The La Brea Tar Pits, also known as the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits, is an iconic and unique natural landmark in the city of Los Angeles.
This site is famous for its tar pits, which have been formed over tens of thousands of years from natural asphalt deposits.
The Tar Pits are a significant archaeological site and a popular tourist attraction, with a museum and an active paleontological excavation site.
Here, visitors can learn about the history of the area, explore the tar pits and observe paleontologists at work.
The La Brea Tar Pits represent a unique window into the past, allowing us to learn about the now-extinct species that once roamed the land.
What to Expect at La Brea Tar Pits
La Brea Tar Pits is an archaeological site located near Los Angeles, California.
It is a unique site that contains an abundance of fossilized plants and animals that have been preserved in tar (asphalt) for thousands of years.
Rancho La Brea
Rancho La Brea is the home of La Brea Tar Pits and the centerpiece of the site.
The asphalt deposits have been mined here since the late 19th century.
The asphalt pits cover more than 40 acres and are the source of most of the fossils that have been discovered in the area.
Visitors can view the ancient asphalt deposits at the Visitor Center, where they can also learn about the history of the pits and the fossils that have been found here.
Lake Pit
The Lake Pit is one of the most iconic features at La Brea Tar Pits.
This large pool of asphalt is the oldest and deepest of the tar pits and it is filled with fossils of extinct animals from the last Ice Age.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the Lake Pit, which will give them the opportunity to see and learn about the fossils that have been unearthed here.
Pit 91
Pit 91 is one of the more recent excavations at La Brea Tar Pits.
This pit was discovered in the 1990s and it is one of the most important sites in the area.
It is here that hundreds of fossils have been discovered, including some of the oldest fossils ever found in the area.
Visitors can view the fossils at the Visitor Center and they can also take part in a guided tour of the pit.
Observation Pit
The Observation Pit is an area of the park where visitors can observe and learn about the fossils that have been discovered in the area.
The pit is located near the Visitor Center and is open to the public. Visitors can take a guided tour of the pit, or they can explore it on their own.
Project 23
Project 23 is a research project at La Brea Tar Pits that is focused on uncovering the history of the area and the fossils that have been discovered here.
The project is being carried out by a team of researchers and visitors can take part in the project by visiting the excavation site and learning more about the ongoing work.
Visiting La Brea Tar Pits is a great way to learn more about the history of the area and the fossils that have been preserved there.
Visitors can explore the museum, take a guided tour of the tar pits and observe the ongoing research projects.
La Brea Tar Pits Tickets
Uncover a prehistoric wonder during your visit to Los Angeles with this admission ticket to the city’s famous La Brea Tar Pits and Museum.
Marvel at the bubbling tar pools that house a wealth of Ice Age specimens like mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves and ground sloths.
Step inside the museum to explore the brilliantly preserved fossils of these ancient creatures and witness paleontologists actively cleaning and conserving their recent finds.
With this ticket, discover the remarkable La Brea Tar Pits and Museum right in the heart of Los Angeles.
Admire the array of prehistoric fossils from mammoths, saber-toothed cats and ground sloths uncovered in the pits.
Learn about ongoing excavations, collections and discoveries being made by scientists. Immerse yourself in what life was like in prehistoric Los Angeles.
An ideal choice for families and children.
Ticket prices:
| Visitors’ Age | Ticket Price ($) |
|---|---|
| Adult (0 to 99 years) | from $14.36 |
La Brea Tar Pits Opening Time
The La Brea Tar Pits are open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm, except for Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Best Time to Visit La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits are a fascinating natural phenomenon and a popular tourist attraction in Los Angeles.
This famous site has been a source of amazing fossil discoveries for over a century.
The best time to visit the La Brea Tar Pits is during the summer months.
From June to August, the temperature is warm and the sun is out, making it a great time to explore the park.
The tar pits are open year-round, but the summer months are especially enjoyable, as the pits are more accessible due to the warmer temperatures.
The La Brea Tar Pits are also a great place to visit in the spring and fall.
During this time, the weather is usually mild and the park is less crowded, making it an ideal time to explore the area.
Visitors can explore the area on foot, take a guided tour, or watch excavations in progress.
There are also educational programs, exhibits and events that take place at the pits throughout the year.
No matter when you choose to visit, the La Brea Tar Pits are sure to be a fascinating experience.
How to Reach La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits are located in the Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles, California.
By Car
The easiest way to reach the La Brea Tar Pits is by car.
From the 101 Freeway, take the Wilshire Blvd. exit and head east.
Turn left onto Fairfax Ave. and drive south for approximately two miles until you reach the intersection of Wilshire Blvd. and 6th St.
Turn right onto 6th St. and drive one block to the entrance of the La Brea Tar Pits.
There is a parking lot located adjacent to the entrance.
By Public Transportation
You can also reach the La Brea Tar Pits via public transportation.
Take the Metro Red Line to the Wilshire/Vermont station and then transfer to the 720 bus.
Take the 720 bus east on Wilshire Blvd. to the intersection of Wilshire Blvd. and 6th St. Get off the bus and walk one block to the entrance of the La Brea Tar Pits.
By Bicycle
Bicyclists can reach the La Brea Tar Pits via the Miracle Mile bike path, which runs through the heart of the Miracle Mile district.
Take the bike path east until you reach the intersection of Wilshire Blvd. and 6th St.
Turn right onto 6th St. and ride one block to the entrance of the La Brea Tar Pits.
Things to do at La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits and Park is a unique and fascinating place to visit.
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the park provides a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Here is the list of things to do in La Brea Tar Pit.
La Brea Tar Pits & Hancock Park
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the La Brea Tar Pits & Park is the only active urban paleontological excavation site in the world.
Visitors to the park can explore the paleontological excavations, observe the live excavation process and learn about the scientific discoveries made at the site.
Hancock park also features an outdoor fossil lab where visitors can view real fossils, a replica of an Ice Age Mammoth skeleton and a nature walk.
Excavations
Visitors can observe the paleontological excavations of the La Brea Tar Pits in real-time.
Excavators dig carefully to preserve the fossils and ancient remains that are discovered.
Visitors can watch the excavations through the large windows of the Fossil Lab, where they can also view real fossils and other paleontological findings.
Museum Exhibitions
The La Brea Tar Pits & Museum houses a variety of exhibitions that explore the history of the tar pits.
You can also learn more about the natural habitats of the area and the scientific discoveries made at the site.
The museum also has interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore the fossils and remains found in the tar pits.
3D Theater
The La Brea Tar Pits & Museum has a 3D theater where visitors explore the tar pits and the natural habitats of the area through 3D simulations.
The theater also shows films about the history of the tar pits and the scientific discoveries made at the site.
Ice Age Encounters Show
The Ice Age Encounters Show is a live show held at the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
The show features a cast of actors and animatronic figures reenacting the story of the Ice Age, as well as a variety of interactive activities and educational presentations.
Reimagine the Future
The Reimagine a Future event is an annual event that invites visitors to explore the possibilities of the future of the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
The event features interactive workshops, lectures and activities, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits and interactive displays.
Other Activities
In addition to the above activities, visitors can also take a walk around the park and explore the grounds.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles and small mammals.
There are also educational programs for children and families, as well as special events throughout the year.
Featured Image: Tarpits.org
