Who it's for
All ages
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Published October 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards
Image credits
- Photo by Ellen from Ann Arbor, MI, USA via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-2.0
- Photo by Bill Abbott via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-2.0
- Photo by Andreas Köhler 1999 via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0
- Photo by Matt Kieffer via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-2.0
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
Opening Times
- Monday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Friday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday9:30 AM to 5 PM
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.
Getting there
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is at 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.
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 10/17/2026
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to see and do at La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?
At La Brea Tar Pits, you can explore active paleontological excavations, observe scientists in the Fossil Lab, and see extensive Ice Age fossil exhibits. You can also learn about Project 23, an ongoing excavation that has revealed millions of new fossils.What are the opening hours at La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?
The museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Please note that the museum will close permanently on July 7 for a two-year renovation, so check the official site for date-specific hours.Is La Brea Tar Pits and Museum suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is suitable for all ages, offering a unique glimpse into the Ice Age.Are they still finding fossils in the La Brea Tar Pits?
Yes, paleontologists and volunteers are actively unearthing new discoveries every day in ongoing excavations at Hancock Park, and Project 23 has yielded millions of new fossils.
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