La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Los Angeles is home to countless attractions, from iconic beaches to world-class museums. Among the city’s most intriguing and unique sites is the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. This destination is not only one of the most fascinating Los Angeles attractions, but it also offers an emotional connection to the distant past. The La Brea Tar Pits give visitors a chance to experience a piece of prehistory, right in the heart of LA.

In this article, we’ll guide you through all the amazing things to do in Los Angeles while visiting the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. Whether you’re a history lover, a curious traveler, or a family looking for a fun, educational adventure, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive into the exciting activities waiting for you at this one-of-a-kind location.

Explore the Active Tar Pits

First things first: when you visit the La Brea Tar Pits, you cannot miss the chance to explore the bubbling tar pits. These natural asphalt lakes have existed for tens of thousands of years. You’ll see black tar bubbling from the earth’s surface, a truly mesmerizing sight. It’s hard not to stand in awe of this ancient process.

The tar pits are active, which means they’re still forming and trapping specimens today. This rare phenomenon gives you a glimpse of what the area may have looked like thousands of years ago. Imagine the tar slowly encasing bones of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and countless other creatures. The site offers an emotional connection to the past, reminding us of the powerful forces of nature and time.

You can walk around the tar pits, peer into the bubbling pools, and see the fossil-rich landscape. As you do, consider the thousands of years of history that have been preserved beneath your feet. This is one of the most unique things to do in Los Angeles, especially for those who enjoy exploring natural wonders.

Visit the Museum

A visit to the La Brea Tar Pits wouldn’t be complete without stepping into the La Brea Tar Pits Museum. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of fossils from Ice Age animals that were trapped in the tar. The museum showcases thousands of specimens, including bones from mammoths, mastodons, saber-toothed cats, and giant sloths. It’s like stepping into a time machine, but with real evidence of life from a time long past.

The exhibits in the museum are both educational and engaging. They detail the science behind the tar pits, the animals that once roamed Los Angeles, and the excavation processes used by paleontologists. As you walk through the exhibits, you’ll be struck by the overwhelming sense of history and the mystery of what once existed here. It’s more than just a museum; it’s a window into a prehistoric world.

For those who love learning through interactive displays, the museum is a treasure trove. You can see reconstructed skeletons of extinct creatures and touch fossil replicas. This hands-on experience brings history to life and makes it accessible for people of all ages. Don’t forget to stop by the special exhibits, which often feature new discoveries and ongoing research about the tar pits.

Watch the Fossil Lab in Action

One of the most exciting features of the La Brea Tar Pits Museum is the Fossil Lab. Here, you can watch real paleontologists work with the fossils they’ve uncovered. The lab is open to visitors, so you can see firsthand how the bones are carefully cleaned and prepared for display. The scientists meticulously remove the fossilized remains from the tar, often discovering new species in the process.

The Fossil Lab is a unique opportunity to witness the painstaking process of paleontology. It’s fascinating to see the fossils emerge from the tar, sometimes after thousands of years of entrapment. The lab gives visitors an appreciation for the complexity of uncovering these ancient secrets. You might even catch a glimpse of a new discovery as the paleontologists reveal their findings.

This live science experience is one of the most memorable things to do in Los Angeles. It’s a rare chance to see scientific research in progress, making it not only fun but incredibly informative.

Take a Guided Tour

If you want to deepen your understanding of the La Brea Tar Pits, consider taking a guided tour. A knowledgeable guide can walk you through the history of the tar pits, explaining how they formed and how they’ve preserved ancient life over millennia. With their expertise, you’ll gain insights into the excavation process and the significance of the fossils found at the site.

The tour will take you around the tar pits, pointing out areas of interest and explaining the history behind each one. You’ll learn about the different animals that once roamed Los Angeles and how they ended up in the tar. Your guide will also provide fascinating details about the ongoing research and the discoveries made by scientists.

This is a fantastic way to experience the Los Angeles attractions at the La Brea Tar Pits on a deeper level. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, a guided tour brings the site to life in a way that’s both engaging and educational.

Enjoy the Outdoor Spaces

While the museum and tar pits themselves are captivating, don’t forget to enjoy the outdoor spaces surrounding the site. The La Brea Tar Pits are located in a beautiful urban park, and the lush green areas provide the perfect spot for a relaxing break. You can sit on the grass, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the scenery. The park is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city.

As you stroll around the tar pits, you’ll encounter various outdoor art installations and exhibits. The blend of nature and history creates a unique atmosphere, making it easy to spend hours enjoying both the exhibits and the outdoors. It’s a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

This serene setting makes the La Brea Tar Pits an exceptional spot to enjoy some fresh air while also learning about the prehistoric past. If you’re looking for one of the most peaceful things to do in Los Angeles, this is it.

Photography Opportunities

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum are full of incredible photography opportunities. From the bubbling tar pits to the fossil exhibits inside the museum, there are endless chances to capture memorable moments. The tar pits, with their unusual black goo and surrounding greenery, create a dramatic backdrop for photos. It’s a striking contrast to the modern cityscape of Los Angeles, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your shots.

Inside the museum, you’ll find well-lit displays of fossils and reconstructed animal skeletons. These makes for great photographs, especially for those interested in capturing the artistry of paleontology. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just snapping pictures for fun, the La Brea Tar Pits offers an abundance of unique photo ops.

If you’re into nature photography, the park surrounding the tar pits provides a serene and picturesque setting. Capture the beauty of this urban oasis, where nature and history come together. It’s an ideal location for both photography lovers and casual visitors looking to document their experience.

Family-Friendly Fun

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is one of the best Los Angeles attractions for families. It’s not only fun but educational, offering kids a chance to learn about prehistoric creatures in an interactive and exciting environment. The museum offers special programs and activities designed for younger audiences, making it easy for families to spend the day together while engaging with history.

The exhibits are designed to be accessible and entertaining for all ages. Children will love exploring the life-sized replicas of extinct animals and learning about the fossils that have been uncovered. The Fossil Lab is another highlight, as it offers a chance for young visitors to see paleontologists at work and ask questions about the discoveries being made.

For families with young children, the outdoor park is a great place to unwind and enjoy the fresh air. It’s an ideal setting to relax and let the kids play while you take in the surroundings. If you’re searching for one of the best things to do in Los Angeles with your family, the La Brea Tar Pits should be at the top of your list.

Hours and Admission

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum are open daily, making it easy to fit into your schedule. The museum is typically open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during certain times of the year. Admission fees are reasonable, and there are often discounts for students, seniors, and children. Be sure to check the museum’s website for the latest details on ticket prices and hours of operation before your visit.

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum are open year-round, making it a perfect destination no matter the season. Whether you’re visiting during the sunny summer months or the cooler fall, this is an attraction that remains captivating year-round.

Conclusion

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is one of the most unique Los Angeles attractions, offering a rare and emotional connection to the distant past. From exploring the active tar pits to watching paleontologists in action, there is no shortage of exciting things to do in Los Angeles here. With opportunities for photography, outdoor relaxation, and family-friendly fun, it’s an unforgettable experience that everyone can enjoy.

If you find yourself in Los Angeles, make sure to carve out some time to visit this remarkable site. It’s not just a museum; it’s a living, breathing piece of history. Discovering the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.