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La Brea Tar Pits
Last updated 7.21.09
What People Are Saying About La Brea Tar Pits
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
Features – Most of the year, the pits seem like innocent water-filled pools. However, the exhibits demonstrate the harsh truth about the formation of the tar pits and the animals that became mired in them. Thousands of animal bones and plant remains show how the climate in Southern California has changed over the past 40,000 years. Featured are saber-toothed cats, mammoths and a 9,000-year-old woman. During late summer, outdoor excavation pits reveal how the bones are recovered. – – The Appeal – The Page is a traditional science museum that doesn't need all the…
10/27/08
Don't expect to be blown away
by acemanLA at Citysearch
I went with low expectations and surprisingly had a good time. I actually followed a tour group for about 15 minutes and got some free information.
This is a great free attraction in Los Angeles, you do not have to enter the Musem, anyone can walk around for free.
Also you should pack a picnic, there are plently of shady spots on the grass.
- Pros: Surprisingly Historic for Los Angles
- Cons: Don't step in the seaping tar
05/13/08
Fun and educational
by ivanova at Citysearch
Very interesting to see, kid friendly, but kind of small. I took my 3 yr old daughter there and we both enjoyed it especially after the exhibit we got to walk around the grounds and she was running up and down the hills around the museum. Overall a fun and educational experience.
- Pros: educational, fun, nice grounds
- Cons: small
10/31/07
Not thrilling
by netter1 at Citysearch
As a child growing up in LA during the 60's-70's, the tar pits were fascinating...a glimpse into the wonderful world of imagination. Through the eyes of a cynical, fatalistic teenager, they were simply a ridiculous representation of having the wool pulled over my eyes...especially when you saw fast food garbage sinking into the ooze. As an adult...and now that they've been cleaned up quite a bit...I think I can appreciate the fact that they represent a historical look into how our planet once existed. For me, the tar pits are simply another exhibit on Museum Row. It's interesting for about 5 minutes...and then I move on to the great museums within walking distance.
The Details on La Brea Tar Pits
know Before You Go:
Technically, what oozes out of the ground is asphalt, not tar. But tar stuck. In fact, it stuck twice: La brea is Spanish for "the tar," so the La Brea Tar Pits literally translates into "the tar tar pits."
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