Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket

Explore the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles with an $18 Entry Ticket

If you’re looking for a day of learning and wonder in Los Angeles, the Natural History Museum offers a compelling mix of dinosaurs, dazzling gems, and local history—all for just $18. Located in Exposition Park, this museum is a treasure trove of fossils, minerals, and nature exhibits that appeal to curious minds of all ages. We love how easy it is to spend a few hours here, especially since the museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, giving you plenty of time to soak in the exhibits at a leisurely pace.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the Dinosaur Hall is a highlight, featuring over 300 fossils, complete with 20 whole dinosaurs, and the unique Tyrannosaurus rex growth series. Second, the Gem and Mineral Hall boasts over 2,000 specimens, including rare diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, making it a visual feast. A third plus is the Becoming Los Angeles exhibit, which tells the story of how LA developed from a swampy settlement to a bustling metropolis, giving context to the city’s growth over 65 million years.

A small consideration? Some visitors mention that the exhibits could benefit from updates in graphic design and organization, especially in older dioramas, but this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall value. It’s best suited for families, history buffs, geology lovers, or anyone with an interest in dinosaurs and local culture. If you’re traveling with children or enjoy self-guided exploration, you’ll find plenty to see and do here.

Key Points

• Affordable Entry: At $18, this ticket offers excellent value, especially considering the variety of exhibits.
• Family-Friendly & Educational: Perfect for kids and adults alike, with interactive and visually appealing displays.
• Highlight of Dinosaurs & Gems: The Dinosaur Hall and Gem and Mineral Hall are standout attractions.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access: The Dino Lab allows you to see fossil work firsthand.
• Flexible Visit Options: Choose general admission or include access to special rotating exhibits.
• Location & Accessibility: Easily reachable via nearby Metro or car with on-site parking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Look at the Experience

When you arrive at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, you’ll enter a world where science and storytelling collide. The ticket grants access to all permanent exhibits, with the highlights being the Dinosaur Hall, the Nature Gardens, and the Gem and Mineral Hall.

Dinosaur Hall is a true crowd-pleaser, especially for families. Here, you’ll encounter over 300 real fossils and 20 complete dinosaurs. The star attraction is undoubtedly the Tyrannosaurus rex growth series, which offers a fascinating look at how a T. rex grew from hatchling to giant predator. We loved the way the fossils are laid out in a chronological sequence, giving a clear sense of dinosaur development. According to reviews, many visitors find the dinosaur displays both impressive and educational—with some noting that fossil specimens are well-preserved and displayed in an engaging manner.

A unique feature here is the Dino Lab, where you can get a peek behind the scenes and see how scientists work on fossils. This behind-the-scenes look is particularly appealing to those curious about paleontology. Watching a fossil being cleaned or prepared adds an extra layer of appreciation for the work involved in uncovering prehistoric life.

Next, the Becoming Los Angeles exhibit takes you through the history of the city. It’s a well-curated showcase that blends natural history with urban development, helping you understand how LA evolved from its origins as a swampy settlement into the sprawling city it is today. Many reviews praise this exhibit for its storytelling – “I learned a lot more,” one visitor mentions, highlighting its educational value.

The Nature Gardens are another highlight, offering a peaceful 3.5-acre space in which to stroll and observe local plants and wildlife. It’s perfect for a break from indoor exhibits and provides a chance to connect with nature. The gardens also contain hidden secrets and wildlife spaces that appeal to kids and nature lovers alike. The Nature Lab complements this with interactive displays about local flora and fauna, making it more than just a pretty garden but an educational experience.

Finally, the Gem and Mineral Hall is a visual marvel. With over 2,000 specimens, it includes diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and various other dazzling minerals. The museum’s vault showcases some of the most exquisite gems, giving an almost tangible sense of how precious stones are formed and valued. Reviewers say, “This place is amazing,” and several note that it’s worth the trip just to see the gemstones.

Practical Details for Your Visit

Your ticket provides full-day access, and the museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, so you can plan a relaxed visit. Parking is available on-site for an extra fee, which is convenient if you’re driving. Alternatively, the nearby Expo Park Metro line makes the museum easily accessible by public transit.

The ticket options allow you to either explore all permanent exhibits or upgrade to access special rotating exhibits. Keep in mind that online travel agency tickets cannot be applied to memberships, so if you plan to visit multiple times, consider a membership for better value.

The museum has a flexible cancellation policy—you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is helpful if your travel plans change.

Authentic Feedback from Visitors

• “I love bringing the kids here—always a great experience,” says one review. Many visitors appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere.
• “It was so fun… just me and my hubby,” shares another, showing it’s also enjoyable for couples seeking a more leisurely exploration.
• Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable staff, the impressive displays, and the cleanliness of the exhibits.
• Some mention the exhibits could use updates, but overall, the value and educational content outweigh that minor drawback.

Who Should Visit?

This museum is ideal for families with kids who love dinosaurs and fossils, as well as adults interested in geology, natural history, or LA’s development. If you enjoy self-guided learning and interactive exhibits, you’ll find plenty to entertain and educate. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to spend a few hours engaging with science and local history.

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The Sum Up

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines dinosaurs, gems, and city stories. For just $18, you get access to world-class exhibits that are educational, visually stunning, and family-friendly. The museum’s highlights—especially the Dinosaur Hall and the Gem and Mineral collection—make it a worthwhile stop for any visitor curious about Earth’s history and LA’s roots.

While some older exhibits could benefit from updates, this doesn’t diminish the overall value, particularly considering the quality of the fossils and gemstones. The behind-the-scenes Dino Lab adds a special touch that appeals to science lovers, and the Nature Gardens provide a peaceful outdoor break.

This experience fits best for families, geology enthusiasts, and history buffs who want a flexible, affordable, and educational outing in Los Angeles. Whether you’re traveling with children or seeking a solo day of discovery, you’re bound to walk away with a deeper appreciation for our planet’s history and LA’s story.

FAQ

How much does the ticket cost?
The general admission ticket is $18 per person, providing access to all permanent exhibits.

Are there options for special exhibits?
Yes, you can choose an admission ticket with special exhibit access, which includes entry to rotating special exhibits.

What are the museum hours?
The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM daily, with last entry usually around closing time.

Is parking available?
Yes, on-site parking is available for an additional fee. The museum is also accessible via the Expo Park Metro line, just steps away.

Can I cancel my ticket?
Yes, you can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Absolutely. Children especially love the Dinosaur Hall and the Gem and Mineral exhibits. The museum also offers engaging educational displays suitable for all ages.

In all, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is a solid choice for anyone eager to see dinosaurs, gems, and LA’s story in one accessible, family-friendly setting. We think it’s a smart, value-filled stop that leaves you with plenty to think about—and plenty of photos to take.

You can check availability for your dates here: