Best time to visit
Arrive within the first hour of opening for the shortest queues and best photo light.
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Last reviewed June 2026 by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards
About La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Watch paleontologists pull saber-toothed cats from bubbling asphalt in the middle of LA.
In the heart of Los Angeles, Hancock Park hides natural asphalt seeps that trapped Ice Age animals and plants. The fossils keep coming, with new discoveries unearthed every day.
What you'll see and do - Watch active excavations as paleontologists and volunteers dig in Hancock Park. - See Ice Age fossils inside, from saber-toothed cats and dire wolves to mammoths. - Look into the Fossil Lab as scientists clean and study specimens. - Learn about Project 23, an excavation that has yielded millions of new fossils.
Attraction Details
Facilities
- Toilets
- Gift Shop
- Baby Changing
- Food Options
- Parking
- Pushchair Friendly
- Wheelchair Friendly
Events at La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
KCRW Summer Nights with La Brea Tar Pits
An upcoming evening event featuring DJ Novena Carmel.
La Brea Tar Pits Insider Tour
Weekly through 06/30/26
An exclusive behind-the-scenes tour offering a backstage pass to the Ice Age.
Excavator Tour
Daily through 07/06/26
A 45-minute walking tour exploring the Fossil Lab, historic excavation sites, and Project 23.
Plan Your Visit
Family-tested advice for a smoother day at La Brea Tar Pits and Museum.
Who it's for
All ages
Getting there
Onsite or nearby parking available at 5801 Wilshire Blvd.
Pro tip
Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.
Directions
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
This attraction has been claimed and verified.
Last updated 6/23/2026
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum Reviews
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