The tar pits are mildly famous, and thus make a good stop for the LA tourist. I was surprised at the bad smell - it pretty much smells like motor oil. The museum is great (fee) and has a wonderful collection of mammoth, wolf, etc. It's so interesting how the tar just bubbles up out of the ground to the point where little areas are roped off all over the park. Watch your nice clothes because little bits of tar are everywhere, and that stuff is hard to get out!
more