Located in Hancock Park in urban Los Angeles, the tar pits are a fascinating natural phenomenon. The tar pits are actually areas of asphalt (tar) that have seeped up from the ground, trapping plants and animals in its sticky pools for thousands of years. Excavation of the tar pits had lead to the discovery of hundreds of fabulously preserved fossils. Inside Hancock Park, the George C. Page Museum highlights the fossil discoveries that have been made over the years.
Besides seeing the pits themselves and occasionally sculptures representing the fossilized animals found in the pits, visitors can watch discovery-in-progress at Pit 91 for two months each summer. Some of the species found so far in the pits include: mammoths, mastadons, bison, camel, llamas, horses, elks, deer, ground sloths, and saber-toothed cats. Even humans have been found in the pits!
The Page Museum offers free admission on the first Tuesday of each month. Otherwise, admission prices range from Free to $7, depending on age. Park hours are 9:30-5 Mon-Fri, and 10-5, weekends and holidays (but closed on July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.). Parking is $6 or $8, depending on validation. There is a gift shop on premises, and also available on line. Enjoy your time at the park and museum, just watch your step!