La Brea Tar Pits Tours and Activities

La Brea Tar Pits which includes a park, a pond and a statue or sculpture
La Brea Tar Pits
La Brea Tar Pits which includes interior views
La Brea Tar Pits which includes interior views
La Brea Tar Pits featuring interior views


Step back in time to a harsh and unforgiving prehistoric Los Angeles, and walk in the footprints of extinct Ice Age animals.

Ten thousand years ago, the land of Los Angeles was considerably more hazardous than today’s concrete jungle! Back in that era, Columbian mammoths, sabre-toothed cats and mastodons roamed the land in search of their next victim. The area of Los Angeles now known as Hancock Park along the Miracle Mile was vastly different, being an exotic wilderness which played host to a variety of mammals and plants.

While there are no live remnants of these animals today, thankfully, their remains have been preserved in this area in the cluster of tar pits contained in the region. Over the years, a great number of small animals, birds and insects became permanently trapped within the glutinous asphalt and tar which seeps up from the ground. This gelatinous liquid inadvertently preserved bones, teeth, shells, skeletons, with it even being possible to retrieve certain prehistoric plants and seeds from the tar pits.

Across the Hancock Park region, over 100 of these bubbling pits of preserved life exist, and collectively they represent one of the world’s biggest sources of information about life during the Ice Age. In order to ensure that the public, particularly curious children don’t meet the same fate, the tar pits themselves are all fenced off, but there are viewing stations located in the vicinity throughout the area. Excavations continue all year round, and Fishbowl Lab gives visitors the opportunity to watch the process unfold before their eyes.

Palaeontologists and archaeologists have been removing skeletal structures from the ground here for over a century, and many of the completed skeletons can be observed at the nearby Page Museum. This is a veritable treasure trove of prehistoric artifacts that gives visitors a fascinating insight into Pleistocene and Ice Age California. The museum houses in excess of one million fossils from more than 650 species, and exhibits depict a range of prehistoric animals from mammoths, sloths, wolves to sabre-toothed cats.

La Brea Tar Pits are eleven kilometres west of downtown on Wilshire Boulevard. Paid parking is available directly behind the museum on the corner of Sixth Street and Curson Avenue. The museum is open every day exclusive of public holidays.

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Top La Brea Tar Pits Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Wilshire Crest Hotel Los Angeles

Wilshire Crest Hotel Los Angeles

2.5 out of 5
6301 Orange St, Los Angeles, CA
Wilshire Crest Hotel Los Angeles
AC Hotel by Marriott Beverly Hills

AC Hotel by Marriott Beverly Hills

3 out of 5
6399 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
AC Hotel by Marriott Beverly Hills
Short Stories Hotel

Short Stories Hotel

4 out of 5
115 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Short Stories Hotel
Kimpton Hotel Wilshire by IHG

Kimpton Hotel Wilshire by IHG

4 out of 5
6317 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Kimpton Hotel Wilshire by IHG
LYFE INN & SUITES by AGA - Beverly Hills

LYFE INN & SUITES by AGA - Beverly Hills

2 out of 5
7575 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
LYFE INN & SUITES by AGA - Beverly Hills
Sofitel LA at Beverly Hills

Sofitel LA at Beverly Hills

4.5 out of 5
8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Sofitel LA at Beverly Hills
Beverly Laurel Hotel at West Hollywood

Beverly Laurel Hotel at West Hollywood

3 out of 5
8018 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Beverly Laurel Hotel at West Hollywood
Beverly Inn

Beverly Inn

2 out of 5
7701 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Beverly Inn
Palihouse West Hollywood at Beverly Hills

Palihouse West Hollywood at Beverly Hills

4 out of 5
8384 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA
Palihouse West Hollywood at Beverly Hills
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near La Brea Tar Pits

When visiting the La Brea Tar Pits, don’t miss out on the nearby entertainment and art scene, including fascinating theatres and art museums. You can enjoy day trips exploring the vibrant area, take advantage of free tours, and indulge in some shopping at local spots. This unique destination offers a blend of natural history and cultural experiences that make for an unforgettable trip to Los Angeles.

Shopping

The closest shopping experience is at The Grove, only 966m from La Brea Tar Pits, featuring a lively mix of shops and entertainment. The Farmers Market, also 966m away, offers a great selection of local produce and goods. If you're up for a drive, check out Hollywood and Vine, located 4.8km away.

Recreation

Catch a game at Crypto.com Arena for an energetic vibe, or enjoy a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall for an entertaining experience. For a touch of luxury, unwind at the Los Angeles Country Club, where you can indulge in fine dining and serene surroundings.

Adventure

The La Cienega Tennis Center, 1.6km from La Brea Tar Pits, offers vibrant tennis vibes for enthusiasts. For underwater thrills, visit Eco Dive Center, 8.0km away, where adventure and sports collide. Explore the California Aqueduct Bikeway, 9.7km from the tar pits, perfect for outdoor lovers.

Nightlife

The nightlife around La Brea Tar Pits is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy stargazing at Griffith Observatory, just 8.0km away, or catch a film at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, located 4.8km away. For a dose of culture, the Dolby Theatre, also 4.8km away, offers captivating performances.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near La Brea Tar Pits

While visiting the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, immerse yourself in a unique blend of culture and family-friendly activities. Discover the fascinating museum showcasing prehistoric fossils, explore the surrounding urban parks, and enjoy the vibrant street life. Don't miss out on top attractions in the city, including the iconic Beverly Hills, making your Los Angeles experience truly unforgettable.

  • Universal Studios Hollywood: Experience the magic of movies at this thrilling theme park, just 8.0km from La Brea Tar Pits. Enjoy rides and attractions based on famous films, live shows, and immersive experiences that cater to families and adventure seekers alike.
  • Los Angeles Convention Center: Located 8.0km away, this event space is a hub for business and conferences. It offers a dynamic atmosphere where you can network, attend exhibitions, or simply appreciate the modern architecture and vibrant energy of the city.
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame: A mere 4.8km from La Brea Tar Pits, stroll down this iconic street lined with stars celebrating the entertainment industry's legends. Feel the buzz of the city as you explore shops, eateries, and theatres in this cultural landmark.

Best time to go to La Brea Tar Pits

The best time to visit La Brea Tar Pits is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for La Brea Tar Pits

To save money on your visit to La Brea Tar Pits, plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays, which are pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and look for eco-certified options to minimise costs while supporting sustainability. Booking a package deal that combines flights, accommodation, and activities can also lead to significant savings. Lastly, explore free local attractions and consider using public transport or walking to save on transport costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around La Brea Tar Pits are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around La Brea Tar Pits is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around La Brea Tar Pits is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay near the La Brea Tar Pits with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.