La Brea Tar Pits Tour by Segway

If you’re looking for a way to combine outdoor adventure with a dose of prehistoric history, the La Brea Tar Pits Tour by Segway might be just what you need. This guided experience takes you on a 2-hour glide through one of Los Angeles’ most intriguing attractions, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s ancient past.

With knowledgeable guides leading the way and the fun of riding a Segway, this tour promises both entertainment and education.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to see actual bones of mammoths, mastodons, and saber-toothed cats up close is a real highlight, connecting you directly with Ice Age creatures. Second, riding a Segway gives you a relaxed, engaging way to cover more ground than a typical walking tour, all while soaking in the sights.

One potential drawback? The tour is limited to those comfortable on a Segway and able to follow safety instructions. Also, it’s a bit pricey at $169 per person, but many find the experience’s uniqueness and expert narration worth the investment. Ultimately, this tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of fun, history, and outdoor exploration — especially those new to Segway riding or looking for a memorable Los Angeles activity.

Key Points

• Interactive Segway experience makes exploring the La Brea Tar Pits accessible and enjoyable.
• Expert guides provide insightful commentary and historical context.
• Close-up views of actual bones and Ice Age scenes bring history vividly to life.
• Flexible scheduling with morning or afternoon departure options.
• All safety gear included ensures a secure riding experience.
• No hotel pickup but accessible from public transportation and central LA.

An Engaging Introduction to Ancient Los Angeles

This tour is a compelling way to see a side of Los Angeles many visitors miss. The La Brea Tar Pits aren’t just a museum — they’re a real, active dig site where fossils from the Pleistocene Era—dating back between 2.6 million and 11,700 years ago—are still being uncovered. Riding a Segway through this area makes the experience approachable and fun, especially if you’re someone who prefers active sightseeing to just looking at exhibits behind glass.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the knowledgeable guides and the chance to take pictures in front of reconstructed Ice Age scenes. The guides aren’t just narrators; they’re passionate storytellers who bring the past to life, often sharing little-known facts that make the experience more memorable. Plus, the opportunity to pose with ancient animals adds a playful touch to an educational outing.

A possible consideration is that this tour requires a decent level of fitness and the ability to climb stairs without assistance. While it isn’t physically demanding, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those uncomfortable on a Segway. Still, for most travelers, the fun of riding a Segway and the fascinating sights outweigh these minor restrictions.

This experience is ideal for curious travelers, families with older children (minimum age is 8), or anyone seeking an active way to learn about Los Angeles’ prehistoric past. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy guided tours and interactive activities.

Exploring the Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins at Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours headquarters, conveniently located in LA. After a quick 30-minute orientation, you’ll be fitted with all necessary safety gear—helmets included—and receive instructions on how to operate your Segway. Most people find that learning to ride is quick and straightforward, making the tour accessible even if it’s your first time on a Segway.

Once comfortable, your guide will lead you to the La Brea Tar Pits. Here, you’ll cruise around the site, hearing about its long history and ongoing archaeological work. You’ll see the actual bones of creatures like dire wolves, ground sloths, North American lions, and giant mammoths—some of which are displayed directly at the site or in nearby exhibits. The guide’s commentary helps you connect the fossils to the larger story of the Ice Age, explaining how the tar acted as a natural trap for these animals, preserving their remains for thousands of years.

Throughout the tour, there are plenty of photo opportunities, including in front of Ice Age reconstructions. These scenes help visualize how these creatures once roamed the area, giving a tangible sense of history that’s often missing from static museum exhibits. Many reviewers highlight how close-up views of actual bones make the past feel very real.

A notable feature is the story of how early settlers used the tar from these pits for building materials and fuel. This practical aspect adds a layer of local history beyond just the fossils. As your guide shares stories and facts, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the site’s significance—not just as a fossil hotspot, but as a part of Los Angeles’ development.

The tour wraps up back where it started, leaving you with a memorable mix of adventure, education, and stunning sights. Chips and bottled water are provided throughout, helping you stay refreshed as you navigate your way through history.

The Experience in Detail

The tour’s 2-hour length balances enough time to see and learn without feeling rushed. The group size is capped at 100 travelers, but most often it’s smaller, allowing for a more personal experience.

Pricing at $169 per person reflects the inclusion of Segway instruction, safety equipment, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide—all elements that enhance value. When compared to typical museum visits or walking tours, the Segway approach offers a more dynamic way to explore.

The actual stops, like the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, are highlights. The museum showcases many fossils unearthed on-site, with some exhibits displaying bones in their original state, giving an authentic feel. The site itself remains active, with ongoing excavation work that often captures visitors’ imaginations.

This tour also includes a stop at LACMA and other nearby attractions like Urban Light, which is a favorite photo spot for visitors. While these aren’t part of the core fossil experience, they add variety for those wanting a full morning or afternoon of sightseeing.

The pacing feels natural, with plenty of time to absorb the sights, listen to stories, and enjoy brief photo breaks. The safety orientation ensures everyone feels confident before hitting the pavement, making it suitable even for beginners.

Authentic Reviews and Traveler Insights

Based on reviews, many guests praise the expertise and friendliness of the guides. One reviewer mentions, “Jose was a great guide. Pointed out some hidden gems in Beverly Hills and explained some of the film industry processes from an insider’s perspective.” Though this comment references a broader tour, it highlights the value of knowledgeable guides in general.

Another reviewer shared, “I was impressed by the tour guide’s knowledge about the history of Los Angeles. On top of that, he’s been extraordinarily kind the whole time.” This emphasizes that the guides are not only informative but also personable, making the experience more engaging.

The fun of riding a Segway is a recurring theme. One person remarked, “Learning to ride was surprisingly easy, and it made touring so much more fun.” The ability to smoothly navigate the site adds an element of playfulness and makes the experience memorable.

The overall 5-star rating reflects how well-received this tour is—an indication that it delivers both entertainment and education, making it a worthwhile addition to your LA itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This Segway tour of the La Brea Tar Pits offers a rare blend of history, fun, and physical activity. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer engaging, hands-on experiences over passive sightseeing. If you’re interested in prehistoric animals, enjoy riding Segways, or want a lively way to see central LA, this tour is a strong choice.

The cost is justified for those who value expert narration, close-up fossil encounters, and the thrill of riding a Segway. It’s also suitable for families with kids aged 8 and above, provided they are comfortable on a Segway and have parental supervision.

While it’s not ideal for pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues, most others will find it accessible and enjoyable. The tour’s flexibility with morning or afternoon departures adds convenience, fitting easily into most travel plans.

Overall, it’s an authentic, lively way to connect with Los Angeles’ ancient history—something you’ll carry in your memory long after the tour ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience to ride a Segway?
No, the tour begins with a 30-minute safety and riding instruction, and most people find it quick to learn how to operate the Segway comfortably.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 8 and above can participate, but kids aged 8-15 must be accompanied by a parent to sign a waiver and ride with them.

Are safety helmets provided?
Yes, safety equipment including helmets is included in the tour, ensuring a secure riding experience.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers Segway instruction, safety gear, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide. Chips and snacks are also provided during the tour.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours, 1080 S La Cienega Blvd #108, Los Angeles.

Is this tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit, making it convenient for travelers without private transportation.

Are there any restrictions I should know?
Pregnant women are not allowed to participate. The tour requires a decent fitness level to climb stairs without assistance. The maximum weight limit is 250 lbs (113 kg).

What happens in case of rain?
Tours operate rain or shine, so dress accordingly and be prepared for the weather.

This La Brea Tar Pits Segway tour offers a distinctive blend of history, outdoor activity, and fun. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Los Angeles from a different angle and learn about its ancient past in an engaging way. Whether you’re interested in fossils, outdoor adventure, or simply a memorable way to explore the city, this tour provides a detailed, lively, and authentic experience.