The Dinosaur Hall
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Natural History Museum Tours

4.8
·14k reviews·Los Angeles, United States

Explore millions of artifacts, from colossal dinosaur skeletons to dazzling gems and a vibrant butterfly haven.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy exhibits

CrowdLow
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The Dinosaur Hall

Natural History Museum Tours

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy exhibits

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore millions of artifacts, from colossal dinosaur skeletons to dazzling gems and a vibrant butterfly haven.

4.8
(14k reviews)

"Absolutely incredible, truly a must-visit in Los Angeles! Something for all ages."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Special Exhibits Early

Popular exhibits like the Cat or Butterfly Pavilion can have separate tickets. Book online to guarantee entry!

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast halls and exhibits.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 14,300 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Skeletons

Dinosaur Skeletons

Halls of North American Mammals and Dinosaur Hall

Stand in awe of colossal T. Rex, Triceratops, and Stegosaurus skeletons. A must-see for all ages!

Butterfly Pavilion

Butterfly Pavilion

Outdoor exhibit

Wander through a vibrant habitat teeming with live butterflies. A magical experience for everyone!

Gem and Mineral Hall

Gem and Mineral Hall

Second floor

Marvel at dazzling displays of precious stones, meteorites, and sparkling geological wonders.

Cat Exhibit

Cat Exhibit

Special exhibit hall

Explore the fascinating world of felines, from domestic breeds to wild ancestors. A hit with cat lovers!

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

While some Reddit users mention buying tickets same-day, booking online beforehand is often recommended to avoid potential queues, especially for special exhibits. Check the website for any COVID-era policies that might still be in effect regarding entry requirements. Reddit

Arrive Early for Fewer Crowds

To experience exhibits without overwhelming crowds, especially interactive ones, arriving right at opening time is a popular strategy. Weekday mornings, particularly Tuesdays and Mondays, are suggested for a more serene visit. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds, enjoy exhibits
Crowd
Low
When
First Friday evenings
Why
Late hours, music, drinks
Crowd
Medium
When
LA County resident free days
Why
Free admission perk
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hip Hop Last 50 years exhibit in LA #museum #musuemtok #hiphop #hiphopmusic #rap #raptok #historytok #history #datenight #date #thingstodo #thingstodoinlosangeles #hollywood #nipseyhussle #drdre #snoopdogg #90sthrowback #90s #80smusic #80s #2000s #2000sthrowback #fyp
@reallyjaf
169.6K likes • 1.2M views

🎯 Book Special Exhibits Early

Popular exhibits like the Cat or Butterfly Pavilion can have separate tickets. Book online to guarantee entry! TikTok

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast halls and exhibits. TikTok

I love museum dates🦕 #creatorsearchinsights #museum #dinosaur #losangeles #freedateideas #datenight
@va_ne450
168.8K likes • 1.1M views
A quick tip from Katie, a tour guide with us, Tours by Foot NYC, to make your visit to the Natural History Museum as efficient as possible. Watch her full video on planning tips for the museum here https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=398581358272507. #NYCMuseums #nyctips
freetoursbyfootnyc
10 likes • 487 views

📱 Download Museum Map

Navigate the expansive museum with ease. Some visitors recommend checking the website for maps beforehand. Instagram

💰 Look for Free Admission Days

LA County residents often get free weekday afternoons, and there are occasional free days for all. Reddit

All natural history museum visits turn into impromptu tours with my loved ones, and more often than not, random strangers stop by to listen! 😂🫶🦕 The moment I heard House Tour I knew I had to make a museum video! 💅✨🦖 Thanks to my camera guys as always 🥰🫶 #paleontology #paleontologist #dinosaur #fossils #womeninstem #sabrinacarpenter #housetour #mansbestfriend #naturalhistory #fossilhunting #jura...
bkbonesdinos
97 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Special Exhibits Early

Popular exhibits like the Cat or Butterfly Pavilion can have separate tickets. Book online to guarantee entry! TikTok

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast halls and exhibits. TikTok

📱 Download Museum Map

Navigate the expansive museum with ease. Some visitors recommend checking the website for maps beforehand. Instagram

💰 Look for Free Admission Days

LA County residents often get free weekday afternoons, and there are occasional free days for all. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moments

The architecture and exhibits are incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(14k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Natural History Museum for its vast and engaging exhibits, particularly the awe-inspiring dinosaur skeletons and the enchanting Butterfly Pavilion. The museum is lauded as a fantastic, educational experience for all ages, with many appreciating the free admission opportunities for LA County residents and the engaging 'First Fridays' events. However, some find the extra fees for special exhibits to be quite high.

"This was my first visit at this museum and there were countless of exhibits to explore. As well as arts and crafts for my daughter and son. I would highly recommend it because of the high level of creativity and attention to the kids, there is a wide variety of options for kids to explore! I didn’t struggle to find parking and the staff were all extremely helpful and made the experience one to remember. I stayed until 1:30 p.m. while feeling there was still plenty of time to finish the museum. Not to mention the cafe food was delicious and it exceeded my initial expectations, for example the pizza was quite mesmerizing because of the level of marinara sauce and the crust’s crunchiness! I would highly suggest that all families try it at least once! I had a great time with my family and would love to come again when there is a new exhibit to expand my appreciation for the museum even more!"

Jose Hernández

"We had a wonderful time at the Natural History Museum. There are so many exhibits to explore, and the variety makes the visit really enjoyable. The dinosaur displays are impressive—huge skeletons with plenty to learn—and we especially liked the gems and bird exhibits as well. We spent about three hours wandering through the galleries and never felt rushed. Parking nearby was easy and reasonably priced."

Mark Savoca

"Great display of Taxidermy animals and Dinosaur skeletons. Their rock and mineral collection is amazing. A must visit for whole family. Buy parking in advance as the museum has a small parking which gets full very quickly and then it s a short 7 minute walk to California Science center parking. I did not plan for both in the same day, then might be just ok."

Devesh Singh

What People Like

Impressive dinosaur skeletons
Enchanting Butterfly Pavilion
Educational for all ages

What People Dislike

High cost for special exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Exposition Park. You can reach it via public transportation, including the Metro E Line (Expo Park/USC station). Driving is also an option, with on-site parking available for a fee. TikTok

Yes, there is on-site parking, but it can be expensive ($20). Some visitors suggest parking at the nearby California Science Center for a similar fee and enjoying both museums. Reddit

Absolutely! The Metro E Line (Expo Park/USC station) stops conveniently close to the museum, making it an accessible option for many visitors. TikTok

Yes, it's located in Exposition Park, adjacent to the California Science Center and the Rose Garden, making it easy to combine visits. Reddit

For guided tours or group visits, consider coach trips or bus tours which can offer convenient transportation and a structured experience. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission is typically around $18 for adults. Children under 3 are often free. Special exhibits, like the Butterfly Pavilion or Cat exhibit, may have an additional fee. TikTokReddit

It's highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance, especially for special exhibits, to secure your spot and avoid potential queues. Reddit

Yes! LA County residents can enjoy free admission on weekday afternoons (3-5 PM). There are also occasional free days for all visitors. Teachers, military, and EBT cardholders may also receive free entry. Reddit

Hours can vary, but typically the museum opens around 9:30 AM and closes in the late afternoon. Check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially for special evening events like 'First Fridays'. TikTok

Policies can change. It's best to check the museum's official website for the latest information on health and safety requirements before your visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the impressive dinosaur skeletons, the dazzling Gem and Mineral Hall, the immersive Butterfly Pavilion, and the popular Cat exhibit. The Hall of North American Mammals is also a highlight. TikTokReddit+1

Absolutely! It's very family-friendly with interactive exhibits, a dedicated kids' interactive area, and captivating displays like dinosaurs and butterflies that will enthrall children. TikTokReddit

To see most exhibits thoroughly, plan for at least 3-4 hours. Some visitors spend even longer, especially if they have young children or want to revisit favorite sections. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are often available, offering deeper insights into specific exhibits. Some visitors enjoy impromptu tours led by knowledgeable staff or even fellow enthusiasts. Instagram+2

On select Friday evenings, the museum stays open late with live music, DJs, drinks, and access to exhibits. It's a popular adult-oriented event for a unique museum experience. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum has a cafe where you can purchase food and drinks. It's a convenient option for a break during your visit. Reddit

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum galleries. It's best to consume them in designated areas or before entering. Check their policy for specifics.

The cafe typically offers a range of options, including sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages, suitable for a quick meal or refreshment. Reddit

Yes, Exposition Park and the surrounding areas offer various dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants, if you prefer to eat outside the museum. Reddit

The museum may offer venue rental options for private events. Inquire directly with their events department for details on hosting dinners or parties. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, personal photography is generally allowed in most areas of the museum for non-commercial use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to protect artifacts. Instagram

Video recording for personal use is usually permitted, but always be mindful of other visitors and any specific exhibit restrictions. Instagram

The grand entrance hall, the dinosaur exhibits, the Butterfly Pavilion, and the architecture of the building itself are all highly photogenic spots. TikTokInstagram

Professional photography equipment, including tripods, may require special permission. It's best to contact the museum's media relations department in advance if you plan to use such equipment. Instagram

Early mornings, especially on weekdays, offer fewer crowds and softer lighting, making it ideal for capturing clear, unobstructed photos of the exhibits. Reddit

Natural History Museum Tours (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide