La Brea Tar Pits
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: (213) 763-3218
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Editorial Review for La Brea Tar Pits – by Margaret Griffis
Features
Most of the year, the pits seem like innocent water-filled pools. However, the exhibits demonstrate the harsh truth about the formation of the tar pits and the animals that became mired in them. Thousands of animal bones and plant remains show how the climate in Southern California has changed over the past 40,000 years. Featured are saber-toothed cats, mammoths and a 9,000-year-old woman. During late summer, outdoor excavation pits reveal how the bones are recovered.
The Appeal
The Page is a traditional science museum that doesn't need all the fancy gadgetry of more modern learning centers to grab a visitor's attention. After all, this is the only collection of goop-covered bones in the world. Prepare for the crowds--when the excavation pits are open, even hardened Angelenos find time to visit the park.
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Insider Tips
know Before You GoTechnically, what oozes out of the ground is asphalt, not tar. But tar stuck. In fact, it stuck twice: La brea is Spanish for "the tar," so the La Brea Tar Pits literally translates into "the tar tar pits."
User Reviews for La Brea Tar Pits
10/27/2008 Posted by acemanLA
I went with low expectations and surprisingly had a good time. I actually followed a tour group for about 15 minutes and got some free information. This is a great free attraction in Los Angeles, you do not have to enter the Musem, anyone can walk around for free. Also you should pack a picnic, there are plently of shady spots on the grass.
Pros: Surprisingly Historic for Los Angles
Cons: Don't step in the seaping tar
05/13/2008 Posted by ivanova
Very interesting to see, kid friendly, but kind of small. I took my 3 yr old daughter there and we both enjoyed it especially after the exhibit we got to walk around the grounds and she was running up and down the hills around the museum. Overall a fun and educational experience.
Pros: educational, fun, nice grounds
Cons: small
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