La Brea Tar Pits and Museum: A Window into the Ice Age
Discover the Ice Age in the heart of Los Angeles at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, where prehistoric fossils and ongoing excavations reveal a world of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and more.
Step back in time at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, a unique paleontological site nestled in the heart of Los Angeles' Miracle Mile. Here, bubbling asphalt pits preserve the remains of Ice Age creatures, offering a glimpse into a world that existed tens of thousands of years ago. Explore the outdoor park, where life-size replicas of mammoths and saber-toothed cats emerge from the tar, and witness ongoing excavations uncovering new fossils daily. Inside the museum, marvel at the vast collection of Ice Age fossils, including dire wolves, ground sloths, and the iconic Columbian mammoth. With interactive exhibits, a fossil lab where you can watch paleontologists at work, and the Excavator Tour, the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, connecting them to the prehistoric past beneath the bustling city.
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 early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
- Take the Excavator Tour for an in-depth look at the ongoing excavations and a chance to see paleontologists at work.
- Check the museum's website for special events, including family festivals, educational programs, and outdoor concerts.
- Los Angeles County residents receive free admission on weekdays from 3–5pm.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) or the Petersen Automotive Museum for a full day of cultural exploration.
Getting There
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Public Transport
The La Brea Tar Pits are easily accessible via the Los Angeles Metro system. Take the Metro B Line (Red) or D Line (Purple) to the Wilshire/Western station. From there, transfer to the Metro 20 bus westbound. The bus stops directly in front of the La Brea Tar Pits on Wilshire Boulevard. A single Metro fare is $1.75 and includes two hours of free transfers. A TAP card is required to ride the Metro; these can be purchased at vending machines in Metro stations for $2. Alternatively, from the Expo Park / USC Station, take the E Line light rail to 7th Street / Metro Center Station, transfer to the B Line subway, and then take the 20 bus from Wilshire / Vermont station to Wilshire / Curson station. The total trip duration for this route is approximately 55 min. The ride fare is $0.00.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to reach the La Brea Tar Pits. From central Los Angeles, a taxi or ride-share will typically cost between $20-$30, depending on traffic and distance. The journey usually takes 10-15 minutes. Be sure to specify 'La Brea Tar Pits and Museum' as your destination to ensure the driver takes you to the correct location.
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Driving
If driving, take the I-10 (Santa Monica Freeway) and exit at Fairfax Avenue. Head north on Fairfax Avenue to Wilshire Boulevard, then turn right. The La Brea Tar Pits will be on your right. Alternatively, from Hollywood, take Highland Avenue south to Wilshire Boulevard and turn left. The museum's parking lot is located at the corner of Curson Avenue and 6th Street, directly behind the museum. The flat rate for parking in the museum lot is $18. Street parking is also available on surrounding streets, but be sure to read all parking signs carefully, as restrictions apply. Free parking can be found on W 6th Street and S Spaulding Avenue for up to 6 days.
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