Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
4.5
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
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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from $18.00
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Exposition Park
How to get there
- Expo/Vermont • 4 min walk
- Expo Park/USC • 4 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,357 reviews
Excellent
874
Very good
385
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 January 10, 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, HI361 contributions
Jul 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 August 17, 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.
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 November 10, 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 December 23, 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 Zealand39 contributions
Sep 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 September 8, 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 November 5, 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 November 13, 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 July 2, 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 February 18, 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, CA2,352 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 May 30, 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.
KenLinda B
6 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
We come from the DC area, so Smithsonian is the gold standard for museums to us, and this is right up there. The dino exhibit was extensive and impressive. We were awed by the diorama displays in the several great halls displaying native animals of the Americas. We kept thinking how much our grand kids would enjoy this place. On-site parking was $12, nice cafeteria with outside seating if you wish.
Written February 28, 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.
Kyle D
46 contributions
How much time to go thru museum?
Lena K
Fullerton, CA931 contributions
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.
Are backpacks allowed?
bfindysz
Jerusalem District, Israel632 contributions
Don't remember what I did with my pack. Probably left it in the car... Or checked it. Try contacting the museum directly.
23oregon
Pleasant Hill, OR18 contributions
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?
andreanicu
Rancho Cucamonga, CA95 contributions
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.
Sharon
Singapore, Singapore109 contributions
Hi, what does the general admission ticket include? Does it include the Dino exhibits? Thank you.
dragon789wv
Agoura Hills, CA5,508 contributions
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.
Can you leave and come back the same day with one ticket?
WantTravelAtBest
Bengaluru, India45 contributions
Yes you can and to avoid being stopped better let security guy know as I did it when forgot some stuff in car
Gabeag
26 contributions
Hola! cuánto tiempo te toma recorrer el museo?
Leonardo C
Bogota, Colombia63 contributions
Estuvimos unas cuatro (4) horas.
AnnaFoon
San Francisco, CA24 contributions
Where is the best place to park if planning to spend the entire day at the Natural History Museum and the Science Center?
NHMLAC
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
You can park in the Natural History Museum's parking lot for $12 for the full day. Across the street on Bill Robertson Ln is also $12 (cash) it's called Lot 3.
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