La Brea Tar Pits and Museum Admission Ticket with Excavator Tour

This review covers the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum admission combined with the excavator tour, a unique Los Angeles experience that brings the Ice Age to life. If you’re curious about ancient creatures that roamed this part of California, this site offers a fantastic blend of outdoor spectacle and indoor education. What makes this trip especially appealing are the active fossil excavations right in the middle of the city and the chance to see paleontologists in action—something you wouldn’t typically expect in LA’s urban landscape.

Two aspects we genuinely appreciate are the accessible, hands-on experience of watching ongoing digs and the well-curated museum exhibits that showcase fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant ground sloths. It’s a chance to stand where ancient beasts once roamed, then learn about their lives through detailed displays and engaging guides.

A possible drawback for some travelers is the moderate walking required—the grounds are extensive, and while most of it is manageable, those with mobility challenges should plan accordingly. Also, the experience is quite educational and family-friendly but might feel a tad light for those seeking a larger museum or a more interactive outdoor adventure.

This tour suits visitors who love history, fossils, or simply want an authentic, educational outing within LA that’s both fun and informative. It’s especially perfect for families, fossil enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see a lesser-known but fascinating slice of science in action.

Key Points

• Combines outdoor active excavation with indoor fossil exhibits
• Offers insight into ongoing scientific research
• Suitable for families and children
• Affordable at $18 per person with added value from guided tours
• Duration around 2 hours, manageable for most schedules
• Great for those interested in Paleontology or natural history

What You Can Expect from This Tour

Exploring the Outdoor Tar Pits

The main draw here is the outdoor Lake Pit, where bubbling pools of asphalt—naturally occurring tar seeps—continue to release prehistoric fossils. Watching these tar pits bubble and ooze is more than just a photo opportunity; it’s a reminder that the earth still holds secrets beneath our feet. The site feels like a small-scale natural wonder, and you’ll appreciate how accessible the scene is for visitors.

The Pleistocene Garden and Active Dig Sites

Adjacent to the pits, the Pleistocene Garden features prehistoric plants that give context to what the environment looked like during the Ice Age. The active excavation sites, where paleontologists work daily, offer a real-time glimpse into scientific discovery. Watching professionals carefully unearth fossils can be surprisingly captivating—especially if you enjoy seeing behind-the-scenes science in action.

Insightful Guided Excavator Tour

Included in your ticket is a tour led by knowledgeable guides who share stories of recent discoveries and explain the significance of the fossils. As one reviewer noted, “Very informative trip. I especially enjoyed the free site tour and information received. I would definitely recommend taking the tour.” These guides make complex scientific processes accessible, transforming a potentially dry subject into a lively story of discovery.

The Museum’s Fossil Collection

Inside, the museum showcases fossils that span millions of years—mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and ground sloths—preserved in amazingly detailed displays. The fossils are generally well-presented, with some reviewers remarking that the museum is a “treasure trove of artifacts and history.” The lab area, where paleontologists clean and prepare recent finds, adds a fascinating, authentic touch, making it clear that science is happening right here.

Additional Attractions and Practical Details

Your ticket grants access not just to the exhibits but also to the Pleistocene Gardens and the Fossil Lab. For an extra fee, you can catch the Ice Age Encounters show or a 3D film—both popular with families and children. Souvenir photos are available, though not included, allowing you to take home a memory of your fossil adventure.

The entire experience lasts roughly two hours, making it an ideal quick yet fulfilling outing. The site is near public transportation, and most visitors can participate, with only those with mobility issues needing to consider the walking involved.

The Real Value of This Tour

Looking beyond the ticket price, which is a modest $18, the experience offers a surprisingly rich educational value. Viewing active excavations and engaging guides helps visitors understand that paleontology is a living, evolving science. It’s not just a static museum but a working site where the past continues to be uncovered.

For families, this is an educational adventure that keeps children engaged—touchable exhibits, live digs, and the opportunity to watch scientists at work make science real and tangible. Adults with an interest in geology or history will find the museum exhibits informative and well-curated.

Note that some reviews mention the size of the museum isn’t extensive, but for most visitors, the interactive elements and guided tours compensate for that. The price point remains attractive considering the depth of experience, especially with included perks like the excavator tour and pit access.

Deep Dive Into the Itinerary

Start at the outdoor pits, where the tar seeps are still active. Here, the bubbling pools resemble a scene from a prehistoric swamp. Expect to spend some time observing the slow oozing tar—an essential part of what makes this site so unique. It’s a rare chance to see a natural asphalt seep in action, and it’s quite mesmerizing.

Next, move to the Pleistocene Garden, which provides context—think prehistoric plants that thrived in the same environment that preserved so many fossils. It creates a vivid picture of what ancient Los Angeles might have looked like.

Then, visit the active dig sites. Depending on the day, you might see paleontologists carefully removing fossils from the ground, sometimes with the aid of the excavator—a highlight of the tour. As one reviewer described, “The lab working on the findings was inspiring,” emphasizing how firsthand access to ongoing work enhances the experience.

Inside the museum, fossils are displayed in detailed dioramas and cases. You’ll learn about the animals that roamed during the Ice Age, like mammoths and saber-toothed cats. For those interested in science, the Fossil Lab shows the painstaking process of cleaning and preserving fossils—an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at paleontology.

Finish with a visit to the theater (if you choose to watch the 3D Ice Age film or Encounter show). These present the epoch in an engaging, family-friendly way and are worth the small extra fee.

Authentic Experiences and Reader Feedback

The reviews paint a consistent picture: most visitors find this site fascinating and educational. One said, “We loved seeing the tar still active and loved the history,” capturing the uniqueness of the site. Another shared, “The history and geology are fascinating,” reinforcing the site’s educational value. Many appreciated the knowledgeable guides, with one stating, “Becca’s tour was so informational and lovely,” indicating the quality of interpretation.

Several reviews also highlight how affordable and well-organized the visit is, especially considering the depth of what you see. The active dig site, in particular, adds a real sense of discovery that many museums lack.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Arrive early or book tickets in advance (most travelers book about 11 days ahead).
• Wear comfortable shoes as there’s moderate walking involved.
• If visiting with children, they’ll likely enjoy the touchable fossils and outdoor scenes.
• Consider catching the optional 3D film or Ice Age Encounter if time allows.
• The site is accessible for most travelers, but mobility considerations are worth noting.
• The nearby public transit makes access easier for those without a car.
• Souvenir photos can be purchased on-site to remember your trip.

This experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the Ice Age, right in the middle of Los Angeles. It’s a rare blend of outdoor spectacle, hands-on activity, and indoor educational exhibits, all at a very reasonable price. The guided excavator tour, especially, adds a layer of authenticity that elevates the visit from merely observing to understanding modern paleontology.

While it’s not a sprawling museum or a high-tech theme park, it’s precisely this authenticity that makes it special. You get to witness the ongoing process of fossil discovery, which is rare outside professional paleontology sites. For families, it’s an engaging, educational outing; for history buffs, it’s a chance to connect with the distant past in a very tangible way.

Overall, if you’re looking for a fun, affordable, and genuinely informative activity that offers a peek into Earth’s ancient past—and perhaps sparks a new interest in fossils—this tour deserves a place on your LA itinerary.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 2 hours, including outdoor exploration, guided tour, and museum visits.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s quite family-friendly, especially with touchable exhibits and outdoor activities. Several reviews mention children enjoying the fossils and dig sites.

Do I need to book in advance?
Most travelers book about 11 days ahead, but it’s advisable to secure tickets early to avoid disappointment, especially during peak times.

What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket includes general admission, the excavator tour, Pit 91 access, the Pleistocene Gardens, and the atrium.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, souvenirs can be purchased, and optional shows like the Ice Age Encounters or 3D film are available for an extra fee.

Is the site accessible?
Most visitors can participate, and the site is near public transportation; however, the outdoor areas do involve some walking.

Can I see fossils being excavated?
Yes, the active dig sites mean you might see paleontologists working on fossils during your visit.

Is the museum large?
It’s not overly extensive, but it’s well-organized, and many visitors spend about two hours exploring the exhibits and watching the lab.

What makes this experience unique?
The combination of active outdoor excavations, the bubbling tar pits, and the opportunity to see fossil preparation in action makes it truly special.

Can I take photos?
Yes, souvenir photos are available for purchase; photos of the fossil site and exhibits are generally permitted.

This tour offers a genuine, authentic look at paleontology in action, perfect for those curious about Earth’s ancient past. It’s an accessible, affordable adventure that combines outdoor wonder and indoor discovery, making it a noteworthy addition to any Los Angeles visit.