La Brea Tar Pits and Museum Admission Ticket with Excavator Tour

Exploring Los Angeles’ Hidden Prehistoric Treasure: La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

If you’re visiting Los Angeles and want to step into the world of Ice Age giants without leaving the city, the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is a must-see. For just $18 per person, you’ll gain access to one of LA’s most unique attractions—an active excavation site right in downtown LA. The experience lasts about two hours, making it a manageable stop in your busy itinerary.

What we love about this visit is how easily it combines outdoor adventure with inside learning. Watching paleontologists work in real time in the Fossil Lab adds a layer of authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Plus, the bubbling tar pools create a surreal, almost cinematic backdrop that captures the imagination.

That said, consider that walking is involved, and the site isn’t huge, so it’s best suited for those with moderate mobility or families with kids who enjoy outdoor discovery. It’s a particularly good fit for those interested in science, history, or simply looking for an engaging, educational outing amid Los Angeles’ usual tourist fare.

Key Points

• Unique Location: This is a working paleontology site embedded within LA’s urban landscape.
• Cost-effective: At $18, it offers excellent value, especially with included extras like the Excavator Tour.
• Active Discoveries: You can see fossils being excavated and learn how paleontologists work.
• Educational & Engaging: Perfect for families, kids, and science buffs.
• Guided Tours: The free Excavator Tour deepens your understanding of the site’s history and ongoing discoveries.
• Authentic Experience: Fossil specimens, bubbling tar, and the outdoor dig sites create a genuine snapshot of Ice Age Los Angeles.

The Experience in Detail

Location and Accessibility

Located in Los Angeles, the La Brea Tar Pits offers an unexpected glimpse into the city’s prehistoric past. The outdoor areas are generally accessible, with near public transportation options making it easy to reach without a car. The museum is open year-round from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, so you can plan visits conveniently throughout the day.

Entry and Admission

For $18, your ticket includes access to the museum, active dig sites, and a free Excavator Tour—a highlight that many reviewers praise as “very informative” and “fun.” Tickets are purchased via a mobile platform, which makes checking in quick and contactless.

What You’ll See and Do

Start at the outdoor Lake Pit, where tar bubbles and oozes just like in prehistoric times. The sight of tar bubbling up is both fascinating and slightly surreal—like witnessing a natural phenomenon frozen in time. Reviewers often mention the smell of oil as a reminder of what lies beneath LA’s surface.

Next, wander through the Pleistocene Garden, where ancient plant life recreates the environment of the Ice Age, giving context to the fossils. Then, visit the active dig sites—these are real excavations where paleontologists are uncovering new fossils almost daily. Watching scientists in action adds a special dimension to the visit, especially since some guides like Becca make the experience engaging and memorable.

Once indoors, the museum showcases well-preserved fossils like mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and giant ground sloths. The exhibits are authentic and thoughtfully displayed, helping visitors understand what these creatures were like and how they lived.

The Inside Scoop: The Fossil Lab and Tours

A key part of the experience is the Fossil Lab, visible through a clear glass room. Here, you can observe paleontologists at work, cleaning and preparing fossils from recent excavations. This behind-the-scenes look is especially appreciated by those curious about the science behind fossil recovery.

The free Excavator Tour offers insights into the history of the tar pits, the discovery of fossils, and the ongoing scientific projects like Project 23, one of the newer dig sites. Reviewers consistently mention how knowledgeable guides like Becca or Emily make the tour both informative and entertaining.

Highlights and Unique Aspects

• Active tar bubbling provides a visceral connection to the past.
• The Fossil Lab offers a rare glimpse into the scientific process.
• The outdoor pits and dig sites make this more than just a museum—it’s a working paleontological site.
• The 3D Ice Age movie (when available) adds a fun, immersive visual to the experience.
• Many visitors mention the stunning views and the grounds’ tranquility, despite being in downtown LA.

Considerations and Tips

While the experience is excellent value, those with mobility issues should note that some walking and outdoor exposure is involved. Also, timing matters—try to arrive early or mid-morning to avoid crowds or to catch the guided tour at the most popular times.

If you’re a family with children, you’ll find the outdoor activities and fossil exhibits both fun and educational. However, some reviewers suggest that adding more interactive elements could enhance the experience for younger kids.

Why This Tour Works for You

If you’re a science enthusiast, a history buff, or traveling with children, this tour offers a hands-on look at prehistoric life that’s both fun and educational. The guided tours and active excavations make it more than just viewing static exhibits—they’re about participating in discovery. It’s also an excellent choice for those seeking value for money, given the comprehensive access and free extras included.

This experience suits those who appreciate authenticity, as the site is still very much an active dig, and the fossils are genuine. It also appeals to visitors who enjoy outdoor settings and are okay with a moderate amount of walking.

Final Thoughts

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum offer a distinct slice of Los Angeles’ past, blending science, history, and outdoor adventure into one accessible, affordable package. We loved how watching paleontologists at work brings the Ice Age to life in a remarkably direct way. The bubbling tar pools are both mesmerizing and educational, providing a tangible connection to the creatures that once roamed Southern California.

For families, this is a safe, engaging outing that combines learning with fun outdoor exploration. Science buffs will appreciate the behind-the-scenes glimpses into fossil preparation and ongoing excavations. Even if you’re not a hardcore fossil fan, the site’s stunning visuals and informative guides make it a worthwhile stop.

This experience is an excellent value, especially considering the guided tour included, and it’s perfect for travelers who want an authentic, interactive window into the prehistoric world. Whether you’re into paleontology, history, or just looking for something different to do in LA, the La Brea Tar Pits really deliver.

FAQ

Is the ticket price of $18 per person worth it?
Yes, especially since it includes access to the museum, active dig sites, and a free Excavator Tour. Many visitors find this combination offers excellent value for an engaging, educational experience.

Can I see fossils being excavated?
Absolutely. The active dig sites and Fossil Lab are highlights, giving you a chance to see paleontologists working on uncovering new fossils in real time.

Are the outdoor areas accessible?
Most outdoor areas are walkable, but if you have mobility concerns, it’s worth noting that some walking is involved. The site is generally accessible and near public transportation.

What can children expect?
Children often find the outdoor tar pools, fossils, and excavations fascinating. The site offers touchable exhibits and interactive elements that make learning fun for young visitors.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, the free Excavator Tour is highly recommended, as guides share insights into the site’s history and ongoing work, making the visit more meaningful.

What is the best time to visit?
Arriving early or mid-morning can help you avoid crowds and ensure you catch the guided tours, which tend to be popular.

Is there any additional cost for shows or movies?
Some shows like the Ice Age 3D film are available for purchase on site, but they are not included in the basic ticket. Check availability when you visit.

To sum it up, the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum provide a fascinating look at prehistoric Los Angeles with a good balance of outdoor discovery and indoor exhibits. It’s perfect for families, science lovers, or anyone wanting a unique, affordable experience that offers more than just static displays—here, you step into history, active and alive.