Viator Rating : 5 (193 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.2/10 (Solid Experience)
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Unearth the Past: La Brea Tar Pits Adventure & Fossil Excavation
120
Overview
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum offers a glimpse into the Ice Age. Witness active paleontological digs, explore fossilized remains of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and more. Perfect for history buffs and families, it's a unique journey back in time in the heart of Los Angeles. Includes Excavator tour and Pit 91 access. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Guide Quality (8 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (8 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Upsell Risk (6 - Optional) : Upsells exist but avoidable
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Pacing (7 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Instagram Factor (7 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Witness Active Fossil Excavation: See paleontologists at work, uncovering Ice Age fossils from the tar pits in real-time.
Explore Iconic Ice Age Fossils: Discover the skeletons of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and other prehistoric creatures.
Unique Urban Location: Experience a prehistoric world in the heart of Los Angeles, a rare combination of nature and city life.
Pleistocene Garden Exploration: Stroll through the Pleistocene Garden and see the types of plants and landscapes that existed during the ice age.
Sentiment Analysis
Engaging exhibits and real fossil viewing
-
Educational experience for all ages
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Unique urban Ice Age site
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Active fossil excavation site
Limited indoor exhibits can feel crowded
-
Some exhibits may seem outdated
Review Summary
People find this experience valuable for its unique access to an active Ice Age excavation site in an urban setting, with highlights including the iconic mammoth sculptures, watching paleontologists work in the glass-enclosed Fossil Lab, and exploring the bubbling Lake Pit with its embedded prehistoric bones.[1][2][3] Visitors particularly appreciate the educational value for families and the opportunity to see rare Ice Age fossils like saber-toothed cats and mammoths up close.[1][3] However, some reviewers noted that the museum exhibits can feel sparse compared to other major museums, though the outdoor excavation experience and active dig sites remain the standout attraction.[1]
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
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