Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Discover your world past and present. See dinosaurs in our new Dinosaur Hall, including the world’s only Tyrannosaurus rex growth series. Get the behind- the- scenes look at how scientists work on fossils at our Dino Lab. See 240 specimens, including skeletons from mastodons to whales, animal dioramas from North American and Africa, and more.Stroll through our extensive Nature Gardens, and discover true stories about plants and animals in our Nature Lab. See and touch more than 2,000 spectacular specimens displayed in our Gem and Mineral Hall, and enter into the vault to view diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other exquisite gems. Our Butterfly and Spider Pavilions are open seasonally. Here you can wander through the changing ecosystem with over 30 species of fluttering butterflies all around you, or witness arachnids up close and personal.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Exposition Park
How to get there
- Expo/Vermont • 4 min walk
- Expo Park/USC • 4 min walk
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4.5
1,363 reviews
Excellent
879
Very good
386
Average
89
Poor
6
Terrible
3
Rikmak
77 contributions
Jan 2020
Good way to spend a day 3-5 hours, especially for the kids. The building itself has a beautiful domed stain glasses window. Exhibits included dinosaurs, animals, the Lab (see rats, snakes etc), two movies on the ocean and dinosaurs (pay extra) and how Los Angeles developed thru time (which was interesting). There is a cafe but as expected you can’t eat/drink in the movies or exhibit. If you have a late flight out and are looking for a way to spend a few hours, this is a good option.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hilo88
Honolulu, HI364 contributions
July 2023 • Family
I had been to this Museum once circa 1995 as a kid and remember enjoying it, but haven’t been there since. I now have kids of my own and took them to the museum. They enjoyed it just as I did.
My older son is a dinosaur and prehistoric animal fiend and this museum delivered. It is larger than it looks and had a lot to offer. It is clean, well-organized, and full of great displays, and wasn’t too crowded where I felt uncomfortable. We enjoyed the bone displays and the animal dioramas that compose most of the museum. We ended up hanging out around 5-6 hours… so much to see and do.
The food café was pretty good too. I got my son a flatbread pizza for like $15 thinking it was an overpriced slice. Nope, it was a whole pizza that could’ve fed us both. The tenders I got was good too.
The only thing I didn’t love was 1) I got a little lost in the museum and elevators were often down or hard to locate 2) The Museum parking lot was full and I have to park at the Expo lot which was a bit of a trek. I actually got a little lost trying to find this back up lot and ended up doing some laps around Expo Park in traffic… so that was a poor start. I guess get there early to get the better lot.
Anyway, the museum itself was awesome and I would definitely return. Hopefully not 23 years later next time.
My older son is a dinosaur and prehistoric animal fiend and this museum delivered. It is larger than it looks and had a lot to offer. It is clean, well-organized, and full of great displays, and wasn’t too crowded where I felt uncomfortable. We enjoyed the bone displays and the animal dioramas that compose most of the museum. We ended up hanging out around 5-6 hours… so much to see and do.
The food café was pretty good too. I got my son a flatbread pizza for like $15 thinking it was an overpriced slice. Nope, it was a whole pizza that could’ve fed us both. The tenders I got was good too.
The only thing I didn’t love was 1) I got a little lost in the museum and elevators were often down or hard to locate 2) The Museum parking lot was full and I have to park at the Expo lot which was a bit of a trek. I actually got a little lost trying to find this back up lot and ended up doing some laps around Expo Park in traffic… so that was a poor start. I guess get there early to get the better lot.
Anyway, the museum itself was awesome and I would definitely return. Hopefully not 23 years later next time.
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil
Orange County, CA13 contributions
May 2024 • Family
I have visited this Museum many times years ago but either with pops, on my own or with friends, so now that I have a small family, it was nice to see the kids reaction especially because it was their first time here at this Museum, it was a tad annoying as the main entrance was fenced (maybe for renovation, addition or whatevs) being a fan of Architecture, I really wanted them to see the front entrance of the building in its full grandeur, those enormous steps leading to the main entrance but it didn't happen, wonk-wonk. Anyway...
...The kids loved the dinosaur exhibit and surprised to hear them talking about the history of LA and how much interest they have on it, the birds exhibition was really awesome too and of course they loved the gift shop lol
I LOVE the character and architecture of this museum, I also like their seasonal featured exhibits, the old artifacts, the potteries and statues but always somehow at the back of my head, it reminds me of an Indiana Jones movie where some of these old relics can either curse you or bring some bad jujus ha ha so I breeze by those exhibits when I can.
I am thankful we have a Natural History Museum in our City/County, this always is a great place for additional Education and bring awareness especially to young minds not just some history of our existence but also interesting bit regarding our community.
...The kids loved the dinosaur exhibit and surprised to hear them talking about the history of LA and how much interest they have on it, the birds exhibition was really awesome too and of course they loved the gift shop lol
I LOVE the character and architecture of this museum, I also like their seasonal featured exhibits, the old artifacts, the potteries and statues but always somehow at the back of my head, it reminds me of an Indiana Jones movie where some of these old relics can either curse you or bring some bad jujus ha ha so I breeze by those exhibits when I can.
I am thankful we have a Natural History Museum in our City/County, this always is a great place for additional Education and bring awareness especially to young minds not just some history of our existence but also interesting bit regarding our community.
Written 4 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise Z
Santa Cruz, CA37 contributions
Oct 2021
Even though the bones are old - there is always something new, interesting and fun to experience when you visit. Great for families of all ages. Easily accessible via public transportation. If you drive, arrive early to take advantage of the onsite parking garage - it fills up fast, especially on the weekends.
Written 10 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thewanderingmarine
Oceanside, CA228 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Pro:
1. Clean
2. Awesome Exhibits
3. Parking is Convenient ( 15 dollars to park)
4. Great variety
5. Family Friendly
6. Restaurant on site
Cons:
1 . Parents let their kids run around like maniacs. Manage your kids and be mindful of others. If your kids are unruly don't bring them so they don't ruin the experience for others.
Tips:
1 . Use your benefits as Students/EBT holder/ Active Duty or Veteran Status
1. Clean
2. Awesome Exhibits
3. Parking is Convenient ( 15 dollars to park)
4. Great variety
5. Family Friendly
6. Restaurant on site
Cons:
1 . Parents let their kids run around like maniacs. Manage your kids and be mindful of others. If your kids are unruly don't bring them so they don't ruin the experience for others.
Tips:
1 . Use your benefits as Students/EBT holder/ Active Duty or Veteran Status
Written 23 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vivienne
Wellington, New Zealand43 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Dinosaur exhibit is worth the visit - we’ll curated and informative.
Exhibit on LA was informative, as was the mammals hall.
Otherwise, very ‘old school’ - exhibits could definitely use modernisation.
Beautiful building.
Expensive for what it is.
Exhibit on LA was informative, as was the mammals hall.
Otherwise, very ‘old school’ - exhibits could definitely use modernisation.
Beautiful building.
Expensive for what it is.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
F-F
Los Angeles, CA1,179 contributions
Jan 2019
I went with my son, who is 7, and he loved it here. There are a tons of things to see and explore and a tons of dinosaurs bones. If you are into dinos this is the place to be!
Written 5 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Fernando. We are so happy you and your son had a great time. We do love dinosaurs. I hope you got the chance to visit our Dino Lab to see our scientists working on fossils from one of our recent digs.
Written 13 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tina Davidova
Tyumen, Russia18 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
Were here with friends and totally liked the place . Worth a visit just to know everything about LA , and spend a good time !
Written 2 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Road37765
Yucaipa, California1 contribution
In researching possibilities for a special outing for just my son (age 10) and me, I came across Los Angeles' Natural History Museum and Science Center. My son LOVES museums... I'm not such a fan of them... but thought we'd give it a try since this was a day for him. We both had an absolutely awesome day! My son was so impressed with the dinosaur exhibits, the North American and African animal halls, gems/minerals exhibit, the bug zoo... the list goes on!! I was as well impressed with all of these and just the overall quality, beauty and architecture of the museum itself. We also thoroughly enjoyed the Science Center but decided it was too much to do both in one day! We could have easily spent the better part of a day at each facility and taken more time to enjoy all that we experienced. We are anxious to make another trip (which is an hour+ for us) to both again in the near future. Very well priced too for a full day's entertainment.
Written 18 February 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lena K
Fullerton, CA2,337 contributions
May 2018 • Family
My granddaughter, her mother and I went to the Museum for their Butterfly Pavilion. Due to the overcast day, most butterflies were NOT flitting around; they want sunshine to warm them up.
Written 30 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herlinda
Montrose, California
Is there a grass area to picnic near Natural History Museum?
Written 4 June 2024
I usually go to the Natural History Museum with my granddaughter; we go to the current traveling exhibit, to the dinosaur hall and have lunch in the museum’s Grill dining hall. When the Butterfly Pavilion is open, we always make a visit. If you have children with you, 2 hours is a good enough time to spend at the NHM.
Written 4 December 2022
Can you visit this museum and walk over and visit the Science Center all in one day? Is it easy to Uber to from Universal Studios atea?
Written 3 February 2020
My recommendation would be to see both the Natural History Museum and Science Center in 1 day. 1) schedule and pay for tickets first for the IMAX show that you are interested in. If it’s a weekend buy your tickets online because the line will be long and there are NO previews and the movies are about 40 minutes to 1 hour long and No refunds.
2) if you are visiting between March and September 1. They usually have the Butterfly exhibit which requires tickets for a 30 minute visit in the pavilion. This tickets for members can be reserved online or called to the membership desk. If you are not a member. Make this your first stop at the Natural History either when you enter or it’s just right next door to the Science Center. We walk over and get a time that’s after the IMAX movie so we get them both in that day.
3) What to know about the Science Center
Admission is free. The specialty exhibit is not and not mandatory. There are lots of interactive exhibits. A rock climbing wall for kids a fee. A few simulated rides for a fee. The Endeavor is included with your IMAX ticket and awesome.
4) The Natural History museum next door has lots of fun exhibits. The butterfly exhibit is our favorite. The dinosaur exhibit is also very cool. They have interactive times with a few animals there with a guide.
Note there is a Rose Garden for beautiful pictures to take in the spring and summer between the 2 buildings. Also the Science Center closes its door s a bit early so if you park in the Science Center parking you will have to walk around the side of the building once the doors from the back closest to the Natural History museum.
It will be a full day but one is all you need. Lunch can be purchased in the Science Center and know they close early.
I hope this helps.
Written 4 February 2020
Hi, what does the general admission ticket include? Does it include the Dino exhibits? Thank you.
Written 7 September 2019
Generally, it's $15 per adult to enter the main exhibits.
Then, an additional $9 for any special exhibit, such as the Antarctic Dinosaur. (Well worth it as you'll see dinosaurs not shown or that well known otherwise)
Note that most of these places are priced somewhat along this route - one price for the primary museum/library (such as Reagan Library), and then an additional cost, usually about $10 or so for special exhibit.
Note that parking in one of the Museum's lot is $12 CASH; if you go on a very busy day (think USC and Coliseum), good luck on keeping the parking costs down. I was surprised at this, particularly cash to park, so be ready, and if it's not the primary museum parking lot, might have a bit of a walk.
We've been to Nixon and Reagan Library and there were no costs for parking ... but maybe comparing Apples to Oranges.
Written 7 September 2019
Yes, just be careful where you eat it - don't eat in front of the dinosaurs. There are dining tables outside of the restaurant on the terrace and plenty of outside spots to pop a squat for a quick picnic.
Written 4 February 2019
Yes you can and to avoid being stopped better let security guy know as I did it when forgot some stuff in car
Written 11 November 2019
cookie800
San Jose, California
How accessible is the museum and it's exhibits for the physically challenged?
Written 13 April 2017
Should be good. Most areas have elevators. Be ready for lots of walking. Well worth the visit. Hope you have a good time.
Written 13 April 2017
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