to witness active excavations. This live view of paleontologists at work deepens the connection between the public and the ongoing scientific discoveries, making the La Brea Tar Pits a dynamic educational destination.

Unlike typical fossil sites, the La Brea Tar Pits feature natural asphalt bubbling to the surface, creating an extraordinary preservation environment. Over 3.5 million fossils have been excavated here, making it one of the richest sources of Ice Age fossils in the world. The site not only reveals the ancient past but also highlights ongoing research efforts to conserve and understand these priceless remains.

 First significant fossil excavations began, uncovering a wealth of Ice Age remains.

 Opening of the Page Museum, showcasing the extensive fossil collection.

 Reopening of the Observation Pit, allowing visitors to watch live fossil excavations.

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Rating

Restroom

Parking

A journey to the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum offers a captivating blend of natural history and paleontological intrigue that lies at the heart of Los Angeles. This extraordinary site, nestled amidst the bustling cityscape of Wilshire Boulevard, invites visitors to peer into the ancient past, where pools of viscous tar have preserved the remnants of prehistoric creatures for thousands of years. The accompanying museum serves as a treasure trove of knowledge, housing an impressive collection of fossils and immersive exhibits that bring these long-gone giants back to life.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Parking Options

Good for Children

A journey to the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum offers a captivating blend of natural history and paleontological intrigue that lies at the heart of Los Angeles. This extraordinary site invites visitors to peer into the ancient past, where pools of viscous tar have preserved the remnants of prehistoric creatures for thousands of years. The accompanying museum serves as a treasure trove of knowledge, housing an impressive collection of fossils and immersive exhibits that bring these long-gone giants back to life.

Uncover prehistoric wonders at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Los Angeles! Experience unique fossils and captivating exhibits—plan your visit today!

Discover La Brea Tar Pits Museum in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County

A 15-minute multimedia performance featuring a life-size saber-toothed cat puppet, available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Ice Age Encounters Show

A 23-minute 3D film showcasing Ice Age creatures and their preservation in tar.

Titans of the Ice Age 3D Theater

Explore the captivating La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Los Angeles, California.

Located in the heart of Central LA on iconic Wilshire Boulevard, the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum offers a unique journey back to prehistoric times, right in bustling Los Angeles. This fascinating natural history site is renowned for its active Ice Age fossil excavation, where visitors can witness real scientists uncovering and preserving bones of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other ancient creatures trapped in the tar.

Uncover prehistoric wonders and interactive experiences

The museum features life-size skeleton exhibits that vividly illustrate the Ice Age and prehistoric history, making it a perfect destination for families and curious minds. Children and adults alike can engage with many interactive displays that bring ancient times to life. The outdoor tar pits area provides a rare glimpse into ongoing paleontological digs, allowing guests to observe scientists cleaning and studying bones in a live lab environment.

Exciting shows and immersive films to enhance your visit

Add an extra layer of excitement with the museum’s special offerings. For just 8 USD, the 

 delivers a captivating 15-minute multimedia performance featuring a life-size saber-toothed cat puppet. Available Fridays through Sundays, this show is a thrilling way to visualize the creatures that once roamed the region.

 offers a stunning 23-minute 3D film showcasing Ice Age animals and the tar preservation process, making paleontology accessible and exciting for visitors of all ages.

 include paid street parking nearby; keep in mind that on-site parking can be costly.

 with hands-on exhibits and engaging educational programs suitable for children.

 such as restrooms and NFC payment options ensure a convenient visit.

California

Discover the La Brea Tar Pits in Central LA, a fascinating natural history museum with Ice Age fossils, outdoor exhibits, and guided tours. Book your visit now!

La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, LA - Unique Ice Age Experience

Explore the Ice Age fossils and active excavations at La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. Enjoy interactive exhibits, guided tours, and live fossil cleaning. Plan your trip today!

Visit La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, LA - Explore Prehistoric Life

Experience the history of the Ice Age at La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, featuring amazing fossils, educational exhibits, and a live fossil lab. Visit LA's natural history wonder!

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