
Christie Pits Park
Witness ancient Ice Age fossils and active asphalt seeps at this unique urban paleontological site in Los Angeles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Christie Pits Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness ancient Ice Age fossils and active asphalt seeps at this unique urban paleontological site in Los Angeles.
"It was super cool to see firsthand the actual tar pits and the bubbles."

👃 Embrace the Aroma
The tar pits have a strong, unique smell. It's part of the experience!
🚶♀️ Free Park Exploration
Wander the park and see the pits and sculptures for free!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bubbling Pits
Various locations throughout the park
Witness the mesmerizing, natural asphalt bubbling up from the earth, a constant reminder of this active geological wonder.

Active Excavation Sites
Designated areas within the park
See paleontologists at work uncovering Ice Age fossils, offering a glimpse into ancient Los Angeles.

Mammoth Sculptures
Park grounds
Marvel at life-sized sculptures of Ice Age creatures, including mammoths and saber-toothed cats, set against the backdrop of the pits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bubbles & the Smell
Free Exploration, Paid Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👃 Embrace the Aroma
The tar pits have a strong, unique smell. It's part of the experience!
🚶♀️ Free Park Exploration
Wander the park and see the pits and sculptures for free!
🎟️ Museum for Deeper Dives
Consider museum tickets for fossils & exhibits.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park.
Tips
from all over the internet
👃 Embrace the Aroma
The tar pits have a strong, unique smell. It's part of the experience!
🚶♀️ Free Park Exploration
Wander the park and see the pits and sculptures for free!
🎟️ Museum for Deeper Dives
Consider museum tickets for fossils & exhibits.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park.
🚗 Parking Tips
Street parking is metered; garages are nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of seeing active tar pits and Ice Age fossils, with many enjoying the free park exploration. The bubbling asphalt and sculptures are highlights, though some find the smell overpowering and note litter in certain areas. The museum is considered informative but brief by some.
"Fun place to walk around and see some interesting things. The bubbles are a added treat. The cones have words on them used to keep out of the tar. Lots of fat squirrels and good foliage. The surrounding neighborhood has good places to explore."
coachlunk Rubio
"We did not go into the museum due to time constraints, but really enjoyed the exterior of the museum. Plenty to see as you walk around including an active dig. Worth a look if you are in the area. Prepare for the smell though as it can be overpowering at times."
Patrick Woodall
"Such an amazing display. You can see the pit bubbling and also the smell hits you if you gets close. Definitely a great fun visit for the family or anyone."
Litea
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The La Brea Tar Pits are easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus lines stopping nearby. Driving is also an option, with metered street parking and several parking garages in the vicinity.
Yes, there is metered street parking around the park, though it can be competitive. Several parking garages are also located within walking distance, offering more reliable options for visitors.
If you're staying in the surrounding Hancock Park or Mid-Wilshire neighborhoods, the Tar Pits are within walking distance.
Many bus routes serve the area around the La Brea Tar Pits. Check local transit apps or websites for the most convenient routes from your starting point.
The park grounds are generally accessible, with paved pathways. The museum also offers accessibility features. It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most current accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Exploring the park grounds and seeing the bubbling pits is completely free! However, to access the George C. Page Museum and its exhibits, you will need to purchase a ticket.
The park grounds are typically open daily from dawn to dusk. The George C. Page Museum has specific operating hours, which can be found on their official website. It's best to check in advance, especially for holiday hours.
While not always mandatory, booking museum tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to ensure entry and potentially save time.
The La Brea Tar Pits museum sometimes offers free admission days or discounts. Keep an eye on their official website or social media for announcements regarding these opportunities.
A museum ticket typically grants access to the George C. Page Museum, which houses extensive fossil collections, interactive exhibits, and displays detailing the history of the Tar Pits and the Ice Age.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can witness active asphalt seeps bubbling to the surface, observe paleontologists at work in excavation sites, and see life-sized sculptures of Ice Age animals.
The distinctive smell comes from the natural asphalt and sulfur compounds released from the underground oil seeps. It's more noticeable on warmer days.
The park has designated pathways and cones to keep visitors safely away from the actual tar. It's important to stay on marked trails and heed all warning signs.
No, touching the tar is strictly prohibited for safety reasons and to preserve the site. Stay within the designated viewing areas.
The Tar Pits trapped a wide variety of Ice Age animals, including mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, ground sloths, and many others.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities directly within the park, the surrounding Hancock Park and Mid-Wilshire neighborhoods offer a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to suit various tastes and budgets.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated park areas. It's a great way to enjoy a meal while taking in the unique surroundings. Remember to clean up after yourself.
You'll find everything from casual fast-food joints and delis to more upscale dining experiences in the vicinity. The area is known for its diverse culinary scene.
Historically, the museum may have had limited concessions. It's best to check the official George C. Page Museum website for the most current information on available food and beverage services.
Given Los Angeles's diverse food scene, you'll easily find numerous vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the neighborhoods surrounding the La Brea Tar Pits.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the bubbling pits, the Ice Age sculptures, and the unique landscape. The area around the museum also offers interesting architectural shots.
Yes, you can photograph the excavation sites from designated viewing areas. Remember to be respectful of the ongoing scientific work.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban parks and near museums for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check the official park regulations or contact the site management before flying a drone.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' can provide beautiful lighting for photos of the pits and sculptures.
While general photography is allowed, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more in-depth experience, consider visiting the George C. Page Museum. Its exhibits on fossils and prehistoric life are engaging for younger audiences, and they often have interactive elements. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options within the immediate park area are limited, but the surrounding neighborhoods offer plenty of family-friendly restaurants.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While the museum has an admission fee, the outdoor experience alone is highly rewarding. If you're looking to save even more, pack your own lunch and enjoy a picnic in the park. Utilize public transportation to get there, as it's often more economical than parking fees.
🤓 History & Science Buffs
Engage with the ongoing research and discoveries being made at the site. You can often observe paleontologists at work, offering a direct connection to scientific exploration. The unique smell and visual of the bubbling tar are also a fascinating geological phenomenon to experience firsthand.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Tar Pits
These pits are not just a geological curiosity; they are one of the most important paleontological sites in the world. The George C. Page Museum, adjacent to the pits, showcases the incredible array of fossils discovered here, offering a vivid picture of Los Angeles during the Ice Age. Visitors can learn about the unique adaptations of these ancient creatures and the environmental conditions they lived in.
Paleontologists continue to work at the Tar Pits, making new discoveries and refining our understanding of prehistoric life. The site serves as a living laboratory, providing invaluable data for scientific research and public education. It’s a rare opportunity to see science in action right in the heart of a major city.
Exploring the Park Grounds
One of the most captivating sights is the Lake Pit, where you can witness the natural asphalt bubbling to the surface. The cones placed around the pits serve as a visual cue to keep visitors at a safe distance from the sticky substance. You'll also likely encounter abundant wildlife, including squirrels and birds, making it a surprisingly vibrant urban oasis.
Many visitors find that simply exploring the outdoor areas provides a rich and educational experience. It’s a chance to connect with natural history in a tangible way, right in the middle of Los Angeles.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit