Natural History Museum of LA County

Plan your visit to Natural History Museum of LA County

Researched from the venue and public sources, not a first-hand visit. How we write these

How long to spend

Families can see the highlights, Dinosaur Hall, the Gem and Mineral Hall, the dioramas, and the Nature Lab, in a single visit; adding the outdoor Nature Gardens or a seasonal pavilion stretches it further.

Best time to go

Plan extra travel time on USC football game days at the Coliseum, when Exposition Park gets busy. LA County residents can get free admission during a late-afternoon weekday window (onsite only), which works well for a short trial visit.

Parking & getting there

The main lot is the NHM Car Park on Bill Robertson Lane, south of Exposition Boulevard, with the Blue Structure (enter from Figueroa at 39th Street) as overflow. The Metro E Line Expo Park/USC station stops right across the street.

Best ages

Dinosaur Hall, with its T. rex growth series and the glass-walled Dino Lab, works for every age, and the Nature Lab next to the Neighborhood Grill has hands-on stations and live animals that suit younger kids. Strollers go everywhere except inside the seasonal Butterfly and Spider Pavilions.

Food

The Neighborhood Grill on Level G, near the Nature Gardens, serves made-to-order meals and grab-and-go items, and the NHM Commons Cafe has pastries and lighter options. Outside food is not allowed in the galleries, but Exposition Park has picnic tables south of the Rose Garden and north of the California Science Center.

What to bring

A picnic for the Exposition Park lawns if you want to skip the cafes, and an umbrella stroller or carrier if you plan to add the Butterfly or Spider Pavilion, since strollers stay outside.

Rain or heat plan

Nearly everything except the Nature Gardens is indoors, so this is a strong rain or heat day pick. The California Science Center is next door for a second indoor stop.