Walk Among Giants: Explore the La Brea Tar Pits

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Step Back in Time

Welcome to La Brea Tar Pits, one of the world’s most iconic paleontological sites in the heart of Los Angeles. The museum building is temporarily closed for a two-year renovation, but many outdoor areas of Hancock Park remain open, including the bubbling tar pits, the famous Lake Pit, and active excavation sites where scientists continue to uncover Ice Age fossils. Experience a journey through time and uncover the mysteries preserved beneath the tar.

What to See at La Brea Tar Pits

Lake Pit: The Iconic Tar Pool

At the heart of Hancock Park lies the Lake Pit, the most prominent of the tar pools. This bubbling pit is home to the iconic family of life-sized Columbian mammoth sculptures, offering a vivid glimpse into the past. The tar's surface occasionally bubbles, releasing methane gas—a natural phenomenon that has been occurring for thousands of years.

Project 23: Active Excavation Site

Adjacent to the museum, Project 23 is an active excavation site where paleontologists uncover fossils from the Ice Age. Notably, the nearly complete skeleton of a Columbian mammoth, affectionately named "Zed," was discovered here. Visitors can observe ongoing digs and learn about the excavation process firsthand.

Hancock Park: Tar Seeps Up Close

Beyond the Lake Pit, active asphalt tar seeps bubble up throughout Hancock Park and around the excavation areas. Walking the park paths offers a rare chance to see the same natural process that trapped and preserved Ice Age animals such as dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, and giant ground sloths.

The Museum: Closed for Renovation

The museum building, home to the famous Dire Wolf Wall and the glass-walled Fossil Lab, is temporarily closed for a two-year reimagining. The renovated museum is planned to include a more interactive fossil lab experience and expanded, climate-controlled space for the site's millions of specimens.

Things To Know Before Buying Tickets To La Brea Tar Pits

Museum Closure: The La Brea Tar Pits museum building is temporarily closed for a two-year renovation that began in July 2026. Many outdoor areas of Hancock Park and the active outdoor excavation sites remain accessible.

Ticket Recommendation: It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance online to ensure smooth entry and avoid any delays, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Age Recommendations: The attraction is suitable for visitors of all ages, offering educational and engaging experiences for families, school groups, and individuals interested in paleontology and natural history.

Outdoor Conditions: With the museum building closed, visits take place outdoors in Hancock Park. Active asphalt tar seeps are present throughout the park and excavation areas, so wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather.

Pet Policy: Pets are not permitted within the museum or park grounds. Service animals accompanying guests with disabilities are welcome in accordance with ADA guidelines.

Visitor Conduct Expectations: Visitors are encouraged to maintain respectful behavior given the scientific and cultural significance of the site. Quiet observation is appreciated, especially near excavation areas and exhibits to preserve the atmosphere of discovery and learning.

Stroller Policy: Strollers are allowed in the museum and park grounds, making the site family-friendly for guests with young children. However, guests should be mindful of crowded areas and narrow pathways.

Visitor Tips: Take time to explore the outdoor exhibits, including the life-sized Columbian mammoth sculptures at the Lake Pit and the bubbling asphalt seeps. Don't miss the active outdoor excavation sites, such as Project 23, which provide a fascinating glimpse into ongoing paleontological research.

Plan Your Visit to La Brea Tar Pits

Location and Status

-Address: 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

-Museum Building: Temporarily closed for a two-year renovation

-Outdoor Areas: Many areas of Hancock Park and the active outdoor excavation sites remain open.

How to Get to La Brea Tar Pits?

By Car
By Public Transit
Walking

The La Brea Tar Pits car park on Curson Avenue is currently closed to the general public. Nearby alternatives include the parking structures at LACMA, the SAG-AFTRA building, and the Petersen Automotive Museum, as well as street parking. Read all parking signs carefully: do not park along Wilshire Boulevard between 7–9 AM or 4–7 PM, Monday through Friday, even at a meter, or your car may be ticketed and towed.

Shopping and Dining at La Brea Tar Pits

Tar Pits Store

The on-site Tar Pits Store is located inside the museum building and is closed while the museum is renovated.

Nearby Dining

Explore a range of restaurants and food trucks offering outdoor dining or take-out options on Wilshire Blvd. and the surrounding area. Consider grabbing your favorite cuisine and having a picnic in Hancock Park.

Experiences at La Brea Tar Pits

Active Excavations: Excavation continues daily during the renovation, and the outdoor excavation sites remain accessible for visitors to see scientists at work.
Guided Outdoor Tours: A guided, behind-the-scenes outdoor tour runs on select days for visitors aged 7 and up, with hands-on fossil sorting and up-close views of the bubbling tar.

Facilities at La Brea Tar Pits

Accessibility The museum building, with its ramps and elevators, is closed for renovation. Visits currently take place outdoors in Hancock Park, where active tar seeps are present along and near the paths.
Restrooms Indoor museum facilities, including restrooms, are unavailable while the building is closed for renovation.

FAQs

What is La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, and what can I expect to see there?

La Brea Tar Pits is an active paleontological site in the heart of Los Angeles where natural asphalt has preserved the remains of Ice Age animals for tens of thousands of years. The museum building is temporarily closed for a two-year renovation, but visitors can still walk Hancock Park, see the bubbling tar pits and the Columbian mammoth sculptures at the Lake Pit, and view active outdoor excavation sites.

How do I purchase tickets for La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

Tickets for La Brea Tar Pits and Museum can be purchased online through this website. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance to ensure availability and select your preferred visit date and time.

Are there any discounts or promotions available for La Brea Tar Pits and Museum tickets?

Discounted tickets may be available for seniors, students, and certain groups, along with occasional special promotions. Details about specific discounts should be confirmed at the time of ticket purchase.

Can I book group tickets for La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

Yes, group bookings are available and may include discounted rates. It is recommended to arrange group tickets in advance to accommodate your party and receive the best pricing options.

Is La Brea Tar Pits and Museum open?

The museum building is temporarily closed for a two-year renovation that began in July 2026. Many outdoor areas of Hancock Park and the active outdoor excavation sites remain accessible.

Are there any guided tours available at La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

Yes. A guided, behind-the-scenes outdoor tour runs on select days for visitors aged 7 and up. It includes hands-on fossil sorting, a visit to the Lake Pit mammoth sculptures, and up-close views of the bubbling tar. All participants must sign a waiver, and closed-toe shoes are required.

Is parking available near La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

The La Brea Tar Pits car park is currently closed to the general public. Nearby alternatives include the parking structures at LACMA, the SAG-AFTRA building, and the Petersen Automotive Museum, plus street parking. Avoid parking on Wilshire Boulevard between 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM on weekdays, even at meters. The Metro D Line's Wilshire/Fairfax Station is also a short walk away.

Are there dining options or amenities within La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

The on-site store and indoor museum facilities are closed during the renovation. Restaurants and food trucks along Wilshire Boulevard offer take-out options, and Hancock Park is a popular spot for a picnic.

Is this the venue’s official website?

No. This website offers official tickets for La Brea Tar Pits and Museum but is not the venue’s official website.