Home La Brea Tar Pits And Museum Opening Hours

La Brea Tar Pits Hours: Timings, Closures and more

La Brea Tar Pits: Current Status

Museum Building: Temporarily closed for a two-year renovation that began in July 2026.
Outdoor Areas: Many areas of Hancock Park and the active outdoor excavation sites remain accessible.
During the Renovation: The museum's regular opening hours and closure days do not apply while the building is closed.

How Much Time To Spend At La Brea Tar Pits?

While the museum building is closed for renovation, visits to La Brea Tar Pits focus on the outdoor areas of Hancock Park. Allow time to walk the park at a relaxed pace, see the bubbling tar pits and the Columbian mammoth sculptures at the Lake Pit, and view active excavation sites such as Project 23, where scientists continue to uncover Ice Age fossils. If you join the guided behind-the-scenes outdoor tour, which runs on select days for visitors aged 7 and up, plan your time around the tour schedule.

FAQs

What are the official visiting hours for La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

The museum building is temporarily closed for a two-year renovation that began in July 2026, so its regular opening hours do not currently apply. Many outdoor areas of Hancock Park and the active outdoor excavation sites remain accessible.

How should I plan my visit to La Brea Tar Pits and Museum effectively?

Consider purchasing tickets in advance online, especially during peak tourist seasons. Plan your visit around the outdoor areas: start at the Lake Pit, then continue through Hancock Park to the active excavation sites such as Project 23. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, as active tar seeps are present throughout the park.

Are La Brea Tar Pits and Museum open on public holidays or during special events?

The museum building is closed on all days during the renovation, including holidays. Outdoor areas of Hancock Park remain accessible, though special events or research activities may occasionally affect access to some areas.

Can I buy tickets for La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in advance, and are there any entry policies I should be aware of?

Yes, advance ticket purchase is encouraged to secure your spot. Entry policies require visitors to have a valid ticket upon arrival.

What is the typical duration visitors spend at La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

With the museum building closed, visits focus on the outdoors. Allow time to walk Hancock Park, see the Lake Pit and its life-size Columbian mammoth sculptures, and observe active excavation sites such as Project 23.

Is parking available near La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, and what should visitors know about it?

The La Brea Tar Pits car park is currently closed to the general public. Paid 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, or your car may be ticketed and towed. The Metro D Line's Wilshire/Fairfax Station is a short walk away.

Are there any visitor tips regarding planning based on ongoing excavation activity or seasonality?

Excavation continues daily during the renovation, and outdoor excavation sites such as Project 23 remain accessible. Since visits currently take place outdoors, the cooler months of late fall and early spring are especially comfortable, and sunscreen, a hat, and water are advisable in warmer weather.

Are there discounts offered for students, seniors, or military personnel at La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

Discounts may be available for certain visitors. Any applicable options are shown when you select your tickets.

This website sells official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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