La Brea Tar Pits and Museum Admission Ticket with Excavator Tour

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric Los Angeles, all for just $18 per person. With an approximate 2-hour duration, this tour provides a rich mix of outdoor sights and indoor exhibits that highlight the area’s unique geological and paleontological significance. Visitors benefit from a guided excavator tour, access to Pit 91, and the chance to observe paleontologists at work in the Fossil Lab. This experience is particularly well-suited for families and those keen to see real-time excavation efforts.

While the museum is not very large, it offers enough engaging exhibits and active sites to keep visitors interested for a couple of hours. The interactive nature of the outdoor sites—such as the bubbling tar Lake Pit—and the opportunities to watch paleontologists in action make this tour a standout. Keep in mind that it involves a moderate amount of walking, but most travelers find it accessible and rewarding.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $18 for full access and guided excavator tour
• Approximately 2 hours in length, ideal for a half-day outing
• Includes Pit 91 access, Pleistocene Gardens, and Fossil Lab viewing
• Active excavation sites and bubbling tar pools provide a dynamic experience
• Great for families and children, with interactive exhibits and outdoor exploration
• Guided tour enhances understanding of the site’s history and ongoing discoveries

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum: Core Admission and Highlights

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum stand out as an active archaeological site and a museum, all in the middle of Los Angeles. The general admission ticket, priced at $18, grants access to the outdoor Tar Pits, including the iconic Lake Pit where tar bubbles up continuously. Visitors can observe the ongoing excavation efforts and see the tar seep through the ground, creating a captivating natural spectacle.

Inside the museum, the focus shifts to Ice Age fossils. Exhibits feature fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and ground sloths, offering insights into prehistoric animal life. Visitors also have the chance to see paleontologists working in the Fossil Lab, where recent finds are carefully cleaned and preserved. The atrium and Pleistocene Gardens add to the immersive experience by providing outdoor spaces that depict the environment of that era.

The Excavator Tour and Pit 91 Access

One of the key features included with the admission ticket is the Excavator Tour. This free tour guides visitors through the history of the Tar Pits, highlighting their geological origins and significance. The tour also covers Pit 91, one of the newest excavation sites where ongoing digging continually uncovers new fossils.

The site tour allows visitors to see paleontologists in action, making this experience highly engaging. These experts demonstrate fossil recovery techniques and showcase recent discoveries, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of scientific research. This tour is especially praised for the informative and personable guides, like Becca, who share stories about the site’s history and fossils.

The Fossil Lab and Observation Pit Experience

Inside the museum, the Fossil Lab provides a clear-glass room where visitors can watch scientists preparing fossils. This behind-the-scenes look emphasizes the active work involved in fossil preservation and adds an educational element to the visit.

The Observation Pit invites visitors to view the excavation process directly, providing a tangible connection to the ongoing paleontological work. Seeing fossilized bones being carefully extracted and preserved enhances understanding of the Ice Age environment and the species that once inhabited Los Angeles.

Outdoor Sites: Lake Pit and Pleistocene Gardens

The Lake Pit is a highlight, where tar bubbles and oozes naturally, creating a visually striking scene. The bubbling tar demonstrates the natural seepage that has preserved fossils for thousands of years. Visitors often find the smell of tar subtle but real, and the site’s active bubbling is a memorable sight.

Meanwhile, the Pleistocene Gardens offer a naturalistic outdoor setting that depicts prehistoric plants. This space complements the fossils by providing a visual context of the environment mammoths and other creatures would have lived in, making the experience immersive and educational.

Visiting Hours and Accessibility

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum operate year-round from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, every day of the week. The site is near public transportation and accessible for most visitors, with service animals allowed. The tour involves moderate walking, and most travelers find it manageable, although those with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.

The Museum’s Educational and Family-Friendly Appeal

The museum is praised for being a great educational spot for children and families. Many reviews highlight its interactive exhibits, including touchable fossils and fossil cleaning demonstrations. The active dig sites and 3D movies (available during certain times) provide engaging learning opportunities.

Visitors appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable guides, who share stories and insights that keep both adults and children captivated. The site’s low-key but informative atmosphere makes it ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet educational experience.

Additional Offerings and On-Site Purchases

While the tour includes Pit 91 access and the Excavator Tour, it does not include souvenir photos or the Ice Age Encounters show—tickets for these can be purchased on-site. The 3D film, when available, offers an engaging visual supplement to the exhibits. Visitors can also explore on-site gift shops for memorabilia and educational materials.

Why the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum Shine

What makes this site particularly unique is its combination of active excavation and museum exhibits, offering a dynamic look into paleontology within an urban setting. The guides and paleontologists create an engaging atmosphere, making science accessible and exciting. The bubbling tar and fossil recovery process serve as tangible reminders of the area’s geological history.

The reasonable price point and short duration make it an attractive option for a half-day activity. The active dig sites and fossil lab are standout features that differentiate this experience from more traditional static museums.

Final Thoughts on Visiting La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum offers a unique blend of outdoor natural phenomena, fossil exhibits, and active scientific work. Its affordable price and inclusive guided tour make it accessible and informative for visitors of all ages. Families and science enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, especially the opportunity to see paleontologists at work and explore active excavation sites.

While the museum is not large, the interactive outdoor sites and educational programs compensate with engaging content and memorable sights. The guided tour is highly recommended for those interested in deeper insights into the site’s history and ongoing discoveries. This experience offers a worthwhile glimpse into prehistoric Los Angeles with plenty of opportunities for learning and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum are considered family-friendly, with interactive exhibits and outdoor sites suitable for children.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

What is included in the ticket price?
The $18 ticket includes general admission, the Excavator Tour, Pit 91 access, the Pleistocene Gardens, and atrium access.

Can I see active excavation work?
Yes, the excavation sites are active, and the Excavator Tour provides a guided look at ongoing fossil recovery efforts.

Is there parking available?
While parking details are not specified, the site is near public transportation, which makes it accessible.

Are there any additional costs on-site?
Yes, souvenir photos and special shows like the Ice Age Encounters or 3D film are not included but available for purchase.

What are the opening hours?
The site operates daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Is the site accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility concerns should plan accordingly as the tour involves moderate walking.

Do service animals have access?
Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the site.

Is this experience suitable for those interested in science and paleontology?
Absolutely, the site offers great educational value and hands-on observation of fossils and excavation work, making it ideal for science enthusiasts.