See the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
A view of the La Brea Tar Pits, a group of natural asphalt pools in Los Angeles, with prehistoric fossils on display.
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Navigating The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum : Answers to common questions

  • Admission Fee: Admission fees apply for the museum; ticket prices and discounts can be found on their website.
  • How Long to Visit: A visit can range from 1-3 hours, depending on interest and participation in museum activities.
  • Washrooms: Accessible restrooms are available inside the museum and around the park area.
  • Hours of Operation: Museum hours are typically from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
  • Important Information: Check for special exhibits, events, and the availability of guided tours prior to your visit.
  • Parking: Parking is available on-site in the museum's lot; street parking is also available nearby.
  • Family Friendly: The museum is family-friendly, with educational exhibits about prehistoric Los Angeles and hands-on activities for kids.
  • Photography: Photography is allowed and encouraged, especially of the dramatic tar pits and life-size replicas of prehistoric animals.
  • WIFI: Free public WIFI is available within the museum.
  • Gift Shop: The museum gift shop features a wide array of educational materials, souvenirs, and themed merchandise.
  • Handicap Accessible: The museum and park grounds are accessible, with paved paths and ramps for wheelchair access.
  • Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the museum but are welcome in the outdoor tar pit areas if on a leash.
  • Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, offering in-depth knowledge about the tar pits and the fossils discovered there.
  • Restaurant or Cafe: The museum cafe offers a variety of food options, and picnic areas are located in the surrounding park.

    Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.

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    Map for The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

    Did You Know?

    The museum's exhibits include an extensive collection of Ice Age specimens, including saber-toothed cats, mammoths, and dire wolves.

    The tar pits are not just about ancient animals; they also offer insights into the region's flora and smaller fauna, providing a comprehensive picture of the ecosystem during the Ice Age.

    Active tar pits at the site have been trapping animals for thousands of years, creating a rich resource for understanding prehistoric life.

    The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum represent one of the world's most famous fossil localities, showcasing Ice Age fossils from 10,000 to 40,000 years ago.

    Excavation sites at La Brea Tar Pits are still active, with paleontologists continuously uncovering new finds and adding to our understanding of the past.

    Travel Information for
    Los Angeles Visitors

    Time Zone: Los Angeles operates on Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is UTC -8 hours. During daylight saving time, it's UTC -7 hours.

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    Population: Los Angeles has a population of about 4 million people, making it the second most populous city in the United States after New York City.

    Size: Los Angeles covers an area of approximately 1,302 square kilometers (503 square miles), making it one of the largest cities in the U.S. in terms of land area.

    Language: English is the primary language spoken. However, Los Angeles is a culturally diverse city with a significant number of Spanish speakers and many other languages represented.

    Currency: As part of the United States, the currency used is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash can be convenient for smaller transactions.

    Safety: While Los Angeles is generally safe for tourists, like any major city, it has areas that are safer than others. It's advisable to exercise standard precautions, especially at night and in less crowded areas.

    Tipping: Tipping is customary in the United States. In restaurants, a tip of 15-20% of the total bill is standard, and similar practices apply for other services like taxis and hotel staff.

    Electricity and Plugs: The standard voltage is 120 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz. Los Angeles uses Type A and Type B power sockets, the same as the rest of the United States.

    Water: Tap water in Los Angeles is safe to drink and is rigorously tested to meet quality standards.