Visit La Brea Tar Pits: Make Your Adventure Unforgettable!

Plan your visit to La Brea Tar Pits and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of prehistoric Los Angeles.

Best Time To Visit La Brea Tar Pits

With visits currently taking place outdoors, consider coming during the cooler months, such as late fall or early spring, when walking the park and viewing the tar pits is most comfortable. Weekday mornings also tend to offer a quieter atmosphere, allowing you to explore the grounds at your own pace.

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.

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.

Tips for Visiting La Brea Tar Pits

Choose Weekdays or Early Mornings: Visiting on weekday mornings typically ensures a quieter experience with fewer visitors, allowing more time to explore the tar pits and outdoor excavation areas.

Start at the Lake Pit: Begin by walking through Hancock Park to the Lake Pit and its Columbian mammoth sculptures, then continue past the natural asphalt seeps to the active excavation areas such as Project 23.

Museum Closed for Renovation: The museum building, including its galleries, Fossil Lab, and theaters, is closed during the two-year renovation, so plan your visit around the outdoor areas of Hancock Park.

Allow Time to Explore Outdoors: Give yourself time to walk the park, see the Lake Pit, and view the active excavation sites at a relaxed pace.

Book Tickets in Advance: Purchasing tickets before your visit, including options for guided tours if available, helps secure your spot, especially during peak season.

Security Screening at Entry: Visitors should be ready for standard security checks upon arrival, which help maintain a safe environment while ensuring that personal belongings conform to site policies.

Dress for Outdoor Exploration: With visits taking place outdoors, wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and check the weather forecast. Sunscreen, hats, and water are advisable during warm seasons, as well as layers for cooler days. Active tar seeps are present throughout the park, so watch your step.

Observe Respectful Conduct Around Fossil Sites and Exhibits: Maintain a considerate attitude by refraining from touching fossils or excavation equipment. Follow posted guidelines to protect these irreplaceable scientific resources and respect other visitors' experience.

Photography Guidelines: Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but flash and tripods may be prohibited to protect delicate displays. Look for signage and adhere to rules to preserve the integrity of the exhibits and research sites.

FAQs

How long does it take to visit La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

While the museum building is closed for renovation, visits focus on the outdoor areas. Allow time to walk Hancock Park, see the bubbling tar pits and the Lake Pit mammoth sculptures, and view the active excavation sites such as Project 23.

What is the best time or day to visit La Brea Tar Pits to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings tend to be the least busy. Avoid weekends and midday hours when the park is more popular with local and international visitors.

Is there a suggested itinerary for visiting La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

Begin by walking the pedestrian trail around the Lake Pit to observe the bubbling asphalt and the life-size Columbian mammoth sculptures. Then continue through Hancock Park to view the active outdoor excavation sites, such as Project 23. The museum building is closed during the renovation.

Are guided tours available at La Brea Tar Pits, and what are their benefits?

Yes. A guided, behind-the-scenes outdoor tour runs on select days for visitors aged 7 and up. It includes hands-on fossil sorting alongside La Brea Tar Pits scientists and up-close views of the bubbling tar. All participants must sign a waiver, and closed-toe shoes are required.

How can visitors purchase tickets for La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?

Tickets can be purchased online in advance through our website. Advance booking is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.

What parking options are available near La Brea Tar Pits, and are there associated fees?

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.