La Brea Tar Pits - (213) 763-3218

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.

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.

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.

Hancock park is beautiful and the sites are something you'll never see elsewhere. Sloths, mastodons, dire wolfs, saber tooth cats, etc are exhibited which are creatures I've never seen before. The tar pit (where they uncover the bones) is only open during the summer (make sure you go then) so you can actually see how the process works! And, there's a cool "fishbowl" in the museum that allows you to see the cleaning of the bones. The museum isn't too big so it's not tiring. The gift shop is exceptionally large and nice with many affordable items even if you're on a budget. Especially good for kids because they can run around outside before or after if they need to burn off energy. Overall, a really nice experience.

I can see where this place can get a bit boring after 2 or more visits. But if you've never been, it's definitely a bit of L.A. history that different from the rest. If you're on a budget, make a picnic basket and people watch on the lawn outside. Parking is free if you can find it. If not, you can park in a lot close by for $5.