About this experience
Get your backstage pass to the Ice Age and dig deep into the history and discoveries of La Brea Tar Pits.
Ever pictured yourself reflected in bubbling asphalt? Wished you could meet the iconic mammoth family of Wilshire Boulevard? Now’s your chance! Sink your saber teeth into this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 15 min
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 1 hr 15 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please consider the weather conditions before arriving. Please dress for the weather and wear closed-toed, suitable walking shoes.
What is included
- Guided Tour
Not included
- Food and Drink
Itinerary and highlights
Go 50,000 years back in time to the Ice Age with La Brea Tar Pits Insider Tour, an expert-guided tour with exclusive access to experiences that are typically limited to our scientists!
Explore the only active excavation site in the world located in the middle of a city—a place where dire wolves and saber-toothed cats hunted giant sloths and Columbian mammoths—and then meet the Ice Age researchers making discoveries daily. Now is your chance to get stuck in one of Los Angeles’ greatest cultural and scientific treasures.
Your tour will include:
An up-close visit with the museum’s iconic Columbian mammoth sculptures while learning about the famous “Lake Pit.”
Going behind the fences of one of the oldest tar pits still in existence and coming face-to-face with the bubbling tar.
Showing off your scientist skills on and real micro fossils dating at least 10,000 years ago alongside La Brea Tar Pits scientists.
Meeting and pickup information
- Check in with a Guest Relations Associate in the lobby of La Brea Tar Pits Museum. Please have your tickets either printed or ready on your mobile device to be scanned upon arrival.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY FOUNDATION
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please consider the weather conditions before arriving. Please dress for the weather and wear closed-toed, suitable walking shoes.
- Limited paid parking will be available in the Museum Car Park, located off South Curson Avenue, on a first-come, first-served basis for $20. La Brea Tar Pits is conveniently located near a variety of public transportation options. Please consider taking the Metro or other rideshare options.
- Check in with a Guest Relations Associate in the lobby of La Brea Tar Pits Museum. Please have your tickets either printed or ready on your mobile device to be scanned upon arrival.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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Service animals allowed
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