La Brea Tar Pits

(213) 763-3218

5801 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036 34.0625 -118.3559

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Neighborhoods: Miracle Mile, Central LA

Hours:

Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm

Sat-Sun 10am-5pm

Last updated 9.11.08

What People Are Saying About La Brea Tar Pits

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

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…

Editor's Tips

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."
3 Star Rating: Average

10/27/08

Don't expect to be blown away

by acemanLA

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
4 Star Rating: Recommended

05/13/08

Fun and educational

by ivanova

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
3 Star Rating: Average

10/31/07

Not thrilling

by anekab

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.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/02/06

Very Worthwhile!

by csqamary

Hancock park is beautiful and the sites are something you'll never see elsewhere. Sloths, mastodons, dire wolfs, saber tooth cats, etc are exhibited which are creatures I've never seen before. The tar pit (where they uncover the bones) is only open during the summer (make sure you go then) so you can actually see how the process works! And, there's a cool "fishbowl" in the museum that allows you to see the cleaning of the bones. The museum isn't too big so it's not tiring. The gift shop is exceptionally large and nice with many affordable items even if you're on a budget. Especially good for kids because they can run around outside before or after if they need to burn off energy. Overall, a really nice experience.

  • Pros: Educational & Unique, Beautiful park, FishBowl/Pit/GiftShop
3.5 Star Rating: Average

08/09/02

Go at least once while in L.A.

by ixel morena

I can see where this place can get a bit boring after 2 or more visits. But if you've never been, it's definitely a bit of L.A. history that different from the rest. If you're on a budget, make a picnic basket and people watch on the lawn outside. Parking is free if you can find it. If not, you can park in a lot close by for $5.

  • Pros: Learning Value, Cheap, Exhibits
  • Cons: parking can be a pain

The Details on La Brea Tar Pits

Place Categories:

  • great place
  • not too big museum
  • beautiful hancock park
  • ridiculous representation
  • highly recommend stop
  • cool fishbowl
  • fascinating tar pits
  • amazing set
  • great free attraction
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