Is La Brea Tar Pits and Museum Worth Visiting in Los Angeles?

Prices, Entry, and Travel Tips

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is one of the more famous museums in Los Angeles, and is known for showcasing Ice Age fossils and ongoing paleontological excavations in natural asphalt pits.

This is a very popular museum to visit in the city, as it offers a great experience. Make sure you set aside some time to see it as it's worth visiting for a variety of reasons. Also, this is a fairly popular place with tourists, so be prepared for crowds. During peak season, this spot can get even more crowded, so plan accordingly.

What is La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Los Angeles is a unique and fascinating destination where visitors can explore natural asphalt pits that have preserved prehistoric fossils for tens of thousands of years. The site offers a glimpse into the Ice Age through active fossil excavation sites and exhibits displaying the remains of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other ancient creatures. The museum includes interactive displays, a fossil lab, and engaging educational programs suitable for all ages. Visitors can watch paleontologists at work and learn about the region's natural history and paleontology. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, it's an accessible and engaging experience for families, students, and tourists. There is a combination of outdoor tar pits and indoor museum spaces, making it enjoyable year-round. The La Brea Tar Pits provide an informative, entertaining, and somewhat unusual museum visit that highlights science and nature.

Families with children absolutely love it, as it offers plenty of fun. You'll make some great family memories from your trip here, as it's one of the top family-friendly attractions in the area. This isn't the most romantic spot to visit as a couple. Budget travelers and backpackers love the museum. It's fun, interesting, and exciting.




Visiting La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

How much does La Brea Tar Pits and Museum cost?

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum Price per person
$15

Entry to La Brea Tar Pits and Museum costs around $15 for adults, $7 for children aged 3-12, and free for children under 3; discounts are available for students, seniors, and LA residents.



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$30
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$21

Do I need a tour for La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

You'll be exploring La Brea Tar Pits and Museum on your own.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking in advance is not required, but highly recommended to reserve your spot. Entry tickets cost around $15 for adults, $7 for children aged 3-12, and free for children under 3; discounts are available for students, seniors, and LA residents.. Also, if you don't want to go inside, it's possible to see the museum from the outside for free if you just want to walk by. In fact, many tours in Los Angeles will pass by the outside while giving you an overview.

How long does it take to visit La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

Many people will spend around 2 hours during their visit. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll probably be doing a lot of walking. You'll find areas of this museum both indoors and outdoors, so you might need to be prepared for the weather.

When is the best time to visit La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

As for the time of year, La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is equally busy year-round. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early or later in the day. Visit on weekdays, and avoid the high season if possible. It's only possible to visit during the day.




More things to do around Los Angeles

For even more trip ideas, check out these other articles about Los Angeles.

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