Los Angeles , United States

La Brea Tar Pits Insider Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

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.

Available options

La Brea Tar Pits Insider Tour

MLK Day Insider Tour

La Brea Tar Pits Insider Tour: Get your backstage pass to the Ice Age and dig deep into the history and discoveries of La Brea Tar Pits!

What's included

Guided Tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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.

What's not included

Food and Drink

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

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.

Meeting point

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.

Important notes

What to Wear: This tour takes you behind the scenes of real excavation sites with plenty of asphalt, and the majority of this tour will take place outdoors. Please consider the weather conditions before arriving. Please dress for the weather and wear closed-toed, suitable walking shoes. La Brea Tar Pits is not responsible for any damage to clothing that occurs while on campus.

Where to Park: 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.

Where to Meet: 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.

When to Meet: Please arrive on time. Guests arriving more than 10 minutes after their scheduled time may not be able to join all segments of the tour. No refunds will be given.

A signed waiver is required prior to beginning the tour. Participants 18 and over must sign their own waiver. Participants ages 7–17 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Waiver: https://tarpits.org/sites/default/files/2025-12/LBTP%20VIP%20Insider%20Tour%20Waiver.pdf

About Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a vibrant, multicultural city known for its Hollywood glamour, sunny beaches, and diverse cultural attractions. From iconic landmarks to world-class dining and entertainment, LA offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Hollywood Walk of Fame

A must-visit for film and entertainment enthusiasts, the Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,700 stars embedded in the sidewalk, honoring celebrities in the entertainment industry.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Santa Monica Pier

An iconic beachfront amusement park with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and numerous rides, the Santa Monica Pier offers fun for all ages.

Entertainment Half day Free entry, rides cost extra

Griffith Observatory

A public observatory offering stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign, as well as educational exhibits about space and astronomy.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (some exhibits and shows have fees)

The Getty Center

A world-renowned art museum featuring European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photographs.

Museum Half day Free (parking fee applies)

Venice Beach

A vibrant beach community known for its boardwalk, street performers, and eclectic shops, as well as its beautiful sandy beaches.

Beach Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish Tacos

A popular street food item featuring grilled or fried fish in a tortilla, topped with salsa and crema.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with various types of fish, vegetarian options available.

Korean BBQ

A staple of LA's Korean food scene, featuring marinated meats grilled at the table and served with side dishes.

Dinner Contains meat, vegetarian options available at some restaurants.

Avocado Toast

A trendy dish featuring toasted bread topped with mashed avocado, often garnished with eggs, tomatoes, or other toppings.

Breakfast/Brunch Vegetarian, vegan options available.

Tacos al Pastor

A traditional Mexican taco featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on corn tortillas with pineapple.

Lunch/Dinner Contains pork, vegetarian options available at some restaurants.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Griffith Park Rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park Surfing in Malibu Beach day in Santa Monica Spa day in Beverly Hills Yoga in Venice Beach Visiting museums in Downtown LA Exploring historic sites in Olvera Street

Best Time to Visit

April to May, September to November

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. This is the best time to visit for comfortable sightseeing and exploring the city's attractions.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone (PT), GMT-8 (Standard Time), GMT-7 (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

LA is generally safe for tourists, but some areas can be risky, especially at night. Stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious at night and in less touristy areas
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services

Getting there

By air

Los Angeles International Airport • 20 km from city center
Bob Hope Airport • 30 km from city center

By train

Union Station

By bus

Union Station, Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Metro Rail system includes several subway and light rail lines that cover most of the city. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Hollywood Santa Monica Downtown LA Venice Beverly Hills

Day trips

Santa Barbara

150 km from LA • Full day

A charming coastal city known for its Spanish architecture, wineries, and beautiful beaches.

Disneyland Resort

50 km from LA • Full day

A world-famous theme park featuring Disney characters, rides, and attractions for all ages.

Joshua Tree National Park

200 km from LA • Full day or overnight

A unique desert landscape featuring iconic Joshua trees, rock formations, and hiking trails.

Festivals

Hollywood Bowl Summer Concert Series • June to September LA Pride • June LA County Fair • September to October

Pro tips

Use public transportation or walk whenever possible to avoid traffic and parking issues
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions and events
Explore beyond the tourist hotspots for a more local experience
Be prepared for traffic and congestion, especially during peak hours
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, as LA can be hot and sunny year-round