If you are planning your first visit to the Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, California, this guide gives the concrete details you need: how to get there, when to go, how to pay, where to park and what else to combine into the same day.
A brief history and overview
The Page Museum, formally the George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries, sits inside Hancock Park beside the tar pits. Natural asphalt seepage preserved Ice Age fauna here for thousands of years. Excavations have produced large fossil collections that the museum displays and interprets.
The museum building opened in the 1970s and links indoor exhibits, a visible fossil lab and outdoor observation points overlooking active excavation areas such as Pit 91. Visiting combines the exhibition halls with short outdoor walks around fenced pits and sculpted animal figures.
How to get there
The Page Museum is located at 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036. If you are using public transport, several Metro and bus routes serve the Miracle Mile and Museum Row area; check current Metro timetables before you travel.
By car or rideshare, use Wilshire Boulevard and follow signs for Hancock Park. The museum parking lot is accessed from Curson Avenue to the rear of the site. Expect the notorious delight of Los Angeles traffic at morning and evening peak times and plan accordingly.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but it is closed on the first Tuesday of every month and on major holidays such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Ticket prices are set by the museum. General admission rates for non-members are typically:
- Adults: $18
- Seniors and students: $14
- Children (ages 3–12): $7
- Children 2 and under: free
Special ticketed experiences, such as the 3D theatre or live shows, carry additional fees. Advance online tickets are recommended to secure entry and reduce queueing. L.A. County residents can claim free admission on site from Monday to Friday from 3:00–5:00pm with ID.
You can book tickets here.
Parking and access
The museum operates a parking lot with a $20 flat rate; the lot is located at the corner of Curson Avenue and 6th Street, behind the museum, and accepts card payment only. Street parking exists on surrounding roads but is strictly enforced — do not park along Wilshire during restricted hours.
Accessible parking spaces are provided in the museum lot and paved routes lead from the lot to the entrance. The building and main exhibits are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the admissions desk (ID deposit may be required).
Best times to visit and crowd tips
If you prefer smaller crowds, visit on weekday mornings shortly after opening or late afternoons. Weekends and school holiday periods are busiest, especially mid-morning to early afternoon.
Start with indoor exhibits and the fossil lab while you’re fresh, then move outside to view the tar pits and observation points. Arriving early also improves your chances of finding a convenient parking space.
Nearby attractions to combine into the same day
The museum sits in Museum Row, so you can combine visits easily. Nearby options include:
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) — a short walk and home to permanent collections and seasonal exhibitions.
- Petersen Automotive Museum — a short drive along Wilshire that suits anyone with an interest in cars and design.
- Hancock Park walking routes — free outdoor areas and the Pleistocene Garden for a relaxed stroll after the museum.
A practical day plan: museum in the morning, lunch nearby, then LACMA or the Petersen in the afternoon.
Page Museum FAQ
Are the paths wheelchair-friendly?
Yes. The outdoor trails around the tar pits are paved and the museum interiors are accessible. There are accessible restrooms on site.
Is there accessible parking close to the entrance?
Yes. Handicapped spaces are located in the museum car park; from there you follow a paved route to the entrance.
Are wheelchairs or assistive devices available?
Wheelchairs are usually available from the admissions desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Assistive listening and captioning information is available for exhibits and shows — ask staff on arrival.
When are the quietest hours or days to visit?
Weekday mid-morning or late afternoon are quietest. Avoid weekend mid-day for fewer crowds and easier parking.
How do I book tickets?
Purchase timed tickets in advance through the museum’s official website to guarantee entry and reduce waiting. Some free admission options for L.A. County residents are only available onsite with ID between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Are there cafés or places to eat on site?
There is a museum café or snack area; for a longer lunch you will find restaurants along Wilshire and nearby streets in the Miracle Mile. Bringing water and small snacks is sensible when you plan outdoor walking.
Can I bring my own food?
Light snacks are acceptable in outdoor picnic areas. Eating inside exhibition halls may be restricted — follow on-site signs and staff guidance.
Are photos allowed?
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas, but flash and tripods may be restricted in certain exhibits — check signs on arrival.
Practical travel tip: book your timed tickets ahead, aim for a weekday morning, and pair the Page Museum with LACMA for a full Museum Row day.
More Los Angeles travel
Other Los Angeles travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How West Hollywood became the gay capital of Los Angeles.
- Complete guide to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda.
- How to visit the USS Battleship Iowa at the Port of Los Angeles.
- A practical guide to visiting the Petersen Automative Museum in Los Angeles.
- Planning a visit to the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.
