La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Los Angeles, California, US
The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Los Angeles showcases an active paleontological site where natural asphalt seeps have preserved Ice Age fossils. Visitors can watch ongoing excavations and explore a museum that interprets the prehistoric mammals uncovered there.
Why choose La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
You’ll walk among the very pits that trapped mammoths and saber‑toothed cats, feeling the weight of deep time in a way most museums can’t replicate. The combination of live digs and curated displays offers a hands‑on glimpse into ancient ecosystems.
Best for: History lovers · Families · Photography
Start your museum morning at La Brea
Begin with the tar pits and museum, then walk to nearby cultural sites for a relaxed half‑day itinerary.
- Morning — La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
- 11:00 — Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- Afternoon — Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Visit tips
- Visit the outdoor viewing platform for the best perspective on the active pits.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the site includes outdoor walkways and uneven ground.
- Arrive early to beat the midday crowds and see the tar pits before they get busy.
- Buy tickets online to skip the ticket booth line and allow at least two hours for the museum and outdoor area.
Plan your visit
- Recommended duration: 2–3 hours
- Best time of day: Early morning, before 10:00
- Entry: $18
- Booking: not required — tickets at the gate
- Category: museum
- Rated 4.6 by 15449 reviewers
- Tags: paleontology, family friendly, educational, outdoor exhibits
Nearby attractions
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art — museum, 3 min walk
- Petersen Automotive Museum — attraction, 6 min walk
- République — cafe, 15 min walk
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures — museum, 5 min walk
- Artspace Warehouse — attraction, 18 min walk
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