Day Trip: Exploring the Fascinating World of La Brea Tar Pits

The La Brea Tar Pits, located in urban Los Angeles around the Hancock Park area, are well-known fossil sites. The word “Brea” means asphalt or tar in Spanish, and the natural seepage of tar has occurred in this area for thousands of years. Over time, animals that approached the water, which had collected on the surface, fell in, became trapped in the tar, and their bones were preserved. The tar preserved numerous small “microfossils,” including wood and plant remnants, insects, dust, and even pollen grains.

La Brea Pits Thousands of Years Old

Scientists used radiometric dating of preserved wood and bones to estimate that the oldest known piece from the La Brea Pits is 38,000 years old. Surprisingly, the pits still trap organisms today. The tar pits are home to several excavation sites. One of them, just west of the Page Museum, is called Pit 91. Digging here began in 1915 and was intended to be left as a “showpiece” for visitors. Unfortunately, after reaching a depth of approximately nine feet, the excavation site suffered repeated cave-ins and floods and was abandoned, with thousands of fossils still awaiting excavation.

It All Started With Pit 91

Pit 19 was initially excavated in 1915 and was closed after archeologists believed they had collected all the artifacts. However, on June 13, 1969, also known as “Asphalt Friday,” Pit 91 was reopened to explore further and gather more discoveries. Pit 91 is currently 15 feet deep, and it is estimated that there are still three to eight feet of fossils waiting to be discovered. The Page Museum offers a close-up look at many of these discoveries in addition to viewing the fossils at the site and from the viewing station.

Things to Do at La Brea Tar Pits

Plan on spending around three hours at the La Brea Tar Pits. The George C. Page Museum is a must-see, as it features fossils found at the tar pits and exhibits about the wildlife that once roamed the area. There is an Active Excavation pit where you can watch archeologists at work. You can Wander around the ground and see the Lake Pit, where life-size models of mammoths and mastodons appear stuck in the tar. The bubbling tar pits themselves are a sight to behold, offering a glimpse into the natural geological wonders of the La Brea Tar Pits.

La Brea Tar Pits Store

The museum shop offers plenty of souvenirs intended to extend your appreciation. All revenue aids the Museum in its acquisitions, research, and educational programs. Expect to find jewelry and gifts, exclusive note cards, postcards, posters, and a distinctive assortment of books and educational toys for children.

Educational Opportunities

There are plenty of opportunities to learn at the La Brea Tar Pits. The Museum offers programs geared toward creating a fun atmosphere for children to explore history. For instance, the Adventures in Nature Camp provides children, grades Kindergarten to 8th, the chance to explore earth’s animals and cultures through hands-on experiences. The Museum also gives behind-the-scenes tours and fun activities on kid favorites like dinosaurs and dolphins, inspiring a love for learning in children.

Getting To The La Brea Tar Pits

The Museum’s parking lot is located directly behind the Museum at the corner of Curson Ave and 6th St. Remember to bring your parking ticket to the Museum to receive validation. Be aware that parking along Wilshire between 7-9 am and 4-7 pm will result in your car being ticketed and towed, even if it’s parked at a meter. The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits is at 5801 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles, CA. https://tarpits.org/

---

More Los Angeles Day Trip Ideas

---