La Brea Tar Pits: A Journey Into Prehistoric Los Angeles

Name: La Brea Tar Pits
Address: 5801, Los Angeles, California, 90036, US
Rating: 4.6

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La Brea Tar Pits: A Journey Into Prehistoric Los Angeles

Overview

La Brea Tar Pits, located in the heart of Los Angeles, is an extraordinary excavation site that dates back to the Ice Age. This fascinating area reveals the remnants of large and exotic wildlife that roamed the Earth over 11,000 years ago. Fossils of ancient animals, preserved within the tar, provide a unique glimpse into the prehistoric past of the region. The story of these findings began in 1875 when William Denton first documented the fossils found within the tar pits. Significant excavations took place between 1913 and 1915, revealing approximately one million bones from around 300 species of flora and fauna. Notably, the reopening of Pit 91 in 1969 led to the discovery of more than 600 species, along with additional finds from a recent construction project. Visitors can explore the site through guided tours or independently, taking in both the outdoor excavation zones and the indoor Page Museum, where numerous fossils are displayed. One of the unique features of the museum is the glass-panelled Fossil Laboratory, where you can watch experts at work restoring and cleaning fossils. For an immersive experience, consider the Excavator Tour, where you can participate in uncovering fossils in the pits directly. Additionally, the Pleistocene Garden showcases plants grown from fossilized seeds, offering a vivid representation of what Los Angeles may have looked like during the Ice Age.

Reviews

Leo Carter

United States

This place is fantastic for visitors of all ages. Parking is $18 and adult tickets are also $18 as of February 2025. It's a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the museum. The tar pits themselves can be visited for free, and it's a lovely spot to explore. It could have used a bit more interaction to enhance the experience, but it's definitely worth a visit. There’s a small gift shop with some cute items and restroom facilities. There's a 23-minute 3D movie available for an additional $8, along with informative presentations a few times daily about the museum and various fossils. The staff is plentiful and very helpful with answering questions. You can get through the exhibits in as little as 20 minutes or take your time, but I wouldn't say you need more than 45 minutes to see everything without the movie as it isn't very large.

Alex Rivera

United States

I had an amazing time at this location learning about the diverse flora and fauna that once inhabited these lands! I truly enjoyed the interactive elements and the skeletal reconstructions displayed throughout the museum. I highly recommend a visit here—it's free for LA residents on weekdays after 3 PM!

Emily Wang

United States

This is a fascinating prehistoric history museum featuring many impressive life-sized skeleton displays. We gained a lot of knowledge during our visit. It was great to learn more about the Ice Age and prehistoric history. There are many interactive experiences for children, and there's even a live lab inside the museum where researchers are working, allowing visitors to observe them in action.

Chris Ramirez

United States

I was unaware that this location is the largest Ice Age fossil site in the world. It's incredible to witness history unfolding. The informational plaques offered captivating insights, allowing you to envision life tens of thousands of years ago and even excavate fossils yourself. The museum exhibits were creative and thought-provoking; both children and adults will always find something entertaining. I particularly appreciated the interactive displays and plaques that connect to real-world experiences, like comparing fossils' teeth or pointing out those resulting from injuries. The gift shop was nice too. If you're in the vicinity, this exhibit is a must-visit. Prices are quite reasonable. Avoid the tourist traps and head here instead.

Jordan Lee

United States

We visited the La Brea Tar Pits on a Sunday morning. The parking fee is high, so we opted for street parking instead. Upon entering, my kids remarked that they had seen this location in a YouTube video they watched at school. Inside, we explored several captivating exhibits that highlighted the history and importance of the tar pits. A friendly guide took us on an outdoor tour and answered our inquiries, which greatly enhanced our experience. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in natural history.