La Brea Tar Pits

A Window into the Ice Age

The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles reveal a slice of ancient history where asphalt seeps from the earth. Fossils found here show animals that lived thousands of years ago, preserved in sticky pits. Visitors see bones of saber-toothed cats and mastodons alongside modern city views. The site includes a museum with displays explaining how the tar formed and why it trapped creatures long ago. It connects past ecosystems to today’s urban landscape through science and discovery.

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Museum in Los Angeles

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$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 8.0

General Safety:	8
Accessibility:	8

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5/5

English is widely spoken and the primary language used at the museum and throughout Los Angeles, ensuring smooth communication for visitors.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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La Brea Tar Pits Summary

Unique for prehistoric discoveries. Walk park grounds, see active tar pits and explore fossil exhibits in the museum.

Opening hours:

Mon-Sun:

09:30 - 17:00

Public website:

tarpits.org

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

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Additional notes:
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for La Brea Tar Pits, United States

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High season:	June - Oct.
Shoulder season:	March - May, Nov.

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Climate details

Open daily except Thanksgiving and 25 December

Don't miss

🦴 See bubbling tar pits where Ice Age fossils were discovered
🐘 Explore realistic mammoth displays inside the Page Museum
🔍 Watch paleontologists uncover fossils in the live excavation site

You've been here?

La Brea Tar Pits is renowned worldwide for its natural asphalt pits that have preserved fossils from the late Pleistocene epoch. The museum on-site offers interactive exhibits and live excavation views, allowing visitors a rare chance to witness scientific research in action.

The park itself is a historic and botanical site encompassing multiple active tar pits, each yielding significant paleontological finds including saber-toothed cats, mammoths and giant ground sloths. The Fossil Lab gives direct insight into the painstaking process of fossil restoration.

Visitors can enjoy educational films and family-friendly programs presenting the rich prehistoric past of the Los Angeles Basin. While the museum requires an admission fee, walking around the tar pits outdoors is free.

Be cautious when walking near the pits as the ground can be uneven and avoid touching the sticky tar for safety. The area can be crowded during weekends and holidays and parking nearby might be limited, so planning your visit for early weekdays or using public transportation is recommended.

Knowledge before you go

Tickets required; book Excavator Tour on arrival.
Watch scientists excavate fossils live in the Fishbowl Lab and active dig sites.
Observe bubbling tar at Lake Pit with mammoth statues showing ancient entrapments.
Combine visit with nearby LACMA or Academy Museum on Miracle Mile for full cultural day.

How to travel to La Brea Tar Pits

Located in Los Angeles, La Brea Tar Pits are accessible via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with a roughly 30-minute drive depending on traffic. Public transportation options include several bus lines and the Metro Expo Line to nearby stations, making access convenient for visitors using transit.

Access summary

From LAX: Taxi or rideshare via I‑10, usually around 30–45 min.
From Downtown Los Angeles: Drive or bus along Wilshire Boulevard, about 25–40 min.
From Hollywood: Short drive or rideshare south via Fairfax/La Brea, roughly 20–30 min.

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Where to stay near La Brea Tar Pits

Los Angeles offers a wide range of accommodations from luxury hotels in the city center to budget motels near the tar pits, all within accessible distance for a convenient visit.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills Hotel

8.6

The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood

8.3

Short Stories Hotel

8.7

The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills

9.1

Wilshire Crest Hotel

8.5

The Valorian West Hollywood, Curio Collection by Hilton

8.3

Sixty Beverly Hills Hotel

8.1

Beverly Laurel Motor Hotel

8.3

Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel

8.6

SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills

8.6

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Packing recommendations for La Brea Tar Pits

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Camera

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Comfortable walking shoes

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Sun cream

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Reusable water bottle

Universal travel adaptor

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Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

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Costs compared to home

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+31 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 31% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.

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-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles are generally safe for visitors. The museum’s well‑lit, monitored galleries and staffed security team ensure low crime risk. Visitors should stay on designated paths, avoid unattended bags and follow staff instructions to maintain personal safety.

Accessibility

The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles offers wheelchair‑accessible paths, elevators and audio guides, making it welcoming for visitors with mobility challenges. However, some exhibit areas are narrow and the surrounding parking lot can be crowded, so plan ahead for peak times.