Los Angeles: La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket

Visiting the La Brea Tar Pits Museum offers a chance to peer into the Ice Age right in the middle of Los Angeles. This experience combines outdoor geological wonders with a well-curated indoor museum, giving visitors a comprehensive look at millions of fossils excavated from tar pits that have been bubbling away for thousands of years.

One of the standout features is the active excavation site where you can see scientists at work, uncovering fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and more. It’s an authentic, behind-the-scenes peek into ongoing paleontological research that few other sites in the world can match.

A small caveat is that much of the outdoor experience—like watching the bubbling tar and active digs—is weather-dependent and can be less engaging if your visit coincides with cold or rainy days. That said, the indoor museum is a treasure trove of fossils, informative displays, and interactive exhibits, making it a worthwhile visit for families, science buffs, or anyone with a curiosity about Earth’s distant past.

This tour is particularly appealing if you’re interested in geology or prehistoric animals, and it suits those who prefer outdoor exhibits combined with educational indoor displays. Perfect for travelers looking for an affordable yet memorable LA experience, it balances entertainment with learning in a compact, accessible package.

Key Points

Active Excavation Site: Witness fossils being uncovered right in front of you, with scientists working on ongoing digs.
Mega Fossil Collection: Home to over a million Ice Age fossils, including iconic species like mammoths and saber-toothed cats.
Outdoor and Indoor Experience: Includes outdoor bubbling tar pits and a comprehensive museum with fossils, gardens, and interactive labs.
Affordable Pricing: At $18 per person, it offers great value especially considering the depth of exhibits and unique viewing opportunities.
Family Friendly: Suitable for visitors of all ages, with engaging displays and the chance to see science in action.
Flexible Visit Duration: Valid for one day, allowing you to explore at your own pace, with optional add-ons like special shows and 3D films.
Convenient Location: Situated in central LA, next to other cultural hotspots like LACMA, making it easy to combine into a day of sightseeing.
Expert Guides & Staff: Knowledgeable volunteers and staff enhance the experience, making complex scientific concepts accessible and fun.

The Unique Setting of the La Brea Tar Pits

Tucked amid Los Angeles’ bustling cityscape lies an unexpectedly dramatic scene: bubbling tar pits that have preserved the past for thousands of years. The Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits is the gateway to understanding how these sticky pools of asphalt trapped and preserved countless Ice Age creatures.

Walking up, you’ll see the tar bubbling from the ground—an eerie, mesmerizing sight. This is no imitation; it’s a natural phenomenon that has fascinated scientists and visitors alike. The outdoor pits are surrounded by lush gardens, providing a peaceful environment to contemplate prehistoric life. Reviewers like Ed describe the experience as “a fantastic view of the Pleistocene era,” thanks to the knowledgeable staff and the site’s unique natural features.

For those interested in the scientific process, the active dig sites are a genuine highlight. You can observe scientists carefully excavating and cataloging fossils, with some, like the excavator tour, being free with your general admission ticket. These moments of real-time discovery make this a living museum rather than just a static exhibit.

What You’ll Experience Inside

Once inside the museum, the atmosphere shifts from natural wonder to educational richness. The Fossil Lab is where the magic happens—watching scientists meticulously clean and study fossils. This behind-the-scenes look helps demystify how fossils are prepared and studied, which many visitors find both fascinating and inspiring.

The exhibits showcase an incredible range of Ice Age fossils, many of which have been uncovered here in Los Angeles. You’ll see detailed skeletons and fossilized remains of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and other megafauna. The displays are curated to be both informative and engaging, making complex science accessible for all ages. Reviewers like Suzan appreciate the “very educational and amazing” displays, highlighting how the museum makes the prehistoric world come alive.

In addition, the Pleistocene Gardens provide a tranquil outdoor space filled with plants and replicas of prehistoric animals, offering a different way to enjoy the site. Visitors can also explore the Pit 91 access, giving a closer look at the excavation process.

The Importance of the Active Dig Sites

Unlike many museums where fossils are behind glass and static, La Brea’s active digs provide a rare opportunity to see science in motion. These excavations are ongoing, and the site is still yielding discoveries. Visitors can learn about the process of excavation and see firsthand how scientists piece together ancient ecosystems.

The free Excavator Tour included with general admission allows visitors to get even more involved, though space is limited and reservations are made upon arrival. This adds an interactive element that enhances understanding and appreciation of paleontology.

Practical Aspects: Tickets, Timing, and Accessibility

At just $18 per person, the ticket offers solid value—especially considering the access to both outdoor pits and indoor exhibits. Your ticket is valid for one day, so you have flexibility to explore at your own pace. The museum operates daily from 09:30 AM to 5:00 PM, making it easy to squeeze into a busy LA itinerary.

The experience begins at the Page Museum on Wilshire Boulevard, easily accessible with onsite parking available for an additional fee. If you’re traveling with infants, rest assured they are accommodated with free tickets, making this a family-friendly activity.

Additional shows like the Ice Age Encounters and a 3D film are available for extra purchase, though many visitors find the core experience—seeing fossils and active excavations—more than enough for a memorable visit.

The Visitor Experience & Reviews

Many reviewers have praised the site for the knowledgeable staff, with comments highlighting how engaging and friendly guides make the experience even better. For example, John N shared that his visit was “marvelous” with “learning many things” and “enjoying himself immensely.”

Others appreciated the outdoor setting, noting the well-maintained gardens and the chance to see real fossils in a natural environment. Tessie called it “a fun outing for all ages,” perfect for those interested in geology, biology, or history.

Even visitors who initially thought the museum might be geared only toward children, such as Joseph, found the exhibits interesting and the outdoor experience captivating. Some noted that much of the attraction, like the bubbling tar and outdoor pits, is free and outside, so the museum’s indoor displays add a valuable educational layer.

The Best for Who?

This experience is best suited for curious families, science enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an affordable, educational outing. If you love learning about Earth’s ancient creatures or enjoy watching scientific work firsthand, this site delivers. It’s also ideal for those who prefer a combination of outdoor and indoor activities, offering a well-rounded experience in a compact space.

Perfect for a half-day visit, it pairs wonderfully with nearby LA cultural sites, like LACMA or the Petersen Automotive Museum, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing.

The Sum Up

The La Brea Tar Pits Museum provides a distinctive glimpse into the Ice Age, combining outdoor natural phenomena with fascinating indoor exhibits. For a modest entrance fee, visitors gain access to active excavations, a vast fossil collection, and expert staff eager to share their knowledge.

The experience’s real strength lies in its authenticity—being able to see fossils being uncovered and studied in real time makes it more than just a museum; it’s a portal into Earth’s distant past. From families with children to solo travelers with a passion for geology, this site offers educational fun that’s hard to beat in any urban setting.

While the outdoor parts are weather-dependent, the indoor exhibits and fossil lab ensure that your visit remains captivating regardless. It’s a place where curiosity is rewarded, and history is made alive before your eyes.

If you’re in LA and want an affordable, engaging, and genuinely enriching experience, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary. It’s a unique blend of science, history, and natural beauty that brings the Ice Age right into the heart of the city.

FAQ

Is the ticket valid for multiple visits?
No, the ticket is valid for one day only, giving you the chance to explore the entire site within that timeframe.

Can I visit the active dig site?
Yes, you can see the active excavation sites, and the excavator tour is free with general admission, but reservations are made when you arrive.

What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket covers general admission, Pit 91 access, the Pleistocene Gardens, and atrium access, enabling you to enjoy both outdoor and indoor exhibits.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, parking fees are separate, and optional add-ons like the Ice Age Encounters show or a 3D film can be purchased onsite.

How long should I expect to spend here?
Most visitors find 2-3 hours sufficient, especially if they include the outdoor pits, fossil lab, and museum exhibits.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Absolutely. The exhibits are engaging for all ages, and many reviews mention how it’s a fun, educational outing for families.

What are the opening hours?
The museum is open daily from 09:30 AM to 5:00 PM, but check the website for holiday closures or updates.

Is parking available onsite?
Yes, there is an onsite parking lot for an additional fee.

Can I buy tickets in advance?
Yes, tickets can be purchased online, which is recommended to secure your preferred time and avoid long lines.

What makes this experience special?
The combination of outdoor bubbling tar pits, active fossil excavations, and a comprehensive indoor museum makes La Brea Tar Pits a truly unique and educational adventure in Los Angeles.