La Brea Tar Pits and Museum: A Journey to the Ice Age
Unearth the Ice Age in the heart of Los Angeles at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, where prehistoric fossils and active excavations reveal a world lost in time.
Step back in time at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles' Miracle Mile. This unique destination offers a fascinating glimpse into the Pleistocene Epoch, showcasing the world's only active urban Ice Age excavation site. Explore bubbling tar pits, witness paleontologists at work, and marvel at the incredible fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves. With interactive exhibits and a captivating atmosphere, the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, revealing the rich history hidden beneath the city's bustling streets. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the prehistoric past in the heart of modern-day L.A.
A brief summary to La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
- 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, Miracle Mile, California, 90036, US
- +1213-763-3499
- Visit website
- Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the week or early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
- Take the Excavator Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at the Fossil Lab and active dig sites.
- Check the museum's website for free admission days or discounts for Los Angeles County residents.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking both indoors and outdoors.
- Be prepared for the distinctive smell of asphalt, which is a natural part of the tar pit experience.
Getting There
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Public Transport
For visitors arriving via public transportation, the Metro Expo Line is a convenient option. Take the Expo Line to the Wilshire/Western station. From there, transfer to the Metro Bus 20 heading west on Wilshire Boulevard. The bus stops near the La Brea Tar Pits at the Wilshire/Curson stop. A single ride on Metro bus or rail is $1.75, and a day pass is available for $3.50.
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Driving
If driving, approach the La Brea Tar Pits via Wilshire Boulevard. The museum is located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd. Parking is available in the museum's parking lot, located at the corner of Curson Avenue and 6th Street. The flat rate for parking is $18. Alternatively, limited street parking may be available on surrounding streets, but be sure to read all parking signs carefully for restrictions. Free parking can be found on W 6th Street and S Spaulding Avenue.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxi and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available in Los Angeles. Simply provide the destination address (5801 Wilshire Blvd) to your driver. A short ride from nearby areas like Beverly Hills or Hollywood will typically cost between $15-$25, depending on traffic.
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