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Christie Pits Park

4.7
·185 reviews·Los Angeles, United States

Witness ancient Ice Age fossils and active asphalt seeps at this unique urban paleontological site in Los Angeles.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Christie Pits Park - Image 1

Christie Pits Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness ancient Ice Age fossils and active asphalt seeps at this unique urban paleontological site in Los Angeles.

4.7
(185 reviews)

"It was super cool to see firsthand the actual tar pits and the bubbles."

Vertical photo
TIP

👃 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bubbling Pits

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.

TikTok+1
Active Excavation Sites

Active Excavation Sites

Designated areas within the park

See paleontologists at work uncovering Ice Age fossils, offering a glimpse into ancient Los Angeles.

TikTokReddit
Mammoth Sculptures

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.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Bubbles & the Smell

The La Brea Tar Pits are an active paleontological site right in Los Angeles! Expect a distinct sulfurous smell, especially on warmer days, as the natural asphalt bubbles to the surface. It's a unique sensory experience you won't forget. TikTokReddit

Free Exploration, Paid Insights

Wander the park grounds and witness the bubbling pits and excavation sites for free! TikTok For a deeper dive into the Ice Age fossils and history, consider a ticket to the adjacent George C. Page Museum. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on pits
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

💡 Did you know that the Tar Pits' iconic Lake Pit is a pit left over from asphalt mining operations in the late 1800s? Over the years, rain and groundwater have collected above the bubbling asphalt, creating a small lake with bubbles, sheet, and distinctive odor that comes from a deep underground oil field. Learn more about Ice Age L.A. at TARPITS.org!
@nhmlac
154 likes • 2.4K views

👃 Embrace the Aroma

The tar pits have a strong, unique smell. It's part of the experience! TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Free Park Exploration

Wander the park and see the pits and sculptures for free! TikTok

in my vlogger era 💅🏼 not bun related but i have been wanting to go for YEARS & highly recommend if you enjoy things like this (may need to pause to read; it was so neat to see so much history (though ofc very sad). #labrea #labreatarpits #losangeles #losangelescalifornia #california #tourist #iceage #fossils #paleontology #skeletons #tarpits #historytiktok #thingstodoinlosangeles
@winniethewunderbun
10K likes • 143.8K views
📍La Brea Tar Pits @VisitCalifornia #history #musuem #la #losangeles #california #labreatarpits #bones #fossils #archaeology
@travelingtipsy
4.9K likes • 56.6K views

🎟️ Museum for Deeper Dives

Consider museum tickets for fossils & exhibits. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park. TikTok

La Brea Tar pits located in Los Angeles, CA. Explore the La Brea Tar pits that are still active to this day. Enjoy this park for free! You can even view brand new fossils that were recently discovered in Los Angels. Open to the public! #latravel #explorela #losangeles #thingstodoinla #tarpits #tarpitspark #labrea #southerncalifornia #freethingstodoinlosangeles #fyp #hike
@calidreamtrips
159 likes • 4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👃 Embrace the Aroma

The tar pits have a strong, unique smell. It's part of the experience! TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Free Park Exploration

Wander the park and see the pits and sculptures for free! TikTok

🎟️ Museum for Deeper Dives

Consider museum tickets for fossils & exhibits. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park. TikTok

🚗 Parking Tips

Street parking is metered; garages are nearby. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(185 reviews)

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

Active bubbling tar pits
Ice Age fossils & sculptures
Free park exploration

What People Dislike

Overpowering tar smell
Occasional litter

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The La Brea Tar Pits are easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus lines stopping nearby. TikTok Driving is also an option, with metered street parking and several parking garages in the vicinity. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is metered street parking around the park, though it can be competitive. Reddit Several parking garages are also located within walking distance, offering more reliable options for visitors. TikTok

If you're staying in the surrounding Hancock Park or Mid-Wilshire neighborhoods, the Tar Pits are within walking distance. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok

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! TikTok However, to access the George C. Page Museum and its exhibits, you will need to purchase a ticket. TikTok

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. TikTok

While not always mandatory, booking museum tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to ensure entry and potentially save time. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. TikTok+2

The distinctive smell comes from the natural asphalt and sulfur compounds released from the underground oil seeps. It's more noticeable on warmer days. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

No, touching the tar is strictly prohibited for safety reasons and to preserve the site. Stay within the designated viewing areas. Reddit

The Tar Pits trapped a wide variety of Ice Age animals, including mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, ground sloths, and many others. TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the bubbling pits, the Ice Age sculptures, and the unique landscape. The area around the museum also offers interesting architectural shots. TikTok+1

Yes, you can photograph the excavation sites from designated viewing areas. Remember to be respectful of the ongoing scientific work. TikTok

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. TikTok

Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' can provide beautiful lighting for photos of the pits and sculptures. TikTok

While general photography is allowed, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The La Brea Tar Pits are a fantastic destination for families. Kids are often fascinated by the bubbling tar and the life-sized Ice Age animal sculptures. TikTok+1 The park grounds offer plenty of space to explore, and the free admission to the outdoor areas makes it an accessible outing. TikTok

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. TikTok Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options within the immediate park area are limited, but the surrounding neighborhoods offer plenty of family-friendly restaurants. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

The La Brea Tar Pits are a dream for budget-conscious travelers. You can spend hours exploring the park grounds, observing the active tar pits, and admiring the Ice Age sculptures completely free of charge. TikTok This makes it an excellent option for those looking to experience a unique Los Angeles attraction without breaking the bank. TikTok

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. Reddit Utilize public transportation to get there, as it's often more economical than parking fees. TikTok

🤓 History & Science Buffs

For anyone interested in paleontology, geology, or natural history, the La Brea Tar Pits are a must-visit. This site offers a rare opportunity to see an active asphalt seep and learn about the incredible Ice Age fossils discovered here. TikTok+1 The George C. Page Museum provides extensive exhibits that delve into the scientific significance of the pits and the creatures that were trapped within them. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit The unique smell and visual of the bubbling tar are also a fascinating geological phenomenon to experience firsthand. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Science Behind the Tar Pits

The La Brea Tar Pits are a natural wonder formed by the seepage of asphalt from underground petroleum deposits. Over thousands of years, this sticky substance has trapped countless animals, preserving them in remarkable condition. Rainwater and groundwater collect in the pits, creating the distinctive bubbling effect you can see today, often releasing methane gas. TikTok+1

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTokReddit

Exploring the Park Grounds

The park surrounding the La Brea Tar Pits offers a unique and engaging experience, even without entering the museum. Visitors can freely wander the grounds, observing the various asphalt seeps and learning about the history through informative signage. TikTok Life-sized sculptures of Ice Age animals, such as mammoths and saber-toothed cats, are strategically placed throughout the park, adding a dramatic visual element to the landscape. TikTok

One of the most captivating sights is the Lake Pit, where you can witness the natural asphalt bubbling to the surface. TikTok 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. Reddit

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. TikTok+1