The Petersen Automotive Museum was founded in 1994 by publishing mogul and philanthropist Robert E. Petersen. This popular destination in Los Angeles is home to one of the largest auto museums in the world, with over 300 of his vehicles displayed in 100,000 square feet of exhibit space. Introducing the history of automobile development.
Hollywood Dream Machine: Science Fiction and Fantasy Vehicles is a collection of over 100 artifacts, vehicles, props, and costumes from famous science fiction and fantasy films that are sure to captivate movie buffs and car fans alike. Take a tour of the Vault, an underground gallery featuring more than 250 of his automobiles from around the world, including rare classic cars dating back more than 120 years, award-winning hot rods, motorcycles, and trucks, and more. You can see many treasures. History of automobiles. Believe please. You don’t want to miss it!
position: 1302 Industrial Drive, Tustin
Ticket amount: Adults $20. Students are $10. $15 for seniors, military, law enforcement and first responders. Children 13 and under are free
The famous Marconi Automobile Museum is tucked away in the small Orange County town of Tustin, about 55 miles south of Los Angeles. This non-profit is located off the beaten path, but when you step inside and see the many historic, classic, and exotic race cars on display, you’re instantly glad you came on this trip. You should think so. The expansive space features everything from retro hot rods to American muscle cars like Mustangs and Camaros to luxury sports vehicles like Lamborghinis and Porsches.
Entrepreneur and car enthusiast Dick Marconi established a multimillion-dollar automobile collection in 1994 as part of the Marconi Automotive Museum and Children’s Foundation, which supports local and national children’s charities. That’s why a portion of every admission ticket is donated to nonprofit organizations.
position: 610 Lairport Street, El Segundo
Ticket amount: Free, but donations to the museum are encouraged
Visit this premier El Segundo museum to see more than 130 antique, vintage, and muscle cars, and even try some out for yourself. Yes, that’s right. On Sundays, the museum offers guests the chance to ride in historic automobiles (at no additional cost), allowing for a truly immersive, hands-on experience.
Visitors can also gain a deeper understanding of automobiles from bygone eras inside the Zimmerman Museum of Automobile Driving, which has long been dedicated to preserving and maintaining classic models that showcase the aesthetics, engineering, and cultural evolution of automobiles. Spend time in the designated children’s area, where you can dress up as a mechanic, play with toy cars, or even get behind the wheel of a small car.
position: 15151 Bledsoe Street, Sylmar
Ticket amount: free
A little-known gem in the town of Sylmar, about 40 miles north of Los Angeles, the Nethercut Museum & Collection is a treasure trove of rare collectibles spread over two buildings, featuring a wide range of mechanical instruments, antique furniture, and luxurious décor. Goods are on display. Clocks and clocks, and most of all, his more than 250 American and European automobiles from 1898 to his 1997 are on display.
Explore the luxurious museum and see various Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance winning cars and cars once owned by celebrities and royalty. Then, head to the collection in the building next door to see more meticulously preserved and maintained automobiles, memorabilia, and antiques. Before you leave, stop by his Nethercutt Automotive Research Library and Archives, one of the world’s top automotive research institutions, to see his restored 1937 steam locomotive and his 1912 Pullman just outside the building. Take a photo in front of the train car.
position: 16825 D Street, Victorville
Ticket amount: free
As the name suggests, this quirky attraction is located along historic U.S. Route 66 in Old Town Victorville, about two hours northeast of Los Angeles. The 4,500-square-foot space features an incredible variety of memorabilia and artifacts that pay homage to his “Mother Road,” one of the nation’s first highways.
Don a wig, take a selfie aboard the colorful Volkswagen Love Bus, get behind the wheel of a 1917 Model T Ford, and slip into a 1950s diner booth to travel back in time. Be sure to stop by the Gift His Shop at the California Route 66 Museum on your way home to take home a memento.
position: 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville
Ticket amount: Adults $20. $15 for students, seniors and veterans. Children under 6 years old are free
Nestled in the hills of Danville, an upscale enclave in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Blackhawk Museum is a large-scale automotive exhibition featuring approximately 50 historically significant and artistically inspired automobiles from the 1880s to the 1980s. We are proud of Take a free guided tour and see esteemed vehicles such as a 1970 Dodge Challenger convertible, a 1973 Datsun 240Z, a 1948 Tucker, and even his award-winning 1924 Voisin C4S Sport Tourist Watch and learn. The vehicles on display change regularly, so you can visit as many times as you like, making each visit unique.
position: 1849 Washington Street, San Francisco
Ticket amount: Adults $15, seniors and military $10, children 12 and under free
The Academy of Art University may be best known for its highly acclaimed art programs, but the San Francisco campus also offers a wide range of sports, including classic cars such as Bugatti, Jaguar, Cadillac, Ford, Chrysler, Duesenberg, and Alfa Romeo. We also offer an impressive car collection. .
The Academy of Art University Automotive Museum features coveted car exhibits, provides a glimpse into the history of automotive art and design, and preserves an important part of international automotive culture. Luckily, you don’t have to be a student to see the fascinating exhibits, so book a tour online and come see it in person.
position: 2200 Front Street, Sacramento
Ticket amount: Adults $12. $10 for seniors, military and students. Youth (ages 6 to 17): $6.
Located along the Sacramento River in the state capital, the California Automotive Museum showcases how automotive history, art, and technology have shaped the culture of the Golden State over the years. Wander around the 72,000 square foot space and admire over 130 of his classic automobiles, racers and muscle cars on display, and even get behind the wheel of some. On the third Sunday of each month, the museum takes visitors to downtown Sacramento (weather permitting) for a ride in a vintage vehicle.
If you really want to go geeky, plan some time at the museum’s library and archive center. There, you can browse a huge collection of car magazines, shop manuals, and car books. Want to eat more after your visit? The museum hosts monthly rotating exhibits, featured exhibits, and special events, so there’s always a reason to come back and whet your appetite.
position: 2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego
Ticket amount: Adults $15.25. For seniors, military, and students it’s $11.50. Youth: $10. Children under 3 years old are free
Located in the middle of Balboa Park, this world-class car museum attracts millions of car enthusiasts from all over the state and around the world. It’s easy to see why. Founded in 1988 by a group of San Diego car collectors, the San Diego Automotive Museum houses 80 artifacts from around the world, including Louis Matar’s “Fantastic $75,000 Car” (1947 Cadillac), Harley-Davidson prototypes, vintage Harley-Davidsons, and more. There are over 1,000 historic cars and motorcycles on display. Indian motorcycles, Steve McQueen’s Husqvarna, Frank Sinatra’s 1967 Austin-London taxi, and Evel Kennibel’s luxury vehicles. Visitors can also see artifacts and memorabilia from the famous TV show, including Fonzie’s bicycle and jacket. Happy days and the beloved Scooby Doovan.
Which car museum will cheer you up?