know Before You Go
Technically, 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."
Customer Reviews
Don't expect to be blown away Reviewed by acemanLA on
2008-10-27T17:14:27Z
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
Fun and educational Reviewed by ivanova on
2008-05-13T18:47:18Z
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
Not thrilling Reviewed by anekab on
2007-10-31T16:28:18Z
As a child growing up in LA during the 60's-70's, the tar pits were fascinating...a glimpse into the wonderful world of imagination. Through the eyes of a cynical, fatalistic teenager, they were simply a ridiculous representation of having the wool pulled over my eyes...especially when you saw fast food garbage sinking into the ooze. As an adult...and now that they've been cleaned up quite a bit...I think I can appreciate the fact that they represent a historical look into how our planet once existed. For me, the tar pits are simply another exhibit on Museum Row. It's interesting for about 5 minutes...and then I move on to the great museums within walking distance.
Don't expect to be blown away
Fun and educational
