La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
Active Ice Age fossil excavation site and museum on Miracle Mile, with bubbling asphalt pits in the middle of the city.
The call
Worth it if you are traveling with kids and you are traveling as a couple.
Why
- 01
A genuinely weird and wonderful thing — real, still-bubbling tar pits that trapped saber-tooth cats and mammoths, with an active dig and a fossil-rich museum.
Our read - 02
The grounds are free and fun, but the museum is small and a bit dated, so it's a big hit for kids and curious adults more than a half-day for everyone.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
You are traveling with kids
With kids, La Brea Tar Pits & Museum works.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, La Brea Tar Pits & Museum works.
You are traveling solo
Solo, La Brea Tar Pits & Museum works.
You want context, not just the photograph
For depth & learning, La Brea Tar Pits & Museum delivers.
Think twice if
You are watching the budget
On a budget, weigh it — La Brea Tar Pits & Museum isn't cheap for what it is.
You only have one day
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
History and culture matter to you
For history & culture, La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is hit or miss.
You want time outdoors
For nature & scenery, La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is hit or miss.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Grounds free; museum ~$18
- Timing
- Daytime; pair with LACMA or the Academy Museum next door.
- Booking
- Grounds are free; buy museum tickets online or at the door.
- Allow
- 1.5-2.5 hours
- Accessibility
- Grounds and museum are wheelchair accessible on level paths.
- Getting there
- Metro D (Purple) Line to Wilshire/Fairfax, on Miracle Mile.